We are fortunate at this present time because due to technological advancements, today’s cars at truly the best they have ever been. Although there is no question that classic cars will forever have a place in our hearts, there is no question that many of them do not come close to the features that we have from the released cars of today. However, even though this is the case, it is essential to note that car manufacturers still release awful vehicles that need to be avoided at all costs. It is incredibly challenging to determine which cars are not worth investing in, but that is what we are here for.
Updated March 2022: Longevity is an essential factor when choosing a new vehicle. Each year, models and brands either produce another winner or they make a lemon that isn't worth the scrap it's built from. We've updated this list to include a couple of new models that will last 20 years and one that won't make it through the initial loan term.
With all that has been stated thus far, we will be looking at ten cars that will last 20 years and ten more that won’t even last five years. It is imperative to note that these vehicles were all released recently, but they come from various foreign and domestic car manufacturers. We as buyers must be cautious before buying a car because it is hard to determine which ones are not good with how nice they all look now. However, we must not purchase cars based on their outward appearance, but rather all the features and stability that it offers.
20 Will Last 20 Years: 2022 Lexus GX
Consumer Reports releases a report of the most reliable vehicles each year. Topping all brands for 2021 is Lexus. For 2022, the most reliable is the Lexus GX. While the GX doesn't rate well in other aspects such as engine capabilities versus competitors, it certainly will last longer.
Lexus has a long pedigree of being the luxury wing of Toyota and has enjoyed world-class reliability. The GX is no different. Plus, it has some off-road capabilities, tons of driver assistance tech, and a relatively quiet interior making for a silent ride.
19 Won't Last 5 Years: 2021 Subaru Ascent
The Ascent is the latest addition to the ever-increasing size of Subaru SUVs. It currently is the largest SUV in the lineup geared at capturing consumers looking for that third row of seating.
While the larger Subaru may seem like a solid buy, several mechanical issues keep it from being the vehicle that will last a lifetime. The Ascent is rated as Subaru's least reliable vehicle. Further, owners complain about transmission issues, electronics, and steering. So much for the reliable Subaru promise; these won't last five years on the roads.
18 Will Last 20 Years: 2020 Toyota Supra
Toyota's Supra is a fantastic example of what a sports car should be - fast, fun, and reliable. For decades, the Supra has dominated the lineup with its impressive looks and specs.
Although the Supra doesn't do well in the snow, the 335 horsepower from a 3.0L six-cylinder has our grins stretching from ear to ear. Without a doubt, the Supra remains as iconic as ever, and it's reliable enough to last 20 years or more!
17 Won’t Last 5 Years: 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA was expected to be a top-notch model for the car manufacturer, but it appears that everything has taken a turn for the worst with it. There is no question that this vehicle has already turned into a complete letdown and its buyers are unhappy with it.
This vehicle simply possesses far too many problems with its engine already, which is an awful sign for its future. It would not be surprising at all if this vehicle ended up failing within five years because it is pretty apparent that it is structurally weak and, sadly, not built to last.
16 Will Last 20 Years: 2017 Toyota Highlander
The 2017 Toyota Highlander is a fantastic model and the type of vehicle that buyers should look to add to their collection as soon as possible.
Toyota truly made an excellent vehicle with this one, and it is widely considered to be one of the best releases to come from 2017. There is no question that this is the type of model that will last for many years because of how well it is structured. This could very well be the best vehicle from the car manufacturer for quite some time, so it is worth investing in.
15 Won’t Last 5 Years: 2018 Acura ILX
The 2018 Acura ILX had great potential when it was first released, and many viewed it as a potential top model. However, this would not be the case, sadly, because significant issues with this vehicle have already been present on numerous occasions as well.
This simply is a vehicle to avoid at this time because it is pretty apparent that it was sadly rushed into development. Although this vehicle definitely may seem to be a good one, it sadly is not when seeing how many issues it has with its engine.
14 Will Last 20 Years: 2016 Ford F-150
The 2016 Ford F-150 is already one of the top pickups of this generation, and it will be one that will be continued to be in use for several years. There is no question that Ford has done a fantastic job with the F-150 series over the years, but this one appears to be truly special.
One should seriously invest in one of these pickups because they indeed are the perfect working truck. They clearly have an immense amount of power, so they will be able to do the hardest of tasks for several years as well. Overall, this is a top-notch vehicle.
13 Won’t Last 5 Years: 2018 Fiat 500
The 2018 Fiat 500 is already one of the most hated vehicles to be released this year, which makes a lot of sense. This vehicle is far too weak structurally, resulting in it having an immense amount of issues as the years continue to pass.
There is no question that this vehicle had a lot of potential when it was first released, but now it is clear that it can already be deemed as a lemon. It truly is a shame to hear about this because the car manufacturer has done an excellent job with the series for years, but now it is not the case.
12 Will Last 20 Years: 2018 Toyota Corolla
The 2018 Toyota Corolla is already one of the most loved vehicles of the automobile world that has recently been released; This is quite apparent because it has had excellent sales up to this point, and thankfully with that, it also has a spectacular customer satisfaction rating.
It would be wise for buyers to purchase this vehicle because it indeed can be one that will last for decades. With it being so well structured while also providing an immense amount of safety to its passengers, there is no reason not to purchase it.
11 Won’t Last 5 Years: 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage
The 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage is already one of the worst models to be released this decade, and that is a bad sign for its future. These vehicles already have far too many issues for their own good, and due to this clear fact, they will not end up lasting much time at all at the end of the day.
There is a good chance that this lemon will even be off of the primary market soon if sales continue to drop for them. It truly is a shame that the car manufacturer did not put more time into developing this model because it could have definitely ended up being something special.
10 Will Last 20 Years: 2016 Honda Fit
The 2016 Honda Fit is an intriguing vehicle that possesses some unique characteristics. However, this is precisely what makes it become one of the top models on the primary market at this time, and it will continue to sell quite well because of this.
At the end of the day, this is a model that seriously is worth investing in at this time because it has all the tools to end up lasting for numerous years. The car manufacturer did a fantastic job developing this vehicle, so it truly is an amazing one.
9 Won’t Last 5 Years: 2017 Ford Focus
The 2017 Ford Focus could very well be the worst vehicle from the legendary car manufacturer of this entire decade. This shows that this recently released vehicle is a complete and utter failure. With all of this being stated, buyers should seriously avoid it at all costs.
This vehicle is simply far too weak ever to be considered a good one, and it will likely end up breaking down very quickly. At the end of the day, when seeing how faulty it is when it comes to both its transmission and engine, it is clear that this is a model that needs more time in development.
8 Will Last 20 Years: 2017 Chevy Cruze
The 2017 Chevy Cruze is a model that does not get the attention that it deserves even though it is a fantastic vehicle. This is mainly because the car manufacturer releases so many series each year, so it is normal for some to get overshadowed by others.
However, this vehicle is a hidden gem that people should consider buying as soon as they need a new car. This is the type of model that very well will have the ability to last for many years because of the apparent fact that it truly is built for quality and economy.
7 Will Last 20 Years: 2018 Subaru Forester
The 2018 Subaru Forester is a spectacular model and one that has done a very good job on the primary market. A huge reason behind the success of this model is that it is truly is built to last and will be one that will end up working for a large number of years.
There is no question that this is the top vehicle to buy from this car manufacturer, so it truly is worth the investment. This is a vehicle that will end up lasting because of its immense amount of durability. Overall, this is the perfect family car because of this apparent reason as well.
6 Won’t Last 5 Years: 2017 Toyota Tacoma
The 2017 Toyota Tacoma has not lived up to the expectations that were given to it and due to this, has dropped in value at the same time. This is not a good sign for the car manufacturer because it was supposed to develop into a top model for them.
The main reason why so many people of the automobile world have grown to dislike this vehicle is that it just can't keep up with the Dodge Ram or Ford F-150. That definitely will continue to hurt its value and sadly, could make it even have a short life cycle.
5 Will Last 20 Years: 2017 Honda Ridgeline
For a series of vehicles that have gotten a lot of criticism over the years, there is no denying that the 2017 Honda Ridgeline is actually one of the top pickups of its release year. It appears that the car manufacturer has finally been able to make a quality pickup from this series.
This pickup is definitely worth investing in because of the clear fact that it truly is the perfect working truck. There is absolutely no question that this vehicle will be able to last its owners a very long time because of how structurally sound and also powerful it is.
4 Won’t Last 5 Years: 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan
The 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan has not lived up to its expectations and as a result of this, it has done poorly in terms of its sales. This is bad news for the car manufacturer because this is easily one of the most popular series that comes from them.
The very popular model has recently come into many internal issues, leading many customers to seek out alternatives to the family staple. This is not a good sign for a newly released car because it completely shows us that it will not have the ability to have a long life cycle at the end of the day.
3 Will Last 20 Years: 2017 Mazda MX-5
The 2017 Mazda MX-5 is a spectacular model, and it has been selling well because of this clear fact. There is no question that the car manufacturer did a fantastic job when it came to developing this model and they now are getting rewarded for all of their efforts thankfully.
At the end of the day, this is clearly a model that is worth investing in at this present time. Besides having an amazing style, it also more importantly is structurally sound and will have the ability to last for several years. That is all you need with a car.
2 Won’t Last 5 Years: 2017 Chrysler 200
The 2017 Chrysler 200 was supposed to be the top-notch model from the car manufacturer in 2017 but turned out to be their worst one. In fact, this model is so bad that it already is considered to be one of the worst releases of 2017, That obviously is a horrible sign for its future.
There is no question that this car manufacturer has had a plethora of success over the years, but this is not one of their good ones. With it obviously being so structurally weak, it is very easy to believe that it will end up having an incredibly short life cycle at the end of the day.
1 Won’t Last 5 Years: 2018 Ford Fiesta
The 2018 Ford Fiesta has been a major lemon thus far and that likely is never going to change. Considering how it was recently released and already has been known to possess major issues this early on, it is clear that it is not going to be a car that will end up lasting.
At the end of the day, this is a major mistake from the car manufacturer and one that they already wish they could take back. It is widely considered to be one of the worst Fords of this decade and if it continues to be unreliable, it could become one of the worsts of all time.
Sources: consumerreports.org, cars.usnews.com