Ask any gearhead, and they'll tell you the same: cars aren't built like they used to be anymore. There are a few ways to interpret this, but for the sake of today's list, we'll be referring to their reliability. Take Land Rovers, for instance. Back in the day, they used to be reliable and destined to tackle rough terrains. Now that technology has started playing a pivotal role in their production, these British SUVs are now more fragile than ever. You will rarely find them on reliable car lists. This is the reason they're so vulnerable to depreciation. Another tempting offer is the cheap, luxury sports cars. They might be tempting, but in the long run, they'll bankrupt you if you're not too careful.
Updated July 2023: Before the production stage, automotive manufacturing companies often pre-determine the main class of buyers for which a new car is being built. Regular people are among this class of buyers. There are tons of car models produced mainly for them by manufacturers. This list contains some of the most reliable models of these cars, and we've also updated it with more entries.
So, if you'd like to pick up a sturdy, near-bulletproof vehicle without financially crippling yourself, we've got you covered. Here, we'll show you the most reliable used cars any ordinary person can acquire. We'll cover everything from luxury sedans to SUVs and even sports cars.
We collected data from J.D. Power, Consumer Reports, CarEdge, RepairPal, and other trusted sources to come up with this list of the most reliable cars for regular people.
15 2020 Lexus GX
Reliability Score: 87/100
The Lexus GX is a luxury SUV built by Toyota. It’s a step above the Lexus RX, and is as talented on-road as it is off-road. These typically sell for around $40,000 on the used market nowadays. Perhaps that might be out of your budget, but let's dissect the GX a bit more before making any assumptions.
Reliability
Underneath its hood is a well-built 4.6-liter V8 that generates around 300 hp. According to Consumer Reports, the GX is one of the most reliable cars they've ever tested, as it scored a perfect 5/5 in regard to reliability. This is unsurprising when you remember that Lexus is Toyota's luxury division.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $770 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During The First 10 Years: $7,652 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 0 (NHTSA)
- Worst Lexus GX Year To Buy Used: 2003 Lexus GX (clunking sounds that occur at around 77,000 miles and cost about $4,000 to fix, suspension and driveshaft problems)
14 2017 Mazda 3
Reliability Score: 82/100
The new Mazda 3 is arguably one of the best first cars to purchase. However, the steep price and inconsistent reliability might be too huge and a turn-off for some. Don't worry, though, as the previous-generation Mazda 3 is more affordable and better built, too.
Reliability
According to Consumer Reports, this particular generation of the Mazda 3 received an excellent 5/5 reliability rating. Today, they sell for between $10,000 and $15,000 on the used car market. The only gripe we have with this Mazda is the fact that it isn't as engaging to drive as its successor. So if you want a sporty Mazda hatchback, you might have to look at the older Mazda Speed 3.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $433 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During The First 10 Years: $5,409 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 1 (NHTSA)
- Worst Mazda 3 Year To Buy Used: 2010 Mazda 3 (most overall problems on Car Complaints due to reliability and high repair cost)
13 2008 Nissan 350Z
Reliability Score: 82/100
We've reached the first sports car on our list, the Nissan 350Z. All 350Zs had the same 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 nesting underneath their hood, called the VQ35. This power plant sent up to 306 hp and 268 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels, and could be had with a six-speed manual transmission like the brand-new Z.
Reliability
The US News & World Report stated that the 2007 and 2008 model years of the 350Z received a 4.5/5 reliability score. Older models are reliable too, but some had a few recalls, including clutch disc failure, a faulty camshaft, and your run-of-the-mill mid-2000s electrical issues. The cheapest 350Zs are currently going for well under $10,000. However, if you're after one with fewer miles on the clock, don't expect to pay under $15,000.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $452 (RepairPal)
- Total Recalls: 1 (NHTSA)
- Worst Nissan 350Z Year To Buy Used: 2003 Nissan 350Z (4 recalls, most overall complaints related to engine and transmission problems)
12 2021 Honda Civic
Reliability Score: 82/100
The Honda Civic and Toyota Camry are arguably the two best-selling, most reliable cars that exist. There have been 11 generations of the Civic, some greater than others. But for the purposes of our list today, we've allocated this spot to both the ninth- and tenth-generation Honda Civic.
Reliability
According to Warrantywise, Civics built between 2012 and 2021 are nearly indestructible, as they received a benevolent 80.7% reliability score. Civics can be worth pennies, but if you want a more exciting, more expensive version of the Civic, you can still opt for a Civic Si or even a Civic Type R.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $368 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During The First 10 Years: $5,245 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 1 (NHTSA)
- Worst Honda Civic Year To Buy Used: 2001 Honda Civic (27 recalls, transmission problems that would cost up to $4,000 to fix)
11 2012 Toyota Yaris
Reliability Score: 87/100
Although the Toyota GR Yaris isn't affordable enough to make it on our list today, we have the next best thing, the base model Yaris. It might not be as cool-looking or fast as the GR Yaris, but it's one magnificent econobox.
Reliability
These typically sell for under $12,000 on the used market today, but older ones with higher mileage cost just above $5,000. And in traditional Toyota fashion, the Yaris is nearly indestructible, with a rating of 87/100 on J.D. Power for the 2012 model year.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $333 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During The First 10 Years: $4,027 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 5 (NHTSA)
- Worst Toyota Yaris Year To Buy Used: 2008 Toyota Yaris (body and paint problems that cost about $1,500 to fix, electrical issues, and A/C and heater problems)
10 2018 Toyota RAV4
Reliability Score: 88/100
The Toyota RAV4 is a sublime SUV, especially if you can get your hands on the RAV4 Prime. But once again, the newest generation RAV4 models are ridiculously expensive. We'd, therefore, recommend going for the second-latest generation.
Reliability
They look good, are functional off-roaders, and are big enough to fit the whole family. Like other Toyotas on this list, the RAV4 is extremely reliable, scoring 79.2% according to Warrantywise. It’s the same case on J.D. Power, as the 2013-2018 RAV4 scored over 80/100 in reliability, except for the 2014 model with 79/100.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $429 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During The First 10 Years: $5,531 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 2 (NHTSA)
- Worst Toyota RAV4 Year To Buy Used: 2019 Toyota RAV4 (abysmal reliability and owner satisfaction rating of 2/5 on Consumer Reports, transmission problems)
9 2012 Honda Accord
Reliability Score: 86/100
Like Toyota, Honda is another Japanese heavyweight that excels in reliability and dependability. The Accord, which is among the best-selling cars in the U.S., helped put Honda on the map as one of the most reliable Japanese brands.
Reliability
Car owners around the world applaud the Honda Accord for its impressive reliability. It, therefore, comes as no surprise that the Accord has consistently ranked among J.D. Power’s best midsize cars. From 2012 to 2017, the Accord scored over 80/100 in J.D. Power’s reliability rating, with the 2012 model getting an incredible 86/100.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $400 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During The First 10 Years: $5,412 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 8 (NHTSA)
- Worst Honda Accord Years To Buy Used: 2003, 2008 Honda Accord (transmission failure and excessive oil cons
8 2022 Hyundai Kona Electric
Reliability Score: Not Rated
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Small, quirky EVs are all the craze right now. Just look at the Volkswagen ID.4, for example. But there's a new contender in the EV market, Hyundai. They've been on top of their game the last few years and show no sign of slowing down anytime soon.
Reliability
One of their most interesting EVs on the market currently is the Kona Electric. The Kona is Hyundai's sub-compact SUV and even has a performance variant called the Kona N. However, in a world with absurd gas prices, the Kona Electric is the one you want. According to What Car, it received a reliability rating of 98.5%, making it one of the most reliable EVs.
- Est. Maintenance Costs During The First 10 Years: $7,871 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 0 (NHTSA)
- Worst Hyundai Kona Electric Year To Buy Used: 2018 Hyundai Kona Electric (most overall complaints, with electrical issues topping the list)
7 2018 Lexus RX Hybrid
Reliability Score: 86/100
With the unveiling of the new Lexus RX, earlier RX models have dropped in price. That might be a bitter feeling for owners who bought them new, but for used car buyers like us… well, that's music to our ears.
Reliability
The RX overall is a reliable luxury SUV, but there are a few model years to avoid like the plague. The RX Hybrid is the way to go if you want the best value for your money. The RX Hybrid has an average fuel consumption rate of around 30 mpg and more than 300 hp at its disposal. Combine that with its 99.1% What Car reliability score, and you're left with a quick, practical car that's light on fuel and will last you a lifetime.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $540 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During The First 10 Years: $7,634 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 0 (NHTSA)
- Worst Lexus RX Hybrid Years To Buy Used: 2008, 2010 Lexus RX Hybrid (brakes and interior accessories problems)
6 2012-2015 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Reliability Score: 82/100
Every single Mazda Miata ever built has had no glaring issues regarding build quality ever. And if we're frank, any generation would make for an excellent affordable sports car. However, for the purposes of this article, we have to list these according to reputable reliability rankings; therefore, we've decided on the latter half of the NC Miata's model years.
Reliability
Underneath the NC Miata's hood was a rev-happy naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine. Although not the most powerful, it allowed the driver to have an engaging driver experience. The Miatas produced between 2012 and 2015 scored 86.5% on Warrantywise, making them the most reliable modern Miatas.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $429 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During The First 10 Years: $5,761 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 0 (NHTSA)
- Worst Mazda MX-5 Miata Year To Buy Used: 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata (body and paint problems)
5 1997-2000 Lexus LS 400
Reliability Score: Not Rated
The Lexus LC 500 is the perfect piece of evidence to prove luxury cars can be reliable after all. In contrast to other unreliable, extravagant luxury sedans, the LC 400 embodies a simplistic design and a bulletproof 4.0-liter V8 under its hood.
Reliability
The Lexus LC 400 is one of the most reliable cars of all time. According to cars.com, the Lexus LC 400 models manufactured between 1997 and 2000 are the most trustworthy models, with a perfect reliability score of 5/5. To prove its unbreakable soul, Matt Farah drove his LC 400 so much that its odometer surpassed 1 million miles. Oh, and did we mention they're unbelievably cheap too?
- Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $435 (RepairPal)
- Total Recalls: 1 (NHTSA)
- Worst Lexus LS 400 Year To Buy Used: 1993 Lexus LS 400 (most overall complaints regarding interior accessories problems)
4 2017 Honda Jazz
Reliability Score: 85/100
If you're unsure what car to get as your first, you can't go wrong with the Honda Jazz (also known as the Honda Fit). It's safe, light on fuel, and has a more exciting driving experience than, say, a Toyota Corolla.
Reliability
No matter the year, the Honda Fit has always been one of the most reliable subcompact automobiles on the market. The 2017 model stands out with its 85/100 reliability score from J.D. Power and 0 recalls. All Jazz models have four-cylinder engines, whether gasoline or diesel-powered, and can also be had with a standard transmission.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $390 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During The First 10 Years: $4,915 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 0 (NHTSA)
- Worst Honda Jazz Years To Buy Used: 2010, 2015, 2016 Honda Jazz (interior accessories problems)
3 2009 Honda S2000
Reliability Score: Not Rated
Honda produced more than 110,000 units of the S2000 over a span of 10 years (from 1999 to 2009), and remains one of the brand's best creations to date. During the design of the S2000, the production team focused on weight reduction and the car's compactness.
Reliability
The S2000 also comes with potent bulletproof engines, earning it an excellent four-star rating on RepairPal. The S2000 is a highly revered JDM sports car, and has now become a collectible that automotive enthusiasts jostle for. Nonetheless, relatively good examples of the S2000 remain within reach for regular people. You can still find one for about $21,900 or less with a proper search.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $404 (RepairPal)
- Total Recalls: 0 (NHTSA)
- Worst Honda S2000 Year To Buy Used: 2007 Honda S2000 (engine problems)
2 2015 Toyota Prius
Reliability Score: 89/100
Making its debut in 1997, the Toyota Prius was the world’s first mass-produced hybrid car. It became successful in subsequent years, and we can argue that the Prius paved the way for the electric and hybrid vehicles we have today.
Reliability
Despite having a complex hybrid powertrain, the Prius has proved to be among the most reliable cars you can buy. Even used models from the 2000s are still going strong today. Models produced between 2009 and 2018 are arguably the most reliable, scoring above 80/100 according to J.D. Power’s reliability rating. There has been just one recall for the 2015 Prius, with an 88/100 overall reliability rating, making it the best of the bunch.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $408 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During The First 10 Years: $4,008 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 1 (NHTSA)
- Worst Toyota Prius Year To Buy Used: 2011 Toyota Prius (high repair costs)
1 2014 Toyota Camry (Late Release)
Reliability Score: 92/100
For decades, Toyota has been among the most reliable car brands and even topped our list of the most reliable car brands that sell the most reliable cars in 2023. The Japanese automaker has cars like the Toyota Camry to thank for its incredible reliability record over the years. Besides reliability, the Camry is also incredibly fuel efficient, especially the hybrid version.
Reliability
The seventh-generation Camry produced from 2012 to 2017 is among the most reliable Camry models. According to J.D. Power, few things can go wrong with the Camry. The publication even voted the 2013-2016 Camry as their best midsize car, with the 2014 Camry getting the best reliability rating of 92/100.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $388 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During The First 10 Years: $4,203 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 0 (NHTSA)
- Worst Toyota Camry Year To Buy Used: 2007 Toyota Camry (excessive oil consumption at around 95,000 miles and costs about $2,420 to fix)