The best cars in terms of reliability

A car is an expensive purchase, at least for a few years, during which the owner hopes that he will not have to invest additional funds in its repair and maintenance. For this reason, reliable cars are consistently in high demand, often eclipsing other characteristics that are attractive to a potential owner. A modern, reliable car must meet the main criteria:

• engine with a long service life;
• durable housing with anti-corrosion coating;
• high-tech and durable transmission;
• transmission adapted to local roads;
• low cost of periodic maintenance.

Today, many automakers offer such models, and in various price categories. They are evaluated not only by owners, but also by reputable agencies such as TÜV Report, ADAC Breakdown Statistics, DEKRA Used Car Report. To increase objectivity, each of them uses its own unique methodology for ranking the most reliable and high-quality cars in various classes.

The best quality small cars

The rating of the most reliable cars cannot do without the most popular class - urban small cars. These cars allow you to feel confident in heavy traffic, require a minimum of parking space, and are spacious enough to comfortably carry several people and small luggage. Until recently, they were considered unsuitable for driving outside the city or for long distances, but today on the market you can find very reliable models with universal functionality.

1 Toyota Yaris

The cars of this Japanese manufacturer are distinguished by their reliability and are present in almost all ratings of the Top 10 highest quality and most reliable cars. In the class of compact hatchbacks, it is represented by the Toyota Yaris model. This car successfully combines reliability and exceptional technical characteristics.

The high quality of the car is evidenced by the fact that it was sold in millions of dollars around the world.

The car has a rigid body, which is practically not subject to corrosion. The most reliable are versions equipped with a 1.3 Dual VVT-i gasoline engine with 99 hp. paired with a 6-speed manual transmission, giving the small car decent dynamics. The interior is finished with durable and high quality materials. The simple and reliable chassis provides reliable traction.

2 HondaFit

Another Japanese B-class hatchback, the Honda Fit or Honda Jazz, is exemplary in reliability. At the same time, it remains functional and economical, which is appreciated by its owners. The car is equally well controlled both in the city and on the freeway. Its dynamic exterior attracts a younger audience, while its comfortable interior and large trunk will appeal to older motorists.

The car is equipped with 1,3 and 1,5 petrol engines, developing 102 and 130 horsepower, which is quite enough to maintain dynamics in the city and acceleration on the freeway. They are aggregated with a six-speed manual transmission or CVT variator. Both transmissions do not cause any problems and work flawlessly at all times.

The chassis grips the ground well, and the ground clearance of 134mm allows for good handling on country roads. In terms of quality, reliability and value, this is one of the best cars in its class.

3 Vauxhall Corsa

The small Opel Corsa hatchback is a combination of technology and high quality, so it is not in vain that it is on the list of the most reliable cars with a mileage of 5 to 10 years. After restyling, it became a little larger, and the interior became more comfortable and spacious. In addition, despite its compact size, the car provides an increased level of safety for the driver and passengers.

The most popular engines are 1.2 and 1.4 with 85 and 100 horsepower, with a 5-speed manual gearbox. This combination allows the car, subject to timely maintenance, to operate for several hundred thousand kilometers.

The well-finished bodywork resists corrosion and the chassis is simple and reliable, providing excellent handling on any road surface.

4 Mazda2

Of all the models of this Japanese manufacturer, it was Mazda 2 that received the highest reliability rating during testing. The KODO style design emphasizes the dynamics of the body, making it stronger and more rigid.

An important feature is the quality of metal processing, which does not rot throughout its life.

The car is equipped with the original 1.5 SKYACTIV-G gasoline engine that can produce 75 or 90 horsepower and is aggregated with a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission that works flawlessly throughout its entire service life. Another benefit of the Mazda 2 is the exceptionally strong and reliable suspension that holds the car well in corners and does not beat on bumps.

5Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo hatchback or sedan is one of the most popular models among domestic motorists, one of the most reliable cars in the world. It combines a dynamic exterior, a comfortable interior and a spacious trunk.

The interior is made of durable and pleasant materials, and additional electronic systems ensure safe driving both on the freeway and in city traffic.

In terms of reliability, the most preferred is the naturally aspirated 1.6 petrol engine with 90 hp. paired with a 5-speed manual transmission.

Supercharged 1.4 TSI versions are also popular, but this engine is more demanding on fuel quality and timeliness of service.

The chassis system and body workmanship of this car is beyond doubt.

The most reliable mid-range and business class sedans

These cars can be found everywhere. Due to their convenience and high build quality, they are consistently popular, despite the fact that they are quite expensive.

1 Toyota Corolla

This Japanese sedan is still the world's top selling sedan. The advantages of Toyota Corolla include distinctive, memorable design, comfortable interior and excellent reliability. The car is equipped exclusively with electronic systems that meet safety requirements, and the galvanized body is reliably protected from corrosion.

To improve durability, the car is equipped with a modified 1.6 petrol engine that develops 122 hp. It does not require major repairs up to a run of 500 km. With timely maintenance, high-quality consumables and careful operation, it will last much longer.

The simple and reliable chassis provides stability and dynamic driving with a high level of comfort; the same can be said about the steering and braking system.

2Audi A4 Avant

The Audi A4 Avant combines outstanding technical performance with a high level of reliability. The body of the car is characterized by rigidity, exceeding the performance of most competitors.

Five-link suspension provides a smooth ride; a special system controls the shock absorbers.

The car is equipped with 1,4 and 2,0 TFSI engines with a capacity of 150 and 190 hp, with a 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic transmission S-tronic; diesel versions are also available, but they are less popular in our country.

Despite the abundance of electronic systems, the car has a high level of reliability, and a well-crafted body is not subject to corrosion.

3 Toyota Camry

Comfortable, dynamic and reliable class D sedan, Toyota Camry is popular in the American, European, Asian and domestic markets. Its attractive price, high build quality and low running costs have led many corporations to use this car as a utility vehicle.

The classic appearance attracts a wide audience, the body is perfectly processed and does not rot even in the most severe operating conditions.

The most popular Toyota Camry comes with 2.5 and 3.5 Dual VVT-i petrol engines. They develop 181 and 277 horsepower, respectively, with proprietary reliability and ease of maintenance. The car is equipped with a 6-speed automatic Aisin, which requires only periodic maintenance.

The chassis has been tuned for a combination of stability and strength, and the ability to withstand severe impact and roll without repercussions.

4 BMW 5 Series

The BMW 5 Series is one of the most distinctive business sedans, combining luxury and sporty style. The revised CLAR platform features a lighter, stiffer body, improved strength and double wishbones for improved stability in all terrain.

Traction control, lane control and other electronic assistants make driving more comfortable.

Reliable and economical 2.0 petrol engine develops 252 hp. and is aggregated with an automatic transmission 8-Steptronic. The power unit and transmission, subject to timely maintenance, can last more than 500 km. Despite the complexity of the design, the car remains one of the most reliable in its class.

5 Volvo S80

One of the most reliable cars for Russia is another Volvo S80 business sedan. The Swedish manufacturer has successfully adapted it to the local climate and road conditions. In addition to the front-wheel drive version, an all-wheel drive version with improved off-road performance is also available.

When developing the body, the designers used components with increased rigidity to make it stronger, and Volvo's anti-corrosion treatment is always on top.

The car is equipped with a wide range of engines, the most reliable of which is considered to be a 2.0 petrol with a capacity of 240 horsepower, which easily covers half a million kilometers without major repairs. It is aggregated with a 6-speed Powershif automatic, which has also proven its reliability.

Crossovers and SUVs

SUVs are becoming more and more popular. This is due to their versatility and increased comfort. In the past, this equipment versatility came at the price of reliability, but today, many manufacturers have solved this problem. Moreover, to a certain extent, they managed to combine the functionality of crossovers with basic bodies and classic frame SUVs.

1 Renault Duster

Affordable and practical crossover Renault Duster is one of the most popular cars in its class. It has a brutal off-road design, which is not far from the truth - the car copes with quite serious off-road.

The big plus of Renault Duster is its simple design with a minimum amount of electronics, which distinguishes it from the Nissan Qashqai soplatform, increasing overall reliability.

Version with a 2.0 petrol engine with 143 hp. enjoys the greatest trust of the owners. This is enough for confident driving on hard surfaces and quite serious off-road. Reliability - the ideal option is equipped with a 6-speed manual with switchable all-wheel drive, which does not overheat even during intensive off-road driving. The case is qualitatively processed and is not subject to corrosion.

2 Honda CR-Vs

The Japanese crossover Honda CR-V is traditionally one of the ten highest quality and most reliable cars. This is one of the reasons for its popularity in the market, both European and American. In addition, the CR-V's versatility draws attention: the car feels equally comfortable both on the road and off-road or in city traffic.

The body is made with stiffening elements made of high-strength steel. A well-thought-out platform gives it rigidity, leaving plenty of space for a spacious interior.

Versions equipped with a proven, unpretentious 2.4 petrol engine with a capacity of 190 hp are considered the most reliable. All-wheel drive transmission Real Time 4WD with an automatic clutch system does not raise any complaints. It is equipped with a 5-speed automatic, which requires only timely maintenance.

3 Toyota Land Cruiser

The classic frame SUV Toyota Land Cruiser has been a real hit in the global automotive market for many years. Thanks to thoughtful technical solutions and high build quality, it is also in demand in the secondary market, which makes it one of the most reliable used cars.

Aggressive exterior design, body protectors, all-wheel drive and 230mm ground clearance make it a great off-road option, while electronic assistants ensure smooth and safe driving on the road.

The car is equipped with several gasoline and diesel engines, each of which is distinguished by its reliability. But even among them, the 309-horsepower eight-cylinder 4.6 Dual VVT-i petrol engine stands out. It is unpretentious in terms of fuel and maintenance, is paired with a six-speed Aisin automatic transmission and easily overcomes the mark of half a million kilometers without maintenance and overhaul.

4 Mercedes GLK-Class

Mercedes GLK-Class crossovers have a sporty character, but at the same time they are able to deliver passengers and cargo almost anywhere. The monocoque body has been designed to increase its rigidity so that the car can move like a true off-road vehicle while being lighter and therefore consuming less fuel.

Complete set with a six-cylinder petrol engine 3.0 with a power of 231 hp. aggregated with 7G-Tronic automatic transmission and 4MATIC all-wheel drive system. This time-tested system has proven to be extremely reliable, withstanding heavy loads over hundreds of thousands of kilometers. The strong and durable Agility Control suspension has been designed for a comfortable ride.

5Hyundai Santa Fe

Korean car brands are actively pushing out competitors in all market segments, including significantly increasing the reliability of their products. The third-generation Hyundai Santa Fe large crossover is a great example of such a breakthrough. An attractive appearance with recognizable corporate features is combined with a comfortable interior, finished with high-quality materials.

In terms of reliability, the 2.4 petrol engine with 172 hp, coupled to a six-speed manual or automatic transmission, was an excellent choice. Both transmissions, unlike the newer 8-speed automatic, are very reliable and almost never break down. The all-wheel drive option is more suitable for domestic realities.

The car's suspension is traditionally elastic and springy, holding the road equally well both on the highway and off-road.

The most reliable minivans

The minivan is considered by many to be the ideal family vehicle, combining comfort, space and carrying capacity. However, it must also be reliable, as these cars by their nature often drive loaded and should not have a devastating impact on the family budget due to frequent repairs.

1Volkswagen Touran

The Volkswagen Touran minivan is an absolute VAG model with all the class advantages. Thanks to the spacious seven-seat interior and luggage compartment, the Touran can go to nature for a large family, and a five-seat version is also available. High-strength laser-welded steel was used to make the case, making it lighter and stronger.

The Volkswagen Touran is equipped with powerful and economical engines, the most common of which are the 1.4 TSI petrol engine with 140 hp, more suitable for city driving, or the very reliable and powerful 1.6 TDI diesel with 105 hp. It copes well with a loaded car, being the best option for a trip to nature.

If reliability and low cost of operation are especially important for the future owner, it is better to choose a complete set with a 6-speed manual gearbox.

2 Honda Odyssey

The classic L-class minivan Honda Odyssey is one of the reference options in its class, popular with many motorists, including American ones. After the restyling of the fourth generation, its body has become much stronger and tougher, and the interior is even more spacious and comfortable.

An interesting feature of this car is the built-in vacuum cleaner, which is very convenient if you often have to carry children. The fifth generation model retained all the advantages, and also received an improved electronics package.

This car is equipped with a 3.5 i-VTEC petrol engine with a capacity of 255 or 280 horsepower, which attracts attention with its characteristic unpretentiousness and reliability. Experts advise to take a 6-speed automatic, as there were questions about the new 10-speed and 9-speed automatics.

As for the quality of the suspension and bodywork, there are no problems here. Some buyers are put off by sliding doors, but they are very handy when space is limited.

3 Toyota Venza

It is a Japanese manufacturer, and in the minivan class, the Toyota Venza remains one of the most popular models in its class. The distinctive, eye-catching design makes it unmistakable.

The spacious interior is finished with high-quality materials and is equally comfortable for city driving and long journeys. The large trunk can be converted to carry oversized cargo.

An important feature of Toyota Venza is the presence of an all-wheel drive version to give the car off-road qualities.

The most common is the 2.7 Dual VVT-i petrol engine with 185 hp, but the 3.5 Dual VVT-i is also reliable. All versions are equipped with a 6-speed automatic Aisin, which has proven itself in terms of reliability and durability.

Hack and predictor Aviator

In all classes of popular cars, you can find models with a high level of reliability. They are practical and inexpensive to maintain, suitable for use on country roads. Each of the presented cars is an excellent option for the secondary market. There are traditionally many “Japanese” among them, but other companies also offer cars for which it is not a pity and it is not scary to spend money.