Hundreds of thousands of cars enter the used-car market every year. These cars will change hands numerous times over their lifespans. The older they get, the more problems will occur. It is well known that several cars did not fare well once they reached the dreaded 100,000-mile threshold. Several used cars will simply drill a hole in one’s pocket after spending too many years on the road.
Although buying a second-hand car seems like a great way to save money at first, it is always necessary to conduct proper research before making any decisions. Some of the car brands that sell the world’s safest cars also manufacture the most reliable cars. These cars are known for lasting a lifetime. They may not be the rowdiest and sexiest cars on the market, but they won’t break down as often as other used cars on the market.
10 2009 Toyota Camry
When Toyota decided to move away from garments and venture into car manufacturing, they sent one of their own to the United States to get an idea of how great cars were made. Fast-forward 80 years, and Toyota is one of the most prosperous and innovative car companies in the world. One of its crown jewels, the Camry, is the best-selling sedan in America.
There are several reasons why the Toyota Camry is still the best-selling sedan in America. First, the Camry is one of the safest cars on the market, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Second, the Camry is known as being a car that never dies and is cheap to maintain. The 2009 Toyota Camry is one of the most reliable Camrys made.
9 2016 Buick Regal
Most gearheads would think that Buick faced the same fate as Plymouth and Oldsmobile. The last time Buick built a serious car was in 1987. The GNX was something out of this world. From 1987 until now, Buick cars were essentially made for an older crowd not looking for a lethal adrenaline rush. While this is partly true, some of the latest Buicks combined both power and reliability.
Buick may have stepped away from manufacturing anything sporty, but the company doubled down on rivaling Japanese and European cars. The 2016 Buick Regal is one of the most reliable used American cars. JD Power gave the 2016 Regal 86 out of 100 when it came to reliability.
8 2016 Toyota Prius
The Toyota Prius was an epic failure when it was first released in 1997. The NHW10 was exactly what anyone would expect from a hybrid car. The Prius was ugly, slow, and tiny. Popular among Gender Studies and Philosophy professors, the Prius would eventually amount to nothing. Toyota reiterated the experiment a decade later. The rest is history.
The Prius is one of the most hated vehicles in the car scene. The fact that gearheads cannot stand the sight of the Prius does not change the fact that one of the most reliable used cars on the market is the Prius. JD Power gave the 2016 Prius 83 out of 100 for quality and reliability. Despite being hideous and plain boring, the Prius is a great buy when it comes to sturdiness and longevity.
7 2017 Ford Mustangs
Not every motorist is ok driving around in an underpowered imported car. Most people want a car that packs some power. Sportier cars are not known for being reliable. High maintenance costs may prevent owners of cars such as the BMW M6 or the Chevy Corvette from servicing their vehicles following the regular schedule. This can trigger a series of unfortunate events. Out of all the homegrown muscle cars, the Ford Mustang is the sturdiest car with a little zing.
The Mustang is not the most reliable car on the market. However, gearheads are looking for something more exciting than a Camry should settle for the 2017 Mustang. Compared to the Challenger and Camaro of the same year, Ford’s pony spent less time in the shop. JD Power gave the Mustang 83 out of 100 in quality and reliability. The Challenger and Camaro both scored 78.
6 2017 Genesis G80
No one took Korean cars seriously when they hit American dealerships back in the ’90s. Cars made by Kia, Hyundai, or Daewoo were so disappointing that they were forgotten as soon as they were released. 30 years later, Korean cars are some of the nicest vehicles on the market. The Genesis G80 is by far the most underrated luxury sedan ever made by an Asian carmaker.
The 2017 Genesis G80 is a gorgeous budget luxury sedan. Despite not having an interior as snazzy as what is commonly found on top-line Mercedes-Benz or Lexus cars, the Genesis G80 makes up for its flaws by being affordable to maintain and reliable. JD Power rated the 3.8-liter V6-powered 2017 Genesis G80 88 out of 100 in quality and reliability. With an original MSRP of $42,350, the Genesis is a true luxury bargain.
5 2017 Honda Civic
Toyota gets all the attention when it comes to reliability. While it is true that Toyota’s philosophy of Kaizen explains why things run like clockwork, other Japanese carmakers like Honda also apply principles to improve their system of production. The result of this philosophy materializes into astonishing cars that run past 200,000 miles without breaking a sweat.
The Honda Civic might be a laughing stock among car enthusiasts, but it is one of the most reliable cars made by Honda. Older generations can run for a lifetime. 200,000 miles on a well-maintained Civic is almost nothing. Several Civic owners have the 500,000-mile line without any major issues. JD Power gave the 2017 Honda Civic a 77 out of 100.
4 2017 Nissan Altima
Gearheads tend to think of the Z-Series or the Skyline when the name Nissan is brought to the table. Nissan did produce many outstanding sports cars. These sports cars may not be the most appropriate cars for the average motorist. Understanding the wants and needs of American motorists, Nissan offered the mid-range Altima.
The 2017 Nissan Altima may not be as exhilarating as a Charger SRT Hellcat of the same year, but it will take anyone from point A to point B without flinching. Known for its affordability, the 2017 Altima is also a great car when it comes to reliability. JD Power rated the 2017 Altima 83 out of 100. The 2017 Altima is a great alternative to similar cars in the same market segment.
3 2018 Kia Forte
The very first Kia introduced to America, namely the Sephia, was the definition of a disposable car. Holding zero value, the Sephia was only meant to go from point A to point B for a handful of years. Things have drastically changed since 1994. Kia cars are among the safest and most reliable vehicles on the market.
The Kia Forte is unlike the Stinger and the EV6 GT. Forget about power and sportiness here. The 2018 Forte is the daily driver that goes from point A to point B without consuming too much gasoline. When it comes to reliability, JD Power gave the 2018 Forte a 78 out of 100 for quality and reliability.
2 2020 Chevrolet Malibu
American cars are not believed to be reliable. Since the beginning of the Malaise Era, the quality of American-made cars has steadily declined. In recent years, companies like Chevrolet improved the quality of their cars to compete against the affordable and pleasant ones coming out of Japan and South Korea.
An American sedan that barely anyone looks at among the most reliable cars on the market will have car fans scratch their heads. The 2020 Chevy Malibu is among the used Chevrolets that will last you a lifetime. According to JDPower, the 2020 Malibu scored a whopping 98 out of 100 on quality and reliability.
1 2020 Mazda Miata MX-5
The Mazda Miata MX-5 is a special car with an interesting story. When BMW heard about Mazda’s two-seater roadster, the Bavarian carmaker quickly saw a threat. BMW’s answer to Mazda’s Miata was the epic Z1. Despite BMW’s efforts, the Miata still won the fight. The Miata is still the best-selling roadster today.
The 2020 Mazda Miata MX-5 is one of the best practical and fun cars on the used market. The four-cylinder engine pumps out 181 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque. These numbers are great for a car of this size. The Miata is by far the most reliable two-door roadster with 86 out of 100 according to JD Power. Mazda’s most epic success is aging like fine wine.