Second only to buying a home, purchasing a vehicle is one of the biggest financial decisions most people make. While personal taste and style certainly influence the choice, reliability is often the deciding factor. Buyers want a car that will last.
Choosing from a single vehicle brand, however, isn’t always straightforward. Some models succeed while others fall short, with factors like engineering, design, and logistics all influencing long-term performance.
Identifying the most reliable car brand overall is no easy task. With that, the editors at iSeeCars analyzed data from more than 402 million vehicles to find which automakers stand out for reliability. The brands below all perform above average in terms of longevity—though the margins are close enough that researching individual models is still worthwhile.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at the brands that consistently excel in long-term durability.
10. Ram Trucks
Percentage Most Likely To Reach 250K Miles: 3.5%
Compared To Average: 0.7x
What helps propel Ram into the top ten is their longstanding partnership with Cummins diesel engines—a collaboration that has defined their reputation for reliability. Of course, Cummins power isn’t the only reason drivers choose a Ram, but it’s reassuring to know that, regardless of the model, these trucks are built to go the distance.
9. Mazda
Percentage Most Likely To Reach 250K Miles: 3.6%
Compared To Average: 0.7x
The first Japanese brand to appear on the list, Mazda may not produce vehicles in the same volumes as some of its competitors, but its commitment to quality is clear. The relatively small number of cars that leave its factories are consistently well-built and reliable enough that many have a solid chance of reaching a quarter of a million miles over their lifetime.
8. Cadillac
Percentage Most Likely To Reach 250K Miles: 4.5%
Compared To Average: 0.9x
Perhaps one of the more surprising entries on this list, Cadillac’s inclusion likely stems from the enduring popularity of the Escalade. As the brand’s flagship model—and its best seller—the Escalade plays a major role in boosting Cadillac’s reliability rankings. Built on the same truck platform as its Chevrolet and GMC counterparts, it benefits from the proven durability that has earned those brands top marks for longevity.
7. Chevrolet
Percentage Most Likely To Reach 250K Miles: 4.5%
Compared To Average: 0.9x
Chevrolet matches Cadillac in reliability but ranks slightly higher due to its greater overall sales volume. This suggests that Chevy vehicles are built to high standards, often without the need for as many recalls as seen with competitors like Ford.
6. Tesla
Percentage Most Likely To Reach 250K Miles: 4.6%
Compared To Average: 1.0x
Say what you will about Tesla’s CEO, but the cars themselves hold up remarkably well. This is largely due to the simplicity of electric vehicles compared to traditional gas-powered cars, as well as the fact that each model shares a significant amount of common hardware and software components.
5. GMC
Percentage Most Likely To Reach 250K Miles: 4.6%
Compared To Average: 1.0x
GMC’s focus on trucks and SUVs has helped make it the most reliable automaker outside of Japan. Most models are based on Chevrolet or Cadillac platforms, allowing for extensive parts sharing. With no need for ground-up designs, GMC can concentrate on its identity as a near-luxury brand, comfortably positioned between its siblings.
4. Acura
Percentage Most Likely To Reach 250K Miles: 7.2%
Compared To Average: 1.5x
Although Acura is a Honda offshoot, the brand is primarily aimed at the North American market, positioning itself as a competitor to Lexus. Like GMC, its models are rarely entirely original, often based on Honda’s mainstream vehicles sold in high volumes. For reliability, however, this approach works in its favor, making Acura a strong choice for long-term ownership.
3. Honda
Percentage Most Likely To Reach 250K Miles: 10.8%
Compared To Average: 2.3x
You’ll hear familiar praise here: Reliability is Honda’s hallmark, with a lineup of consistently dependable models that continues to this day. Its only drawback is that it doesn’t sell quite as many vehicles as some of its competitors.
2. Lexus
Percentage Most Likely To Reach 250K Miles: 12.8%
Compared To Average: 2.7x
Acura’s more popular rival not only outsells it, but Lexus is also widely regarded as a premium brand comparable to German luxury automakers. Lexus first established its reputation for reliability with the launch of the LS400 in 1989 and has maintained it ever since. Its strong focus on engineering and technology is a key reason the parent company consistently ranks at the top.
1. Toyota
Percentage Most Likely To Reach 250K Miles: 17.8%
Compared To Average: 3.7x
Toyota’s straightforward approach to manufacturing and features is a big reason it claims the number-one spot on this list. Its vehicles may not be as thrilling to drive as those from Mazda or Honda, but they offer unmatched reliability. Toyota’s dedication to providing affordable, practical transportation makes it a standout—especially in today’s cost-conscious world, where dependability matters more than ever.
Longest Lasting Car Brands
- Toyota
- Lexus
- Honda
- Acura
- GMC
- Tesla
- Chevrolet
- Cadillac
- Mazda
- Ram Trucks
