RELIABILITY RANKINGS
Note: this list is constantly being updated based on new findings, so if it differs from the list in my YouTube videos, it's because I've changed the reliability ranking of that specific car.
How do I rank reliability?
When I rank a car's reliability, I judge it based off of its potential reliability, in its brand-new condition, just as it rolls off the assembly line. How I define reliability is essentially "a car's resistance to any unexpected maintenance, repairs and failure points, outside of the manufacturers' designed maintenance schedule." Typically there are common failure points and trouble areas across the production of a vehicle. These failures aren't guaranteed to happen, it just increases the likelihood.
1. 3rd Gen Toyota Camry
The third-generation Toyota Camry is a shining example of Toyota’s old-school approach to reliability: simple, overbuilt, and designed to last. More than 30 years later, these cars can still deliver dependable transportation with surprisingly little drama—provided age-related maintenance is kept up.
2. 3rd Gen Lexus RX350
The third-generation Lexus RX 350 trades sporty handling for something far more valuable to many owners: comfort, simplicity, and exceptional long-term reliability. With its proven 3.5-liter V6 and Toyota-based engineering, a well-maintained RX 350 can be a remarkably dependable luxury SUV capable of very high mileage.
3. 2nd Gen Toyota Sequoia
The second-generation Toyota Sequoia combines a proven 5.7-liter V8, enormous interior, serious towing capability, and Toyota’s reputation for long-term durability into one remarkably capable family SUV. It’s big, thirsty, and increasingly vulnerable to age and rust, but a well-maintained example can be an outstanding choice for towing, road trips, camping, and hauling just about anything.
4. 8th Gen Toyota Camry
The eighth-generation Toyota Camry remains one of the best all-around midsize sedans, combining excellent practicality, comfort, efficiency, and generally strong long-term reliability. However, emerging eight-speed transmission problems and potentially serious rust around the front strut towers have knocked it down a few spots on our reliability rankings, making a careful inspection especially important on used examples.
6. 1st Gen Honda Pilot
The first-generation Honda Pilot combines a durable V6, practical three-row interior, and surprisingly strong build quality into a family SUV capable of extremely high mileage. Early models had notable transmission and electrical problems, but later examples—particularly well-maintained 2008 models—can be remarkably dependable workhorses.
8. 2nd Gen Honda CR-V
The second-generation Honda CR-V is an exceptionally practical and reliable compact SUV, with the durable K24 engine capable of very high mileage when properly maintained, although buyers should watch for transmission issues, A/C failures, electrical gremlins, and rear-differential binding on AWD models.
9. 2nd Gen Mazda CX-5
The second-generation Mazda CX-5 combines handsome styling, an upscale interior, excellent everyday driving dynamics, and useful AWD into one of the more enjoyable compact SUVs of its era, although prospective long-term owners should pay close attention to maintenance history and several known powertrain and electronic issues.
10. 1st Gen Mazda CX-30
The Mazda CX-30 is a highly reliable and fun-to-drive small SUV, with the naturally aspirated 2.5L being the best long-term choice, while buyers should watch for infotainment glitches, electrical drain, transmission chirping, timing-chain noise, carbon buildup, and especially oil consumption on turbocharged models.
14. S197 Mustang GT
The 2011 Mustang GT is an imperfect but hugely rewarding modern muscle car, combining the Coyote V8, sharp S197 chassis, timeless styling, and massive aftermarket with some frustrating transmission quirks, cheap interior materials, and the inevitable maintenance costs of an aging performance car—but its ability to make you want to drive is ultimately what makes it special.
15. 2nd Gen Nissan Xterra
The second-generation Nissan Xterra is a rugged, affordable SUV built for adventure, with impressive off-road capability and practical cargo space. Its old-school design comes with some compromises—and a few important reliability concerns—but a well-maintained later-model Xterra can be an excellent adventure companion.
16. 2nd Gen Audi Q7
The second-generation Audi Q7 is a remarkably refined all-weather SUV that blends luxury, performance, three-row practicality, and serious winter capability. It’s one of Audi’s most well-rounded offerings—but like any German luxury vehicle, proper maintenance is key to keeping it that way.
17. 3rd Gen BMW X3
The third-generation BMW X3 combines excellent driving dynamics, luxury, and everyday practicality with surprisingly solid long-term reliability. The B58-powered M40i is the standout choice, but like any German luxury vehicle, the X3 rewards diligent maintenance and can be expensive when neglected.
18. 2nd Gen Chevrolet Tahoe
The second-generation Chevrolet Tahoe is a classic full-size SUV built around a simple formula: V8 power, huge practicality, and proven truck-based durability. They’re inexpensive today, but finding a rust-free, well-maintained example is the key to getting the most out of this old-school American workhorse.
19. 12th Gen Ford F-150
The 2009 F-150’s 5.4-liter Triton V8 has a reputation for trouble, but this long-term example tells a surprisingly different story. With roughly 164,000 miles and very few major repairs, it proves that a well-maintained Triton can still be a capable, comfortable, and dependable workhorse.
20. Porsche Boxster 981
The 981-generation Porsche Boxster is a remarkably balanced sports car that combines a naturally aspirated flat-six, razor-sharp handling, everyday usability, and open-air driving into one package. It’s an approachable way into Porsche ownership—but the mid-engine layout means maintenance and repairs can be considerably more involved than they are on an ordinary sports car.
21. C7.5 Audi S6
A refined, understated luxury sedan with impressive performance, comfort, and all-weather capability, the C7 Audi A6/S6 can be an excellent used-car choice—if you pick the right powertrain. The supercharged 3.0-liter V6 and S6’s twin-turbo V8 offer the best combination of performance and potential longevity, but maintenance history is everything.
22. 3rd Gen Chevrolet Silverado 1500
The third-generation Chevrolet Silverado is a refined, capable truck with strong V8 performance, impressive towing ability, and a much-improved driving experience. Unfortunately, GM’s push for efficiency introduced several significant powertrain weaknesses, making maintenance history and careful inspection especially important when buying one used.
24. Fiat 124 Spider
The Fiat 124 Spider Abarth combines Mazda’s excellent lightweight rear-wheel-drive platform with Italian styling and a torquey turbocharged engine, creating a comfortable, characterful roadster that’s immensely fun to drive but requires more careful maintenance than its Miata counterpart.
