auto dealer in black and red logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Most Reliable Cars Ranked

For the longevity, the 15 models provide greatest value, study finds.

February 24, 2025
Most Reliable Cars Ranked

Based on its price and longevity, the annual cost breakdown of purchasing a Civic is $2,006, according to the study.

Credit:

Honda

2 min to read


Based on their list prices and lifespans, 15 cars have been given the distinction of the most reliable on today’s roads.

The Honda Civic rises to the top of the list, according to the iSeeCars.com study, which gave the compact car about a 14-year lifespan at an average list price of $27,564 based on sales in the last half of 2024.

The listing is particularly relevant due to the affordability issues that continue to dog the average consumer in still-elevated vehicle prices and high insurance rates, repair costs and loan rates.

To compile the list, the used-vehicle listings analyst reviewed prices for 3.8 million new cars sold between July and December and odometer readings of 368 million used cars from a study it conducted on the longest-lasting vehicles.

Asian carmakers swept the list, Toyota with the most models at four entries, and compact cars dominate with nine entries.

“It’s not surprising to see subcompact and compact models dominating the top most reliable cars for the money rankings, though within this group there’s some variety in the types of vehicles to choose from, including sedans, wagons, and crossovers,” said iSeeCars Executive Analyst Karl Brauer in a press release on the study. 

“All of these cars are strong sellers, suggesting the car-buying public recognizes the value of affordable cars offering a long lifespan.”

The Civic blows away the average new car sold today, according to the analysis, which found that the average costs a hair over $48,000 and lasts 11 ½ years, for an annual cost of $4,197 based on the purchase price alone. The Civic’s annual price, by contrast, is $2,006.

Rounding out the top three most reliable cars are the Toyota Corolla and the Mazda3 hatchback.

LEARN MORE: A Mirage or an Opportunity?

 

 

More Industry

Closeup photo of a new white car on a road from the driver's side
Industryby Hannah MitchellJune 26, 2026

June Automotive Boon?

A forecast for this month’s new-vehicle sales tells a familiar 2026 story: Year-over-year comparisons must be made in light of last year’s aberrations.

Read More →
Seatbelt clip on infographic.
Industryby Lauren LawrenceJune 26, 2026

Safety Improvements Save Lives

Over the past 30 years, automakers have made many safety tweaks to their vehicles. An insurance industry testing group says that's largely thanks to its crash-worthiness program and that prevented fatalities are the clear result.

Read More →
Photo of three Chrysler Pacifica minivans, one each red, white and blue
Industryby Hannah MitchellJune 19, 2026

Indiana Dealership Changes Hands

The Chicago-area CDJR store has been in business for nearly 70 years and is now part of a fast-growing automotive group spread across six states.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Two men do mechanical work on car.
Fixed Opsby Lauren LawrenceJune 12, 2026

Survey Shows What Technicians Want

Data gathered by the ASE Training Managers Council shows that service technicians prefer classroom or instructor-led training and hands-on lab work over online or self-led training.

Read More →
daytime, front of car dealership Lexus of Vancouver
Industryby Lauren LawrenceJune 3, 2026

Holman Opens New Lexus Dealership

Located in the heart of Clark County, Lexus of Vancouver features a multi-level showroom, more than 30 service bays, an indoor drive for drop-off and pick-up and a fleet of courtesy vehicles.

Read More →
The outside of a Ferrari dealership
Industryby Hannah MitchellMay 29, 2026

Denver Ferrari Store in New Group

The recent sale of the dealership by Lithia adds to an expanding stable for a family-owned collection of franchises.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Nissan SUV in a tunnel
Industryby Lauren LawrenceMay 29, 2026

Nissan Reports Significant Sales Growth

Following the release of Nissan’s 2025 fiscal year report, the automaker announced that its retail-first approach has led to a significant jump in dealer sales.

Read More →
Auto Dealer Today, Dealer Debrief, 05/22/2026
Industryby Lauren LawrenceMay 22, 2026

Dealer Debrief: Effective Safety Features

In this week's debrief, host Lauren Lawrence covers a positive safety study from GM and the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute and a business acquisition by Cox Automotive.

Read More →
Electric Vehicle Battery
Industryby Hannah MitchellMay 22, 2026

Recalled Autos Spike in Q1

The volume of affected units continued to rise as more software-focused models present different types of problems, creating complex risk, Sedgwick reports.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
two hands exchanging a set of keys, Auto Dealer Today, Keys to Indpendence
Industryby Lauren LawrenceMay 22, 2026

Program Brings Wheels to Families in Need

NADA is taking Vehicles for Change’s Keys to Independence Program national so auto dealers can help families in need gain access to reliable transportation.

Read More →