Rating of the most reliable cars: TOP-10


To facilitate the process of choosing the most reliable car, we have prepared a rating based on the feedback of our customers and car service statistics. So, a dozen from our experts - the most reliable cars.

TOP 10 reliable cars from the USA

Our rating consists of the following cars:

  1. Toyota RAV4
  2. Mazda CX-30
  3. Mazda CX-3
  4. Suzuki Vitara
  5. Toyota Prius
  6. Audi Q5
  7. Volkswagen Tiguan
  8. Toyota Camry
  9. Honda CR-V
  10. Kia Rio

Toyota RAV4

Toyota RAV4

The first-born of this compact crossover model was released in 1994. The Japanese manufacturer positioned it as a youth car for recreation. In total, five generations of the car were produced. 

In the top of the most reliable cars, we included the fifth generation Toyota RAV4, which was introduced in 2018. This model uses aspirated gasoline-powered 2 and 2.5 liters. These are completely new engines with a capacity of 150 and 200 h.p. respectively. The technologies used in these power plants have made it possible to achieve a significant increase in power and reduce fuel consumption. 

The car is equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission or a CVT. This is an all-wheel drive vehicle that can use different drive control systems. 

The cost of RAV4 depends on the type of drive, transmission, configuration. The manufacturer offers four complete sets of cars: Live, Active, Lounge, Premium. The SUV belongs to the Euro 6 environmental class, and fuel consumption in the urban cycle is 7.8-8.6 liters per 100 km. In the combined cycle, consumption does not exceed 6.8 liters.

View Toyota RAV4

Mazda CX-30Mazda CX-30

The next entry in the “Top Reliable Cars” list is the compact crossover, which debuted in 2019 and went on sale in most countries that same year. In the US, the car was positioned as a transport for the youngest drivers, but in Japan it was presented as a family car. Available with one of three petrol or diesel engines. The transmission can be a six-speed manual or automatic.

The car is built on an all-new Skyactiv-Vehicle Architecture platform, which, combined with innovative technologies, such as an improved all-wheel drive system and an active safety package, makes it a real pleasure to drive.

In the interior of the car, every little thing is thought out - the ergonomics of the cabin makes traveling in a car pleasant and comfortable for both the driver and passengers. There is enough space between the seats, and new approaches to the organization of sound insulation allow you to move in a car, almost completely abstracting from outside sounds.

The car has an upgraded motion control system, which, in combination with the systems for monitoring the position of the car, blind spots, and driver fatigue, ensures a safe trajectory. In addition, the new model has adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, light and rain sensors, an intelligent engine start and stop system.

View Mazda CX-30

Mazda CX-3Mazda CX-3

This model belongs to the category of subcompact crossovers. Car sales in the US started at the end of 2015, although it was presented in the fall of 2014. In the North American market, the car is equipped with 1.5 and 2 liter engines. Power plants can be either with the SkyActiv D system or without it. Starting in 2018, the car comes with an upgraded 2-liter engine, which has become more powerful. Until that moment, cars with 1.8-liter engines could be found on sale.

Even in the basic configuration, the car is equipped with six airbags, an engine start / start system and a patented motion control system. The standard version also has a safe braking system, traction control, tire pressure sensors, climate control for two zones and other options. 

In the top versions, the buyer can count on an adaptive lighting system, keyless entry, automatically folding mirrors, a head-up display, leather trim, etc.

View Mazda CX-3

Suzuki VitaraSuzuki Vitara

A compact crossover that has been produced by the Japanese concern since 1988. In Japan it is known as the Escudo, but in North America the car is known as the Sidekick. At first it was a five-door variant and a convertible, and four years later a three-door version was added to them.

Most buyers are interested in the fourth generation of the car, which debuted in 2014. Unlike the first and second generation of the car, the car received a crossover car body. By the way, in some markets there is a special version of this generation of cars - Vitara Sport, which is equipped with a 1.4-liter turbocharged power plant with a capacity of 138 hp. This engine, combined with an automatic gearbox, is superior in power and torque to analogs with 1.6-liter gasoline engines.

In 2018, a restyling of the crossover was introduced. In this version, you could see a new front bumper with radar, a 4.2-inch color LCD display. In addition, the updated version began to use a security system, including an emergency braking system and a traffic sign recognition function.

View Suzuki Vitara

Toyota PriusToyota Prius

The list of "most reliable used cars" would be incomplete without this car, because it is the first hybrid car in the world. It is driven by a gasoline or electric motor. Differs in low fuel consumption, reduced level of harmful emissions. 

The first version of the hybrid went on sale back in 1997, but only in Japan. In the US, it began to be delivered three years later. The second generation evolved from a sedan to a hatchback with a large tailgate. The third generation outwardly has not changed so dramatically, but its features have become clearer, more modern.

In 2011, the company released a station wagon, which had an increased wheelbase. This is a spacious car in which five adult passengers are comfortable, and in addition, there is enough space for luggage - as much as 552 liters are provided for this. If desired, you can put an additional row of seats 

In addition, in 2011 was introduced a compact hatchback with the lowest fuel consumption in the world. In North America, it began to be sold under the name Prius c (c - city, urban). The novelty was half a meter shorter than the classic model, and it used a 1.5-liter gasoline engine as a drive.

View Toyota Prius

Audi Q5Audi Q5

In the list of "the most reliable budget car" we decided to include a compact crossover, the mass production of which was launched in 2008. The basis for the car was the manufacturer's new modular platform with a longitudinal engine. 

At first, the line of power units included one gasoline and two diesel engines. The first had a volume of 2 liters and developed a power of 211 hp. Diesel - these are 2- and 3-liter units with a capacity of 170 and 240 hp. respectively. Most often, the car is equipped with 2-liter units, and the second generation of the car is equipped only with gasoline engines. 

The functionality implemented in the car ensures the safest possible movement, regardless of the conditions. The car has an automatic driving mode selection system, parking assistance (rear view camera), adaptive lighting, traffic control in its lane. 

The Audi Q5 performs well off-road, handling climbs of 31 degrees. The maneuverability of the car is guaranteed by an adaptive air suspension and an electronic stabilization system. All versions of this model are all-wheel drive.

View Audi Q5

Volkswagen TiguanVolkswagen Tiguan

Compact crossover, the first generation of which was introduced in 2007. In 2011, a restyled version was shown to the world. The changes affected the appearance, lighting, and in addition, the power plants were modernized. Cars were produced both in front- and all-wheel drive versions. 

In 2015, sales of the second generation of the car began, and in 2017, a seven-seat version of the car appeared, which has a larger wheelbase and a long rear overhang. Already in the basic version, LED headlights and three-zone climate control are installed. In more expensive trim levels, there is a multimedia system with a 9.2-inch display, a driver's seat with 14-band adjustment and a massage function. There is an electric drive for the fifth door, a removable flashlight in the luggage compartment, heating of many elements in the cabin and other options. 

The power plants of the German manufacturer are considered the most economical. For example, a Tiguan with a 150-horsepower unit shows an average consumption of 9.6 liters per 100 kilometers, which is very good for a crossover of this size.

View Volkswagen Tiguan

Toyota CamryToyota Camry

The car of the Japanese concern, which began to be produced in the early nineties of the last century. To date, eight generations of cars have been created. The eighth generation sedan is designed on a new chassis, which gives it completely different technical characteristics. Driving fast on this car has become more interesting and safer.

The main distinguishing characteristics of this model include a new 3.5-liter engine in combination with an eight-speed automatic transmission, a 360-degree all-round view system, a blind spot monitoring system, and a multimedia system with a large 8-inch monitor.

One of three motors can be used as power plants. This is the base 2-liter engine with 150 hp., a 2.5-liter 181-horsepower engine and a powerful, 3.5-liter unit with a capacity of 249 hp.

View Toyota Camry

Honda CR-V

Honda CR-V

In our ranking of "the most reliable used cars" we could not help but include this compact crossover, which has been produced since 1995. The ideal solution for roads with different types of surface, which was originally positioned as a vehicle for outdoor recreation, which is also reflected in the abbreviation CR-V. In the model range of the company, the car is located between the compact HR-V and the full-size Pilot.

We are most interested in the fifth generation of the machine, which was introduced in 2016. In the US, crossover sales began in the winter of 2016. The car is built on the basis of a global platform, which was first used on the tenth generation Civic.

In North America, cars are available with 2.4-liter engines with 188 hp. or turbocharged engines of 1.5 liters with a capacity of 193 hp. Both in the first and in the second case, the units are equipped with a variator.

The cabin is equipped with an infotainment system, an electric tailgate. Of the features, one can also note the blinds on the radiator grille, contactless opening of the tailgate and an innovative security system.

View Honda CR-V

Kia Riokia rio

South Korean car, the first generation of which was produced in sedan and station wagon bodies. At the moment, 4 generations of the machine have been released. Production of the latest fourth generation began in 2017 in a sedan car body. 

Laconic and thoughtful body design, unpretentious engine, roomy trunk, climate control system, as well as efficiency make the trip on this car comfortable in every way. The car fully complies with the requirements of the “most reliable car” rating: it is well controlled, it is easy to maneuver on it, gasoline consumption outside the city is usually no higher than 6 liters per 100 kilometers, in the combined cycle - about 7.5 liters.

In order to accelerate to 100 km / h, it will take from 10.7 to 13.4 seconds. A large number of trim levels are available to buyers. The basic version is equipped with a 1.4-liter engine with a capacity of 100 hp. in combination with a manual or automatic six-speed transmission. More expensive versions use a 123 hp. power plant, volume of 1.6 liters with the same gearboxes.

View Kia Rio

Where to buy the most reliable used cars

So, the most reliable and inexpensive cars are named. Now about where to buy used cars. For more than 30 years, there have been sites in the USA where used cars are sold. The range of cars here is truly wide. These are mainly cars after an accident, with minor damage, etc. Here, cars seized due to non-payment of a loan, or those cars that simply became uninteresting to their former owner, are sold. The most attractive lots are those offered by insurance companies after the occurrence of an insured event. Access to such auctions is provided by PLC Auction.

The age of such machines rarely exceeds 3-4 years. Our rating of reliable cars and the ability to access dealer auctions will make your purchase extremely profitable. Buying a car in the USA has the following advantages: 

  • Comprehensive information about the car. Using special services, by the VIN code you can get complete information about the car: participation in an accident, maintenance, various damages. 
  • Small run. The age of cars presented at auctions rarely exceeds 3-4 years. 
  • Rich equipment. American consumers are very picky about vehicle equipment. Manufacturers take this into account, and therefore, in almost any car from North America, there is a climate control system, an alarm system, parking sensors, a multimedia system, etc.
  • Price. Lower by 20-30%. The value of a new car drops by 20% after it leaves the dealership. Another 10% of the car becomes cheaper during the first year of operation.