Top 10 Most Reliable Used Car Brands in 2025: Your Complete Guide to Automotive Brand Reliability

• Understanding Car Reliability Ratings
• Top 10 Most Reliable Used Car Brands in 2025
• Why Toyota Leads in Reliability Rankings
• The Role of Regular Maintenance in Automotive Brand Reliability
• Choosing the Right Used Car Based on Brand Reliability

 Purchasing a used vehicle always comes with certain risks. Unlike new cars, used models have a history of operation that can significantly impact their technical condition and longevity. This is why a brand’s reliability becomes a key factor when selecting a vehicle in the secondary market.

In this article, we will thoroughly analyze the 2025 ranking of the most reliable cars brands, based on the latest data from Consumer Reports and other authoritative sources. We will examine not only the general reliability indicators of each brand but also highlight their most successful models, specific features, and advantages.

Understanding Car Reliability Ratings

Consumer Reports' reliability ratings are formed based on extensive data from more than 300,000 vehicle owners, covering 17 common problem areas. This methodology provides the most objective and representative assessment of the car brand reliability across various manufacturers and models.

In 2025, Consumer Reports updated its methodology, analyzing the weighted average of issues for all models of each brand for specific model years. For the final brand reliability score, experts average the indicators of models from 2022 to 2024, and also include some early data for 2025 when a sufficient sample size is available.

It’s important to understand that a high reliability rating reflects not only fewer breakdowns but also lower maintenance and repair costs. This directly affects the total cost of vehicle ownership and ensures a higher residual value upon resale.

Top 10 Most Reliable Used Car Brands in 2025

Subaru

Subaru deservedly takes first place in the car reliability ranking with an impressive score of 68 points. Although this represents a one-point decrease compared to last year, the brand continues to demonstrate exceptional stability. The Outback, Forester, and Crosstrek models particularly stand out for their reliability and durability.

Lexus

Lexus, Toyota’s luxury division, ranks second with a score of 65 points. Despite a 14-point decrease from last year, Lexus remains the benchmark for luxury vehicles in the vehicle reliability rankings. The RX, ES, and GX models demonstrate exceptional durability, combining luxury with minimal issues.

Toyota

Toyota maintains its position in the top three with a reliability score of 62 points. Although this represents a significant 17-point decrease compared to last year, Toyota continues to be synonymous with durability and stands among the best car brands for long-term ownership. The Corolla, Camry, RAV4, and Tacoma are known for their ability to exceed 200,000 miles with proper maintenance. Toyota’s “simplicity and proven reliability” philosophy minimizes mechanical problems.

Honda

Honda ranks fourth with 59 points, despite an 11-point decrease. The Honda Accord, Civic, and CR-V consistently demonstrate excellent engine reliability and low operating expenses. Honda’s engineering precision ensures minimal maintenance and long service life. Many owners report trouble-free operation of their Hondas for decades.

Acura

Acura, Honda’s luxury brand, takes fifth place with a score of 55 points (a 15-point decrease). The MDX, RDX, and TLX models offer premium features without compromising reliability. Acura inherits Honda’s engineering expertise while adding luxurious interiors and advanced technologies that enhance overall performance. Their transmissions and powertrains are particularly noteworthy for withstanding the test of time.

Mazda

Mazda shares fifth place with a score of 55 points (a 12-point decrease). The Mazda3, CX-5, and MX-5 Miata combine dynamic handling with high reliability, making Mazda one of the most reliable car manufacturer in the market. Mazda’s innovative SKYACTIV technology, which optimizes engine and transmission efficiency, also contributes to overall reliability.

Audi

Audi became an unexpected top-10 contender, ranking seventh with 54 points, which is 11 points higher than last year. It’s the only brand in the top 10 that showed significant improvement, demonstrating why German engineering can be included among reliable cars brands with proper maintenance.

BMW

BMW ranks eighth with a rating of 53 points (an 11-point decrease). The 3 Series and 5 Series particularly stand out for their reliability within the BMW lineup. Despite the common perception of German cars being unreliable, BMW proves itself among the car brands by reliability, which can deliver durability when properly maintained. However, it’s important to note that BMW maintenance expenses are typically higher compared to Japanese competitors.

Kia

Kia ranks ninth with a score of 51 points (a 10-point decrease). Kia’s quality and reliability have significantly improved over the past decade. The Telluride, K5, and Sportage models demonstrate that Korean manufacturers can be considered among the top 10 reliable cars for budget-conscious buyers. Kia’s generous warranty policy (10 years/100,000 miles on the powertrain) also increases the value of their vehicles in the secondary market.

Hyundai

Hyundai completes the top ten with a score of 50 points (a 6-point decrease). Like Kia, Hyundai has shown significant quality improvements recently. The Elantra, Sonata, and Santa Fe models demonstrate an excellent balance between dependability and cost, making Hyundai one of the most reliable car brands for used cars.

Why Toyota Leads in Reliability Rankings

Toyota has maintained leading positions in reliability rankings for decades thanks to its unique Toyota Production System (TPS). This system is based on the principles of kaizen (continuous improvement) and jidoka (built-in quality), which ensures exceptional quality for each vehicle.

Toyota engines, especially the JZ and UR series, are known for their outstanding fuel efficiency and ability to exceed 300,000 miles with minimal maintenance. Transmissions also feature exceptional reliability, minimizing costly repairs for owners.

The Role of Regular Maintenance in Automotive Brand Reliability

Even the most reliable vehicles require regular maintenance to maintain their longevity. Following the recommended maintenance schedule is crucial — cars that undergo regular service according to manufacturer recommendations last on average 50% longer than those with irregular maintenance.

Important aspects of regular maintenance include:

• Oil and filter changes (every 5,000-10,000 miles)
• Brake system inspection (every 15,000-20,000 miles)
• Cooling system service (every 60,000 miles)
• Timing belt replacement (every 60,000-100,000 miles, depending on the model)

Choosing the Right Used Car Based on Brand Reliability

When selecting a used vehicle, it’s necessary to consider not only the best car manufacturer reliability ratings but also the specific model, year of manufacture, and service history. Some models within reliable brands may have problematic production years or specific deficiencies.

To verify a vehicle’s history, it’s recommended to use services like CarFax or AutoCheck, which provide information about previous accidents, service records, and ownership history. It’s also important to conduct a pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic, which may cost around $100-200 but potentially save thousands of dollars on future repairs.

Ultimately, the most reliable car for you is one that meets your needs, budget, and driving style, and has a documented history of good maintenance.