When shopping for a used vehicle, reliability is often the top priority — and for good reason, too. A reliable used car, SUV, or truck not only helps you avoid unexpected repair costs but also contributes to peace of mind, increased resale value, and overall satisfaction. So, what are the most reliable used cars on the market today?

Brands that set the standard for reliability

A handful of automakers dominate the rankings year after year. Based on Consumer Reports and J.D. Power’s findings, here are the most dependable used car brands:

Toyota dominates mass-market reliability studies, ranking in the top tier for high build quality across its diverse lineup, including the Camry sedan, RAV4 SUV, and Tacoma truck.

Mazda has seen a significant jump in recent rankings, often placing among the top mass-market brands due to its focus on mechanical soundness. Models like the CX-5 and Mazda3 have performed exceptionally well.

Buick is a surprisingly consistent high performer, frequently ranking as one of the best among all mass-market brands in long-term dependability studies. The brand is especially known for its current SUV-focused lineup, which includes the Envision and Enclave.

Honda is generally rated above average, often near the top tier in most studies. It's recognized for efficient and long-lasting powertrains, particularly in its core models, such as the Civic sedan, CR-V SUV, and Odyssey minivan.

Subaru scores high marks for owner satisfaction and durability, and it typically ranks above the industry average. Its reputation is closely tied to the standard all-wheel-drive system in its popular Outback and Forester models.

Kia is consistently named among the most dependable mass-market brands (often a top-three brand). Its robust quality is apparent in popular models like the Telluride SUV and Soul crossover.

Hyundai maintains a strong above-average ranking for dependability, with models like the Santa Fe SUV and Sonata sedan often scoring segment awards in studies. Its 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty reinforces a commitment to long-term ownership value.

Genesis is a leading luxury brand for dependability, often placing second overall (and sometimes first). Their luxury SUVs and sedans, such as the GV70 SUV and G80 sedan, frequently earn praise for initial quality and long-term durability.

Lexus also consistently ranks as the most dependable luxury brand and frequently the highest-ranked overall across multiple studies. It’s often lauded for its superior long-term durability in models like the ES sedan and RX SUV.

Why these automakers excel in reliability

What sets these vehicles apart? Across brands, the most reliable used cars share a few common traits:

• Proven engineering Automakers like Toyota and Honda refine their engines and transmissions over multiple generations, reducing the risk of failure

• Conservative redesigns Rather than chasing trends, these manufacturers prioritize gradual improvements, which leads to fewer bugs or defects

• Lower ownership costs Widely available parts and established service networks mean repairs are typically faster and less expensive. Lexus and Genesis are the exception here, as their parts and labor generally cost more.

• High owner satisfaction scores Repeat buyers often point to how few problems they’ve had, reinforcing the vehicles’ reputations.

• Strong resale value These vehicles hold their value better over time, making ownership more cost-effective in the long run.

The difference between Consumer Reports and J.D. Power

While both Consumer Reports and J.D. Power are widely cited for reliability rankings, they take different approaches. Understanding how each compiles its data can help you make better decisions.

• Consumer Reports bases its scores on long-term owner surveys, covering a wide range of vehicle systems and historical trends. These ratings often reflect a vehicle’s performance over the past 5-10 years and are ideal for used-car research.

• J.D. Power’s Vehicle Dependability Study focuses on the number of problems per 100 vehicles after three years of ownership.

In short, if you’re buying a used car and want to know how it’s likely to perform over the next five years or more, Consumer Reports may offer more useful details. But if you're concerned with defect rates within the first few years of manufacture, J.D. Power’s shorter-term data provides helpful insights.

Start with trust, end with confidence

Once you’ve identified the vehicles that’ll best serve your needs, Credit Acceptance can introduce you to one (or more) of the 15,000+ dealers in our network. We can also pre-qualify you before you visit a dealership, giving you an idea of what’ll be within your budget — and what won’t.