Posted on 05/08/2025 8:26:14 PM PDT by SeekAndFind
In today’s environment, buying a new car has become a stretch for many households - fueling demand in the used-car market.
But not all used vehicles are created equal, and reliability plays a major role in long-term ownership costs.
For buyers looking to avoid expensive repairs down the road, brand reputation is more important than ever.
In this graphic, Visual Capitalist's Marcus Lu ranked the best used-car brands of 2025, using data from Consumer Reports.
To come up with these reliability scores, Consumer Reports asked its members to report how many problems they’ve had with their vehicles over the past 12 months.
This analysis focused only on cars from the 2015 to 2020 model year, with a sample size of over 150,000 vehicles.
From this data we can see that Japanese brands are generally the most reliable when buying used, with the lowest ranked Japanese brand being Subaru, in ninth place. Toyota and its luxury arm, Lexus, hold the top two spots, while Honda and Acura come in fourth and fifth.
Brands like Lexus and Toyota have a history of conservative redesigns, incrementally improving their entire product line rather than introducing many all-new systems. Our data consistently shows over time that cars from those brands are reliable when new, and they continue to be reliable as they age.
Steven Elek, Senior Automotive Data Analyst at Consumer Reports
Consumer Reports has released its latest list of top used-car picks, all of which offer good reliability, safety, and value across various price points. These selections are based on comprehensive road tests and owner satisfaction surveys.
For more detailed information and additional recommendations, visit the full article on Consumer Reports.
If you enjoyed this post, check out our ranking of the most reliable new-car brands based on data from J.D. Power.
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A lot depends on model and year. I bough a 2004 Chevy Venture, as the drivetrain (3.4 l) seemed solid, and I could get parts for it.
It was a mistake.
The drivetrain is fine, but the electrical is filled with gremlins. GM, if you are going to make a car with squirrelly electrical systems:
1. DON’T bury your stupid sidepost battery under a screwed in two-inch-diameter cross bar and second fuse box.
2. Don’t install Day Time Running Lights that cannot be turned off, so that the battery drains all the faster when the alternator is not recharging it.
One could buy a used car, do a complete off frame restoration with new engine and still save tens of thousands over buying a new vehicle.
For sure, I last bought a new car in 2005, for $23,000, same vehicle now runs around $55 to $60,000, no thanks.
Ford’s tend to have good engines, as I’ve had three of them. However,their paint jobs tend to not last. Yiu have to repaint the body after about 7 years. That is my experience.
2024 Toyota Tacoma checking in.
Traded for my 2004 Tundra with 214,000 miles and essentially no unexpected repairs.
that jd powers has Chevrolet ranked WAY higher than Honda for new car quality is so ridiculous that none of their rankings are obviously worth the pixels they’re printed on ...
Good to Know!
The best new cars or used cars to buy depends on who is making up the list.
Pro-tip: If Motor Trend rates it highly - RUN AWAY. They do what their advertisers tell them to.
I trust Consumer Reports for no other reason than they don’t take advertisements.
I love my Lexus but hate my husband’s Volvo.
What the What?
CR is listing the 2021 Kia Sportage as the best small SUV under $20,000.
This being an SUV with the Theta II engine.
POS Korean crap
https://www.perplexity.ai/search/does-the-2021-kia-sportage-hav-6XJOy8LUR6.6UP4JrFZG4Q
Love my Lexus, hate my husband’s Volvo.
My 2000 Pontiac version of the Venture (Montana) did not even last 100,000 miles. In spite of rigid dealer service and maintenance.
My youngest son, who is 63, just picked up a 2004 mint-condition Lexus ES 330 with 52,000 miles on it.
I’ve never heard of daytime running lights that don’t shut off when the car shuts off. Also, all the ones I’ve seen can be shut off manually anyway.
I’m still driving my 2006 Honda CRV. Never breaks down. We change the oil, brake pads and tires. We have never replaced a major part except I have a feeling the starter may be wearing out after 18 years. 😉
If your battery’s not recharging while driving, it’s time to get a new battery.
And AFAIK there should be a fuse that controls daytime running lights, unless the electronics of the car are really bad.
From whose estate?
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