The Most Reliable Used-Car Brands in 2025

Visual Capitalist ^ | 05/08/2025 | Marcus Lu

[Dr. Sivana]

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.

[NoLibZone]

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.

[Inyo-Mono]

For sure, I last bought a new car in 2005, for $23,000, same vehicle now runs around $55 to $60,000, no thanks.

[Jonty30]

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.

[Uncle Miltie]

2024 Toyota Tacoma checking in.

Traded for my 2004 Tundra with 214,000 miles and essentially no unexpected repairs.

[catnipman]

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 ...

[Big Red Badger]

Good to Know!

[Dr. Sivana]

Ford’s tend to have good engines, as I’ve had three of them.

In my experience, the GM paint jobs are worse. I have had great luck with the Ford 4.0l (Aerostar). I had a BAD experience with the 4.6l V-8 (1989 Mercury Grand Marquis, engine fire).

GM is a crap shoot. The 350ci LT-1 is legendary, and cheap to rebuild/replace. The 3.8 is reliable and has decent V-6 pep. The 3.1 and the Quad-4 like to blow head gaskets. No issues with 3.4l engine in 2004 Venture/1997 Monte Carlo.

The Chrysler 318 V-8 is well-loved, but is not as peppy as it should be for its displacement, and really wants high octane. Otherwise reliable. The legendary Mopar Slant Six 225 is exceptional for its class, especially if you get a pre-70s model. The Holley single-barrel carb is fine. Very torquey for its size. EASY to maintain (only one bank of cylinders ... ALL accessible!). I had a Plymouth Voyager with the EVIL Mitsubishi 2.6l engine. That was NOT fun to drive from eastern Connecticut to Rockford, IL. Another underpowered Mitsubishi was in an early 2000s Galant rental. The Dodge Avenger (2013) and Chrysler Sebring were nothing to write home about. The Chrysler 300 V-6 base model (~2012) was meh, but reliable.

[Responsibility2nd]

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.

[kalee]

I love my Lexus but hate my husband’s Volvo.

[Responsibility2nd]

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

[kalee]

Love my Lexus, hate my husband’s Volvo.

[Responsibility2nd]

My 2000 Pontiac version of the Venture (Montana) did not even last 100,000 miles. In spite of rigid dealer service and maintenance.

[SuperLuminal]

My youngest son, who is 63, just picked up a 2004 mint-condition Lexus ES 330 with 52,000 miles on it.

[Olog-hai]

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.

[Dr. Sivana]

I’ve never heard of daytime running lights that don’t shut off when the car shuts off.

If you turn off the car completely, yes, they shut off. But if you want to drive at night on a military base, or your battery is NOT recharging while you are driving and you don't want to drain it. Or if the battery is weak, and you are trying to start the car without diverting ANY power to the daytime running lights, the Venture fails.

Yes, the Daytime Running Lights in my wife's Toyota Avalon can be switched off. That is an acceptable implementation.

[Georgia Girl 2]

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. 😉

[Olog-hai]

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.

[Jonty30]

From whose estate?