Most Reliable Car Brands

If there's one thing most people want in a car, it's reliability. No one wants to pay for a car, then pay for endless repairs every other month. However, speaking as someone who has a mechanic as a life partner, I've learned that there's a lot of truth to the complaint that they "just don't make cars like they used to."

People who want to prevent random repairs and cut costs of having to repurchase a car too soon would be wise to invest their money in a car from one of the most reliable car brands in the market. If you're looking to buy a new car, these are the brands you should consider — and the one you should avoid.

GMC

Believe it or not, there aren't many brands that make reliable pickup trucks in America. (No, not Ford. Sorry.) GMC's pickup trucks have regularly been called some of the most reliable in the country, with the Sierra 1500 being the top pick of the litter.

In terms of affordable car companies, GMC happens to be one of the most reliable car brands currently on the market. Surprised? So were we! The reason why this is such a shocker is that GMC was also cited by Consumer Reports as one of the most unreliable car brands in America.

Toyota

Toyotas are a personal favorite of my partner's, primarily because he almost never has to work on them in the shop. Sturdy engines, low-maintenance designs, and a reputation for being built with quality parts is why Toyotas regularly top lists of the most reliable car brands in America.

As far as long trips go, Toyotas are known for being one of the best cars to have. Affordable and capable of working as commuter cars, Toyotas are just plain awesome. Of particular note are the Toyota Camry and the Toyota Camry Hybrid — both cars that climbed to the top of reliability ratings.

Buick

Though they may have a reputation for being dull cars these days, it's important to remember that older Buicks used to be classic muscle cars. That means that you can expect a lot of power behind their motors — and a lot of reliability.

The Buick LaCrosse actually got a five out of five reliability rating from US News, making it the most reliable large car on the market. Moreover, most of the others got four out of five reliability ratings from the same crew. So, it's definitely one of the most reliable car brands on the market.

Mercedes

Driving a Mercedes-Benz always sounds like a bragging right, and to a point, it is. The luxury car line has had quite a few impressive cars in its series, and has long been known for high power, loads of amenities, and impeccable design.

That being said, the often-high price tags associated with this car brand may be warranted. Mercedes had an average reliability rating of 4.04 out of five, making it one of the most reliable car brands in the luxury to mid-class car world.

Porsche

Once again, this might be one of those moments where you really do get what you pay for. Luxury car manufacturer Porsche has always had a sterling reputation when it comes to making quality cars, and it's not just the ample amenities that made that reputation so solid.

Porsche also outdid Mercedes in terms of reliability ratings, and more surprisingly, also holds the claim to fame for having two of the most reliable muscle cars currently on the market — the Porsche 911 and the Porsche Panamera.

Lexus

Shockingly, Lexus actually takes the golden lead when it comes to the most reliable car brands in the world. The brand got the highest ratings among all cars — luxury or otherwise and has a slightly lower price tag than that of Porsche.

Lexus has become a favorite luxury car manufacturer for a reason, and we're willing to bet that it may have something to do with the car's sturdy build and high reliability. Currently, Lexus is regularly viewed as one of the most reliable car brands in America — and has been so for years.

The Least Reliable: Fiat and Ram (Tie)

Consumer Reports tore into these car brands and called them the least reliable cars on the market. Ram's trucks are known for having serious mechanical issues and for sudden breakage — most often during jobs. Meanwhile, the Fiat's compact cars are known for electrical issues and an overall delicate build.

So, if you're looking to buy from one of the most reliable car brands, you'll want to avoid these. They're rock bottom for a reason.