New cars cost more than ever: Kelley Blue Book reports the average price is now over $50,000. Buyers want value, and that means reliability. A recent iSeeCars.com report reveals which brands stand the test of time—and which don’t.
Brands That Exceed Expectations
Most cars have less than a 5% chance of reaching 250,000 miles, but some brands significantly outperform the average. These are the manufacturers most likely to keep running long after others have failed:
- Toyota: A 17.8% chance of hitting 250,000+ miles (3.7 times the average).
- Lexus: 12.8% chance (2.7 times the average). Lexus, Toyota’s luxury brand, builds on a reputation for durability.
- Honda: 10.8% chance (2.3 times the average). Honda shares Toyota’s focus on engineering for longevity.
- Acura: 7.2% chance (1.5 times the average). Acura, Honda’s luxury line, also shows better-than-average reliability.
Brands That Struggle to Reach 250,000 Miles
These brands have a 0% chance of reaching the 250,000-mile mark, according to the iSeeCars.com data:
- Maserati
- Mini
- Jaguar
- Land Rover
These brands often prioritize luxury, performance, or design over long-term reliability.
Why this matters: Car ownership is a major expense. Knowing which brands are built to last can save owners thousands in repairs and replacements. The trend toward complex electronics and advanced features in modern cars is increasing the risk of breakdowns, so choosing a brand with a strong track record for durability is more important than ever.
The data suggests that Japanese manufacturers, like Toyota and Honda, consistently outperform European and luxury brands in long-term reliability.
