Is your car brand dependable? The answer lies in the number of problems reported per 100 vehicles (PP100), with lower scores indicating higher reliability. According to owners’ reports across categories including powertrain, interior, driving experience, and infotainment, here are 15 of the most dependable car brands. Check if your car brand made the list!

Lexus – 135 PP100

Ever wonder why Lexus has been Japan’s top premium car brand for decades? Their secret mix is in their attention to detail. Lexus employs specialized inspectors who rigorously examine paint quality. They source leather from cows that are not exposed to barbed wire to get top-notch interiors. We’re not surprised that models like the RX and NX dominate their segments.

Toyota – 147 PP100

As the first carmaker to produce 10 million cars annually, Toyota’s undeniable success comes from releasing incredibly dependable vehicles. Besides dominating the Australian market for 25 years, Toyota was the #1 brand from 2003–2023. Fun fact: They changed their name from “Toyoda” to “Toyota” because it was easier to write in Japanese with eight strokes—or maybe because eight is a lucky number!

Buick – 149 PP100

Buick’s dependability dates back to the 1940s when it built over 2,500 M18 Hellcat tanks for the U.S. military. As one of the oldest automakers, Buick has delivered innovative, safe, and comfortable vehicles for over 100 years. Today, its cars are easily recognized by the signature Waterfall grille with its sleek vertical chrome bars.

Chevrolet – 174 PP100

Since selling its first car, the Series C Classic Six, for $2,150, Chevrolet has produced over 500 million vehicles in 106 years. Known for reliability, they pioneered built-in 4G LTE Wi-Fi and were early SUV innovators. Chevy’s history extends to racing, as their iconic Corvette has seven “24 Hours of Le Mans” wins. 

MINI – 174 PP100

Sometimes, we have to thank hard times for the good they bring with them. The BMC responded to petrol rationing with the fuel-efficient Mini. Alec Issigonis’s Mini became the most successful British car ever. With over 5.3 million sold worldwide, if you parked all Minis ever built bumper to bumper, they’d encircle the U.K.’s coastline!

Porsche – 175 PP100

Porsche’s place on this list is no fluke. In 1987, the 944 was the first car in America to come standard with both driver and passenger airbags—long before they were mandatory. Like Ferrari, with whom they share “prancing horses,” Porsche dominates tracks worldwide, from the Nurburgring to Le Mans. By 2016, Porsche cars had won over 30,000 races globally.

Mazda – 185 PP100

Mazda’s logo looks prophetic. Its ‘M’ is designed as stretched wings to represent global ambition. Today, Mazda models are known worldwide for dependability. Their MX-5 Roadster holds a Guinness World Record as the best-selling two-seater car. Before the MX-5 Miata, Mazda produced equally reliable three-wheeler Mazda-Go trucks in 1927. Talk about evolution!

Kia – 187 PP100

After Hyundai Motor Group bought the struggling Kia in 1998, it’s been cruising ever since as one of the most dependable brands. As if to say, “We’re sure of what we build,” they offer juicy warranty plans, including a 10-year/100,000-mile assurance on the powertrain. Plus, Kia’s average annual maintenance cost of just $469 makes them a sweet deal!

BMW – 190 PP100

Before BMW became a global icon, they used to manufacture airplane engines. Since 1917, Bayerische Motoren Werke has celebrated 100 years of advanced engineering and comfy rides, thanks to their tech-savvy approach. As proof of their reliability, the X1, X5, and X6, including the 3 and 4 Series, all rank in the top three in their segments for safety. 

Dodge – 190 PP100

Dodge deserves all the praise for breaking into the top 10 for the first time in years—and as the only American brand! Even Vin Diesel, the popular Fast and Furious actor, trusts Dodge enough to own one. With dependable models like the Chrysler 300, Challenger, and Grand Caravan, it’s no wonder they’re finally getting their due.

Jeep – 190 PP100

Jeep’s spot on this list isn’t by chance. With a dedicated fan base, websites, forums, clubs, and off-roading events, Jeep lovers are passionate! Models like the Grand Cherokee, Wagoneer, and Wrangler are the most popular in the market, as they’re built to last with solid axles and high-ground clearance. They dominate off-road tracks with Quadra-Trac II and Selec-Trac systems.

Cadillac – 196 PP100

Cadillac has been ahead of the curve since 1912, introducing the first electric starter in its Model 30. But they’ve stuck around for decades due to their dependability. The XT4 ranks in the top three in the Compact Premium SUV segment to secure Cadillac’s spot in the study conducted by J.D. Power. Likewise, the XT6 was a 2022 Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS.

Hyundai – 198 PP100

While “Walking Dead” fans may know Hyundai for its iconic Zombie Survival Vehicles, car owners appreciate its reliability. Their beloved “Hyundai Assurance” package offers a 5-year/60,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty covering most components. Their efforts haven’t gone unnoticed; the Hyundai Sonata ranks in the top three in the Midsize Car segment. It’s ideal for surviving zombies and daily commutes or zombies on daily commutes.

Subaru – 198 PP100

Every Subaru, except the BRZ sports, comes with AWD and boxer engines, making it a no-brainer on this list. Their unique engine design makes it safer in front-end collisions, as the flatter engine moves under the passenger compartment. Also, Subaru’s rally racing is impressive, with 47 manufacturer wins in the World Rally Championships since 1973. 

Nissan – 199 PP100

Since the Nissan Pathfinder debuted in 1985, it’s been a family favorite for its reliability and low maintenance. With models like the Altima, Maxima, and Rogue racing crash tests, Nissan’s engineering constantly impresses. As if to bolster its rich, fascinating history, Nissan set a Guinness world record in 2013 by towing a 170.9-ton cargo plane with a Patrol SUV.