Shopping for a used vehicle isn’t just about price, mileage, or features. It also takes a reputation for reliability and a history of durability into account (which could prove the difference between a savvy buy and a money pit) and thus becomes an exercise in risk management. Outside of buyers looking for a winter beater, used-vehicle buyers usually keep their vehicles for several years and drive them well into six-figure odometer readings, and that is much more palatable when they aren’t facing constant repair bills.
By its very name, durability is earned over years and often decades of real-world use, and documented in high-mileage owner experiences. Vehicles that routinely push past 300,000 miles don’t get there by accident. They reflect sound engineering, build quality using robust components, and designs that attract generations of buyers, and prioritize timelessness over short-term performance complexity. Here are 10 examples of vehicles, from luxury sedans to a hybrid liftback, that have attained, or are expected to achieve, longevity on the road.
The models in this list have been extensively researched to ensure the most accurate information possible as of the time of publishing. Models are listed in ascending order from least to most reliable.
3rd Generation Toyota Highlander
Best Years: 2017–2019
The third-generation Toyota Highlander (2014–2019) grew larger, more refined, and more family-focused than its predecessor, thanks to a longer wheelbase that increased cargo space and gave it eight-passenger capability. Powertrain and drivetrain were refined, with a smoother V-6 and an updated six-speed automatic. The 2017 Toyota Highlander refresh delivered updated styling, improved the V-6 with direct-injection for more power and better efficiency, and added two gears to the automatic transmission, making the 2017–2019 models media and analyst darlings.
3rd Generation Toyota Highlander Reliability
Reliability is a Toyota Highlander’s strong suit. Owner data from J.D. Power typically rates it “Great,” with an average yearly score in the 85/100 range. RepairPal reports low repair frequency and modest severity, with the main red flag being occasional transmission hesitation (in the early years of the generation). CarEdge estimates long-term maintenance costs to beat its segment by $1,941, with Highlander’s best years showcasing proven V-6 durability, improved infotainment, and upgraded safety tech.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $489 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $6,225 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 22
- Worst Year To Buy Used: 2014
9th Generation Honda Accord
Best Years: 2016–2017
The ninth-generation Honda Accord (2013–2017) downsized slightly while improving structural rigidity, powertrain efficiency, and interior quality. It introduced direct-injection four-cylinder engines, an available V-6, and new transmissions, including a CVT and a six-speed manual. Analysts and reviewers widely consider the 2016 Honda Accord refresh as a standout in styling, infotainment, and expanded driver-assist technologies, while addressing early-generation production quirks.
9th Generation Honda Accord Reliability
Honda Accord reliability is consistently above average, with owner surveys from J.D. Power rating the model in the 85/100 range, while RepairPal cites low repair frequency, with occasional starter and infotainment being the most oft-reported glitches. CarEdge estimates average long-term maintenance costs for its segment. The best Accord years are the last two of the generation, with proven powertrains, refined ride quality, and improved safety tech.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $400 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $5,807 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 19
- Worst Year To Buy Used: 2013
5th Generation Nissan Altima
Best Years: 2017–2018
The fifth-generation Nissan Altima (2013–2018) was lighter and more efficient than its predecessor, emphasizing improved fuel economy and smoother drivability, despite carrying over familiar four- and six-cylinder engines. The improvements came in the switch to a revised continuously variable transmission. As with most mid-size sedans at the time, a mid-cycle refresh (in 2016) updated styling, refined the chassis, and improved cabin tech, making the final years of the generation notably better overall and paving a realistic path to very high mileage.
5th Generation Nissan Altima Reliability
Reliability is mixed over this generation, with transitional-year Nissan Altimas fraught with problems that got sorted out nicely in the final years of the generation. Data from J.D. Power owner surveys places it on a par with the Honda Accord, while RepairPal notes moderate repair frequency, with the biggest sticking point being the consistency of the continuously variable transmission. CarEdge projects long-term maintenance costs to be about 4.5 percent higher than its rivals. The Nissan Altima’s best years are highlighted by a comfortable ride, solid fuel economy, and solid drivetrain performance.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $483 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $6,013 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 39
- Worst Year To Buy Used: 2013
9th Generation Honda Civic
Best Years: 2013–2015
A driving force in the compact segment, the Honda Civic powered into its ninth-generation (2011–2015) with a cost-focused redesign. It may have been rushed and resulted in a mid-cycle refresh in 2013 (almost unheard of at the time, in a five-year cycle) to improve ride quality and feature content. Analysts and reviewers consistently hype 2013–2015 Honda Civics as the ones to buy, citing the mid-cycle upgrades and better overall execution. Proven naturally aspirated, conservatively-tuned engines give this generation Civic an excellent chance at 300,000 miles.
9th Generation Honda Civic Reliability
You don’t get to have the longevity of a Honda Civic without reliability being a clear strength. Owner surveys from J.D. Power consistently rate Honda’s compact heavyweight in the 85th percentile, while RepairPal reports low repair frequency, sensible engineering, and minimal severe issues, with the most egregious being interior wear and occasional electronic glitches. CarEdge estimates that long-term maintenance costs beat the average in its segment by about two percent.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $368 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $5,634 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 15
- Worst Year To Buy Used: 2012
6th Generation Hyundai Elantra
Best Years: 2018–2020
The Hyundai Elantra was created to take on the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, and its sixth-generation (2017–2020) arrived as a more mature, refined competitor, improving structural rigidity, ride quality, and cabin insulation. It introduced improved powertrains, including an efficient Atkinson-cycle 2.0-liter four-cylinder, as well as a turbocharged option. A surprising 2019 refresh, considering its four-year life, improved convenience, while simple engine design, low-stress tuning, and widespread parts availability make it a likely 300,000-mile candidate.
6th Generation Hyundai Elantra Reliability
Although Hyundai Elantra reliability is generally above average, it’s notable that its long-term maintenance costs are about 8.5 percent higher than the average for its segment, according to CarEdge. And although it’s less expensive to buy than its chief rival, the Honda Civic, the Elantra is more expensive for upkeep (although major items such as powertrain are sheltered from repairs by a 10-year powertrain warranty). RepairPal reports low repair frequency with occasional concerns over engine sensors and ignition components.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $452 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $6,339 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 9
- Worst Year To Buy Used: 2017
2nd Generation Honda CR-V
Best Years: 2005–2006
In constant battle with the Toyota RAV4, the Honda CR-V took a major step forward with its second-generation (2002–2006), growing in size and refinement while adopting the more powerful and efficient K-series engine. It also delivered improved crash safety, better interior packaging, and a smoother ride, while retaining its simple, durable mechanicals. A mild 2005 refresh made the final two years of the generation the most desirable, primarily due to overall consistency. The engine’s timing chain design and low-stress AWD system make this CR-V a 300,000-mile candidate.
2nd Generation Honda CR-V Reliability
The Honda CR-V is highly regarded for its reliability, nearing a 90/100 score for Quality & Reliability in J.D. Power owners’ surveys. RepairPal cites low repair frequency, with common watchpoints being suspension wear and A/C failures, and CarEdge projects its long-term maintenance costs to be about 6.5 percent lower than the average for its segment, with about a 22 percent chance of its requiring a major repair (which is about three percent better than its rivals).
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $407 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $7,636 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 70
- Worst Year To Buy Used: 2002
9th Generation Toyota Corolla
Best Years: 2005–2008
Incremental sustained improvement marks the evolution of the Toyota Corolla, and its ninth-generation (2005–2008) arrived with a stiffer platform, improved crash safety, and more refined ride quality. Otherwise, it stayed true to its proven simple, efficiency-first formula. A mild 2005 refresh made the remaining generation years the strongest, with improved build quality and fewer early-cycle issues. Conservative engine tuning, timing chain durability, and widely available, low-cost parts make it a shoo-in for the 300,000 club.
9th Generation Toyota Corolla Reliability
When you’re the top-selling car in history, you don’t take reliability for granted; you embrace it, and the Toyota Corolla does just that. It’s top in its segment for several things, among them consistently ranking near 90/100 in J.D. Power rankings, and one of the lowest repair cost averages in RepairPal reports (with low repair frequency), though one of its red flags is oil consumption in some higher-mileage cars. CarEdge estimates low long-term maintenance costs that are about 23 percent lower than those of other high-volume sellers.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $362 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $4,434 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 36
- Worst Year To Buy Used: 2003
2nd Generation Toyota Prius
Best Years: 2007–2009
It would have been easy for the pioneering Toyota Prius to tip-toe into its second generation (2004–2009), but it stormed right in with a dedicated hybrid platform and improved aerodynamics, interior space, and efficiency. The updated Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD) refined power delivery and battery management. Refreshed in 2006, the remaining generational years improved component durability for the low-stress Atkinson-cycle engine, robust regenerative braking, and industry-leading hybrid system.
2nd Generation Toyota Prius Reliability
For a model with increased complexity, the Toyota Prius does remarkably well in terms of reliability. Owner data from J.D. Power puts it on the cusp of the 90th percentile in Quality & Reliability, while RepairPal reports low repair frequency. As for severity, the most common Toyota Prius issue is with hybrid battery degradation, and that’s a costly one. Still, it ranks fairly low on the repair-cost average, and this is backed up by CarEdge estimates that rank its maintenance costs about 10 percent lower than average.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $408 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $4,360 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 32
- Worst Year To Buy Used: 2004
7th Generation Toyota Camry
Best Years: 2015–2017
The Toyota Camry consistently improves generation to generation, so a brand-new Camry is bound to deliver 300,000 miles of carefree service, if you want to keep it that long. The seventh generation (2012–2017) was one of the best formulas, riding on an updated platform (XV50, to differentiate it from the narrower Camry sold in Japan). Durable four- and six-cylinder engines paired with conventional automatics carried forward, and a significant 2015 Toyota Camry refresh made the final two years of the generation stand out.
7th Generation Toyota Camry Reliability
Reliability is one of the Toyota Camry’s unwavering strong points, and it’s only one of a couple of models to consistently score above 90/100 in J.D. Power rankings, while RepairPal confirms its reliability with low repair costs, severity, and frequency. Minor concerns are water pump wear and the occasional torque converter shudder (most in early generation models). CarEdge estimates relatively low long-term maintenance costs, underscoring its segment average by about 20 percent. Of note are just 14 model recalls over the generation’s six-year run.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $388 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $4,581 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 14
- Worst Year To Buy Used: 2012
6th Generation Lexus ES
Best Years: 2017–2018
You can’t talk about reliable cars without including the Lexus ES, which started life as an afterthought to launch the Lexus brand in 1991, and has grown into one of the most reliable conveyances in the industry. Like the Camry from which it’s derived, it will serve its owners for years and 100,000s of miles. The sixth-generation Lexus ES (2013–2018) adopted a more rigid platform while retaining the proven V-6, with the four-cylinder ES 300h hybrid, pairing efficiency with low mechanical stress, giving buyers a choice of powertrains to reach 300,000 miles.
6th Generation Lexus ES Reliability
Reliability has fed the belief that the Lexus ES is one of the best-built cars in history, evidenced in this generation’s seven recalls over six years. Its owner feedback consistently ranks it in the 95/100 range in J.D. Power ratings and is backed up by an outstanding luxury car repair-cost average from RepairPal. Like its Toyota Camry cousin, minor concerns arise over water pump wear, and also over infotainment glitches. CarEdge estimates incredibly low long-term maintenance costs for a luxury sedan, beating the market average by nearly 40 percent.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $468 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $5,926 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 7
- Worst Year To Buy Used: 2013