Ranking Major Car Brands by Their Dependability
When you’re car shopping, dependability is one of the top things you look for. You don’t want a car that’s going to spend more time in the shop than in your driveway. Some brands have got the whole “reliable” thing down, others are hit-or-miss. So, we ranked major car brands by how dependable they are.
Lexus
Lexus proves again why it’s the gold standard in dependability. Owners reported 140 problems per 100 vehicles (140 PP100), an outstandingly low rate. Most of the issues are minor, and it’s generally smooth sailing. If you want a car that just works, Lexus has you covered.
Buick
Buick may not be the flashiest name, but it comes through in reliability. It is the most dependable mass market brand, with a score of 143 PP100. Comfortable rides, good build, and fewer headaches make it the best option for daily drivers.
Mazda
Mazda keeps it simple and dependable, and it pays off big time for owners. With a score of 161 PP100, it beats a lot of the competition. Drivers love the engaging handling and solid engines, and the low problem rate makes it an easy pick if you want reliability without boredom.
Toyota
Toyota is well-known for its reliability. And those claims are backed up by the numbers. The brand has a score of 162 PP100 and remains near the top. Generally, most of the complaints are small, often regarding some sort of infotainment quirk. Overall, Toyota is one of the most dependable and longest-lasting brands there is.
Cadilllac
Cadillac lands in the middle of the luxury pack with a 169 PP100. Not bad, considering all the tech and features inside. The gadgets can cause headaches, but the ride comfort and premium feel more than compensate for it.
Chevrolet
Chevrolet's score is 169 PP100, tied with Cadillac. The brand has a reputation for reliability, but some models are better than others. The full-size truck category and basic sedans usually score better. It is a brand where choosing the right model is critical.
GMC
GMC comes in at 181 PP100, which isn't bad, but it's a couple of ticks behind the leaders. The mechanical reliability of trucks and SUVs holds up, but infotainment and electronics tend to be weak points. If you want something rugged that will move a decent amount of stuff, GMC makes sense. However, expect the occasional tech glitch.
Porsche
For a luxury sports brand, Porsche does alright with 186 PP100. The engines and driving experience rarely disappoint, but people report more problems with the tech features. Regardless, if you like performance combined with prestige, Porsche is reliable enough.
BMW
BMW has a score of 189 PP100. That's not awful, but it's worse than some competing brands. The engines and driving experience are strong, but electronic problems and costly repairs occur more than you’d like.
MINI
With a score of 174 PP100, MINI sits above average. People enjoy the driving experience, although electronic issues sometimes pop up. If you are looking for style and character, MINI delivers, but prepare for a few bumps along the way.
