These are the car brands with the most reliable engines where you cannot go wrong

Published on Dec 21, 2025 at 8:16 AM (UTC+4)
by Jason Fan

Last updated on Dec 18, 2025 at 2:40 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by Mason Jones

If you want the most reliable engines, choosing the best car brand matters more than horsepower bragging rights.

While flashy numbers grab headlines, long-term reliability is what really keeps wallets intact and stress levels low.

A dependable engine means fewer breakdowns, lower repair bills, and a car that doesn’t flinch at big mileage.

For many buyers, that peace of mind matters far more than a tenth of a second off the 0–60 time.

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What actually makes an engine reliable?

It usually comes down to simple, proven engineering.

Reliable engines tend to avoid unnecessary complexity, use conservative tuning, and rely on designs that have been refined over many years rather than reinvented every generation.

Consistent maintenance helps, of course, but starting with an engine designed to handle daily abuse, poor fuel quality, and long service intervals makes a huge difference.

When engines are over-stressed or packed with experimental tech, longevity is often the first casualty.

But what exactly is the best car brand in terms of reliability?

Toyota

At the top of almost every reliability conversation sits Toyota.

The Japanese brand has built its reputation on engines that prioritize durability over drama.

From the legendary 2JZ inline-six to modern four-cylinders and V6s, Toyota engines are known for thick engine blocks, excellent cooling, and conservative power outputs.

It’s not unusual to see Toyotas with over 200,000 miles (or more), that’s still running smoothly with basic maintenance.

In fact, check out this Toyota Corolla that did over 2 million km (1.24 million miles), or this Toyota Tacoma with over 1.6 million miles driven.

Honda

Honda is another standout when it comes to the most reliable engines.

Famous for smooth-revving four-cylinders, Honda blends efficiency with durability better than almost anyone.

Their engines often thrive on high mileage thanks to precise manufacturing and strong internal components.

Even when driven hard, many Hondas seem happy to keep going long after lesser engines have given up.

Just ask this owner of a 2003 Honda Accord, who captured the emotional moment his car passed a million miles in Tennessee.

Volvo

From Europe, Volvo deserves serious credit for creating some of the most reliable engines ever made.

While the brand is known for safety, its engines, especially older five-cylinder and naturally aspirated designs, have earned a reputation for long-term reliability.

Volvo traditionally engineered its powertrains with longevity in mind, making them popular with drivers who value endurance over outright performance.

For example, this man drove a million miles in his 1991 Volvo, and actually received an interesting gift from the carmaker itself.

However, this isn’t even close to being the most impressive feat from a Volvo car.

This man actually drove his Volvo for an astonishing 3 million miles, driving it for more than 50 years until his death in 2018.

That is definitive proof that Volvo deserves its place as one of the best car brands, at least from a reliability perspective.

At the end of the day, a reliable engine means fewer surprise repairs, better resale value, and a car you can trust on long trips or daily commutes.

In a world full of complex tech and turbocharged promises, choosing a brand with a proven engine track record may be one of the smartest automotive decisions you can make.

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Jason Fan is an experienced content creator who graduated from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore with a degree in communications. He then relocated to Australia during a millennial mid-life crisis. A fan of luxury travel and high-performance machines, he politely thanks chatbots just in case the AI apocalypse ever arrives. Jason covers a wide variety of topics, with a special focus on technology, planes and luxury.