This is the oldest engine that's still being produced and fitted into vehicles today
Published on Sep 05, 2025 at 8:19 AM (UTC+4)
by Henry Kelsall
Last updated on Sep 05, 2025 at 7:53 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Emma Matthews
The mighty Cummins B-Series is the oldest engine still being produced and fitted into our cars and vehicles today.
The automotive world has seen some remarkable engines over the years, ranging from Ferrari’s V12s, the Ford-Cosworth DFV, and Chevrolet’s legendary big-block and small-block V8s.
Some famous engines, such as the Bentley/Rolls-Royce 6.75-liter V8, are no longer with us, but plenty of others are.
In fact, the one that may outlast us all is the Cummins B-Series inline-six engine, a legendary powertrain that has been built for decades and shows no signs of slowing down.
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The Cummins B-Series is the oldest engine still being produced
The Cummins B-Series first emerged in 1984, before it made its debut as a factory engine option in 1989.
It did so on Dodge Ram pickup trucks, and new Rams still come with a Cummins powertrain.
What makes these diesel engines so famous is the amount of torque they produce, as well as their durability.
It is not unheard of for some examples of the diesel engine to exceed a million miles before they expire.
There are some things to watch out for, however.
The 5.9 Cummins from 1989 to 2002 has issues with dowel pins that can shake loose.
That then has the knock-on effect of destroying the engine.
However, that issue is fixable, and means you will still have a super reliable engine after it’s rectified.
Other engines have lasted a very long time.
The Cummins is not the only engine that has lasted for a very long time.
The Nissan VQ-Series V6s can still be found under the hood of some cars.
That is despite them being in production in various forms since 1994.
Famed for its reliability, the Honda K-Series is another superb powertrain still available.
Honda has produced this engine since 2001 and used it in cars like the Civic Type R.
Stellantis, too, has a long-standing engine.
The amazing Gen III Hemi from 2003 is still going strong, even if it is a little outdated in 2025.
Chevrolet’s V8 has evolved over the years, but that is another engine that has plenty of life left in it.
It is remarkable just how long some engines will last, as they refuse to go quietly, quite literally in some cases!
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Henry is a content writer with nearly ten years experience, having written for various publications since 2017. Qualifying with a Sports Journalism degree from Staffordshire University, Henry loves all things automotive but has a particular soft spot for classic Japanese cars and anything Lancia. He also has a curious passion for steam locomotives.
