Best 5 Reliable Used Car Models

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When it comes to finding a reliable used car, knowing which used cars are generally rated as the most dependable and reliable can certainly help. Fortunately, Consumer Reports publishes a list of their best used cars every year. According to Consumer Reports the most reliable used cars are those used cars that have the fewest reported complaints and issues, and are reported to have the fewest number of mechanical breakdowns and failures.

Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports is a well-regarded and well-respected consumer advocate that does in-depth examinations and tests of many different types of products. However, their consumer reports of used cars are particularly useful and well known for their unbiased and accurate reviews of many types of used cars and trucks. Their consumer reports are trusted by countless consumers for making informed decisions about the dependability and reliability of a particular make and year model used car or truck.

Japanese Cars Are Rated Highest

Consumer Reports states that Japanese manufactured automobiles are among the most dependable and reliable available. Furthermore, certain makes and models of Japanese cars appear in the Consumer Reports lists of most reliable used cars year after year.

Honda Accord

The Honda Accord is often rated as the most reliable (or certainly one of the most reliable) used car on a year after year basis. Known for the dependability and reliability of its engine, the Honda Accord has been one of the best selling family sized vehicles in America for the last 15 years or so. The Honda Accord also has one of the highest used car resale values of any car.

Honda Civic

Among smaller, economy type cars, the Honda Civic is by far one of the highest rated small cars in terms of dependability and reliability. The Honda Civic offers excellent fuel economy and is well-known for being a vehicle that requires little maintenance, other than regular oil changes, and does not break down very often.

Toyota Camry

The Toyota Camry’s dependability and reliability is almost legendary. It has been one of the best-selling vehicles in America for nearly 30 years, and has always enjoyed high resale values and praise for its ability to run for many years without major overhaul or repairs. In fact, many car enthusiast magazines and websites state that the Toyota Camry is one of the most popular automobiles ever manufactured.

Hyundai Elantra – The Non-Japanese Entry

The Hyundai Elantra is the only car on our list of 5 best reliable used cars that is not made by a Japanese car manufacturer. In fact, the Elantra is made by the Korean manufacturer: Hyundai. While generally not well regarded in year models prior to 2002, the Elantra has since garnered the respect and praise of many used car consumer reporting services. The Elantra is well-known for its solid build quality and reliability. Furthermore, it is often praised for its substantial power in a car of its size.

Mazda Miata


For sports car lovers, the Mazda Miata is considered one of the most dependable and most reliable sports cars on the road today. The Miata is well-known for its engine and its ability to run for many thousands of miles without overhaul or repair. In fact, some Miata owners have reported mileage in excess of 300,000 miles before a major overhaul was required.

The list above is but a few of the quality used cars that are available; however, if you're searching for a used car that is dependable, reliable and more likely to provide you with years of trouble-free service, then you should definitely considered some of the models listed above.

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