A car’s reliability is one of the most critical factors when choosing a brand and model. After all, no one wants to find themselves stranded on the side of the road when something breaks down. Even worse? The thought of paying for repairs to an older car, especially if you have a limited budget.
That’s why we turned to J.D. Power, US News, and Consumer Reports to determine which models stood out among their peers in terms of dependability and longevity. Here’s a look at some of our top picks:
SUBARU
Subaru is a Japanese automaker known for its all-wheel drive, boxer engines, and safety features. The brand carries a strong reputation as one of the most reliable brands on the market, thanks to its main manufacturing plant being located in Japan. Japan has strict regulations when it comes to quality control.
Unlike a standard V-shaped engine, Subaru’s signature boxer engines are positioned horizontally and reciprocate the horizontal pistons. This lower center of gravity provides better balance, stability, and control. The design also helps create a smoother acceleration and less vibration, which contributes to the durability of their vehicles.
Subaru’s most popular vehicle is the Forester, which comes standard with full-time all-wheel drive, EyeSight collision avoidance system with adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance, and switchable low-range gearing on specific models.
TOYOTA
Toyota is the world’s largest automaker and one of the oldest car brands. Toyota has been around since 1933 and is headquartered in Japan. The company was initially focused on developing small trucks that were affordable but still durable enough to handle tough jobs. The introduction of their first passenger vehicle, the Toyopet Crown Deluxe, in 1957 demonstrated that they could compete with other Japanese automakers at all levels of production.
Toyota has a reputation among consumers as an automaker known for reliability over time, and there’s no denying that this reputation is well-earned when scanning over any Consumer Report.
Toyota currently offers dozens of different models across various segments, including compacts like the Corolla, sedans like the Camry; SUVs like the Highlander; pickup trucks like Tacoma; and, of course, hybrid and electric vehicles such as the Prius.
VOLKSWAGEN
Volkswagen is a German automobile manufacturer and one of the largest car manufacturers in the world. In 1999, Volkswagen merged with its sister company Audi AG to form the Volkswagen Group. Today, the company produces a variety of sedans, hatchbacks, coupes, and convertibles.
VW’s reputation for reliability is well known among car buyers, with a stellar safety rating and low repair costs. In addition to all these advantages, Volkswagen offers an affordable price tag and high resale values.
Aside from the Volkswagen Beetle, the Golf is probably the brand’s most iconic and popular car model. The latest iterations of this model have advanced driver-assistance features to ensure that every journey is safe and effortless. If you’re looking for a more premium ride, the Jetta is one of Volkswagen’s most stylish sedans. It is designed for people that are always on the go but still want that luxurious feel that makes for a pleasant ride.
VOLVO
Volvo is a Swedish car manufacturer. Founded in 1927, Volvo is one of the oldest car brands today. The company has built its reputation on safety and quality, earning it a place among the most reliable cars on the market, especially for families.
The S90 sedan and V90 Cross Country wagon received four out of five stars from NHTSA after crash testing was conducted by IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety). The XC40 crossover is built on Volvo’s Compact Modular Architecture, which means it has high rigidity levels and excellent crash test ratings (it earned a 5-star EuroNCAP rating).
BUICK
Buick is an American car brand owned by General Motors (GM). Buick is the oldest American car brand, founded in 1899 — four years before Ford Motor Company! Buick’s most popular models include the Enclave, Regal, and LaCrosse. Buicks are known for their comfort and reliability, but they also have some of the highest safety ratings among all vehicles sold in America.
Buick specializes in family-sized SUVs, producing models such as the Enclave, Encore, and Envision — all of which get high marks in reliability from outlets like US News and World Report.
Here are five of our top picks for the most reliable cars in 2022:
Now that you’ve gotten a reliable car built to last you and your family for years to come don’t forget to protect that investment by using your EverWash membership to keep it clean! Regular car washing can improve your car’s resale value and limit the damage caused by rust and corrosion.
Which of your cars has treated you best? Any advice to offer to anyone in the EverWash community looking into purchasing a new car? Share them with us on social media @everwashcc on Instagram or EverWash on Facebook!
