The 10 Most Reliable Car Brands, Toyota And Lexus Are Light Years Ahead

Which car brands make the most reliable cars? I'll examine a new report from Consumer Reports and fill you in on the ten best automakers and why Toyota and Lexus are miles ahead of the rest. 

Are Toyota vehicles reliable?

That's like asking do bears poop in the woods? According to a new report from Consumer Reports (by subscription), the Toyota brand of vehicles not only rank in the top ten most reliable automakers, they are #1 and #2 and are light years ahead of the other automakers.

It's unsurprising that Lexus ranks number one and Toyota is number two. I recently reported that Toyota has six in the top ten vehicles that will go 250,000 miles and beyond. 

CR says, "Our data consistently shows over time that cars from these brands are reliable when new, and they continue to be reliable as they age."

Longevity sets Toyota apart; they consistently have the top-ranked models that last the longest. You can read my complete report here for more information.

This is Consumer Reports' first-ever brand ranking for used cars—focused on the reliability of 5- to 10-year-old models. It reveals to buyers how they can reduce their risks of experiencing problems by checking out some brands over others.

I like the new brand ranking for used cars. For this analysis, CR uses 5- to 10-year-old models, while its new car reliability ranking is based on CR's analysis of the latest three years of reliability, along with brand history and factors such as shared componentry.  

Before I look at individual Toyota model reliability, I've listed the top ten automakers and the Consumer Reports ranking score for each.

• Lexus 75
• Toyota 72
• Mazda 59 
• Acura 57
• Honda 55
• Buick 47
• BMW 46
• Subaru 46
• Nissan 45
• Mercedes-Benz 43

As you can see, Toyota and Lexus are far above the rest of the automakers. 

Why are Lexus and Toyota so far ahead of the rest?

"Brands like Lexus and Toyota have a history of conservative redesigns, incrementally improving their entire product line, rather than introducing many all-new systems," says Consumer Reports' senior automotive data analyst Steven Elek.

Toyota typically doesn't make new model splashes like other automakers. Instead, they have its traditional lineup of cars, SUVs, and trucks that are "tried and true" models for the large Japanese automaker. 

They only add a few all-new models to their lineup. Instead, they focus on giving their existing model lineup calculated and incremental improvements. Some successful models will stay the same with few changes from year to year. 

You'll notice that car brands like Hyundai and Kia are missing from the top ten list. They tend to make new model changes and add new nameplates to their lineup more often. Hyundai is ranked #17, and Kia is ranked #19 out of 26 car brands regarding reliability. 

Which Toyota models are the most reliable?

• 4Runner - 87/100 predicted liability
• Camry Hybrid - 87/100
• Camry -86/100 
• Prius - 84/100
• RAV4 - 80/100
• Corolla Hatchback - 79/100
• Sequoia - 76/100
• Venza - 72/100
• Highlander - 69/100
• Tacoma - 65/100
• Sienna - 52/100
• Tundra - 30/100

This is not a complete list of all Toyota nameplates, but it gives you an idea of the top model rankings. 

Which are Consumer Reports' best used Toyota vehicles?

CR says the 2021 Toyota Corolla Hybrid is the best hybrid under $20,000.

What does CR say about the Corolla Hybrid?

• Price Range:  $17,150 - $22,000
• Owner Reported MPG:  53 mpg

CR says, "The Corolla sedan has a well-deserved reputation for its combination of frugal pricing, impressive fuel efficiency, solid reliability, and generous standard safety features. The value quotient is heightened with the hybrid; in our tests, it returned a stunning 48 mpg overall." 

"The second year of this generation brought several enhancements that add appeal to the 2021 model year and the more recent ones. Android Auto was added to the existing Apple Carplay and Amazon Alexa compatibility, bringing a welcomed convenience for using a phone for calls, music, and navigation. Plus, it gained rear side airbags, bringing the airbag total to 10. Rear cross-traffic warning (RCTW) and blind spot warning (BSW) were standard only on top trims and optional on lower trims."

CR says the 2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is the best SUV hybrid under $20,000.

What does CR say about the RAV4 Hybrid?

• Price Range:  $16,250 - $21,275
• Owner Reported MPG:  33 mpg

CR says, "Technically, the third-generation RAV4 started with the 2013 model year, but it was only with the midlife update in 2016 that the desirable hybrid was introduced. The entire RAV4 range was updated for 2016, with freshened styling, a quieter cabin, a smoother ride, added safety features, and the new hybrid version." 

"That hybrid powertrain brought almost 20 more horsepower, resulting in punchier low-speed acceleration than the regular four-cylinder engine while delivering eight more mpg in our tests. Based on our member surveys, the 2017 and 2018 model years saw added features and trim levels, and reliability climbed from above average to well above average. Any version from this half-generation is a smart choice, but those last two years are the ones to prioritize in your used-car hunting."

CR says the 2015 Toyota Tacoma is the best pickup truck under $20,000.

What does CR say about the Toyota Tacoma? 

• Price Range:  $14,825 - $21,875
• Owner Reported MPG:  20 mpg

CR says, "The 2015 Tacoma marked the end of the second-generation run. Yes, this iconic truck has some compromises, like clumsy handling and an odd driving position better suited for shorter drivers, but as a used vehicle, its capabilities and dependability shine. It's especially competent off-road or towing when equipped with the trail-ready four-wheel drive and the punchy V6 engine." 

"A few configurations are available, including a four-cylinder engine, standard cab, and extended cab. Several trims layer in equipment and elevate skills, such as the TRD Off-Road configuration with its fortified suspension. All benefit from the practical, rustproof composite bed. The Tacoma was freshened in 2012, providing buyers with several similar model years to consider without looking to the more recent and costly third generation."

Japanese automakers rise to the top. 

When you take out the luxury brand rankings, the Japanese automakers take the top five mainstream car brand spots. Here are the top ten mainstream automakers. 

• Toyota 72
• Mazda 59 
• Honda 55
• Subaru 46
• Nissan 45
• Volkswagen 41
• Hyundai 38
• Chevrolet 38
• Kia 38
• Ford 36

Do you have a Toyota or other Japanese vehicle that's been the most reliable? If so, click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know which model.

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Writer since 2012. I’ve invested over 13 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role, working with every major car brand. I am an experienced Rocky Mountain Automotive Press member. You'll find my expert Subaru analysis here. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Toyota