40 Cars That Will Last 250,000 Miles – Covering That Many Miles Is Barely A Challenge For These Cars
One of the biggest challenges of buying a vehicle is knowing how far it can take you. Some vehicles have reputations for going 300,000 miles without a problem, while others are lucky to reach the end of their 100,000-mile warranty. Which kind of vehicles would you prefer? This list will show you the most reliable vehicles you can own. These vehicles laugh at the idea of only going 250,000 miles.
From Subarus to Toyotas, the vehicles you're about to see will always get you where you're trying to go. Keep reading to find out more!
The Subaru Forester Is Still The King Of The Road
Introduced in Japan in 1997, the Subaru Forester is one of the most reliable SUVs on the road. It has twice been awarded Motor Trends coveted SUV of the Year award and was named Car Connection's Best Car to Buy in 2014.
With minimal maintenance, the Forester will easily go more than 250,000 miles. We wouldn't be surprised if it even takes your far beyond 300,000, the benchmark for the most reliable SUVs. This reputation for reliability is one of the reasons Subaru is one of the world's most trusted auto brands.
The Volkswagon Passat Built Its Reputation On Reliability
You know the Passat has a great reputation since it's been around since 1973! Currently in its eighth generation, Volkswagon's flagship model has stood the test of time. Proving it's worth every penny, Motor Trend named the Passat the 2012 Car of the Year.
With two variants to choose from, there has never been a better time to jump on the Passat bandwagon. Whether you choose the sedan or the hatchback, you won't have to worry about engine problems for a long time. Experts estimate this model can get up to 250,000 miles in its lifetime.
The Lexus RX 350 Is The Most Reliable Car In Its Class
Considered the most reliable car in the luxury SUV class, the Lexus RX 350 will get you where you want to go and back multiple times. Available as a traditional gas car or a hybrid, the powerful vehicle comes with up to 275 horsepower!
The name RX stands for "Radiant Crossover." The Lexus RX has been available since 1998 and was originally based on the Toyota Highlander. Lexus, of course, is the luxury branch of the Japanese automaker.
The Honda CR-V Got a Facelift In 2017
Humbly beginning as an SUV version of the Civic, Honda introduced a brand new version of the CR-V in 2017. It was the fifth iteration of the flagship vehicle, which continues to take its inspiration from Honda's compact sedan.
In 2023, Honda saw sales of the CR-V reach 361,457 cars in the United States alone! The crossover's massive popularity is no doubt related to its reliability ratings, which put it at the top of its vehicular class.
The Original Off-Road Beast
What can we say about the Jeep Wrangler that hasn't already been said before? The most popular Jeep model is also the most reliable and the most fun. Designed for off-road adventures, you can take the road less traveled for 250,000 miles easily.
One look at the Wrangler, and you know what you're buying. You won't be commuting to work or hauling lumber in this machine. It will be your new weekend vehicle as you explore nature, looking for new amazing views.
Reliability Is The Selling Point Of The Lexus ES 350
Lexus went all in on reliability when the company designed the latest generation of its ES model. Going more than 250,000 miles is no problem for this car, doing it in a timely manner is another issue, however.
Despite how reliable the ES is, it was noted upon its release for having underwhelming power, subpar performance, and boring design.
The Toyota Camry Has Been Getting Families There Since 1982
The Toyota Camry is known as a 300,000-mile car. When you buy one, it will be with you for decades. These cars run forever and have been one of the most popular cars in the country for nearly 40 years as a result.
Camrys are also one of the safest cars on the road. They come equipped with Toyota Safety Sense, a pre-collision system that has been praised for its lane departure warning and pedestrian detection warning abilities.
The Toyota 4Runner Hasn't Needed To Change In A Decade
The fifth generation of the Toyota 4Runner was introduced in 2009. Since then, features have been added, but the basic SUV hasn't changed. It's just that reliable and safe. Most recently, Toyota added its Safety Sense System to the vehicle.
Since its introduction in 1994, sales have only gone up for the 4Runner. In 2023, Toyota sold 109,2514Runners.
The Infiniti QX70 Is Nissan's Most Reliable Luxury Vehicle
Nissan attempted to create a reliable luxury SUV with the Inifiniti QX70, and they hit a home run. The mid-size vehicle was made between 2003 and 2017 and is designed on the same platform as the Nissan Altima.
For years, the QX70 was one of the best-selling luxury SUVs on the market. By 2013, however, market interest declined, and Infiniti sold just over 3,000 units. They kept the SUV alive for four more years before finally admitting defeat in 2017. That makes the SUV a great, reliable option to find on the used market!
Lincoln Town Cars Will Be On The Road Forever
Next to the Crown Victoria, there may not be a more recognizable car on the road than the Lincoln Town Car. Did you know these uber-reliable cars were discontinued in 2011? We had no idea considering how many we still see on the road today!
Despite its incredible reliability, sales of the Lincoln Town Car took a nose dive at the turn of the century. In 2011, only 9,460 units were sold. That's a steep decline from the 84,629 units sold in 1999.
It's Named The Nissan Titan For A Reason
First introduced in 2003, the Nissan Titan received its first big facelift in 2016 in a move that more than doubled its year-to-year sales. Not the biggest seller, Nissan must have been ecstatic when sales jumped from 21,880 in 2016 to 52,924 in 2017.
Part of the reason for the increased popularity was the introduction of a new, more powerful engine than the previous generation. Add that to the truck's reputation for reliability, and it's clear Nissan solved their problem of consumer interest against stiff competition from Ford and Chevrolet.
The Chevrolet Silverado Is Its Price In Gas
Let's be honest, you won't be saving any money if you buy a 250,000-mile truck; they're gas guzzlers. If you're okay with that, you can't do much better than the Chevrolet Silverado. Competing at the top end of the market against Ford, this Chevy truck rates just a little better.
What's really important is how hard you can be on this beast. The perfect truck for cowboys or off-road enthusiasts, the Silverado can take a beating and keep on driving.
The Honda Odyssey Is The Perfect Family Van
When you have a family, there is no minivan more reliable than the Honda Odyssey. With three rows of seating and plenty of power, the Odyssey won't leave you stranded. Since its first release, it has won several Car and Driver awards.
Introduced in 1994, it took a few years for sales to pick up steam. In 2000, it was firmly established as the country's go-to minivan, selling 126,000 units.
The Acura RDX Was Built To Be Better
When Acura decided to jump into the luxury SUV market, they took a big leap, releasing the RDX to universal praise. The SUV was built from the ground up, without using another model's platform to inspire the company's engineers.
The third-generation RDX was released in 2019 and today comes fully loaded with several tantalizing standard features. You can get to wherever you're going in style in Acura's first luxury SUV, an automobile they made sure to be built better than the rest.
The Chevrolet Impala Is A Reliable Used Option
The Impala is Chevrolet's on-again-off-again model that is currently on the market and making a big splash. The newest generation of Impala was introduced in 2014 during a period of renaissance for the American car maker.
In the last decade, Chevrolet has become one of the go-to automakers for reliable cars. Watch any of their advertisements, and see for yourself how many awards they have won. It makes sense, then, that the re-introduction of the Impala in 2013 would come with increased reliability and safety features. Production of the Impala has ended, but this vehicle is a solid used option if you come across one.
The Toyota Corolla Is Old Reliable
Few cars have the reputation for reliability that the Toyota Corolla has. Forget the idea of a 250,000-mile car when it comes to this compact stalwart; it should get you closer to 400,000.
The twelfth-generation Corolla comes in three versions: a hatchback, a sedan, and a station wagon. Its versatility makes it the perfect reliable car for a small family. Once the brood gets too big, though, it'll be time to upgrade to the Honda Odyssey, which you've already seen on this list.
The Scion xB Should Have Been A Bigger Deal
Scion was Toyota's attempt to cater to a younger car-buying crowd. For years, the brand catered toward twenty-somethings, and the xB was the perfect affordable car to buy for new families. It quickly built up a reputation as the Energizer Bunny of cars.
Unfortunately, the plug was pulled on Scion in 2015. With sagging overall sales, Toyota discontinued the offshoot brand. The good news is the xB is still available. Toyota rebranded the car as the Corolla iM in 2017.
The Mazda6 Is Steady Until The End
If you own a Mazda6, then you know just how reliable this car is. What you might not notice is that you've gone more than 250,000 miles with how steady its performance is. It's safe to say Mazda knew what they were doing with this mid-size sedan.
While not spectacular, sales for the Mazda6 stayed relatively steady throughout its production life. During its production, the Mazda6 has averaged around 40,000 units sold per year, making it one of the more popular sedans on this list. In 2024, Mazda surprisingly discontinued the Mazda6.
The Toyota Sequoia Can Handle The Worst Conditions
The Toyota Sequoia can take you around the world if you wanted it to without any problem. It also comes ready for the worst you can throw at it; like not driving it at all. If you don't drive yours for months at a time, that's okay, it will start up like new when you're ready!
The key to the Sequoia's success is to keep it up to date on its maintenance. If you treat it nicely under the hood, it will treat you nicely on, or off the beaten path.
The Honda Civic Is a Blank Canvas of Reliability
The oldest car on our list, the Honda Civic was first introduced to the world in 1972. Since then, no other vehicle has been more important to the Honda brand. Popular for its reputation for reliability, over 300,000 cars were sold in the United States in 2018.
In 2016, the Civic received a huge facelift, taking on a sportier look. The new look, while controversial, sparked a huge increase in sales to the number listed above. The bold look was a gamble that paid off for Honda. Buying a Civic, however, is one of the safest gambles you can make.
The Ford F-250 Super Duty Is Super Reliable
Ford knocked reliability out of the park when they introduced the F-250 Super Duty. A true creation of the saying, "built Ford tough," the Super Duty will get you where you're going while carrying all the luggage you need.
This truck was built for work and can handle any load you can challenge it with. With proper maintenance, there is no reason one of these trucks will take you less than 250,000. The only downside is how much gas these can guzzle.
The Ford F-150 Is No Slouch Either
The Ford F-150 is a great choice if you're looking for a truck that's more gas-friendly than the F-250 and just as reliable. Dubbed "America's workhorse," this truck is one of the company's flagship vehicles.
More affordable than its higher-numbered relatives, the F-150 is Ford's most popular truck model. It can be used as both a work truck and a commuter truck, and you won't have to worry about buying a new truck for a few hundred thousand miles.
Honda Tested The Limits Of Size With The Pilot
Honda wasn't worried about size when it released the Pilot in 2002. It was and still is the biggest SUV available from Honda, with three rows of seating and excellent performance.
To make the Pilot such a reliable SUV, Honda based it on the same platform as the Odyssey, its best-selling minivan. In 2010, the Honda Crosstour challenged the Pilot in size but came up short. Well, the Crosstour is actually longer than the Pilot, just not bigger.
Few Cars Are Smarter Than The Chevy Equinox
If you want a reliable car that's as smart as they come, look no further than the Chevy Equinox. Released around the time of Chevy's new age renaissance, the Equinox has led the tech charge.
The car comes loaded with standard features, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The cabin stays quiet when you're on the freeway, too, making it the perfect family car. And like every other car on this list, the Equinox will last until long after you don't think you need it anymore.
The Saab 9000 Is Surprisingly Reliable
Overall, Saab has never had the best reputation for reliability. Despite being "made from jet parts," Saab owners know all too well how quickly maintenance costs add up. It's surprising to see the Saab 9000 on this list, then, but it's earned its place.
Unfortunately, Saab no longer makes its most reliable model. If you wanted to own one yourself, you'd have to look on the used market. The good news is that even with a few miles on its engine, this is still a great car to own.
The Toyota Land Cruiser Gives You The Best Bang For Your Buck
Are you looking for an off-road vehicle but don't want to buy a Jeep? If that sounds like you, then it's time to look into buying a Toyota Land Cruiser. Already known for producing the world's most reliable SUVs, the Land Cruiser is also one of the most fun.
Classic Land Cruisers today can be found for reasonable prices. Or you can buy a brand new one that matches old school reliability with new school miles per gallon efficiency.
The Toyota Prius Is As Good As Advertised
When Toyota first released the Prius, consumers weren't sure what to make of the gas/electric hybrid. Luckily, because of that reputation for reliability, we keep talking about, Toyota fans gave it a chance and were blown away.
Since then, the Prius has become even more reliable, and maintenance costs have gone down. The only disappointing part of the Prius is that its battery gets over negative grades. It's much cheaper to replace a battery a few times than an engine, though!
Don't Call The VW Golf Cute
Okay, we totally lied, you can call the VW Golf cute if you want. This super compact car is one of the most reliable options on the market and perfect for the young person on the go.
And if you're worried about sacrificing power for size, don't be. With its turbocharged engine, the Golf has plenty of power to get you where you're going with plenty of time to spare. What are you waiting for? Go buy one!
The World's Best Family Vehicle
The Toyota Sienna is one of the world's best family fans. It's also one of the most reliable. This van will easily take you and your loved ones 300,000 miles or more. It's efficient on gas and cheap to maintain, too!
Of all the vans featured on this list so far, the Sienna might be the best one. It might also be the best looking one! Toyota really knew what they were doing when they discontinued the Previa and made the Sienna their flagship family van.
The Toyota Highlander Can Run Up The Miles
Are you starting to understand why Toyota is known for its reliability? This is the Toyota Highlander, and by including it here, we are close to being out of Toyota vehicles. The Highlander can be purchased as a gas guzzler or a hybrid.
Whichever version you buy, you'll get an incredibly long-lasting SUV that you can taxi your family or work in. It also has one of the most reliable engines available on the market.
The Ford Taurus Is A Classic For A Reason
Sadly, the Ford Taurus was discontinued in 2019, but used versions of this model are still a reliable choice.
The best part about owning a Taurus is that it should get you to 250,000 miles with ease. Part of the reason this model has stayed popular for so long is because it has a reputation for staying on the road and being a long-lasting investment.
The Name Legacy Is Much More Than Just A Name
The Subaru Legacy is like the Energizer Bunny. It just keeps going, and going, and going. Equipped with the most reliable engine on the market, maintenance costs stay low on the Legacy while the miles rack up.
Did we mention it's also one of the best-looking sedans out there? While Toyota and Honda tend to get all the love, Subaru is doing its best to bring new and visually appealing designs to the automobile market.
The Hyundai Elantra Brought The Company A Whole New Fanbase
The compact car market is exactly that: compacted. The number of choices is overwhelming for new car drivers. If we could make a suggestion, you should look into the Hyundai Elantra. More powerful than most of its competitors, it is also incredibly reliable.
You also won't have to worry about interior space. The Elantra might be compact, but it can comfortably fit five people. And when you go grocery shopping, you'll be happy with all the trunk space you have for all the extra food you accidentally bought.
The Crown Victoria Is Another Classic
Even if you've never heard the name Crown Victoria, you know what these classic police vehicles are. They are some of the most recognizable cars on the road and have been designed that way since they first hit the market.
Because Crown Victorias traditionally are police vehicles, they can go well above 250,000 miles. Some have even been recorded at 500,000 miles with standard maintenance. If you want to own one yourself, they are readily available today on the used market.
This Team Up Helped Create A Masterpiece
Although the two big boys on the truck market are Ford and Chevy, Dodge is no slouch. When the automaker teamed up with Cummins, one of the most reliable trucks on the market was introduced: the Dodge Ram Cummins.
This truck is a powerhouse built to handle the hardest jobs without quitting. Using this as a working vehicle, the Ram Cummins should easily take you 250,000 miles, if not more. Once you buy one, you might not buy another truck again!
The Mercedes-Benz E Class Is Classy
The Mercedes-Benz E Class might seem like a simple redesign at first, but that couldn't be further from the truth. The German automaker completely overhauled its luxury sedan, making sure the car was worth the hefty price tag.
This is one of the rare luxury cars that will last you 250,000 miles and more. Luxury cars can be reliable, too, and this one is perfect proof of that. If you can't afford a brand new one, you can easily find one on the used market.
It Truly Is A Grand Cherokee
One of the best mid-size SUVs on the market is also one of the most reliable. Jeep, like Toyota, has built its reputation on reliability, and it doesn't get much more reliable than the Jeep Grand Cherokee.
The big selling point for the Grand Cherokee isn't its reliability, though. This SUV has power. Like the Wrangler, you can take this bad boy off-road and have the time of your life. You can also use it as a commuter SUV, although its MPG isn't stellar.
A Roadster Like No Other
The first true roadster on this list is also one of the most iconic. The MAZDA MX-5 is a true road warrior! Not only does it get great MPG, it will also get you wherever you're going in a hurry.
The biggest selling point for the MX-5, of course, is its reliability. Mazda wasn't messing around when they developed the Miata's soul sister. Infused with Mazda Skyactiv technology, maintenance is also kept to a minimum, making this a near-perfect car, in our opinion.
You Could Do Worse Than The Nissan Altima
Nissan hasn't gotten enough love on this list. The good news is the Altima is here to fix that. One of the car maker's most popular models, a well-maintained Altima will take you 300,000 miles without breaking a sweat.
Even better news: the Altima comes packed with standard features that would be considered cost additions to other cars. These include blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alerts. Not only is the Altima reliable, but it is also incredibly safe!
The Chevy Malibu Isn't Just For Rich People
The Chevy Malibu is one of the most stylish cars on this list. Chevy pulled out all the stops making sure the award winning winning was a real stunner. Most importantly, the car will get you from point A to point B over and over again, proving its beauty is more than skin deep.
As our headline hints, this car isn't just for the elite. We know it's called the Malibu, and it comes with a luxurious interior, but it's priced fairly for anyone looking for a new vehicle, no matter the income.
