Lexus and Toyota reign supreme in used car reliability

As price-sensitive car shoppers look to their next purchase, many are zeroing in on the used car market for some relief with monthly payments.

Driving the news: Consumer Reports released its first-ever ranking of car brands based on the reliability of their 5-to-10-year-old models. Choosing wisely means consumers can dodge future headaches. 

• Lexus and Toyota lead the list of 26 brands, significantly outpacing Mazda, Acura, and Honda, which round out the top five. 

• Meanwhile, brands like Tesla, Dodge, and Chrysler struggle at the bottom.

See the full ranking at the end of this article.

What they’re saying: "Brands like Lexus and Toyota have a history of conservative redesigns, incrementally improving their entire product line, rather than introducing many all-new systems," said Steven Elek, Consumer Reports’ senior automotive data analyst. “Our data consistently shows over time that cars from those brands are reliable when new and they continue to be reliable as they age.”

Why It Matters: With the average price of a new car hovering around $48,000, many buyers are opting for used vehicles as more budget-friendly alternatives. According to a recent Consumer Reports survey, 40% of Americans in the market for a vehicle over the past year considered only used cars. 

Quick facts:

• Tesla’s low ranking is driven by the 2014-2015 Model S (new and unproven technology at the time).

•  “Multiple owners of 2014-2015 Model S reported requiring replacement of the electric drive motor, battery pack, or infotainment hardware,” Elek says. “It is also possible that these components fail over time, meaning new Teslas have years to go before we know if similar issues occur.”

• Mercedes-Benz ranks 10th, thanks to solid models like the 2017 and 2019 E-Class, which show above-average reliability. However, it ranks 29th in new-car predictions, impacted by recent redesigns and new tech like the MBUX infotainment system.

Reliability isn’t consistent within brands either. While Chevrolet ranks 18th overall, its 2018-2019 Equinox models score above average. 

• In contrast, the entire 2014-2019 Silverado generation suffers from below-average reliability. 

• “This is why it’s best to check the reliability ratings for each model year when buying a used car. Making assumptions can prove both costly and inconvenient,” said Elek. 

Bottom line: As drivers keep their cars for longer, they’re prioritizing models that can withstand the test of time. Acquiring proven performers, scrutinizing model-specific data, and managing higher-risk brands with strategic service and warranty plans will be crucial for dealers.

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