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| Boilerpipe Text | UpdatedÂ
Dec 19, 2024
Karl is a Senior Editor at CarBuzz and first joined the company as a freelancer in 2019. After graduating as a copywriter and studying journalism, his early work life included stints in television scriptwriting and digital marketing. While this period helped hone his writing skills, it had far too little to do with cars. Karl never gave up on the desire to work in the automotive realm, and his Escalade-sized car magazine collection was a constant reminder of that goal. Later, he chased down the then-editor of a major motoring publication on social media, leading to his first motoring news story being published in print.Â
Before CarBuzz, he spent nights writing automotive articles for various sites, including Porsche Hangout and Foreign Affairs Motorsport, the latter a Florida-based repair shop. A permanent move into the automotive industry followed, and today, Karl covers everything from model reviews to features and how-to guides, while he has represented CarBuzz at global launches for
models like the Lexus RZ
and Audi SQ8. He also worked in CarBuzz’s news division and enjoys both the excitement of a breaking news story and the opportunity to delve more deeply into niche motoring topics. Karl credits the unlikely combination of a family-owned Mazda 626 and BMW 7 Series from the 1980s for cementing his passion for cars. He has an equal appreciation for cheap, economical runabouts and high-priced exotics, believing that almost any car serves a useful purpose. After many years behind the wheel of small, sporty hatchbacks, Karl is now trying to keep the rapidly shrinking wagon segment alive with his Volvo V50 T5.
Sign in to your
CarBuzz
account
It's not easy to find modern cars that are both cheap and reliable. Vehicles like the
Lexus GX
, certain Ford Super Duty pickups, and Toyota Land Cruiser are known to rack up extremely high miles over many years, but none are cheap to buy new. Many of the
cars that last longest
tend to be larger, too, owing to generally hardier components and engines, but they rule out the value proposition unless you buy a much older version.
To that end, we've assembled ten smaller cars that will likely last many years without breaking the bank. Most of these are thoroughly rational purchases, so don't expect the best styling, finishes, or technologies, but they all offer stellar reliability records and widespread availability, making them great choices for anyone on a budget.
Our list limits entries to two per brand (Toyota and Honda would otherwise dominate), to a maximum price of $30k, and no older than the 2020 model year. We've used
J.D. Power's
"
Quality & Reliability
" rating as the benchmark and ordered them from lowest to highest.
11
2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Rating:76/100
Ian Wright/CarBuzz/Valnet
Feature
Details
Starting price
$29,330
Engine
2.0-liter 4-cylinder
Horsepower
181 hp
Torque
151 lb-ft
Sports cars are not typically top of mind for long-term reliability, but the
MX-5 Miata
- which starts just under $30,000 - has always bucked this trend.
Over the years, Mazda has resisted adding complex turbocharged engines, dual-clutch transmissions, and unnecessary technologies to the small convertible, which explains why you have to go all the way back to the 2019 model year to find a single recall for the Miata. For that model year, one of the problems was a software issue with the automatic transmission, so we recommend springing for the manual if you want the simplest, most engaging, and most reliable ownership experience.
Mazda ranked seventh out of 30 automakers for reliability by
Consumer Reports
last year, so the MX-5 is a top choice for sports car thrills without the scary repair bills.
Related
Mazda Keeps The 2025 MX-5 Miata Under $30k For At Least One More Year
The 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata gets a 35th Anniversary model and new paint. Mazda isn't messing with perfection.
10
2025 Toyota RAV4
Rating: 80/100
Toyota
Feature
Details
Starting price
$28,850
Engine
2.5-liter 4-cylinder
Horsepower
203 hp
Torque
184 lb-ft
A starting price of $28,850 for a new RAV4 LE may not be dirt cheap, but you can easily pick up a lightly used example for less than that. Like the Corolla, the base
RAV4
has a naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine; it makes 203 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, which is more than enough for your morning commute.
No serious recalls have affected the RAV4 in recent years, and while the interior isn't as luxurious as a Mazda CX-5's, it holds up well after extended use.
Consumer Reports
pointed out that RAV4 Hybrids are also very reliable, with the RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid being one of the most reliable new cars in the agency's survey, but expect them to
receive a name change very soon
.
9
2025 Honda Civic
Rating: 82/100
Honda
Feature
Details
Starting price
$24,250
Engine
2.0-liter 4-cylinder
Horsepower
158 hp
Torque
138 lb-ft
A "great" quality and reliability rating from J.D. Power, brilliant build quality, and a starting price of $24,250 make the
Honda Civic
easy to recommend for value and long-term longevity. Some
Honda Civic generations
are better than others, but it's a nameplate that's as sensible as any other.
The base model's naturally aspirated 2.0-liter engine makes 158 hp and 138 lb-ft, and the K-series mill is proven. The much more energetic turbocharged engine is also known to be reliable. As a brand,
Consumer Reports
rated Honda as one of the top five for reliability in 2023.
Related
2025 Honda Civic Hybrid Is Light On Gas And Your Wallet
Honda has revealed pricing and fuel economy figures for the 2025 Civic Sedan. Here's what you need to know.
8
2022 Honda CR-V
Rating: 82/100
Honda
Feature
Details
Average Used Price
$22,000-$35,000
Engine
1.5-liter Turbocharged 4-cylinder
Horsepower
190 hp
Torque
179 lb-ft
Although its quality and reliability rating is very good but not best-in-class, few would disagree that the
CR-V
has a high chance of lasting for many years. According to an
iSeeCars study
, the CR-V is one of the few compact crossovers that has a high chance of hitting a quarter-million miles, and we have no doubt they can go much longer.
Honda's solid build quality is legendary, and the CR-V has had hardly any recalls to its name over the last four or so years. The 2025 CR-V may be a bit too much for this exercise, but a slightly used version should still come in under $30,000, with the previous generation
costing even less
. As per
Consumer Reports
, Honda is one of the most reliable brands.
7
2025 Toyota Corolla
Rating: 83/100
Toyota
Feature
Details
Starting price
$22,175
Engine
2.0-liter 4-cylinder
Horsepower
169 hp
Torque
151 lb-ft
The poster child for automotive reliability, the 2025
Toyota Corolla
, starts at a very reasonable $22,175 for the regular version or $23,625 for the Hybrid LE. The gas-only model only produces 169 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque and keeps things simple with no turbocharger.
The current generation of the Corolla has been around since 2018, so it's not overloaded with too many alien technologies that can go wrong. Between the 2021 and 2024 model years, there have only been two airbag recalls and none for the mechanicals, and, according to the latest
Consumer Reports brand ranking
for predicted reliability, only Lexus is ranked above Toyota. The model hasn't undergone any serious changes for 2025, but that
just means the value keeps on rolling
.
6
2025 Subaru Crosstrek
Rating: 83/100
SubaruÂ
Feature
Details
Starting Price
$25,695
Engine
2.0-liter Boxer 4-cylinder
Horsepower
152 hp
Torque
145 lb-ft
There are many reliable Subarus who relish hard lives with adventurous families, but the
Crosstrek
is one of the most attainable, with its starting price of just over $25,000. With only 152 hp from the 2.0-liter Boxer four-cylinder engine, you won't be going anywhere in a hurry, but a larger 2.5L mill with 182 hp is available
for just a bit more in 2025
, and we say it's worth the extra dough.
Consumer Reports
ranked Subaru just behind Honda in its list of most reliable brands in 2023, and the Crosstrek has an impressive 83/100 quality and reliability rating from
J.D. Power
. Meanwhile,
RepairPa
l gives the Crosstrek 4.5 out of 5 for reliability, lower than average ownership costs, and a low chance of needing a severe repair.
5
2025 Kia Soul
Rating: 86/100
Kia
Feature
Details
Starting Price
$20,290
Engine
2.0-liter 4-cylinder
Horsepower
147 hp
Torque
132 lb-ft
There's a lot to like about the
Kia Soul
, a cheerful subcompact crossover that starts only a few hundred dollars more than the Forte. The base Soul has the same 2.0-liter engine as the Forte, and it nearly equals its reliability rating too, so while it won't be a speed demon by any means, it's going to get you to your location safely, and with plenty of room for all of your belongings.
Although the 2025 Soul does have a few recalls to its name, none are expected to affect its ability to pack on many miles. Kia's
brilliant warranty
is a bonus if anything goes wrong, and all you'll have to worry about is being the brunt of some of your friend's jokes.
Related
Best Kia Soul Model Years For Reliability
The Kia Soul is accessible, quirky, and practical, all in equal measures – but is it reliable? We find out.
4
2022 Hyundai Accent
Rating: 87/100
Hyundai
Feature
Details
Starting price
$15,000-$20,500
Engine
1.6-liter 4-cylinder
Horsepower
122 hp
Torque
114 lb-ft
Although it was
discontinued after the 2022 model year
, the subcompact Hyundai Accent is a very reliable car, boasting a
J.D. Power
quality and reliability rating of 87/100. Being a budget-minded sedan, the simple 1.6-liter naturally aspirated engine is underpowered but robust, and running costs are appreciably low. We found many sub-$15k examples with low miles; if well maintained, a two- or three-year-old example still has plenty of life left, and we think the
Accent
could be the perfect model for someone who simply wants a decent, cheap vehicle.
3
2021 Nissan Frontier
Rating: 87/100
Nissan
Feature
Details
Starting price range
$20,500-$31,500
Engine
3.8-liter V6
Horsepower
310 hp
Torque
281 lb-ft
An all-new
Frontier
arrived for the 2022 model year, but the new one already has one of the best quality and reliability ratings in its segment. It's the previous-gen D40 Frontier that is a safe bet for long-term ownership and our focus here, however - it was on sale in the USA for over 15 years, more than enough time to iron out any major issues.
It lacked the modern features of many rivals, but this made it easy to fix, and its most recent quality and reliability score was a brilliant 87/100. The V6 engines were also solid, but it was a four-cylinder model
known to reach a million miles
, with the original clutch good for over 800,000 miles.
Alongside the
Tacoma
(which would have made this list if we included more than two models from a single brand), the Nissan can withstand years of abuse before throwing in the towel, and used examples in the low $20k range can easily be found.
Related
America's Most Reliable Midsize Pickup Truck Of The Last 10 Years Is...
We've crunched the numbers and the most reliable midsize pickup sold in America over the last decade is...
2
2024 Kia Forte GT
Rating:89/100
Feature
Details
Starting Price
$24,690
Engine
1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder
Horsepower
201 hp
Torque
185 lb-ft
Think small sedans are dead? Kia sold just under 124,000 Fortes in the USA last year, proving that its combination of value and dependability holds much appeal. Sure, the
Forte
is dead for 2025, but that doesn't mean you can't find plenty of 2024 models still on the lot, and we recommend you try to find yourself a Forte GT model if possible, because it offers 201 horsepower and
an available six-speed manual for cheap
.
Related
2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI vs. 2024 Kia Forte GT: Get A Manual While You Can
Let's compare two of the last affordable performance cars with a manual on offer in the US.
According to
J.D. Power
, the quality and reliability rating of 89/100 for the Forte places it above the Civic and Corolla - and everything else in the segment. Throw in Kia's ten-year/100,000-mile warranty, and you end up with a car that delivers a trouble-free ownership experience.
The only factor that may prevent your Forte from staying in the family for a long time is its
tendency to be stolen
, but Kia has rolled out plenty of fixes to make that less of a concern. |
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Close
# Cheap Reliable Cars: 10 Affordable Cars That Will Last Forever

[](https://carbuzz.com/author/karl-furlong/)
By [Karl Furlong](https://carbuzz.com/author/karl-furlong/)
Updated
Dec 19, 2024
Karl is a Senior Editor at CarBuzz and first joined the company as a freelancer in 2019. After graduating as a copywriter and studying journalism, his early work life included stints in television scriptwriting and digital marketing. While this period helped hone his writing skills, it had far too little to do with cars. Karl never gave up on the desire to work in the automotive realm, and his Escalade-sized car magazine collection was a constant reminder of that goal. Later, he chased down the then-editor of a major motoring publication on social media, leading to his first motoring news story being published in print.
Before CarBuzz, he spent nights writing automotive articles for various sites, including Porsche Hangout and Foreign Affairs Motorsport, the latter a Florida-based repair shop. A permanent move into the automotive industry followed, and today, Karl covers everything from model reviews to features and how-to guides, while he has represented CarBuzz at global launches for [models like the Lexus RZ](https://carbuzz.com/reviews/2023-lexus-rz-first-drive-review-80-miles-short-of-glory/) and Audi SQ8. He also worked in CarBuzz’s news division and enjoys both the excitement of a breaking news story and the opportunity to delve more deeply into niche motoring topics. Karl credits the unlikely combination of a family-owned Mazda 626 and BMW 7 Series from the 1980s for cementing his passion for cars. He has an equal appreciation for cheap, economical runabouts and high-priced exotics, believing that almost any car serves a useful purpose. After many years behind the wheel of small, sporty hatchbacks, Karl is now trying to keep the rapidly shrinking wagon segment alive with his Volvo V50 T5.
[Sign in to your CarBuzz account]()
[Add Us On](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=carbuzz.com "Add Us On")
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Log in
Here is a fact-based summary of the story contents:
Try something different:
Show me the facts
Explain it like I’m 5
Give me a lighthearted recap
It's not easy to find modern cars that are both cheap and reliable. Vehicles like the [Lexus GX](https://carbuzz.com/cars/lexus/gx), certain Ford Super Duty pickups, and Toyota Land Cruiser are known to rack up extremely high miles over many years, but none are cheap to buy new. Many of the [cars that last longest](https://carbuzz.com/features/highest-mileage-cars) tend to be larger, too, owing to generally hardier components and engines, but they rule out the value proposition unless you buy a much older version.
To that end, we've assembled ten smaller cars that will likely last many years without breaking the bank. Most of these are thoroughly rational purchases, so don't expect the best styling, finishes, or technologies, but they all offer stellar reliability records and widespread availability, making them great choices for anyone on a budget.
Our list limits entries to two per brand (Toyota and Honda would otherwise dominate), to a maximum price of \$30k, and no older than the 2020 model year. We've used *J.D. Power's* "[Quality & Reliability](https://www.jdpower.com/cars/ratings)" rating as the benchmark and ordered them from lowest to highest.
## 11 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata
### Rating:76/100
- 
2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata Brown Front View
Ian Wright/CarBuzz/Valnet
- 
2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata Top Down
Mazda
- 
2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata Roof Down Gold Side
Ian Wright/CarBuzz/Valnet
- 
2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata Roof Down Gold Rear Angle
Ian Wright/CarBuzz/Valnet
- 
2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata Black Interior Dashboard
Ian Wright/CarBuzz/Valnet
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
Close
- 
2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata Brown Front View
Ian Wright/CarBuzz/Valnet
- 
2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata Top Down
Mazda
- 
2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata Roof Down Gold Side
Ian Wright/CarBuzz/Valnet
- 
2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata Roof Down Gold Rear Angle
Ian Wright/CarBuzz/Valnet
- 
2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata Black Interior Dashboard
Ian Wright/CarBuzz/Valnet
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Starting price | \$29,330 |
| Engine | 2\.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 181 hp |
| Torque | 151 lb-ft |
Sports cars are not typically top of mind for long-term reliability, but the [MX-5 Miata](https://carbuzz.com/cars/mazda/mx-5-miata/#performance) - which starts just under \$30,000 - has always bucked this trend.
Over the years, Mazda has resisted adding complex turbocharged engines, dual-clutch transmissions, and unnecessary technologies to the small convertible, which explains why you have to go all the way back to the 2019 model year to find a single recall for the Miata. For that model year, one of the problems was a software issue with the automatic transmission, so we recommend springing for the manual if you want the simplest, most engaging, and most reliable ownership experience.
Mazda ranked seventh out of 30 automakers for reliability by *Consumer Reports* last year, so the MX-5 is a top choice for sports car thrills without the scary repair bills.

Related
##### [Mazda Keeps The 2025 MX-5 Miata Under \$30k For At Least One More Year](https://carbuzz.com/2025-mazda-mx-5-miata-revealed-pricing/ "Mazda Keeps The 2025 MX-5 Miata Under $30k For At Least One More Year")
The 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata gets a 35th Anniversary model and new paint. Mazda isn't messing with perfection.
Posts
By [Evan Williams](https://carbuzz.com/author/evan-williams/ "Posts by Evan Williams")
Dec 6, 2024
## 10 2025 Toyota RAV4
### Rating: 80/100
- 
Motion shot of 2025 Toyota RAV4
Toyota
- 
2025 Toyota RAV4 driving, front 3/4 angle
Toyota
- 
Toyota RAV4 front three-quarter
Toyota
- 
Toyota RAV4 engine close-up
Toyota
- 
2025 Toyota RAV4 interior dashboard close-up
Toyota
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
Close
- 
Motion shot of 2025 Toyota RAV4
Toyota
- 
2025 Toyota RAV4 driving, front 3/4 angle
Toyota
- 
Toyota RAV4 front three-quarter
Toyota
- 
Toyota RAV4 engine close-up
Toyota
- 
2025 Toyota RAV4 interior dashboard close-up
Toyota
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Starting price | \$28,850 |
| Engine | 2\.5-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 203 hp |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft |
A starting price of \$28,850 for a new RAV4 LE may not be dirt cheap, but you can easily pick up a lightly used example for less than that. Like the Corolla, the base [RAV4](https://carbuzz.com/cars/toyota/rav4/2025/) has a naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine; it makes 203 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, which is more than enough for your morning commute.
No serious recalls have affected the RAV4 in recent years, and while the interior isn't as luxurious as a Mazda CX-5's, it holds up well after extended use. *Consumer Reports* pointed out that RAV4 Hybrids are also very reliable, with the RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid being one of the most reliable new cars in the agency's survey, but expect them to [receive a name change very soon](https://carbuzz.com/my2025-toyota-rav4-prius-phev-updates/).
## 9 2025 Honda Civic
### Rating: 82/100
- 
2025 Honda Civic Sedan speeding with the headlights on
Honda
- 
2025 Honda Civic Sedan passenger seat view
Honda
- 
2025 Honda Civic Sedan hero shot
Honda
- 
2025 Honda Civic Sedan rear 3/4
Honda
- 
2025 Honda Civic Sedan side view
Honda
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
Close
- 
2025 Honda Civic Sedan speeding with the headlights on
Honda
- 
2025 Honda Civic Sedan passenger seat view
Honda
- 
2025 Honda Civic Sedan hero shot
Honda
- 
2025 Honda Civic Sedan rear 3/4
Honda
- 
2025 Honda Civic Sedan side view
Honda
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Starting price | \$24,250 |
| Engine | 2\.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 158 hp |
| Torque | 138 lb-ft |
A "great" quality and reliability rating from J.D. Power, brilliant build quality, and a starting price of \$24,250 make the [Honda Civic](https://carbuzz.com/cars/honda/civic-sedan/) easy to recommend for value and long-term longevity. Some [Honda Civic generations](https://carbuzz.com/features/best-and-worst-years-for-honda-civic) are better than others, but it's a nameplate that's as sensible as any other.
The base model's naturally aspirated 2.0-liter engine makes 158 hp and 138 lb-ft, and the K-series mill is proven. The much more energetic turbocharged engine is also known to be reliable. As a brand, *Consumer Reports* rated Honda as one of the top five for reliability in 2023.

Related
##### [2025 Honda Civic Hybrid Is Light On Gas And Your Wallet](https://carbuzz.com/2025-honda-civic-hybrid-light-on-gas-wallet/ "2025 Honda Civic Hybrid Is Light On Gas And Your Wallet")
Honda has revealed pricing and fuel economy figures for the 2025 Civic Sedan. Here's what you need to know.
Posts
[1](https://carbuzz.com/2025-honda-civic-hybrid-light-on-gas-wallet/#threads "Total Posts")
By [Jarryd Neves](https://carbuzz.com/author/jarryd-neves/ "Posts by Jarryd Neves")
Jun 13, 2024
## 8 2022 Honda CR-V
### Rating: 82/100
- 
2025 Honda CR-V Exterior Front
Honda
- 
Honda CR-V in blue, parked in front of lake.
Honda
- 
2025 Honda CR-V Exterior Front Red 3/4
Honda
- 
2025 Honda CR-V Exterior Rear 3/4
Honda
- 
2025 Honda CR-V Interior
Honda
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
Close
- 
2025 Honda CR-V Exterior Front
Honda
- 
Honda CR-V in blue, parked in front of lake.
Honda
- 
2025 Honda CR-V Exterior Front Red 3/4
Honda
- 
2025 Honda CR-V Exterior Rear 3/4
Honda
- 
2025 Honda CR-V Interior
Honda
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Average Used Price | \$22,000-\$35,000 |
| Engine | 1\.5-liter Turbocharged 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 190 hp |
| Torque | 179 lb-ft |
Although its quality and reliability rating is very good but not best-in-class, few would disagree that the [CR-V](https://carbuzz.com/cars/honda/cr-v/) has a high chance of lasting for many years. According to an [iSeeCars study](https://www.iseecars.com/longest-lasting-cars-study), the CR-V is one of the few compact crossovers that has a high chance of hitting a quarter-million miles, and we have no doubt they can go much longer.
Honda's solid build quality is legendary, and the CR-V has had hardly any recalls to its name over the last four or so years. The 2025 CR-V may be a bit too much for this exercise, but a slightly used version should still come in under \$30,000, with the previous generation [costing even less](https://carbuzz.com/video/why-you-should-only-buy-a-2019-model-year-honda-cr-v-used/). As per *Consumer Reports*, Honda is one of the most reliable brands.
## 7 2025 Toyota Corolla
### Rating: 83/100
- 
2024 Toyota Corolla sedan driving
Toyota
- 
2025 Toyota Corolla Sedan Interior
Toyota
- 
2025 Toyota Corolla Sedan Front 3/4
Toyota
- 
2025 Toyota Corolla Sedan Low Front 3/4
Toyota
- 
2025 Toyota Corolla Sedan Top Down
Toyota
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
Close
- 
2024 Toyota Corolla sedan driving
Toyota
- 
2025 Toyota Corolla Sedan Interior
Toyota
- 
2025 Toyota Corolla Sedan Front 3/4
Toyota
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2025 Toyota Corolla Sedan Low Front 3/4
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| Feature | Details |
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| Starting price | \$22,175 |
| Engine | 2\.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 169 hp |
| Torque | 151 lb-ft |
The poster child for automotive reliability, the 2025 [Toyota Corolla](https://carbuzz.com/cars/toyota/corolla/), starts at a very reasonable \$22,175 for the regular version or \$23,625 for the Hybrid LE. The gas-only model only produces 169 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque and keeps things simple with no turbocharger.
The current generation of the Corolla has been around since 2018, so it's not overloaded with too many alien technologies that can go wrong. Between the 2021 and 2024 model years, there have only been two airbag recalls and none for the mechanicals, and, according to the latest [Consumer Reports brand ranking](https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/who-makes-the-most-reliable-cars-a7824554938/) for predicted reliability, only Lexus is ranked above Toyota. The model hasn't undergone any serious changes for 2025, but that [just means the value keeps on rolling](https://carbuzz.com/pricing-2025-toyota-corolla-new-fx-special-edition/).
## 6 2025 Subaru Crosstrek
### Rating: 83/100
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2024 Subaru Crosstrek Sport Exterior front 3/4 parked
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2024 Subaru Crosstrek Blue Front Angle Off-Road Mud Driving
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2024 Subaru Crosstrek Sport Interior front seats
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2024 Subaru Crosstrek Sport Exterior front 3/4 parked
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2024 Subaru Crosstrek Blue Front Angle Off-Road Mud Driving
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2024 Subaru Crosstrek Sport Interior front seats
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2024 Subaru Crosstrek Sport green Exterior front 3/4 stationary
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| Feature | Details |
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| Starting Price | \$25,695 |
| Engine | 2\.0-liter Boxer 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 152 hp |
| Torque | 145 lb-ft |
There are many reliable Subarus who relish hard lives with adventurous families, but the [Crosstrek](https://carbuzz.com/cars/subaru/crosstrek/) is one of the most attainable, with its starting price of just over \$25,000. With only 152 hp from the 2.0-liter Boxer four-cylinder engine, you won't be going anywhere in a hurry, but a larger 2.5L mill with 182 hp is available [for just a bit more in 2025](https://carbuzz.com/pricing-2025-subaru-crosstrek/), and we say it's worth the extra dough.
*Consumer Reports* ranked Subaru just behind Honda in its list of most reliable brands in 2023, and the Crosstrek has an impressive 83/100 quality and reliability rating from *J.D. Power*. Meanwhile, *RepairPa*l gives the Crosstrek 4.5 out of 5 for reliability, lower than average ownership costs, and a low chance of needing a severe repair.
## 5 2025 Kia Soul
### Rating: 86/100
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Front quarter shot of a 2020 Kia Soul
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| Feature | Details |
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| Starting Price | \$20,290 |
| Engine | 2\.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 147 hp |
| Torque | 132 lb-ft |
There's a lot to like about the [Kia Soul](https://carbuzz.com/cars/kia/soul/), a cheerful subcompact crossover that starts only a few hundred dollars more than the Forte. The base Soul has the same 2.0-liter engine as the Forte, and it nearly equals its reliability rating too, so while it won't be a speed demon by any means, it's going to get you to your location safely, and with plenty of room for all of your belongings.
Although the 2025 Soul does have a few recalls to its name, none are expected to affect its ability to pack on many miles. Kia's [brilliant warranty](https://carbuzz.com/features/best-car-warranties-on-the-market-comparing-coverage-across-leading-brands) is a bonus if anything goes wrong, and all you'll have to worry about is being the brunt of some of your friend's jokes.

Related
##### [Best Kia Soul Model Years For Reliability](https://carbuzz.com/best-kia-soul-model-years-for-reliability/ "Best Kia Soul Model Years For Reliability")
The Kia Soul is accessible, quirky, and practical, all in equal measures – but is it reliable? We find out.
Posts
[4](https://carbuzz.com/best-kia-soul-model-years-for-reliability/#threads "Total Posts")
By [Dan Clougher](https://carbuzz.com/author/dan-clougher/ "Posts by Dan Clougher")
Sep 26, 2024
## 4 2022 Hyundai Accent
### Rating: 87/100
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2022 Hyundai Accent Exterior Front/Side
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2022 Hyundai Accent Exterior Rear 3/4
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| Feature | Details |
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| Starting price | \$15,000-\$20,500 |
| Engine | 1\.6-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 122 hp |
| Torque | 114 lb-ft |
Although it was [discontinued after the 2022 model year](https://carbuzz.com/news/say-goodbye-to-three-great-hyundai-models-for-2023/), the subcompact Hyundai Accent is a very reliable car, boasting a *J.D. Power* quality and reliability rating of 87/100. Being a budget-minded sedan, the simple 1.6-liter naturally aspirated engine is underpowered but robust, and running costs are appreciably low. We found many sub-\$15k examples with low miles; if well maintained, a two- or three-year-old example still has plenty of life left, and we think the [Accent](https://carbuzz.com/cars/hyundai/accent/) could be the perfect model for someone who simply wants a decent, cheap vehicle.
## 3 2021 Nissan Frontier
### Rating: 87/100
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A front angle shot of a 2009-2012 Nissan Frontier driving
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| Feature | Details |
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| Starting price range | \$20,500-\$31,500 |
| Engine | 3\.8-liter V6 |
| Horsepower | 310 hp |
| Torque | 281 lb-ft |
An all-new [Frontier](https://carbuzz.com/cars/nissan/frontier/2025/) arrived for the 2022 model year, but the new one already has one of the best quality and reliability ratings in its segment. It's the previous-gen D40 Frontier that is a safe bet for long-term ownership and our focus here, however - it was on sale in the USA for over 15 years, more than enough time to iron out any major issues.
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It lacked the modern features of many rivals, but this made it easy to fix, and its most recent quality and reliability score was a brilliant 87/100. The V6 engines were also solid, but it was a four-cylinder model [known to reach a million miles](https://carbuzz.com/news/million-mile-nissan-frontier-owner-gets-a-nice-surprise), with the original clutch good for over 800,000 miles.
Alongside the [Tacoma](https://carbuzz.com/cars/toyota/tacoma/) (which would have made this list if we included more than two models from a single brand), the Nissan can withstand years of abuse before throwing in the towel, and used examples in the low \$20k range can easily be found.

Related
##### [America's Most Reliable Midsize Pickup Truck Of The Last 10 Years Is...](https://carbuzz.com/2019-nissan-frontier-americas-most-reliable-midsize-pickup-truck-10-years/ "America's Most Reliable Midsize Pickup Truck Of The Last 10 Years Is...")
We've crunched the numbers and the most reliable midsize pickup sold in America over the last decade is...
Posts
[8](https://carbuzz.com/2019-nissan-frontier-americas-most-reliable-midsize-pickup-truck-10-years/#threads "Total Posts")
By [Roger Biermann](https://carbuzz.com/author/roger-biermann/ "Posts by Roger Biermann")
Sep 12, 2024
## 2 2024 Kia Forte GT
### Rating:89/100
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Starting Price | \$24,690 |
| Engine | 1\.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 201 hp |
| Torque | 185 lb-ft |
Think small sedans are dead? Kia sold just under 124,000 Fortes in the USA last year, proving that its combination of value and dependability holds much appeal. Sure, the [Forte](https://carbuzz.com/cars/kia/forte/) is dead for 2025, but that doesn't mean you can't find plenty of 2024 models still on the lot, and we recommend you try to find yourself a Forte GT model if possible, because it offers 201 horsepower and [an available six-speed manual for cheap](https://www.hotcars.com/2022-kia-forte-gt-review-a-great-daily-with-a-better-price-tag/).

Related
##### [2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI vs. 2024 Kia Forte GT: Get A Manual While You Can](https://carbuzz.com/jetta-gli-vs-kia-forte-gt-manual-comparison/ "2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI vs. 2024 Kia Forte GT: Get A Manual While You Can")
Let's compare two of the last affordable performance cars with a manual on offer in the US.
Posts
By [Lou Cataldo](https://carbuzz.com/author/lou-cataldo/ "Posts by Lou Cataldo")
Jun 25, 2024
According to *J.D. Power*, the quality and reliability rating of 89/100 for the Forte places it above the Civic and Corolla - and everything else in the segment. Throw in Kia's ten-year/100,000-mile warranty, and you end up with a car that delivers a trouble-free ownership experience.
The only factor that may prevent your Forte from staying in the family for a long time is its [tendency to be stolen](https://carbuzz.com/news/kia-finally-develops-physical-solution-to-tiktok-thefts), but Kia has rolled out plenty of fixes to make that less of a concern.
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