Best Rated Used Car Models

How to choose a reliable used car

Start with the brand ranking, then check the year

Brand averages are a useful filter, not a verdict. Consumer Reports puts Lexus first among used-car brands at 77 points, followed by Toyota at 73, Mazda at 58, Honda at 57, and Acura and BMW at 53. But a single bad model year can sit inside a great brand, so always check the exact year you are buying. The Mazda CX-5 is a good example: strong overall, yet Consumer Reports dropped the 2023 model to 59 out of 100 over infotainment and braking complaints before it recovered in 2024.

Use more than one reliability source

J.D. Power counts problems per 100 vehicles among owners of three-year-old cars — the 2026 study averaged 204 problems per 100 vehicles industry-wide, with Lexus best at 151. Consumer Reports surveys owners of cars up to 25 years old across 20 trouble spots. RepairPal adds average annual repair cost. A model that scores well on all three is a far safer bet than one that tops a single list.

Check the safety rating for that exact year

Reliability and safety move independently. Recent Corollas earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick from 2019 through 2023, while the 2026 model lost it over a marginal rear-passenger score in the updated front test. Confirm the IIHS rating for the exact model year on your shortlist, not the current model.

Budget for the inspection, not just the car

A pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic is the single best money you will spend on a used car. It catches accident repair, worn suspension, tired batteries on hybrids, and neglected transmission service that no reliability ranking can see on an individual car. Walk away from any seller who refuses one.

Read the service history like a story

Regular oil changes at sensible intervals, transmission fluid service where the maker calls for it, and recall work completed on time tell you more about a ten-year-old car than its badge does. A well-kept example of a mid-ranked model usually beats a neglected example of a top-ranked one.

Know which years to avoid inside good models

Every pick in this guide has a weak year somewhere in its history. The CR-V’s 2017–2018 1.5-litre turbo had oil-dilution issues. The 2018 F-150 with the 5.0-litre V8 burned oil heavily, and its PowerBoost hybrid drew Consumer Reports’ worst reliability scores three years running. The model-year ranges in this guide already steer around the worst of these.

Best rated used car models by budget

Detailed reviews: the six best rated used car models

Each model below earned its place by appearing near the top of at least two independent reliability sources. No model here is a single-study wonder.

Best overall value: Toyota Corolla (2018–2021)

Best overall value

Why the Toyota Corolla is our pick

The Corolla is the textbook no-drama compact. It won the Compact Car category in the 2026 J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study, and RepairPal rates its reliability 4.5 out of 5 with an average annual repair bill among the lowest anywhere. Consumer Reports and independent analyses consistently rate these Corollas among the highest for predicted reliability, citing minimal electronics failures and straightforward mechanical designs.

Toyota Corolla key specs

• Model years covered: 2018–2021
• Body styles: sedan and hatchback
• Engines: 1.8-litre four-cylinder; 2.0-litre four-cylinder on later years
• Transmission: CVT automatic; manual available on some trims
• Drivetrain: front-wheel drive
• Safety: IIHS Top Safety Pick, 2019–2023 model years
• J.D. Power 2026 VDS: Compact Car category winner
• RepairPal reliability: 4.5 out of 5
• Known for: examples crossing 200,000-plus miles on routine maintenance

Toyota Corolla: fits and best for

Best for commuters, first-time buyers, and anyone who wants the lowest-maintenance car on this list. The hatchback suits city parking and cargo better than the sedan; the sedan is quieter on the highway. Hybrid variants from these years add fuel economy with the same reputation for durability.

Toyota Corolla pros and watch-outs

Toyota Corolla: what owners report

Toyota Corolla: who should not buy

If you regularly carry three adults in the back or tow anything, look at the Camry or CR-V instead — the Corolla is a small car and it knows it. Drivers who want a fun steer should try the Civic first.

Best midsize sedan: Toyota Camry (2018–2023)

Best midsize sedan

Why the Toyota Camry is our pick

The Camry won the Midsize Car category in the 2026 J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study, and J.D. Power has awarded these models predicted reliability scores above 85 across the board. Consumer Reports data confirms they require among the fewest unscheduled repairs in their class, and the model has a reputation for racking up 300,000 miles in taxi fleets. The 2.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid variant delivers exceptional fuel economy with one of the lowest five-year ownership cost profiles in its class according to Consumer Reports data.

Toyota Camry key specs

• Model years covered: 2018–2023
• Body style: midsize sedan
• Engines: 2.5-litre four-cylinder; 3.5-litre V6; 2.5-litre hybrid
• Transmission: 8-speed automatic; e-CVT on hybrid
• Drivetrain: front-wheel drive
• Safety: full Toyota Safety Sense suite standard from 2018
• J.D. Power 2026 VDS: Midsize Car category winner
• Predicted reliability: above 85 across these years per J.D. Power
• Known for: taxi-fleet longevity and low unscheduled repair rates

Toyota Camry: fits and best for

Best for families and long-distance commuters who want sedan comfort without luxury-car running costs. The hybrid is the pick for high-mileage drivers; the V6 suits buyers who want effortless highway passing and do not mind the fuel bill.

Toyota Camry pros and watch-outs

Toyota Camry: what owners report

Toyota Camry: who should not buy

If you need all-wheel drive or a hatchback, the Camry is the wrong shape — look at the Forester or CR-V. If you want a sporty sedan, the Mazda6 or a Civic Si will make you happier.

Best compact car runner-up: Honda Civic (2016–2021)

Best compact car runner-up

Why the Honda Civic is our pick

Consumer Reports rated the 2021 Civic significantly more reliable than other cars from the same model year, and it earned recognition in J.D. Power’s dependability study. J.D. Power reliability scores for these years hover in the mid-80s, and real-world data shows countless examples crossing 200,000 miles with only routine oil changes and brake service. In Consumer Reports’ 2024 compact reliability survey, the Civic’s rivals trailed it — the Mazda3 sat second behind the Civic.

Honda Civic key specs

• Model years covered: 2016–2021
• Body styles: sedan, coupe, hatchback
• Engines: 2.0-litre four-cylinder; 1.5-litre turbo four-cylinder
• Transmission: CVT automatic; 6-speed manual on some trims
• Drivetrain: front-wheel drive
• Safety: Honda Sensing suite widely available
• J.D. Power reliability: mid-80s scores for these years
• Consumer Reports: 2021 rated significantly above average
• Known for: 200,000-mile examples on routine maintenance

Honda Civic: fits and best for

Best for buyers who want Corolla reliability with more driver involvement. The hatchback is the practical pick, with far more cargo space than the sedan, and the manual gearbox versions are among the most enjoyable affordable used cars.

Honda Civic pros and watch-outs

Honda Civic: what owners report

Honda Civic: who should not buy

If a quiet cabin matters most, the Corolla or Camry will suit you better. If you need all-wheel drive, neither the Civic nor the Corolla from these years offers it — look at the Forester.

Best compact SUV: Honda CR-V (2020–2023)

Best compact SUV

Why the Honda CR-V is our pick

The CR-V consistently tops compact SUV reliability surveys, and the 2020–2023 cars carry the revised calibration that fixed the early oil-dilution issues of the 2017–2018 1.5-litre turbo. It is the default answer for a reason: roomy, efficient, easy to drive, and cheap to keep, with Honda’s dealer and independent network everywhere.

Honda CR-V key specs

• Model years covered: 2020–2023
• Body style: compact SUV
• Engines: 1.5-litre turbo four-cylinder; 2.0-litre hybrid
• Transmission: CVT automatic; e-CVT on hybrid
• Drivetrain: front-wheel or all-wheel drive
• Safety: Honda Sensing standard
• Reliability: consistently top of compact SUV surveys
• Years to avoid: 2017–2018 (1.5T oil dilution)
• Known for: class-leading interior space and resale value

Honda CR-V: fits and best for

Best for small families who need one car to do everything: school run, highway trips, winter weather with all-wheel drive, and flat-pack furniture on weekends. The hybrid is the pick for town-heavy use.

Honda CR-V pros and watch-outs

Honda CR-V: what owners report

Honda CR-V: who should not buy

If you tow regularly or need seven seats, step up to a Highlander or a truck-based SUV. If driving enjoyment is the priority, the CX-5 is the better steer.

Best SUV to drive: Mazda CX-5 (2018–2022)

Best SUV to drive

Why the Mazda CX-5 is our pick

RepairPal calls the CX-5 the most reliable crossover in its class at 4.5 out of 5, with average annual repair costs among the lowest in the segment, and J.D. Power handed the 2020 model an 85 out of 100. The 2021–2022 models wear the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ badge. For anyone bored behind the wheel of a RAV4 or CR-V, the CX-5 is the antidote — the same reliability story with a genuinely enjoyable drive.

Mazda CX-5 key specs

• Model years covered: 2018–2022
• Body style: compact SUV
• Engines: 2.5-litre four-cylinder; 2.5-litre turbo four-cylinder
• Transmission: 6-speed automatic
• Drivetrain: front-wheel or all-wheel drive
• Safety: IIHS Top Safety Pick+ on 2021–2022
• RepairPal reliability: 4.5 out of 5, most reliable crossover in class
• J.D. Power: 85 out of 100 for the 2020 model
• Known for: handling and interior quality above its class

Mazda CX-5: fits and best for

Best for drivers who want SUV practicality without giving up steering feel. The naturally aspirated 2.5-litre is the reliability-first choice; the turbo adds real pace but costs more to run and insure.

Mazda CX-5 pros and watch-outs

Mazda CX-5: what owners report

Mazda CX-5: who should not buy

If maximum rear legroom and boot space decide the purchase, buy the CR-V. If you want the lowest possible running costs, the Corolla costs less to keep than any SUV here.

Best all-weather SUV: Subaru Forester (2019–2023)

Best all-weather SUV

Why the Subaru Forester is our pick

The Forester pairs standard all-wheel drive with excellent visibility and consistently strong reliability survey results across the 2019–2023 years. It is the only car on this list where all-wheel drive is not an option you pay extra for, and its tall glasshouse makes it one of the easiest SUVs to place on the road and park.

Subaru Forester key specs

• Model years covered: 2019–2023
• Body style: compact SUV
• Engine: 2.5-litre four-cylinder (Boxer)
• Transmission: CVT automatic
• Drivetrain: standard symmetrical all-wheel drive
• Safety: EyeSight driver assist standard
• Reliability: consistently strong survey results
• Known for: visibility, winter traction, and cargo space
• Watch: CVT service records on higher-mileage cars

Subaru Forester: fits and best for

Best for buyers in snow country, dog owners, and anyone who values visibility over style. The boxy shape is unfashionable and practical in equal measure, and the cabin swallows cargo that defeats prettier rivals.

Subaru Forester pros and watch-outs

Subaru Forester: what owners report

Subaru Forester: who should not buy

If you want towing capacity or a quiet highway cruiser, the Forester is not your car — look at the Camry or a truck-based SUV. If driving fun matters, the CX-5 wins.

Spec comparison

How to inspect a used car before you buy

Start cold: a warm engine hides cold-start smoke and rough idling. Check under the car for leaks, look at tyre wear for alignment trouble, and test every electrical item — windows, air conditioning, heated seats, infotainment. Drive at highway speed and listen for wheel-bearing drone and wind noise. Then hand it to an independent mechanic for a lift inspection: brakes, suspension bushes, exhaust, and any sign of accident repair or flood damage. For hybrids, add a battery health check. If the seller will not allow an inspection, walk away — there is always another car.

Who should NOT buy these

Buyers who need to tow heavy loads should not buy any car on this list — none of these six is a tow vehicle. Look at a truck-based SUV or a full-size pickup instead, and size the vehicle to the trailer, not the other way round.

Buyers who want a luxury badge should look at Lexus, which tops both reliability studies used here — the ES sedan shares the Camry platform and the RX shares SUV running gear, with near-luxury refinement and without typical luxury repair costs.

Buyers on the tightest possible budget may find even the cheapest Corolla dear; in that case, an older well-kept Corolla or Civic with a full service history beats a newer car from a weak brand with no records.

Final verdict

Best overall value — Toyota Corolla (2018–2021): the cheapest dependable car to own on this list.

Best midsize sedan — Toyota Camry (2018–2023): the family sedan that fleets run to 300,000 miles.

Best compact car runner-up — Honda Civic (2016–2021): Corolla reliability with a better steer.

Best compact SUV — Honda CR-V (2020–2023): the default family SUV, bought in the fixed years.

Best SUV to drive — Mazda CX-5 (2018–2022): the reliable SUV for people who like driving.

Best all-weather SUV — Subaru Forester (2019–2023): standard all-wheel drive and the best view out.

FAQ

What is the most reliable used car brand in 2026?

Lexus leads both major studies: first in the J.D. Power 2026 Vehicle Dependability Study at 151 problems per 100 vehicles, and first in Consumer Reports’ used-car brand ranking at 77 points. Toyota follows at 73 points, then Mazda at 58 and Honda at 57. Lexus is the luxury arm of Toyota, so the same engineering shows up in the Corolla and Camry on this list.

What is the best used car to buy in 2026?

For most buyers, a 2018–2021 Toyota Corolla or a 2018–2023 Toyota Camry is the safest answer: both won their categories in the 2026 J.D. Power dependability study, and both have long records of high-mileage service with minimal unscheduled repairs. If you need SUV space, the 2020–2023 Honda CR-V is the equivalent answer.

How many miles is too many on a used car?

There is no single number — maintenance history matters more than the odometer. The models on this list have countless examples past 200,000 miles on routine service, and Camrys in taxi fleets reach 300,000 miles. A 120,000-mile car with full records is a better buy than a 60,000-mile car with none.

Should I trust J.D. Power or Consumer Reports more?

Use both. J.D. Power’s dependability study counts problems per 100 vehicles among owners of three-year-old cars, which suits nearly-new used buyers. Consumer Reports surveys owners of cars up to 25 years old across 20 trouble spots, which suits older-car buyers. A model that ranks well in both is the safest bet.

Which used car years should I avoid?

Inside otherwise good models, avoid the 2017–2018 Honda CR-V with the 1.5-litre turbo (oil dilution), the 2018 Ford F-150 with the 5.0-litre V8 (oil burning), and the 2023 Mazda CX-5 (Consumer Reports cut it to 59 out of 100 over infotainment and braking complaints). Always check the exact year, not just the model name.

Is a pre-purchase inspection really necessary?

Yes. Reliability rankings describe the average car; an inspection describes the car in front of you. It catches accident repair, worn suspension, neglected transmission service and hybrid battery trouble that no ranking can see. Any seller who refuses an inspection is telling you something.

Are hybrids reliable as used cars?

The hybrids on this list — the Camry hybrid and CR-V hybrid — carry the same reliability reputation as their petrol siblings in the sources we consulted, and the Camry hybrid has one of the lowest five-year ownership cost profiles in its class. Have the battery health checked during the inspection, and favour cars with a documented service history.

What about a used luxury car?

Lexus is the exception that proves the rule: it tops both reliability studies, and its ten-year maintenance costs run barely above a Honda’s according to CarEdge data cited in the sources we consulted. At the other end, Land Rover sat among the worst in the 2026 J.D. Power study at 274 problems per 100 vehicles, and its ten-year maintenance estimate is roughly two and a half times a Lexus. Buy the badge only when the data backs it.

Sources

• Rolls Auto — Most Reliable Used Cars for 2026–2027 (Consumer Reports, J.D. Power and IIHS data)
• AmeriFreight — Most Reliable Used Car Brands (J.D. Power 2026 VDS scores and Consumer Reports brand scores)
• NADA Book Info — The 15 Best Used Cars to Buy in 2026
• BobFYI — The 10 Most Reliable Used Cars of the Last Decade
• Mums Diary — 9 Cars Inspectors Say Still Make Sense to Buy Used in 2026
• Auto Durocher — Used Luxury Vehicle: Good or Bad Idea in 2026?

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