The 10 most reliable car brands in 2025 according to Consumer Reports

Fast facts:

• The top six most reliable auto brands are all Japanese.
• No American car brands made the top 10 in terms of reliability.
• Only two non-Japanese brands made the top 10. Both are German.

Aside from a house, a car is probably the most expensive — and important — product an average consumer owns. Most working people rely on their cars almost daily, and when they break down or require maintenance, costly repairs can dig deep into savings that could otherwise be invested or saved for emergencies.

Choosing which vehicle to buy is one of the most high-stakes purchasing decisions a person can make, especially if they’re living paycheck-to-paycheck, which, according to BankRate, over a third of Americans are.

Unexpected maintenance and repair costs can easily burn through savings, and missed time at work can lead to loss of crucial income. That’s why, beyond all other characteristics, reliability is the most important factor when choosing a vehicle. The more reliable a car is, the less likely it is to break down (with proper maintenance), even as it ages.

Some car brands have reputations for longer-lasting vehicles and fewer breakdowns, and whether you’re shopping new or used, buying a car from an automaker known for reliability is always a smart move when it comes to the ongoing costs associated with vehicle ownership.

How can car shoppers choose more reliable vehicles?

While there are a number of authorities in automotive research and journalism — including household names like Car and Driver, Kelley Blue Book, and Edmunds — Consumer Reports may be the source with the most comprehensive data when it comes to reliability.

Consumer Reports is a non-profit organization that has been advocating for American shoppers and testing vehicles (and other products) for almost a century. Funded by grants and member donations, the org is well known for its unbiased research and reporting. In fact, it purchases all of the products it tests anonymously and at full price to avoid any conflicts of interest or preferential treatment from automakers.

Related: The cheapest new car of 2025: Everything you need to know

How does Consumer Reports measure reliability?

In addition to testing vehicles at its private Connecticut driving course and auto testing facility, Consumer Reports also surveys its millions of members annually about their own cars, gathering data on each model year after year. Members report any problems they had with their vehicles, along with the necessary repairs and how much they cost.

By collating this data for each model (and model-year) over time, CR is able to evaluate the average short and long term reliability of each model — and car brand at large. The organization then assigns each model (and automaker) an average reliability score on a scale of 100.

Related: Consumer Reports: The product-testing nonprofit explained

What are the most reliable car brands as of 2025?

For its 2025 reliability rankings, Consumer Reports evaluated hundreds of thousands of car owner reports about vehicles with model years ranging from 2000 to 2025. Its survey asks about 20 different potential “problem areas,” including key components like engines, brakes, and transmissions.

Here are the 10 most reliable automakers — according to Consumer Reports’ member data — as of 2025.

10. Hyundai

Hyundai is a Japanese automaker known for making relatively affordable alternatives to popular American and Japanese cars and providing competitive warranties on new vehicles.

The brand’s most popular model is the Hyundai Tucson:

• 2025 base price: $28,705
• Combined MPG: 26

9. Kia

Kia is a Japanese brand whose vehicles are known for their safety features and competitive pricing. Interestingly, Hyundai has a 33.8% ownership stake in Kia.

The brand’s most popular model is the Kia Sportage:

• 2025 base price: $27,390
• Combined MPG: 25

8. BMW

BMW is a German automaker whose cars are known for their quality engineering, timeless design, and luxury features. This reputation comes at a cost, however. BMW cars tend to be significantly more expensive than comparable models made by other automakers.

The brand’s most popular model is the BMW 3 Series:

• 2025 base price: $45,950
• Combined MPG: 29

7. Audi

Audi, another German automaker, also stands out as a luxury car brand. Recently, Audi has built a reputation for its high-end sports models, its line of electric vehicles, and its high-performance all-wheel drive system.

The brand’s most popular model is the Audi Q5:

• 2025 base price: $45,400
• Combined MPG: 24

6. Mazda

Mazda is a Japanese automaker whose vehicles are known for their sporty aesthetics and responsive handling.

The brand’s most popular model is the Mazda CX-5:

• 2025 base price: $28,770
• Combined MPG: 24

Related: The best 2025 cars under $25k based on Consumer Reports data

5. Acura

Acura is the luxury imprint of Japanese automaker Honda; as such, many Acura vehicles have parts in common with Honda vehicles. Acura’s cars are known for their luxury interiors and advanced safety features.

The brand’s most popular model is the Acura MDX:

• 2025 base price: $51,200
• Combined MPG: 20

4. Honda

Honda is a Japanese automaker that, along with its industry peer Toyota, has long been known for its vehicles’ reliability and longevity. In its manufacturing practices, Honda prioritizes fuel efficiency and sensible engineering over luxury.

The brand’s most popular model is the Honda Civic:

• 2025 base price: $24,250
• Combined MPG: 33

3. Toyota

Toyota, like Honda, is a Japanese automaker whose vehicles have built a longstanding reputation for reliability and are known to last well over 300k miles with proper maintenance. As such, Toyota vehicles tend to hold their value well in the resale market.

The brand’s most popular model is the Toyota Camry:

• 2025 base price: $28,700
• Combined MPG: 48

2. Lexus

Lexus is Toyota’s luxury brand, and as such, many Lexus vehicles can use Toyota parts, which can help owners save on maintenance and repairs. Like Toyotas, Lexuses are known for their longevity, reliability, and resale value.

The brand’s most popular model is the Lexus RX:

• 2025 base price: $49,125
• Combined MPG: 24

1. Subaru

Subaru, another Japanese automaker, took first place in Consumer Reports' reliability rankings this year, surpassing Toyota and Lexus, one of which usually snags the top spot. Subaru is known for its diverse array of compact but capable outdoor-oriented vehicles, which typically come with standard all-wheel drive.

The brand’s most popular model is the Subaru Forester:

• 2025 base price: $29,995
• Combined MPG: 29

Related: These 5 brands make the best used cars, according to Consumer Reports