The 5 best auto brands for used cars, according to Consumer Reports

Which brands make the best used cars? Hint—they're all Japanese. These are the 5 automakers whose vehicles stand the test of time, according to Consumer Reports

Mar 13, 2025 - 23:18

The 5 best auto brands for used cars, according to Consumer Reports

As the cost of living remains high, certain bigger-ticket purchases remain unavoidable, even for those hoping to cut expenses wherever possible.

Most working folks need reliable transportation, and if they don’t have it, that often means buying a car — even if they would prefer not to, given today’s still-high (albeit slowly falling) interest rates.

And, for most working people, buying a car new is far from a feasible option. New cars cost around $48,641 on average, while the median annual salary in the U.S. is only $63,795, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

With new vehicles costing more than three-quarters of the median worker’s annual pay, most modern car shoppers find themselves in the same boat: buying used.

What are the most important features of a used car?

Every used car shopper wants something different. Someone commuting 45 minutes into a city for an office job might just be in the market for the cheapest possible compact car that won’t give them any trouble, while someone who works in the trades might need a van or pickup to transport tools and supplies.

Regardless of vehicle type, however, every used car shopper wants the same two things: reliability and safety.

Cars are major expenses, both in terms of their initial purchase and the ongoing costs associated with their ownership. Some of these ongoing costs — like gas, insurance, and periodic registration renewal — are unavoidable. Others, like costly repairs due to unexpected mechanical failures, can’t always be avoided, but the risk of having to shell out for these types of things frequently can be mitigated by buying from a brand that makes more dependable vehicles.

But with every automaker’s ads claiming unparalleled reliability and safety, how are modern consumers supposed to filter out the noise? A nearly 90-year-old non-profit, member-supported product testing and consumer survey firm may hold the key.

What is Consumer Reports & how does it get its data?

Consumer Reports is a New York-headquartered consumer advocacy agency that anonymously purchases and tests common consumer products like refrigerators and vacuum cleaners, but outside of its New York facility, the org also has a massive auto testing hub in Connecticut where vehicles are scrutinized for everything from safety to style.

“Consumer Reports is an independent, nonprofit member organization that works side by side with consumers for truth, transparency, and fairness in the marketplace.”

—Consumer Reports Mission Statement

Outside of direct product testing, the firm also surveys its millions of members each year to ask about their cars, any problems they’ve encountered, and how much these problems have cost to fix. Since CR has been doing this for decades, it’s gathered a wealth of data about how reliable different car models — and brands at large — tend to be over time.

This makes Consumer Reports an excellent authority on used car performance.

Consumer Reports published its list of the automakers that produce the best used cars in the spring of 2025. To create the list, the firm aggregated the reliability scores (based on member survey data) of 5-and-10-year-old models of each of the brands’ vehicles.

The list ranks 26 different automakers, but the top five all have one thing in common — they are Japanese brands.

Which auto brands make the most reliable used cars? Consumer Reports’ top picks

Below, we list the top brands CR has ranked as the most dependable when it comes to used vehicles.

Also included are three popular models by each automaker with average used price ranges for 2018 models. The lower end of each price range represents the average price for the lowest-end version of the model with the fewest upgraded features, while the higher end of each price range represents the highest-end version of the model with all available upgraded features (e.g., 4WD, touring, navigation, etc.).

Used price data comes from Kelley Blue Book.

Lexus

Lexus is owned by Toyota, and many of the brand’s vehicles use Toyota engines, among other components. Lexus is a luxury brand known for comfortable and stylish interiors, smooth rides, and dependable performance.

Popular Lexus models with average 2018 model year prices

Lexus RX: $24,538–$31,065
Lexus ES: $21,569–$23,800
Lexus NX: $17,426–$19,125

Toyota

Toyota, perhaps the best-known Japanese automaker, has been around since 1937 and has a longstanding reputation for producing cars that can last well into the 300,000 –350,000 mile range with proper upkeep.

Popular Toyota models with average 2018 model year prices

Toyota Corolla: $11,917–$14,121
Toyota RAV4: $15,416–$21,315
Toyota Tacoma: $17,836–$31,510

More auto content:

Mazda

While less popular than Honda or Toyota, Mazda is another Japanese automaker known for its vehicles’ reliability and longevity. Mazda owners often stay loyal to the brand, reporting that their vehicles’ style and handling capabilities are a large part of what keeps them coming back.

Popular Mazda models with average 2018 model year prices

Mazda CX-5: $12,895–$14,940
Mazda MX-5 Miata: $18,321–$20,874
Mazda3: $10,559–$14,540

Honda

Honda, like Toyota, is a legacy Japanese automaker whose vehicles have a reputation for dependability and longevity. Although less popular with luxury vehicle enthusiasts, Hondas have long been known as practical vehicles that can stay on the road for decades with proper maintenance.

Popular Honda models with average 2018 model year prices

Honda Accord: $16,350–$20,146
Honda Odyssey: $17,341– $24,558
Honda CR-V: $15,996–$20,747

Acura

The Acura brand is owned by Honda and represents the automaker’s luxury imprint (much like Toyota’s Lexus). Many Acura vehicles use a number of Honda parts, including engines, which makes maintenance and repair options numerous for owners. Like Hondas, Acuras are known for their potential longevity.

Popular Acura models with average 2018 model year prices

Acura MDX: $16,809–$19,299
Acura RDX: $15,796–$21,491
Acura TLX: $16,223–$19,888