Finding a car to last a lifetime is a challenging task. Every vehicle has a finite lifespan, be that because of the engine or the strength of the bodywork.
But a good number of cars out there can keep on going for a very long time.
This list contains 15 of the best of those. It is a mixture of good, solid, and dependable vehicles that are both mechanically tough and structurally tough.
Toyota Hilux
While it is no longer available in the United States, the Toyota Hilux pickup truck is easily one of the toughest vehicles in the world. Yes, we are using BBC Top Gear to validate that argument. The show threw everything it could at one Hilux to try and make it die, but it never did.
It was set fire to, drowned, had things dropped onto it, and even placed on top of a tower block that was also scheduled for demolition. But amazingly, the Hilux survived it all. It’s the perfect advertisement for how tough a Toyota is.
Honda Civic
It doesn’t matter what generation of Honda Civic you buy because their famed reliability is infamous, as is the reliability of nearly every Honda.
The Civic has been around for generations, making its debut in 1972. Over that time, it has become one of the best-selling automobiles in the world. It has spawned various other iterations, the most famous being the Type R and the Type S Civics. You can’t go wrong with a Civic if you want a car that will last a lifetime.
Peugeot 107
The Peugeot 107 isn’t exciting, but reliability does not need to be exciting. The 107 is, however, a fun little hatchback that is perfect for commuting to work or just going on a daily drive.
Highlighting the reliability of the 107 is the City Car Cup. This is a racing series made for the 107 and its siblings, the Toyota Aygo and Citroen C1. It is a grassroots racing series that pushes the cars to their limits. The fact that they can survive is a testament to these little city machines.
Mazda MX-5
Mazda’s Miata MX-5 has been with us for generations. The Japanese manufacturer first took the covers off the car in the late 1980s and has yet to look back. It all started with the N.A. generation in 1989, and the retractable headlamps are still a popular feature of this car.
The MX-5 has survived for so long because of its legendary reputation as a two-seater roadster, and it is also reliable. WhatCar scored the MX-5 10th out of 15 reliable sports cars, with its actual figure an impressive 89.7 percent reliability.
2015 Lexus CT 200h
The 2015 Lexus CT 200 h is a far cry from the Miata MX-5. The CT 200h is a reliable car, but the 2015 model scored exceptionally well. It has a hybrid 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine under the hood, producing 134 hp.
A glance at J.D. Power reveals just how reliable the Lexus is. It scores very highly, with 88/100 in its reliability section, thanks to its high-quality appearance, the Prius powertrain, and the quality of the build. There is little to worry about regarding the 205 CT 200h.
Chevrolet Malibu
It might not be the most exciting car in the world, but for those who want a dependable, comfortable, and good all-around family vehicle, look no further than the Chevrolet Malibu. The sedan has scored consistently high in recent years in reliability and safety.
Repair Pal reveals that the Malibu has a 4/5 rating for reliability, making it 9th out of 24 midsize cars on their website. Annual repair bills are also below the average, with the current average around $532. Chevrolet unveiled the current generation of the Malibu at the 2015 New York International Auto Show.
Hyundai Elantra
Over the last few years, Hyundai has begun to step up its game with its epic designs and car performance. The current generation of the Elantra is further proof of this.
Hyundai unveiled the latest Elantra in 2020, and it sported a new, eye-catching, and sharp design compared to the more subdued outgoing model. Hyundai gave the car a facelift in 2023, and there is even an N version. Various powertrains, including a 1.6-liter Smartstream G1.6 hybrid inline-four, sit under the hood.
2014 Subaru Legacy
Japanese manufacturers consistently score high with reliability, and the 2014 Subaru Legacy is no exception. The Legacy is one of the most practical vehicles in the Subaru range, and it scores a very impressive 84/100 on its reliability on Repair Pal.
Not only that, but the cost to maintain the car each year is just $843. For example, it’s higher than the Lexus but still a perfectly respectable amount of money. With careful ownership, it is not unheard of for the 2014 Legacy to last over 400,000 miles, and Subaru promises at least 300,000 miles before the car gives up.
2005-2013 Porsche Cayman
Porsche is not only the king of the modern sports car; the German manufacturer can also produce reliable sports cars. The 2005-2013 Cayman is one of the best.
There is a lot to love about this generation of the Cayman. The standard version has a 262 hp 2.9-liter flat-six under the hood. However, if you want even more grunt and performance, the Cayman S has 316 hp on offer. The mini 911 is also an absolute blast to drive, with Autocar in 2012 claiming that the high-speed stability is superb and better than the 911 of the era.
Toyota Camry
If you want a reliable midsize car, look no further than the Toyota Camry. Toyota is another company that has reliability firmly in its DNA. The Camry has been around since the 1980s, but the latest generation launched in 2023 and is coming to the U.S. in 2024.
The new U.S. version has four trim levels: L.E., S.E., XLE, and XSE. For the first time in the North American market, all Camry grades will come with a hybrid powertrain as standard, as Toyota has removed the V6 from the lineup. The hybrid powertrain is no slouch either, producing up to 232 hp in all-wheel drive form.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is one of the most interesting vehicles Honda has ever produced. It was first launched in 1976, and over the years, it has taken on a wide array of forms and generations.
Honda has applied the nameplate to coupes, station wagons, and hatchbacks. Currently, the Accord is in its 11th generation, and it is a slick, fresh, and exciting-looking update from the previous model. One of the critical features of the new Accord is its 12.3-inch infotainment system, running the latest Android Automotive operating system.
Honda Jazz/Fit
The only problem with the Honda Jazz is that it could be a more exciting car. Besides that, the Jazz is a real stalwart of both Honda and the durability charts, thanks to its near 100 percent and perfect reliability scores.
The Jazz is sold as a Fit in North America, and Honda has produced the small hatchbacks since 2001. The third-generation Jazz scored exceptionally in IIHS safety ratings, and the NHTSA gave it nearly a perfect score in every category. The Jazz/Fit is presently in its fourth generation, and electrification played a big part in developing this new model.
Volvo XC60
Volvo is famous for its high safety ratings and high-reliability scores. The XC60 is no exception; crash tests have pushed the Volvo SUV to its limits. Watch them online to see why Volvo’s safety reputation is so good.
The XC60 is a smart, dependable, and enjoyable SUV to drive. It’s not a lumbering beast like many of its rivals, and the 2024 model improves on the hybrid range. AutoTrader said the XC60 is a “class act” and a credible competitor to the Audi Q5, BMW X3, and Jaguar F-Pace.
Skoda Octavia
Before Volkswagen took over, Skoda produced some spectacular cars. Sadly, that quality has suffered more recently, but the current Octavia is a return to form for the Czech automaker.
The Skoda might not look like the most significant station wagon, but once you sit inside it, you suddenly realize there is more than enough space for the whole family. The efficient engines under the hood help to boost its credibility, and while it isn’t the most exciting car to drive or sit in, the Octavia is an underrated family car.
Volvo 240
Sometimes, the best cars are classic ones. One of Volvo’s greatest is the 240, perhaps the toughest and most robust car the Swedish automaker has ever produced.
The 240 has existed in various forms, including sedans and station wagons. But its ability to rack up miles without breaking a sweat has made it legendary. The 240 has a simple design, yet it is instantly recognizable and sums up everything that makes Volvo great. The 240 has had several nicknames, including “The Ironclad Legend” and “Tanks.”
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- Source: https://teslatale.com/cars-last-a-lifetime/