Choosing a reliable vehicle has never been more important. With rising repair costs, increasingly complex technology, and longer ownership cycles, drivers want cars that last—and automakers know it. Every year, Consumer Reports compiles massive amounts of owner-reported data to determine which brands deliver the most dependable vehicles on the road.
For 2025, the results are in. And while a few brands shifted position, one thing hasn’t changed: reliability still strongly favors manufacturers with long-standing engineering consistency.
🏆 Top 10 Most Reliable Car Brands🏆
According to Consumer Reports’ analysis of tens of thousands of owner surveys:
| Rank | Brand | Predicted Reliability |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toyota | 66 |
| 2 | Subaru | 63 |
| 3 | Lexus | 60 |
| 4 | Honda | 59 |
| 5 | BMW | 58 |
| 6 | Nissan | 57 |
| 7 | Acura | 54 |
| 8 | Buick | 51 |
| 9 | Tesla | 50 |
| 10 | Kia | 49 |
Toyota returns to the top spot for 2025, edging out Subaru after the brand’s run at No. 1 last year. Lexus continues to perform consistently well, demonstrating Toyota’s strong influence across all its divisions.
Consumer Reports evaluates reliability based on 17 key trouble areas, including:
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Engine performance and major mechanical issues
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Transmission problems
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Electrical systems
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Build quality
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Exhaust and fuel system issues
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In-car electronics and infotainment
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Hybrid and EV components
Each brand’s score is weighted by severity and the number of reports generated for specific models.
The more issues owners report—and the more serious those issues are—the more it impacts a brand’s overall score.
A few trends stand out for 2025:
1. Toyota, Subaru, and Lexus Remain Reliability Leaders
These manufacturers are known for engineering consistency, conservative powertrain design, and long-term dependability. Hybrid systems, in particular, remain remarkably reliable compared to EV drivetrains.
2. EVs Still Struggle With Reliability
According to CR’s broader reporting, fully electric models—especially newer ones—continue to experience more problems than gas vehicles or traditional hybrids. Many issues stem from:
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High-voltage battery systems
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Charging components
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Software bugs
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New platform rollouts
Tesla still breaks into the top 10 thanks to its simplified powertrain, but software and build issues keep it from climbing higher.
3. Luxury Brands Are Mixed
BMW ranked impressively high at No. 5, showing strong improvement over the past few years. Meanwhile, brands like Mercedes-Benz performed lower than expected due to complex tech and inconsistent model reliability.
With new vehicles averaging over $48,000, reliability isn’t just a convenience—it's a financial strategy.
A reliable vehicle helps owners:
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Avoid expensive repair bills
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Maintain better resale value
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Reduce downtime and inconvenience
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Enjoy consistent performance over time
Whether you’re buying new or used, reliability should always be part of the decision.
The 2025 Consumer Reports rankings confirm what many drivers already know: long-established brands like Toyota, Subaru, Honda, and Lexus continue to lead the industry in dependability.
But no matter where a brand sits on the list, the smartest move is to evaluate specific models, because even top brands have outliers—and lower-ranked brands often have standout vehicles.
If you're in the market for a new car, this list is a great starting point. Pair it with individual model research, test drives, and ownership reviews to make the most informed decision.
Link to the Consumer Reports post.