Reliability is something I care a lot about when it comes to cars. No matter if it’s a brand-new car or something used, I want to know it’ll run for years without giving me headaches. A breakdown in the middle of nowhere? No thanks. Consumer Reports recently dropped a list of the 22 most dependable car brands for 2024, and honestly, it’s a great place to start if you’re in the market.
Consumer Reports puts this list together by digging into surveys filled out by their subscribers. These surveys ask folks to talk about their cars, including any issues or problems they’ve had. It’s pretty detailed, so the info they gather feels legit.
If you take a quick glance at the top 10, you’ll notice a lot of familiar faces. Brands like Toyota, Mazda, and Honda are there—no shockers. But what caught me off guard was seeing BMW and Audi up there, too. German brands don’t usually dominate in reliability, but here they are. On the flip side, American brands didn’t even crack the top 10, which is kind of a letdown.
Let’s kick things off with the top spot.
- Subaru
Score: 68/100
Honestly, I didn’t expect Subaru to take the crown this year. Toyota and Lexus usually fight for the top, so seeing Subaru ahead was a curveball. Subaru is known for its all-wheel-drive setups and those unique boxer engines. According to Consumer Reports, models like the Forester and Impreza scored well above average. Most of the lineup did decently, too. The only letdown? The Solterra, their all-electric model, didn’t do great. Ironically, it’s a rebadged Toyota, so maybe that’s part of the issue.
- Lexus
Score: 65/100
This is more what I’d expect. Lexus, Toyota’s luxury cousin, is a reliability icon. I’ve got a friend who swears by his old Lexus GX, and he’s not alone. Consumer Reports said that out of seven Lexus models, four scored above average, while the other three were average. Not bad, right? These cars just keep running and running—even with hundreds of thousands of miles on the odometer.
- Toyota
Score: 62/100
Speaking of Toyota, it’s sitting in third place this year. Normally, I’d expect it to be first, but a few hiccups knocked it down. For example, some models like the Tundra and the bZ4X EV scored below average. Earlier this year, Toyota also recalled a bunch of vehicles for engine issues. Still, with 11 models scoring above average, they’re far from struggling.
- Honda
Score: 59/100
Seeing Honda in fourth place makes total sense. It’s one of those brands you can always count on. People love Hondas because they’re simple to maintain and can last forever. Consumer Reports says three models were above average, while seven were average. Even with those stats, you can bet these cars will keep running for years if you treat them right.
- Acura
Score: 55/100
Acura is Honda’s fancier sibling, and it’s sitting in fifth place. The brand doesn’t have a ton of models—just five—but one of them managed to score above average. Their first EV, the ZDX, is based on GM tech, which might’ve had some impact on their overall score. Still, Acura’s reputation for reliability holds up pretty well.
- Mazda
Score: 55/100
Mazda’s another Japanese brand known for solid cars. They’re not as big as Toyota or Honda, but they’ve built a loyal following. Mazda’s cars are fun to drive and tend to hold up over time. However, the CX-90 SUV seems to have dragged down their score a bit, especially the hybrid version. Subscribers reported issues with the transmission and electronics, which is a shame.
- Audi
Score: 54/100
This one surprised me. Audi isn’t a brand I usually think of when it comes to reliability. German cars, in general, have a reputation for being high-maintenance. But here Audi is, landing in seventh place. Consumer Reports bases this list on new car issues, so long-term reliability might still be a question mark. Still, it’s nice to see a European brand making the cut.
- BMW
Score: 53/100
BMW follows Audi in eighth place. Like Audi, BMW isn’t known for rock-solid reliability, so this ranking feels unexpected. But it’s good news for fans of the brand. BMW makes some amazing cars, and it’s nice to know they’re improving on the reliability front. That said, hybrids like the X5 didn’t perform as well as their gas-powered counterparts.
- Kia
Score: 51/100
Kia’s come a long way. A couple of decades ago, they were the butt of car jokes. Now? They’re a serious contender, landing in ninth place on this list. Kia’s cars are affordable, stylish, and surprisingly fun to drive. Plus, they’ve been killing it with their warranty program, which gives buyers extra peace of mind.
- Hyundai
Score: 50/100
Rounding out the top 10 is Hyundai, Kia’s sibling brand. Hyundai’s been making waves recently, especially with their EVs and performance cars. It’s hard to believe that a decade ago, Hyundai was barely on anyone’s radar. Now they’re competing with some of the biggest names in the industry. Their long warranty and sharp designs don’t hurt, either.
So, there you have it—the 10 most reliable car brands for 2024, according to Consumer Reports. Whether you’re looking for a daily driver, an SUV for the family, or even something electric, this list is a solid starting point. Just remember, reliability isn’t everything. You’ve got to love the car you’re driving, too.
Consumer Reports Most Dependable Vehicles for 2024:
- Subaru
2. Lexus
3. Toyota
4. Honda
5. Acura
6. Mazda
7. Audi
8. BMW
9. Kia
10. Hyundai
11. Buick
12. Nissan
13. Ford
14. Genesis
15. Volvo
16. Chevrolet
17. Tesla
18. Volkswagen
19. Jeep
20. GMC
21. Cadillac
22. Rivian