Whether you’re racking up miles on the open road or taking an occasional joyride, some cars stand the test of time better than others. These road warriors are legendary in the automotive world, known for their reliability, durability, and penchant for clocking six-figure mileage. Here are 25 vehicles that have become icons for long-haul dependability.
Toyota Land Cruiser
The Toyota Land Cruiser is an indestructible icon in off-roading and long-haul driving. This beast has proven itself in the harshest environments, from African safaris to Middle Eastern deserts. It’s not uncommon to see Land Cruisers from the ’80s and ’90s still roaming the roads with hundreds of thousands of miles under their belt. Toyota’s engineering plus a “drive it forever” vibe make it a legend.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord has been a staple in many family driveways for decades, and for good reason. Over the years, it has won numerous awards, including “10Best” recognitions from Car and Driver multiple times. Owners also praise its well-balanced handling and comfortable interiors, making it a practical choice combining solidity and style. Accords from the 90s still dot the roadways, a testament to Honda’s build quality.
Volvo 240
Volvos have always been known for longevity, but the Volvo 240 takes it to another level. Renowned for its iconic boxy shape and robust construction, it was a top choice for families and safety-conscious drivers. The 240 featured Volvo’s “red block” engines—both inline-4 and inline-6—known for their durability and ability to rack up 300,000+ miles with minimal issues.
Ford F-150
Ford’s F-150 isn’t just America’s best-selling truck; it’s also one of the longest-lasting. Powered by a range of engines, including a turbocharged EcoBoost V6 and a brawny V8, the F-150 offers impressive towing capacities—up to 14,000 pounds on specific models. Advanced technology adds to its appeal, like Pro Power Onboard (a built-in generator) and a hybrid variant with excellent fuel efficiency.
Toyota Tacoma
The Toyota Tacoma is known for its off-road chops and longevity. It has a high-strength steel frame and corrosion-resistant body and is built to handle harsh conditions and long-term use. With a reputation for trustworthiness, the Tacoma remains a top choice among off-road enthusiasts and daily drivers alike, boasting a resale value that consistently outperforms competitors.
Subaru Outback
When Subaru coined the phrase “go anywhere,” they were probably thinking of the Outback. The Outback’s signature cladding, roof rails, and all-wheel-drive system (standard since inception) cater to outdoor enthusiasts, ensuring durability and stability across various environments. The wagon body style also provides ample cargo space, and Subaru’s symmetrical AWD improves handling on off-road trails and icy roads.
Chevrolet Suburban
The Chevrolet Suburban has existed since 1935, making it the longest-running model in automotive history. Originally a rugged, truck-based “carryall” wagon, it was designed for utility, with enough space for cargo and passengers. The earliest models had a metal-bodied design to replace canvas-sided predecessors, appealing to businesses and large families.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W123)
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class from the W123 generation is an icon of reliability. Renowned for its durability and longevity, the W123 became famous worldwide, especially in Europe and parts of Africa, where many models are still used daily. Its diesel engines, mainly the 240D and 300D models, are nearly indestructible, with some examples exceeding 500,000 miles. The W123 also featured a sturdy steel body, advanced suspension, and safety innovations for its time, including crumple zones and anti-lock braking.
Jeep Wrangler
Known for its rugged design and exceptional four-wheel-drive system, the Wrangler is built to tackle challenging terrains. It features a solid front and rear axle for enhanced stability and articulation, making it a favorite for off-road enthusiasts. Various engines, including a fuel-efficient turbocharged four-cylinder and a robust V6, also power the Wrangler. Also, Wranglers have a loyal following, and their modular design makes it easy to keep them rolling, even after decades of use.
Lexus LS 400
The Lexus LS 400 was Toyota’s first foray into the luxury market, and it was a home run. Powered by a 4.0-liter V8 engine producing 250 horsepower, it offered smooth, refined performance and superior handling. Its quiet cabin and advanced sound insulation systems set new standards for luxury. And it’s so reliable that many original owners never bothered to trade it in, instead opting to see how long it could go.
Honda Civic
Like the Accord, the Honda Civic is legendary for its credibility. The latest models feature advanced safety technologies, such as Honda Sensing, which includes adaptive cruise control and collision mitigation braking. Its fuel efficiency ranges from around 30-40 mpg, depending on the model and engine type, with hybrid options providing even better mileage. The Civic’s reputation for durability and safety has contributed to its substantial resale value and global popularity, consistently ranking among the best-selling vehicles worldwide.
Ford Crown Victoria
The Ford Crown Victoria was a staple for police forces, taxis, and anyone who needed a workhorse sedan. The model’s 4.6-liter V8 engine was reliable and performed smoothly. The Crown Victoria Police Interceptor (CVPI) variant was specifically tailored for law enforcement, featuring enhanced suspension, upgraded brakes, and additional cooling for heavy-duty use.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry has earned a reputation as a car that won’t quit. Notably, the hybrid model achieves an impressive fuel efficiency of over 50 miles per gallon. Safety is another highlight, with newer models featuring Toyota’s Safety Sense suite, which includes pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure alert. Over time, Camry has earned high marks from reliable authorities like JD Power and Consumer Reports. A global favorite, it is among the best-selling cars in the US.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Much like the Ford F-150, the Chevy Silverado is a rugged workhorse. The 2024 model offers several engine options, including a 2.7L turbocharged inline-four, 5.3L and 6.2L V8s, and a 3.0L Duramax diesel, catering to diverse needs. It can tow up to 13,300 pounds and carry a payload of up to 2,280 pounds, making it highly capable for work or recreation.
Nissan Pathfinder (First Generation)
The first-generation Nissan Pathfinder was built for adventure. Initially, it was offered with a two-door body style, but a four-door version was introduced in 1989 due to demand. The Pathfinder was equipped with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine or a more popular 3.0-liter V6, producing 140 horsepower. Its 4WD system, paired with independent front suspension and a solid rear axle, made it capable of handling rough terrain, too. This model set the foundation for Nissan’s future SUV line, which remained in production until 1995, leading to its evolution into a larger, more refined vehicle.
BMW 3 Series (E30)
The BMW E30 3 Series has become something of a cult classic. The E30 came in various body styles, including sedan, coupe, and even a convertible for those who love hair-ruffling speeds. Its rear-wheel-drive setup and nearly perfect 50:50 weight distribution made it a joy to whip around tight corners. Inside, the dashboard is tilted toward the driver, like a loving but intense co-pilot. This car was a dance partner on wheels.
Volkswagen Beetle
The original Volkswagen Beetle was designed to be a simple, reliable car for the masses. Its air-cooled, rear-engine layout and compact design made it perfect for narrow European roads and remarkably hard to kill. Its engine sounded like a lawnmower with dreams of grandeur, and its minimalist interior offered drivers everything they needed and nothing more.
Mazda MX-5 Miata
The Mazda Miata isn’t just fun to drive; it’s also excellent. Mazda kept it simple under the hood, using smaller engines (the latest is a 2.0L inline-4) to keep weight low and handle zippy. This elegant design lets you hit curves like you’re in a real-life Mario Kart game, minus the banana peels. With only minor tweaks, the MX-5 has kept its classic “smiling” face design across generations. It holds the Guinness World Record as the best-selling two-seater sports car ever.
Ford Expedition
Built on a rugged truck platform, the Ford Expedition is known for its ability to handle high mileage. The latest models are tech-loaded, offering everything from Wi-Fi hotspots to a full suite of driver-assist features. Also, with impressive towing capacity—up to 9,300 pounds—this SUV could probably pull a small house. And thanks to its rugged design, it can tackle school runs and off-road adventures.
Toyota Prius
The Toyota Prius has proven that hybrids can be long-lasting, too. Launched in 1997, it became the world’s first mass-produced hybrid vehicle, showing that saving gas can be just as cool as saving kittens. A zippy 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine boasts an impressive EPA rating of around 54 mpg combined—perfect for those who enjoy long drives to the recycling center. It’s packed with tech, including a touchscreen display and safety features.
Acura MDX
Acura’s MDX is a luxury SUV with Honda-level reliability. Under the hood, it packs a punch with a V6 engine that’ll take you from zero to the grocery store in no time. Whether you’re hauling kids or just shopping bags, the MDX combines practicality with a dash of pizzazz—who says family cars can’t have a little flair? Plus, with proper maintenance, it’s common to see MDXs cruising past 200,000 miles.
Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester is a favorite among those who love adventure and long road trips. Since its debut in 1997, this compact SUV has become the go-to chariot for outdoor enthusiasts and folks who think “roughing it” means camping at a site with Wi-Fi. With its all-wheel drive, the Forester can handle snow, mud, and whatever your kids drop in the backseat. Plus, its safety ratings are so high they might as well come with a cape.
GMC Yukon
The GMC Yukon is known for its durability and power; many are still on the road today with high mileage. With three rows of seats, it can carry up to nine people. Under the hood is a V8 engine. It’s loaded with tech features that might make you question whether you need an astrophysics degree to operate them. Plus, it has a solid towing capacity too.
Honda Odyssey
Honda’s Odyssey has become one of the most popular minivans on the road, known for its long-lasting engine and family-friendly features. Its latest incarnation boasts a sleek exterior, thanks to its aerodynamic design. The spacious interior has more cup holders than you can count—perfect for those juice boxes! Plus, the infotainment system is so advanced it could probably teach your kids how to play chess while you’re stuck in traffic.
Toyota 4Runner
Introduced in 1984, this rugged SUV has morphed from a compact pickup derivative to a full-blown off-road warrior. Sporting a body-on-frame construction, the 4Runner can handle trails better than a squirrel on a power line. The interior? Think comfortable, yet designed for easy cleanup after a sand dune fiasco. And, with its impressive off-road capabilities, the 4Runner can tackle rocks and mud like a toddler with a bowl of spaghetti.
12 Cars That Are Known for Their Unbreakable Reliability — They Just Don’t Quit
Reliability is a core feature that defines a vehicle. Over the last few decades, some vehicles have emerged as a reliable and durable option, standing out as workhorses that never quit. These vehicles not only prove themselves in terms of performance but transcend their role and become reliable partners, always fulfilling their role. Here are 12 Cars known for their unbreakable reliability.
12 Cars That Are Known for Their Unbreakable Reliability — They Just Don’t Quit
