If cars were superheroes, their engines would be their superpowers. And just like any good superhero, some engines are invincible. We’ve all heard stories of cars racking up mileage that would make cross country road warriors weep, driven relentlessly without ever giving up the ghost. Here are 23 cars with invincible engines that will keep rolling long after you’ve misplaced the owner’s manual and forgotten where you left the warranty.
Toyota Corolla
You’ve seen them everywhere, probably because they never die. The Toyota Corolla’s 1.8-liter engine has become synonymous with reliability, and it’s not uncommon to see them hitting 300,000 miles or more with nothing but routine maintenance. It’s not fast or flashy, but it never lets you down. Expect it to outlive your interest in driving it.
Honda Civic
The Honda Civic has long been known for its reliability, efficiency, and low maintenance costs, with the engine being the crown jewel of it all. Whether you go for the D or B series engines, both are built like Swiss watches. Civics from the ‘90s and early 2000s still tear up the streets today.
Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback is the kind of car you buy when you plan to take long trips through rugged terrain and the kind of car you never need to replace. Its boxer engine is the stuff of legends, built to handle harsh conditions and big mileages. The Outback’s engine is that old friend who’s down for a road trip no matter what, rain or shine, sleet or snow.
Mercedes-Benz W123
In the 1970s and 80s, Mercedes-Benz built tanks disguised as cars. The W123, specifically its diesel engine, is known for running until the wheels fall off, sometimes even after that. These engines have been known to clock over 500,000 miles and, in some cases, even a million. If you’re looking for a slice of luxury that lasts longer than your average Netflix subscription, the W123 might be your ride.
Ford F-150
If you’ve ever spent time in rural America or Canada, you’ve probably seen a Ford F-150 from the early 2000s still hauling more than it should. The 4.6-liter V8 engine in the F-150 is legendary for its ability to outlast trends, presidents, and sometimes even entire businesses. It’s like the old dog who’s been fetching the newspaper for 15 years: Reliable and always ready to go, even when you’re not.
Toyota Land Cruiser
The Toyota Land Cruiser is a worldwide vehicle for adventurers, military forces, and off-road enthusiasts. Its diesel engines, mainly the 4.2 liter inline 6, are almost impossible to kill. This is the engine you want if you want to drive across a desert, through a rainforest, or over a mountain range.
Volvo 240
If IKEA made engines, they’d probably be a lot like the one in the Volvo 240: simple, efficient, and seemingly indestructible. These cars are known to keep running well past the point where other cars would have thrown in the towel. The 2.3-liter inline-4 engine is so tough that many owners pass these cars down like family heirlooms.
Chevrolet Silverado
Much like the Ford F-150, the Chevy Silverado is a North American truck scene staple. The 5.3-liter V8 engine in the Silverado is legendary for its durability and is commonly known to cross the 200,000-mile mark without significant issues. The truck will be hauling your stuff long after you’ve stopped caring about owning a truck. There’s a reason why you still see these on the road. No matter how old they are, they keep going.
Lexus LS 400
When Toyota decided to launch its luxury brand, it wanted to build something that would last. The result: the Lexus LS 400 and its indestructible 4.0-liter V8 engine. People love these cars not only because they’re luxurious and quiet but also because they seem to run forever. Even today, it’s not unusual to find one with 300,000 miles still running like new. You’ll give up before this car does.
Honda Accord
Right behind the Civic is its slightly bigger sibling, the Accord. The engines, especially the 2.4-liter four-cylinder versions, are practically immortal. If you want a car that will outlast your college loans, look no further. This car seems to defy aging, staying smooth, reliable, and surprisingly fun to drive even after a couple of hundred thousand miles.
Nissan Frontier
The Nissan Frontier is the unsung hero of the pickup world, known for its rugged simplicity and near-invincible 4.0 liter V6 engine. It’s a truck that doesn’t make a fuss. It just gets the job done year after year. You can throw pretty much anything at it: snow, mud, the daily grind, and it will keep on trucking. It’s the engine that will outlive your enthusiasm for moving heavy objects.
Toyota Camry
There’s a reason the Toyota Camry has been a best-seller for decades. Its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is renowned for its durability, often running over 300,000 miles without significant issues. It’s the perfect car for someone who wants zero drama, no fuss, and endless reliability. You’ll get tired of looking at it before it shows signs of slowing down.
Jeep Cherokee (XJ)
The Jeep Cherokee XJ is often hailed as one of the best SUVs ever, thanks largely to its 4.0 liter inline-six engine. Known as the high-output 4.0, this engine can take a beating off the road and return for more. Whether you’re driving it across a rocky trail or through city streets, the XJ’s engine is nearly indestructible.
Mazda MX-5 Miata
The Mazda Miata has an engine that’s built to last. The 1.6- and 1.8-liter engines in older Miatas are known for being incredibly robust despite their size. Owners often report driving their Miatas well over 200,000 miles. The Miata proves that reliability doesn’t have to be boring.
Ford Crown Victoria
You know a car is tough when it becomes the go-to vehicle for police departments and taxi services. The Ford Crown Vic’s 4.6-liter V8 is known for its bulletproof durability, often running for 300,000 miles or more with regular maintenance. If it can handle high-speed chases and years of taxi duty, it can probably handle whatever your daily commute throws at it, even if that involves kids, pets, and fast-food spills.
BMW E30 3 Series
The BMW E30 is often celebrated for its blend of sporty driving dynamics and timeless design, but the M20 straight-six engine is the real hero. Known for its durability, this engine can go the distance. Many E30s are still on the road, clocking hundreds of thousands of miles without major issues. It’s proof that German engineering isn’t just about performance. It’s about longevity, too.
Toyota 4Runner
If you’re looking for an SUV that will last as long as your sense of adventure, the Toyota 4Runner is it. Its 4.0 liter V6 engine is practically indestructible, and it’s not uncommon to see these trucks, which are 300,000 miles old, still going strong. Whether navigating city streets or climbing mountains, the 4Runner’s engine can take whatever you throw.
Chevrolet Impala
The Chevy Impala is a workhorse disguised as a family sedan. Known for their 3.8-liter V6 engines, these early 2000s models can still easily navigate highways and suburban streets. This engine became known for being nearly indestructible, which is perfect for drivers who want something to get them from point A to point B and maybe points C and D without a hitch. It’s the kind of car that’ll stay in the family, passed down like an heirloom because it just refuses to quit.
Volkswagen Golf
The Volkswagen Golf is a small hatchback with a big reputation for reliability, particularly the diesel variants. The TDI engines are known for racking up high mileage while delivering excellent fuel economy. If you’re looking for a car that’s fun to drive, economical, and could potentially outlast your other vehicles, the Golf is a solid pick.
Acura TL
When it comes to reliable luxury, the Acura TL’s 3.2-liter V6 engine has earned itself a loyal fan base. Not only does the TL offer luxury and comfort, but its engine is known for lasting well beyond the 200,000-mile mark. Many Acura owners hold onto these cars for decades, not just because of the luxury they offer but because their engines keep ticking with only basic maintenance.
Porsche 911
Seeing a high-performance sports car on a list of reliable engines might surprise you, but the Porsche 911 is exceptional. The air cooled flat six engines in older models are known to be nearly indestructible if well maintained. Owners often report these engines easily surpassing 200,000 miles. Whether you’re cruising on the autobahn or showing it off in your garage, the 911’s engine is built to last as long as your passion for driving.
Lexus GX
For those who crave off-road capability without sacrificing comfort, the Lexus GX is a go-to choice. The 4.6-liter V8 engine in the GX is essentially a Land Cruiser’s engine in a luxury suit. Built to withstand rugged terrains while offering a plush ride, this SUV will keep running for hundreds of thousands of miles. It’s the perfect choice for adventurers who enjoy heated seats and a killer sound system and want their ride to stick around for the long haul.
Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins Diesel
The Dodge Ram 2500, equipped with the legendary Cummins diesel engine, is the last one on this list. This heavy-duty workhorse is known for handling tough jobs and towing massive loads, but its real claim to fame is the engine’s durability. With proper care, these engines can surpass 500,000 miles without breaking a sweat. Whether you’re hauling heavy loads or just need a truck that refuses to quit, the Ram 2500 with a Cummins diesel is the ultimate long-term investment.
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
