Top 5 Most Reliable Car Brands and Their Warranty Offerings

When purchasing a vehicle, reliability should be one of the factors that you consider most as you evaluate all your different options. A reliable car often means fewer unexpected repairs, lower maintenance costs, and great long-term value. However, even the most dependable vehicles can still experience issues occasionally, which is why having both a reliable car brand and an effective warranty is crucial.

Naturally, though, you want your vehicle to have as few trips to the repair shop as possible even if you are covered. This is why taking a look at the five most reliable car brands in 2025, including their rankings and factor warranty options, is so crucial.

How Reliability Is Measured in the Auto Industry

There are multiple ways automotive reliability is assessed, including consumer surveys, dependability studies, and general long-term maintenance data. Below are some of the key factors that determine reliability rankings:

1. Consumer Reports Surveys: Organizations like Consumer Reports collect real-world feedback from car owners on issues ranging from engine performance, transmission durability, electrical system functionality, and more to determine the performance of a vehicle.
2. J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study: The annual study conducted by J.D. Power helps to measure problems experienced per 100 vehicles over a three year time period, thereby helping to identify automakers with the fewest reported issues.
3. Repair Cost and Frequency Data: Popular websites such as Kelley Blue Book and RepairPal analyze repair costs and frequency for different car brands, providing insights into long-term maintenance expectations that help dictate reliability scores.

With all of the above factors above influencing reliability ratings, let’s keep them in mind when taking a look at the five best car brands for reliability this year.

Top 5 Most Reliable Car Brands

The 2025 Consumer Reports automotive reliability study has finally been released and, with it, the top five most reliable vehicles based on their metrics. Without further ado, here are the top performing vehicles to keep in mind as you begin shop for an old car or new car:

1. Subaru

Subaru has built an impressive reputation for reliability over the years, especially with its all-wheel drive vehicles and boxer engines. The brand consistently receives high marks for its durability, which has made it a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. The Subaru Outback and Forester are two models known for their longevity and often go beyond 200,000 miles with proper maintenance. So, it’s no wonder that Subaru tops the survey list with an average reliability score of 68 out of 100.

2. Lexus

The next brand to top the list is Toyota’s luxury brand, Lexus. This brand is known for its high-quality craftsmanship, cutting-edge technology, and overall low maintenance costs. Vehicles like the Lexus RX and ES routinely rank at the top of reliability studies across different companies, offering drivers a worry-free ownership experience. Lexus came in just behind Subaru at a still impressive score of 65 out of 100.

3. Toyota

With Lexus as the second spot, it only makes sense that the parent company Toyota would also be on the top 5 list. Toyota’s reputation for reliability is legendary, to say the least, with some models, such as the Corolla, Camry, and Rav4, being known around the world as some of the best-selling. Known for producing vehicles with minimal mechanical problems and excellent fuel efficiency, Toyota remains a go-to brand for drivers who want long-term value. This commitment has resulted in Toyota scoring an impressive score of 62 out of 100.

4. Honda

Honda is another brand that consistently ranks high in reliability due to its strong engineering and efficiently built designs. Popular models like the Civic, Accord, and CR-V are all built to last with low repair costs and a strong resale value. On top of this, Honda also tends to have fewer recalls on average compared to competitors. All of these factors combined resulted in the brand scoring a 59 out of 100 in reliability.

5. Acura

Finally, Acura, which is Honda’s line of luxury cars, combines premium features with the same reliability level that is found in standard Honda vehicles. The Acura MDX and Acura RDX, in particular, are well-suited and well-regarded for their dependability and performance, making them popular choices for those seeking a balance of fun and safety. Acura came in just behind Honda with a reliability score of 55 out of 100.

Comparing Factory Warranties from Reliable Brands

While reliability is certainly key, it’s important to also have a strong warranty on your vehicle. Even the best vehicles are susceptible to age, and a strong factory warranty can enhance your ownership confidence. Below is a breakdown of the different standard warranty options offered by each of the top five most reliable brands:

Subaru Factory Warranty

In addition to all of the below new warranty plans, Subaru also offers an Added Security plan which tacks on an additional 8 years/120,000 miles or 10 years/100,000 miles depending on the plan.

1. Basic Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles
2. Limited Powertrain Warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles
3. Rust Perforation Limited Warranty: 5 years/Unlimited miles
4. CPO Powertrain Warranty: 7 years/100,000 miles
5. Subaru Hybrid System Limited Warranty: 8 years/100,000 miles

Lexus Factory Warranty

As a Lexus owner, you automatically get standard LexusCare which includes one of the premier warranties in the industry, thereby ensuring exceptional quality, dependability, and peace of mind. Below are the alternative warranty options available:

1. Basic Warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles
2. Powertrain Warranty: 6 years/70,000 miles
3. Powertrain Warranty for RZ: 6 years/70,000 miles
4. Hybrid System and Battery Warranty for Electric Vehicles and Plugins: 8 years/100,000 miles

Toyota Factory Warranty

With a Toyota, your warranty period officially begins on the vehicle’s in-service date, which is the first date your vehicle was delivered to you. The warranty options you will have include:

1. Basic Coverage: 3 years/36,000 miles
2. Powertrain Coverage: 5 years/60,000 miles
3. Rust-Through Coverage: 5 years/Unlimited miles
4. Emissions Coverage: Varies depending on federal and state guidelines

Honda Factory Warranty

When you purchase yourself a new Honda vehicle, you’ll get peace of mind through their manufacturer warranty coverage, but you will also get additional coverage for parts and accessories. Below are the coverage levels you can expect:

1. Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles
2. Powertrain Limited Warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles
3. Corrosion Limited Warranty: 5 years/Unlimited miles
4. Accessory Limited Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles
5. Replacement Parts Limited Warranty: 1 year

Honda also offers two certified pre-owned warranty plans, with the first being for vehicles from 2019-2024. This lasts less than 80,000 miles whereas the other plan, meant for 2023-2024 vehicles, lasts less than 12,000 miles.

Acura Factory Warranty

Finally, Acura has the fewest options when it comes to warranties but all their new vehicles get four years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first, covered. Under this warranty any defective material or workmanship issue is taken care of free of charge. They also do have a powertrain limited warranty which offers coverage for six years or 70,000 miles, whichever comes first, on new vehicles from 2023.

Endurance Auto Protection for Extended Coverage

While factory warranties are helpful for keeping you protected, they do eventually expire. Adding on an extended warranty, also known as a vehicle service contract, can be an excellent choice to keep yourself protected. At Endurance, there is a range of auto protection plans to choose from, each of which can be customized to suit your specific needs. If you are used to total protection, then consider our Supreme plan, which is the closest to a manufacturer’s warranty protection. However, if all you’re seeking is basic coverage, perhaps for a used vehicle, then the Secure Plus plan is an excellent choice as it only covers the most vital components.

Endurance plans all come with standard benefits such as 24/7 roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, trip interruption coverage, and more for your new or used car. For a small activation fee, you can also enjoy a year of Elite Benefits, which offer bonus perks such as tire repair or replacement, key fob replacement, and more.*

Protecting Your Vehicle with Endurance Warranty

When choosing your next vehicle, reliability should be at the top of mind. Subaru, Lexus, Toyota, Honda, and Acura are among the most reliable brands today and are all worth top contenders for your next vehicle due to their demonstrated capabilities. The factory warranties offered on these vehicles are expansive, covering a wide range of parts. However, once that manufacturer’s warranty expires, you’ll want to stay protected.

Give one of our plan advisors a call at (800) 253-8203 or request a FREE quote to see which vehicle protection plan might be right for you. You can also shop online now to see plan recommendations and pricing for your specific vehicle.

Check out the Endurance blog for articles on additional automakers like BMW, Chevrolet, Ford, Mazda, Kia, and more.