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If you're looking for a used car in 2023, you'll want to know more about the brand you’re buying. There's so much choice out there so whether you're after a family sedan, rugged SUV, utilitarian truck, or compact city car, you're in the right place.
Take a look at our list of the top 12 most reliable car brands for 2023 shoppers based on car brands with the highest reliability ratings from our partners at RepairPal.
Most Reliable Car Brands
1. Toyota
RepairPal reliability rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
The Toyota brand has a great track record for building practical sedans, SUVs, minivans, and trucks. When it comes to small and medium SUVs, the RAV4 and 4Runner are great choices, plus the 2022 RAV4 Hybrid also comes with standard all-wheel drive. The Toyota Corolla is another popular option that's now in its 12th generation (2020 onward). The previous generation (2014-2019) has a long list of standard features as well as the option of a hatchback version.
2. Honda
RepairPal reliability rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Honda has a little bit of everything from the Civic sedan to the Odyssey minivan to the Ridgeline pickup to the practical CR-V crossover. In fact, the 2016-2020 Honda Civic is available as a sedan, hatchback, or coupe — so Honda really does have something for everyone. If you're after a family vehicle, the Odyssey is a high-tech option that has everything you need to keep passengers entertained. The Touring and Elite trims across 2018-2022 models include a rear-seat entertainment system as standard. If a crossover SUV is more your style, Honda's CR-V is a great option. The 2017-2022 model returns an impressive EPA-estimated 30 mpg combined on front-wheel drive models with the 1.5L engine.1
3. Lexus
RepairPal reliability rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
It's no wonder a luxury car brand such as Lexus has made it to number three on the list. With an impressive range of sedans and SUVs, Lexus will appeal if you like the finer things in life. While its sedans such as the LS and IS really stand out, the SUVs share the same angular, futuristic looks — including the RX and NX models. The Lexus RX began its fourth generation in 2016 and remains a great choice if you're looking for an attractive SUV with a smooth ride.
4. Kia
RepairPal reliability rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Kia is well known for its sturdy and practical vehicles. If you're after an SUV, this is a great choice as there's something for everyone. New for 2021 was the Kia Seltos, a small SUV that sits just below the compact Sportage in terms of size. If you're looking for something larger, the 2019-2023 Kia Telluride has three rows for seven or eight people, depending on whether you opt for second-row captain's chairs. If sporty is more your style, look out for the Kia Stinger, which debuted in 2018. 2022-2023 models are powered by either the standard 300-hp four-cylinder engine or an available 368-hp V6.
5. Acura
RepairPal reliability rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Luxury and performance, what more could you want? The confident handling and luxurious finish of Acura's sedans and SUVs make them highly desirable. Look out for the Integra and TLX, both are sports sedans with plenty of style; the kind of cars you'll love to look back on in the parking lot. There's also the RDX crossover and the three-row MDX SUV if you want a bit more space. The MDX was redesigned in 2022 with new styling to match its stablemates — if you want a performance SUV, look out for the 2022-2023 Type S model and its turbocharged V6 engine and standard AWD.
6. Buick
RepairPal reliability rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
With a legacy of luxury, Buick has managed to evolve into modern times while still maintaining some of the design traditions that made it so popular. With a range of crossovers and SUVs, you're bound to find something that suits you. The Buick Enclave is a midsize SUV that was refreshed in 2022 with a new look as well as newly standard driver assist features. The Encore is one of the smallest crossovers out there but it has enough space for four adults. If you're looking for something a little larger, the Encore GX debuted in 2020 to fill the gap.
7. Mitsubishi
RepairPal reliability rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Mitsubishi keeps things simple with just three vehicles on offer, but you have a range of powertrain and body style options to choose from. Take the 2014-2020 Outlander, for example: with three rows and a generous list of standard features, this is a great option if you're looking for a reliable people-mover. If you're a city dweller or just don't need something as big as the Outlander, the 2014-2023 Mirage hatchback or 2017-2022 Mirage G4 sedan are great options.
8. Mazda
RepairPal reliability rating: 4 out of 5 stars
The Mazda vehicle design stands out using styling intended to give their cars the appearance of motion while standing still. This is especially true of one of Mazda's most iconic cars, the Mazda MX-5 Miata, a two-seater sports coupe that's a true driver's car. If a stylish sedan appeals instead, though, take a look at the Mazda3 and Mazda6. When it comes to practical-yet-compact SUVs, look out for the CX-5 and CX-30.
9. Fiat
RepairPal reliability rating: 4 out of 5 stars
You'll no doubt know of the retro-looking Fiat 500, but did you know it comes in all shapes and sizes? The 2019-2023 Fiat 500X is a larger version of the diminutive city car but it's not lacking in style. Look out for 2022 models with the available cloth sunroof for top-down cruising. The 500e, an all-electric Fiat 500, was launched in 2013 and then, sadly, went on hiatus in 2019. The good news, though, is that it'll be back for the 2024 model year with a new look that still stays true to its retro Italian roots.
10. Hyundai
RepairPal reliability rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Hyundai offers stylish, modern, featured-packed vehicles. Whether you're looking for a three-row SUV to transport your crew or a midsize sedan that's perfect for city life, Hyundai has you covered. The Hyundai Palisade launched for the 2020 model year and is the brand's largest vehicle on offer. With a facelift in 2023 alongside a range of added features, this is a great choice if you have a large family.
11. Tesla
RepairPal reliability rating: 4 out of 5 stars
If you're looking for an all-electric vehicle, Tesla is one to explore. Whether you're after the sleek Model S, the entry-level Model 3, or one of the two Tesla SUVs (the Model X and Model Y), you'll love the quick acceleration and futuristic feel of these vehicles. For maximum range, look for the 2022-2023 Tesla Model S, which will do an EPA-estimated 405 miles on a full charge.2
12. Nissan
RepairPal reliability rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Nissan has an impressive vehicle lineup that covers cars, SUVs, and trucks. If you want to go all-electric, the Nissan Leaf is a good choice and there are a lot of used options available. The 2020-2022 Nissan Leaf comes with standard driver-assist features and smartphone integration, as well as an EPA-estimated range of 149 miles when fully charged.2 Look for the Plus models from 2019-2022 for a boosted EPA-estimated range of 226 miles when fully charged.2 If you're after a small SUV, look out for Nissan Kicks or the Rogue Sport.
From trucks and SUVs to sedans, hatchbacks, and sports cars, choosing your next vehicle from one of these reliable brands is a smart move.
Shop our inventory, or keep researching with these related articles:
RepairPal Reliability Ratings
For this article we've pulled the top 12 most reliable car brands—in order—according to RepairPal rankings. RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2006-2020 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features. RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. These ratings and rankings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of 3/21/2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings.
Jess is an automotive journalist dedicated to demystifying electric vehicles. She can be found tweeting as @jetlbomb on everything from unusual classic cars to electric road trips.
