Table of Contents

What criteria determine the reliability?
Which car brand is the most reliable?
Lexus brand - most reliable according to the J.D. Power rating
Subaru  - the best based on Consumer Reports
Audi – ADAC Pannenstatistik Topper
Hyundai – What Car? Reliability Survey Leader
Volkswagen - the leader in the TÜV Report technical inspection rating
Why you shouldn't blindly trust car ratings

If you are looking for the most reliable car brands to buy in 2025, the Indiana market has much to offer. However, a car that will serve for a long time, without breakdowns and unforeseen issues, is almost the same miracle as a perpetual motion machine. Still, reliability ratings based on a summary of technical inspection statistics, service station data, and accidents help to understand cars of which brands can claim the title of "almost eternal".

Indy Auto Man offers you the top 5 most reliable cars and brands that have proven their durability and quality.

What criteria determine the reliability?

Let's make it clear right away that no car brand guarantees reliability. Even when rolling off the assembly line, cars will differ from each other, albeit minimally. And if we are talking about used autos, the operating conditions and even the driving style of its previous owner are reflected in its condition. So, ultimately, you should focus not on ratings but on the reputation of the used car lot and the results of a vehicle inspection implemented at a good service station.

According to IAM experts, reliable used cars must meet the following requirements:

long service life;
low frequency of breakdowns;
affordable maintenance.

These are the parameters most ratings use as the background for their car reliability assessments.

There are several international car reliability listings, each with its own methods and assessment emphasis. Some ratings focus on specific markets, such as North American (J.D. Power), European (ADAC, TÜV Report), or British (What Car?). It is useful to study several tops to get a complete picture.

Which car brand is the most reliable?

According to the results of 2024, the best car brands are:

Lexus – leader of J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS);
Subaru – king of Consumer Reports;
Audi – favorite of ADAC Pannenstatistik rating;
Hyundai – leader of What Car? Reliability Survey;
Volkswagen – best of TÜV Report technical inspection rating.

Below, we present the cars of the most reliable brands that are the leaders in the most significant ratings.

Lexus brand - most reliable according to the J.D. Power rating

This reliability rating evaluates brands by the number of problems owners encounter in the first three years of use. They surveyed car owners' feedback in different categories: engine, gearbox, electronics, and other parts. J.D. Power considers not only breakdowns, but also an auto convenience of use, and its assembly quality.

The Lexus car brand has occupied the top positions in the luxury vehicles category for several years. Namely, the Lexus GX scored high for the minimum number of problems reported in the first three years of operation. The stability of the main units and assemblies distinguishes the GX model from the competitors. Interior and body parts are resistant to wear, and engineering solutions ensure a long service life for all car systems. Lexus engines are durable and highly efficient, making all Lexus models attractive to those who value stable and trouble-free operation. The robust safety systems work reliably and do not require frequent maintenance.

Subaru - the best based on Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports collects data through surveys of subscribers who talk about their car-owning experience. The main emphasis is on reliability and durability over several years of operation. The study includes new and used cars. The focus of the rating is an assessment of long-term reliability. In addition to technical characteristics, Consumer Reports takes into account convenience, cost of maintenance, and the experience of owners.

According to Consumer Reports, Subaru is one of the most reliable car brands. Its models have been in production for a long time with minimal changes, allowing the manufacturer to fix any problems. Overall, Subaru is a regular winner, placed at the top of reliability lists due to the consistency of its build and the durability of its models. Other leaders are Toyota and Honda.

Audi – ADAC Pannenstatistik Topper

The German automobile club ADAC publishes breakdown data based on calls to its breakdown services. They count how many times and for what reasons vehicles break down during the year. The ADAC rating covers cars of different ages. The main focus is on actual breakdown data, which makes this reliability rating one of the most accurate in Europe.

The leader of the ADAC Pannenstatistik 2024 reliability rating is the Audi brand and its lineup. The Audi A3 has shown the least breakdowns in recent years, especially in the versions produced in 2021 and 2020.

The Audi brand has earned trust thanks to durability, reliability, and excellent handling, which makes it one of the best brand in its league.

Hyundai – What Car? Reliability Survey Leader

The What Car? resource conducts surveys among its readers, who discuss the breakdowns. The evaluation involves cars from one to ten years old, accounting for types of faults, including the engine, body, and electronics. The main emphasis is on brand reliability during long-term vehicle operation. The peculiarity of the rating is that it takes into account not only the number of breakdowns but also the cost of their repair, which helps to estimate the overall costs of operating a car.

According to the latest What Car? Reliability Survey, the Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid leads in reliability. The features of this car are its simple and proven hybrid system, which minimizes the number of breakdowns. Hyundai owners note not only the reliability of the engine but also low maintenance costs. Benefits include economical fuel consumption and a long service life of all key components, which turns it into a car with minimal problems.

Are Hyundai good cars?

Volkswagen - the leader in the TÜV Report technical inspection rating

TÜV Report is based on data from vehicle inspections in Germany. It evaluates various parameters, such as the number of detected faults and their types. The rating estimates cars of different ages, starting from three years old. The main focus is on technical problems and vehicle safety.

The peculiarity of the report is that it is based on official data obtained during mandatory technical inspections, which makes it one of the most reliable ratings in Europe.

According to the latest TÜV Report, the most reliable car brand is VW, but the most dependable car from the list available in the United States is the Mazda CX-3. This car stands out for its minimal number of breakdowns and high durability. The core features include build quality, reliable operation of the systems, and a high safety level. The car is also resistant to wear and tear, designed for long-term use.

Why you shouldn't blindly trust car ratings

Statistics know everything, but they are often wrong. It is clear that car ratings have advantages that make them almost mandatory reading for every car enthusiast:

Objective data: many ratings, such as J.D. Power or Consumer Reports, are based on real data from owners, which makes them reliable sources of information.
Owner experience: surveys and data from services show the real problems that drivers face.
Large database: some ratings evaluate thousands of cars of different brands.

But you still shouldn't blindly trust them. Ratings may not cover all models, they are often limited to regions. Another weak point is the subjective assessments of car owners - they are often based on personal tastes. However, it is a good roadmap to the world of cars. You can significantly narrow down your search before going to the dealership.

At Indy Auto Man, you will find vehicles of all the most reliable brands from this rating. Check out our selection and buy a reliable used car in Indianapolis.