The most reliable cars with the fewest problems are consistently produced by Toyota and Lexus, frequently topping industry surveys from Consumer Reports and J.D. Power. Models like the Toyota Corolla, Camry, Highlander Hybrid, and 4Runner are noted for exceptional longevity, often lasting over 200,000 miles with basic maintenance.
For reliable cars with the fewest problems, consistently top-ranked brands are Lexus, Toyota, Honda, Subaru, and Mazda, with specific models like the Toyota Corolla, Camry, and Honda Accord often cited for longevity and few issues, though proper maintenance is crucial for any vehicle. Brands like Buick and Cadillac also perform well in dependability studies, while some newer EVs and PHEVs have shown more issues than traditional gas or hybrid cars.
For cars with the least problems, focus on brands like Toyota, Lexus, Honda, Mazda, and Subaru, consistently topping reliability charts for new and used vehicles, with specific models like the Toyota Corolla, Lexus RX, and Honda Accord often cited for long-term dependability, though proper maintenance is crucial for any car.
Consumer Reports places Subaru, Lexus, and Toyota among the top brands for overall reliability, particularly for hybrids and SUVs. Specific models like the Toyota RAV4, Corolla, and Camry repeatedly appear on Canada's most reliable car lists for 2025.
The Ford F-Series is the overall best-selling vehicle in Canada, holding the top spot for over a decade and marking its 60th consecutive year as Canada's best-selling pickup for 2025. Following the F-Series, the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V are consistently top sellers, while the Honda Civic remains Canada's favorite passenger car, built in Ontario.
The Toyota Land Cruiser tops the list, as 18.2% of vehicles surpass the 200,000-mile mark, making it both the longest-lasting vehicle and the longest-lasting SUV. The Land Cruiser is Toyota's longest-running series of models, with production starting in 1951.
Rivian. Coming in as the least reliable vehicle purchase according to Consumer Report's data is Rivian for both the 2025 Rivian R1S and R1T. The price range is around $75,900 to $115,900 which means you could be spending a ton of money on a car that won't get you very far down the road.
For the least maintenance, focus on reliable brands like Toyota (Corolla, Prius) and Honda (Civic, Accord), known for low repair frequency and affordable parts, with some studies showing brands like Buick and Tesla surprisingly low over 10 years due to fewer complex issues, while electric vehicles (EVs) like Nissan Leaf or newer Toyota hybrids can also have very low costs. The key is a model with a proven track record for reliability and simplicity.
What is the best age for a used car to buy? If you want the best balance of cost and dependability, a used car that's 2-5 years old is usually your best bet. Here's why: A car loses most of its value in the first 2-3 years, so buying nearly new avoids the steepest depreciation.
The top 10 most unreliable cars change yearly, but recent reports (2025/2026) from Consumer Reports highlight models like the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, Honda Prologue, Kia EV6, Kia EV9, Mazda CX-90, Genesis GV60, Chevy Blazer EV, Rivian R1T, and GMC Acadia, often due to new technology or initial production issues, with brands like {Link: Jeep, Land Rover, Ford, Hyundai, Kia, Nissan, and Tesla frequently appearing on broader lists for various models.
Repairing your car is almost always cheaper than buying a new car. While exceptions to this rule do exist, even the most expensive repairs for aging cars are usually cheaper than a brand-new vehicle. Most expenses for your older car will likely come from maintenance costs and the costs of replacing certain parts.
Most expensive car brands to maintain in 2025
A good mileage for a used car is typically around 12,000-15,000 miles per year, meaning a 5-year-old car should ideally have 60,000-75,000 miles; lower mileage is better, but consider the car's age and look for excellent maintenance records, as modern cars with highway miles can last well over 100,000 miles if cared for, though major repairs might start around 75k-100k miles.
A new model has taken the top spot on Canada's annual most-stolen list, with the Toyota RAV4 leading Équité Association's 2024 rankings released Nov. 18.
Best selling cars