Buying a used car shouldn’t be a stressful experience! To help you get started on your search, we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 most reliable used cars of all time:
1. Honda Civic
Prior to the fall of 1972, Honda was mostly known for its motorcycles; however, the August introduction of a new compact two-door coupe, The Honda Civic, propelled the company into the standard compact car market, quickly becoming the brand’s flagship vehicle. Since its introduction, the Civic has experienced multiple facelifts and redesigns, developing a sportier look over the years, all while keeping true to what made the Civic one of the most iconic vehicles on the market: great fuel efficiency, incredible comfort, and unsurpassed reliability.
Depending on the year, mileage and trim level, a used Honda Civic can cost anywhere from $5,000 for an early 2000 model to $30,000 for a more recent model. The popularity and price point of the Civic means most used dealers will have an entire row of these cars for you to pick from, allowing you to get exactly what you’re looking for.
2. Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Motor Company, founded in 1937 by Kiichiro Toyoda, was originally formed as a spin-off of Kiichiro’s father’s company, Toyota Industries. Starting with the Toyota A engine in 1934, the company produced various parts and vehicles before the 1966 release of what was to become the best-selling car in the world, the Corolla.
The Corolla has attracted customers of all ages since its debut, with various models being produced from the standard model providing comfort and reliability, to the AE86 Tureno, a cult icon well known within the auto racing and collecting circles. These days, Corollas can be found in abundance on the lots of used car dealerships as they’re known to live to see over a million miles when treated right.
Depending on the year, mileage, and trim level, a used Toyota Corolla can cost anywhere from $5,000 for an early 2000 model to $34,000 for the most recent top trim level models. Much like the Civic, the popularity of the Corolla ensures most used car dealerships have an abundance of Corollas for you to choose from.
3. Ford Focus
Released to the European market in 1998 and the US market in 1999, as the successor to the Escort, the Ford Focus has proven itself reliable, fuel-efficient, and economical over the last 23 years.
Originally produced at the Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Michigan, the US version came with a few changes from its European counterpart. Debuting in 3 different body styles: a 3-door hatchback, 4-door sedan, and 5-door wagon, with a 5-Door hatchback option to be added in 2001, the Ford Focus was a hit with young buyers seeking cheap basic transportation. After two generations, Ford halted the production of the Focus in 2007 in order to update the design while simultaneously reuniting the International and North American Markets. Returning in 2010, the redesigned Focus took into account the limitations of elderly drivers, allowing Ford to push the focus to a wider market.
Depending on the year, mileage, and trim level, a used Ford Focus can cost anywhere from $4,000 to $18,000. With the lowest price tag on this list, the easy-to-find and efficient Ford Focus is sure to get drivers of all ages where they need to go.
4. Lexus LS-400
Debuting in 1989 as the flagship vehicle for Toyota’s brand new luxury division, Lexus, the LS-400 has withstood the test of time. Built without the use of any prior Toyota platforms or parts, the LS-400 was designed to surpass its rivals in targeted areas, including aerodynamics, cabin quietness, overall top speed, and fuel efficiency.
Exceeding expectations, the LS-400 won Car of the Year Japan at its introduction. 33 years later, this marvel of engineering is still one of the most sought-after used vehicles on the market, wanted by commuters seeking a luxurious ride and JDM enthusiasts seeking a reliable project alike. Now known as the LS-500, the flagship of the Lexus brand maintains the qualities that have kept customers coming back to Lexus for decades.
Depending on the year, mileage, and trim level, a used Lexus LS can cost anywhere from $9,000 to $80,000, a price tag well worth the value and reliability synonymous with the Toyota/Lexus brands.
5. Subaru Outback
Originally known as Fuji Heavy Industries, Subaru is best known for its boxer engine configuration and symmetrical all-wheel drive drive-trains. Built off the second-generation Legacy wagon platform, the Outback was first introduced in 1994 as the Legacy Grand Wagon in Japan and the Legacy Outback in the majority of other markets. By the 1997 New York Auto Show, Subaru dropped all donor names and the Outback and Outback Sport we know today were born.
The Outback combines Subaru’s famous boxer engine and symmetrical all-wheel drive drive-train with rugged plastic protective cladding over the body, a raised roof, and raised suspension for additional ground clearance. Rugged, reliable, and safe, the Outback is perfect for anyone looking for their next adventure.
Depending on the year, mileage, and trim level, a used Subaru outback can cost anywhere from $5,000 for older models to $40,000 for a newer top-trim model. As a frequent IHS Top Safety Pick, a Subaru is sure to keep you and your family safe for years to come.
There are thousands of different models to choose from when it comes to purchasing a used car, and knowing what you’re looking for is half the battle. We hope this list has helped point you in the direction of a vehicle that will fit your needs and get you back on the road.
If you can’t find what you’re looking for in our used car inventory, please feel free to contact us, and a member of our team would be happy to help you out!
