Built to Last
It might surprise you to hear, but there are plenty of cars out there that have been known to last for ages on just basic maintenance. Whether it’s something in the way they’re built or their ingrained durability, these are 20 cars that often exceed 300,000 miles.
1. Toyota Corolla
Fair warning, you’re about to see a lot of Toyotas on this list. What makes the Corolla a great choice for those that prefer to buy things for life is its reliable engine paired with low-stress internal systems. If you want a car that rarely breaks down, this is the one.
2. Honda Civic
You’ll also be seeing a lot of Hondas on this list, one of the best undoubtedly being the Civic, which has amassed quite the cult following. The lightweight design works great with easy maintenance and reasonable gas mileage. Just be wary of rust, as it can be something to keep an eye on in older models.
3. Mazda MX-5 Miata
Mazda has certainly been rising in popularity, which comes as no surprise when you consider its exalted mechanics and complex electronics. Not only is it fun to drive, but it also has that sports-car look with Toyota-like reliability.
4. Toyota Camry
Speaking of Toyotas, the Camry was clearly built with high mileage in mind. Not only does it guarantee a smooth ride, but it also has excellent resale value. While the interior isn’t anything fancy, many consider this sedan the gold standard.
5. Ford F-150
For the Americans out there, Ford is synonymous with national pride, and the F-150 stands out with its strong frame and durable engine. Depending on the make, this car will help you understand why the F-150 is America’s best-selling truck.
6. Subaru Forester
Returning to foreign brands, the Forester pairs a boxer engine with symmetrical all-wheel drive, and in doing so, guarantees great durability. While older models have a gasket issue that has been fixed in newer ones, you can comfortably rely on your Forester to get you through anything.
7. Chevrolet Silverado
The Silverado is the quintessential old-school-cool car, and on the bright side, it runs forever. Due to the wide availability of parts, it’s pretty easy to fix and is the perfect contender if you’re looking to hit multiple 100,000s of miles.
8. Lexus RX
Considered a bit more luxurious, the RX is the ideal SUV for those that don’t even want to dream of being left stranded. It’s certainly more expensive than your run-of-the-mill Toyota, but in return, you get both class and reliability.
9. Volvo 240
Another semi-luxurious car to consider is the Volvo. While the 240 may have an arguably outdated design, it more than makes up for that with its incredible engineering and verified safety and longevity.
Rutger van der Maar on Wikimedia
10. Toyota Avalon
To the surprise of no one, Toyota makes another appearance. While the Camry’s compact size may not be for everyone, the Avalon is the perfect pick for those that want a bigger and smoother ride. It also has that nice luxurious feel and has great resale value.
11. Honda CR-V
Matching a simple all-wheel-drive system with Honda’s record reliability practically guarantees longevity. You also benefit from fantastic cargo space and fuel efficiency—making this an all-rounder.
12. Toyota Prius
Another Toyota to consider is the Prius, which is pretty durable and easily hits hundreds of thousands of miles. You can expect a slow ride, but you may need to endure an expensive battery replacement after the 200k mark, although this is a rare occurrence.
13. Toyota Land Cruiser
Speaking of Toyotas, consider the Land Cruiser as the perfect SUV for those that value durability. It handles off-roading with ease but can be a bit heavy on fuel demands.
14. Chevrolet Tahoe
Returning to the world of old-school cool, the Tahoe has been around forever, and that’s probably because it’s built to last. You get plenty of cargo space, and it’s considered a great choice for those with big families.
15. Honda Accord
Many consider the Accord to be the most reliable sedan ever made, and to add to the fun, it’s easy to drive and extremely reliable. Plus, the fuel efficiency is a nice touch that’ll have you driving happily for years on end.
16. Subaru Outback
There’s one more Subaru worth mentioning, and that’s the Outback, which matches a simple boxer engine with an all-wheel-drive system that beats the competition. It’s great in rough weather and is a particularly good choice for those that live in colder climates.
17. Toyota Hilux
Many people swear by the Hilux, claiming it’s the toughest truck on Earth. Its durability is essentially legendary, and the exceptional build paired with a simple diesel engine guarantees smooth performance for years to come.
18. Honda Fit
Another Honda worth considering is the Fit, which lives up to its name by being small and efficient. While it can feel a bit underpowered on highways, it’s the perfect car for those that value longevity.
19. Volvo XC90
Many Europeans look to Volvo when it comes to long-lasting engines and safety. While repairs can be a bit pricey, the XC90 makes up for it with good resale value.
20. Honda Odyssey
Finally, everyone’s favorite Odyssey is the perfect car for families and busy adults alike. In fact, some call it the most durable minivan on the market.
