Most Reliable Cars After 3 Years of Use
US Japanese models dominate different segments, with Toyota having 16 products, and Honda having 8.
Reliability is one of the biggest concerns for used car buyers, along with reasonable price and available features. To help customers make the clearest possible choice when entering the used car market, Consumer Reports (CR) - a famous American consumer magazine - published a list of the most reliable models after 3 years, according to different segments. Cars used for 3 years are 2021 models.
Segment Most reliable car after 3 years of use
Small size Honda Civic, Mazda3, Toyota Corolla/Corolla Hybrid, Toyota Prius/Prius Prime
Medium and large Hyundai Sonata, Toyota Avalon, Toyota Camry
Luxurious Acura TLX, BMW series 5, Lexus ES
Sport Mazda MX-5
Compact SUV Acura RDX, BMW X3, Honda CR-V, Honda HR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Lexus NX, Lexus UX, Mazda CX-5, Subaru Crosstrek, Subaru Forester, Toyota RAV4, Volvo XC40
Midsize and fullsize SUVs GMC Arcadia, Honda Passport, Honda Pilot, Lexus RX, Lincoln Nautilus, Toyota 4Runner, Toyota Highlander, Toyota Venza
Pickup truck Ford Ranger, Honda Ridgeline, Toyota Tacoma, Toyota Tundra
Compared to a 2024 model, which is the newest, a 2021 model seems like a reasonable choice, with a significantly lower price, without lacking in amenities and safety features.
In addition, CR also suggests factors to consider when buying a used car. Fuel consumption, reliability, satisfaction and safety systems equipped on the car are points that should not be overlooked.
Toyota Camry 2021 in the US - one of the best models after three years of use. Photo: Car and Driver
In the segment rankings, Toyota and Lexus dominated, taking 16 of the 36 spots. The latest-generation Corolla was hailed as “one of the best used car values,” while the Camry was described as “a smart used car choice.”
There are eight models from Honda and its subsidiary Acura. Mazda has three, Hyundai and Kia have three in total, while Subaru has two. Of the 36 models, 32 are from Asian brands.
There are three models from Europe: two from BMW and one from Volvo. Likewise, American brands have a number of products, with two from Ford and Lincoln, and one from GMC.