Car companies are always trying to find the vehicle that beats them all. Whether these companies count on safety, power, or level of comfort, they usually do everything they can to sell to as many people as possible. Some of these cars earned a reputation as true troopers. They really are reliable cars that last forever.
Countless fantastic vehicles have come to life since Ford revolutionized the way things were produced. Some of the people who changed the automotive landscape forever offered the most durable engines ever made. These engines are synonymous with longevity. Unlike disappointments like Mazda’s Renesis engine, these powerplants powered some of the most iconic mass-produced vehicles.
10 BMW – M50
BMW knows a thing or two when it comes to making reliable and robust engines. Founded in 1916 with the sole purpose of joining the war effort, BMW would wait until the end of World War II to apply its engineering skills to civilian purposes. BMW started making a lot of noise in the 1970s. It wouldn’t be until the 80s that BMW would release its most respected units.
The M50 is among the best BMW engines ever made. Although not as iconic as the S14 and S85, the M50 is a fantastic engine. BMW offered the M50 on select E34s and E36s. A modified version of the M50 engine ended up in the M3 E36 sports car. BMW engines of that era could go over 350,000 miles effortlessly.
9 Chevrolet – Small Block 350
US auto companies were affected by internal and external stressors. The EPA passed several rules in the early 1970s. At the same time, OPEC imposed an embargo on countries that supported Israel during the Yom Kippur War. Oil-hungry America was directly affected. The events triggered what is known as the Age of Unrest.
Chevy fans like to say that Ford represents Fix or repair daily. Chevy makes engines that are more reliable than Ford’s. LS motors are some of the most modular and easy to own home motors. While not an LS, one of the Chevys in the 1 million mile club comes with a 350cc small block V8 that clocked in at 1.29 million miles.
8 Honda – K20A
When Honda made its U.S. debut in the late 1950s and early 1960s, domestic critics couldn’t stop tearing apart the tiny, underpowered Japanese cars. Although more economical, American gearheads only wanted pure American-bred horses from a gas-guzzling machine. Things have changed a lot in just over 65 years.
Honda never claimed to make serious sports cars until recently. While cars like the NSX were out of reach, the Accord and Civic Si would satisfy any entry-level gearhead. These engines can be modified to severe levels. When it comes to durability, Honda is known for its easy-to-maintain vehicles. A well-maintained Honda can go 200,000 miles without breaking a sweat.
7 Mazda – BP-Z3
European and American car companies took notice when Japanese cars began to conquer the market. While Americans ignored the vehicles coming out of Japan, Europeans quickly realized that things were about to change for the worse. When BMW took notice of Mazda’s MX-5 Miata, the Bavarian automaker made sure it had something to rival what would become one of the best two-seat roadsters ever made.
The MX-5 Miata is a legend in the JDM scene. Besides being small and sporty, the Miata looks like it was made to be modified. That’s why gearheads should consider buying a Mazda Miata NB. While swapping the BP-Z3 engine for a V8 can be expensive, the stock engine lives up to Mazda’s reputation. As long as it’s not a rotary engine, it’s fine.
6 Nissan – SR20DET
To most uneducated car enthusiasts, Nissan is just a foreign brand that makes lukewarm sedans and crossovers. Nissan not only has a number of turbulent vehicles in its catalog, but is also the creator of some of the most iconic cars ever to come out of Japan. Nissan always made sure to equip its instant legends with remarkable engines.
Nissan made a number of incredible engines during the year. With some combining sportiness and reliability, Nissan cars became popular among petrol heads with a need for speed. From the VG30DETT found in the 300ZX to the VR38DETT, Nissan proved time and time again that great engines can still be achieved. A cheaper unit, the SR20DET, is widely respected among Japanese car enthusiasts.
5 Porsche – M96
Porsche is one of the most innovative car brands in the world. The German automaker offered a hybrid engine that worked in 1900. Nothing has changed more than 100 years later. Porsche is still at the forefront of innovation. While most people know about Porsche’s prowess, most piston heads don’t know that Porsche cars can last a lifetime if properly maintained.
Buying a Porsche vehicle is not something that every car enthusiast can do. However, if money allows, a Porsche can be a wise investment. Porsche cars are built to last. Tom Thalmann drove his 996 Turbo to 647,000 miles. The 996 comes with a top-of-the-line twin-turbo 3.6L M96 flat-six that produces 414 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. Here’s why the Porsche 911 Turbo 996 is a crazy bargain.
4 Saab – B235R
Sweden is home to several successful companies. Most people would automatically think of Ikea. Sweden is also the birthplace of many car manufacturers such as Volvo, Koenigsegg and Saab. Saab discontinued its car manufacturing business, but remained in business in other areas. Looking back at some of the Saab cars released over the past 45 years, it’s fair to say they were built to last.
Saab left a legacy of underrated sports cars when it ceased its passenger car operations. Saab fans fondly remember the 9-3 Viggen. The turbocharged 2.3L B235R inline-four pumps out 227 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. Performance was always a consideration, but Saab focused on delivering value to its customers. Early 2000s Saab cars with over 500,000 miles are not uncommon.
3 Toyota – 3RZ-FE
Toyota began production of all-terrain vehicles during the Korean War. The US military needed trucks cheaper and faster. Toyota would go on to refine the American Jeep with what would later become the FJ and the Land Cruiser. Other off-road vehicles, such as the Tacoma and its cousin the Hilux, benefited from Toyota’s accumulation of knowledge and constant need for improvement.
When Toyota engines come up in conversation, the 2JZ-GTE and 1LR-GUE are the usual suspects. Toyota made excellent engines for their sportier cars. The Japanese automaker also equipped its off-road vehicles with fantastic engines. From the 3RZ-FE found in previous Tacomas to the 3UR-FE V8 installed in the luxurious Land Cruiser, Toyota’s lineup contains top-selling vehicles for a reason.
2 Volkswagen – 1200cc
Movies like The fast and the furious, Gone in 60 seconds, or even james bond, helped the vehicles gain exposure and popularity. However, not a single car received the same honors as the Volkswagen Beetle. Unlike Michael Knight’s KITT, the Beetle made it to the big screen. Herbie was one of Volkswagen’s most successful product placements.
Although the mass-produced beetles didn’t fly, they sure were as modular and tough as Herbie. The 1200cc found in the 1960s Beetle can last a lifetime. Marketed as the The people’s car, the Beetle is easy and affordable to maintain. That’s why the Volkswagen Beetle is one of the best-selling cars of all time. Volkswagen repeated the experience with the Golf. When regularly maintained, the Volkswagen Golf can outlast the Beetle.
1 Volvo – B20D
For most domestic petrolheads, Volvo vehicles are college girls’ and football players’ cars. While it’s true that Volvo’s XC90 isn’t as aggressive as Dodge’s Durango Hellcat, the Swedish automaker always makes sure to market cars that can get your adrenaline pumping. As well as being fun to drive, Volvo vehicles can also last several lifetimes.
Volvo cars may not be the sexiest cars on the market, but there’s a good reason why they’re a favorite among suburban moms. Because they are safe and reliable, Volvo cars have proven several times that they can work forever. The Volvo car with the highest mileage in the world is a 1966 P1800 equipped with a 2.0-liter inline-four engine. With 3.3 million miles on the odometer, it’s fair to say Volvos are worth every penny.
