Although Japanese automakers are known to make the most of it reliable cars, are closely followed by their American counterparts. Chevrolet, Ford and GMC produce the most reliable vehicles in America. According to iSeeCars, at least 1.8% of GMC vehicles have reached 200,000 miles, while about 2.3% of Toyota vehicles have achieved the same milestone.
However, there are many American cars like the Chrysler 200 and Dodge Dart that are so unreliable that you will have no choice but to resell them after a year or two of ownership. To help you avoid this kind of mess, we’ve compiled a list of the most reliable American cars based on extensive research by iSeeCars.
10 Ford Fusion – 175,670 miles
Although the Fusion was phased out in 2020 when Ford decided to focus more on SUVs, it remains a reliable and well-equipped sedan. When it comes to pricing, reliability, and longevity, the Fusion holds up well against competitors like the Chevrolet Malibu, Kia Optima, and Hyundai Sonata.
At least 1% of Fusions on the road today have covered 175,670 miles. By spending approximately $581 on maintenance each year and driving carefully, your Fusion can last more than 200,000 miles. If you like to own an American sedan, the 2020 Fusion is one of the most reliable model years and worth considering.
9 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid: 177,678 miles
The Lincoln MKZ is a comfortable midsize luxury sedan that competes with the Lexus ES, Cadillac CT5, BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Although slightly more expensive, the most reliable and fuel-efficient comes in the form of the MKZ Hybrid.
The Lincoln MKZ is also a bit expensive to maintain, but not that much compared to some European mid-size luxury sedans. Annual maintenance costs cost you $831 for RepairPal. With proper maintenance, the MKZ Hybrid should last well beyond 177,678 miles.
8 Ford Taurus – 200,000 miles
The Taurus is one of Ford’s largest sedans. It offers a powerful V6 engine and handles better than other large sedans, according to Consumer Reports. In terms of reliability, the Taurus is pretty impressive, with more than 1.6% of the full-size sedan with at least 200,000 miles on the odometer.
With proper maintenance, which should cost about $697 a year, the Taurus can live for more than 200,000 miles. If you want a used full-size sedan, consider the 2017 Ford Taurus, which is one of the most reliable model years, according to JD Power.
7 Lincoln Navigator: 220,319 miles
The Navigator is the most expensive SUV in Lincoln’s lineup, but that’s understandable given its impressive reliability and availability of features that make life less stressful. The Navigator is even more affordable and less expensive to maintain than the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class.
If you can stomach the $1,089 annual maintenance cost and drive carefully, the Navigator can last up to 220,319 miles. The Lincoln Navigator L is also quite reliable, with a potential life of 214,341 miles.
6 Cadillac Escalade ESV – 228,449 miles
The Cadillac Escalade ESV is another 8-seater SUV that quickly gets thirsty while driving around town. But if fuel and maintenance costs aren’t an issue for you, the Escalade ESV is a full-size SUV with a super-luxury body that you should consider.
The Escalade ESV has a life expectancy of 228,449 miles, making it slightly more durable than the more powerful Lincoln Navigator. Even the standard Escalade is also more durable than the Navigator, with a potential life of 224,782 miles.
5 Chevrolet Impala – 230,343 miles
With a life expectancy of 230,343 miles, the Chevrolet Impala could outperform Japanese sedans and hatchbacks such as the Honda Accord, Fit, Civic, Lexus GS 350, Toyota Camry and Corolla. But keep in mind that the Impala is more expensive to maintain than these Japanese brands.
Older Chevrolet Impala model years like the 2002, 2006-2009 iterations struggled with reliability issues, so you may want to avoid them. The best years are 2016 or newer Impalas, which came with GM’s five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
4 Ford Expedition – 244,682 miles
If you’re looking for a full-size American 8-seat SUV that can do it all, you’ll be impressed with the Ford Expedition. With more than 4.5% of expeditions having at least 200,000 miles on the odometer, it is the longest-lasting vehicle in Ford’s lineup.
The Ford F-150-based SUV can last more than 244,682 miles with thorough maintenance. That said, you should avoid the 2006 Expedition, which comes with the troublesome 5.4-liter V8 engine.
3 Chevrolet Tahoe – 250,338 miles
The Chevrolet Tahoe’s bulletproof reliability, roomy interior, and standard V8 engine will appeal to anyone looking for reliable, powerful family transportation. At least 1% of the Tahoes on the road today have reached 250,238 miles.
With its potential lifespan, the Chevy Tahoe is more durable than Japanese SUVs like the Honda Pilot Nissan Armada, Toyota 4Runner and Highlander Hybrid. But as a large SUV, you probably already know that maintenance is not cheap. On average, it costs approximately $744 to maintain a Tahoe per year.
2 GMC Yukon XL – 252,360 miles
Although some GMC Yukon engines are plagued with problems of excessive oil consumption, the SUV from General Motors is quite reliable. The long-wheelbase Yukon XL costs about $187 more to maintain per year than the standard Yukon, which costs $747.
If you don’t do the scheduled maintenance, the Yukon XL should last up to 252,360 miles. On the other hand, the standard Yukon is also very durable, with a lifespan of 238,956 miles.
1 Chevrolet Suburban – 265,732 miles
As a large SUV, it’s no surprise that the Chevrolet Suburban is quite expensive to own. But many owners wouldn’t mind the high fuel and maintenance costs because the full-size three-row SUV is one of the most reliable vehicles you’ll ever find.
A well-maintained Chevy Suburban should have no problems lasting past 265,732 miles. Based on its potential lifespan, the Suburban would outlast Japanese SUVs like the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, and 4Runner.
Sources: iSeeCars, Consumer Reports, Kelley Blue Book and RepairPal
