Sedans used to dominate the streets, but their popularity has waned as more Americans have embraced crossovers and pickup trucks. As a result, many automakers have dropped sedans from their lineups due to lackluster sales.
However, despite the decline in popularity, sedans remain the preferred mode of transportation for many consumers. Affordable, fuel-efficient, and still practical, these vehicles continue to be in demand. The survival of certain sedans on the market can be attributed to their reliability. So, which sedans are the most dependable?
To determine the most reliable sedans, iSeeCars conducted an analysis of over 14.9 million used vehicles. The study focused on the cars with the highest long-term endurance, specifically those capable of reaching 200,000 miles. Among the longest-lasting vehicles, the following ten sedans emerged as the most reliable based on their overall reliability rankings.
#1. Toyota Avalon
iSeeCars Reliability Rating: 9.8 (out of 10)
Taking the top spot is the Toyota Avalon full-size sedan. With ample passenger and cargo space, as well as a premium interior featuring synthetic leather upholstery, the Avalon exudes elegance. Additionally, it comes equipped with a range of standard safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, LED automatic high-beam headlights, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. The Avalon boasts a front-wheel drive and a powerful 301-horsepower V6 engine, while higher trims offer the option of a 205-horsepower four-cylinder with all-wheel drive at no extra cost. The Avalon stands out for its lower-than-average repair costs, making it an enticing choice for those seeking longevity. Notably, it is the highest-rated sedan according to Consumer Reports. Unfortunately, the Avalon is expected to be discontinued after the 2022 model year.
The average price of a new Toyota Avalon is $39,625, and a three-year-old used Avalon costs an average of $37,792.
#2. Honda Accord
iSeeCars Reliability Rating: 9.0
Ranked in second place is the Honda Accord midsize sedan. The Accord is praised for its sporty handling and offers more passenger room in both the front and rear seats compared to its competitors. It also offers appealing engine options, including a responsive 1.5-liter turbo four-cylinder engine generating 192 horsepower. For those seeking extra power, higher trims feature a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 252 horsepower. The Accord’s base engine achieves an impressive EPA-estimated 30 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway, making it one of the most fuel-efficient in its class.
A new Honda Accord costs an average of $X, and a three-year-old used Accord costs an average of $X.
#3. Toyota Camry
iSeeCars Reliability Rating: 9.0
In third place is the Toyota Camry midsize sedan. The Camry, which was 2020’s best-selling midsize sedan, impresses with its smooth ride and generous legroom and headroom for passengers. Its standard infotainment features include a 7-inch touchscreen display, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth connectivity. The Camry comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 202 horsepower in the base models. Alternatively, higher trims offer a more robust 3.5-liter V6 with 301 horsepower. The Camry also comes equipped with a range of safety features, including lane-keep assistance, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking.
The price of a new Toyota Camry ranges from $23,215 to $35,219, while a three-year-old used Camry costs between $15,990 and $25,994.
#4. Honda Civic
iSeeCars Reliability Rating: 8.9
Ranking fourth is the Honda Civic compact car. Despite its classification as a small car, the Civic boasts impressive passenger and cargo space. It offers a comfortable ride, quick acceleration, and sporty handling. Additionally, the Civic is available as a hatchback, while the previous coupe body style has been discontinued for the 2021 model year. The sedan version comes with two powertrain options: a base 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 158 horsepower and a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder with 174 horsepower. Safety-wise, the Civic is well-equipped, featuring forward collision warning, lane departure warning, lane-keep assistance, and automatic high-beam headlights.
A new Honda Civic costs an average of $X, and a three-year-old used Civic costs an average of $X.
#5. Nissan Maxima
iSeeCars Reliability Rating: 8.6
The Nissan Maxima full-size sedan secures the fifth spot. This JD Power award-winning vehicle excels in initial quality and packs a punch with its powerful 300-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine. Combining sedan practicality with the performance of a sports car, the Maxima comes with standard features such as a touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. Its safety features include automatic high-beam headlights, rear cross-traffic alert, pedestrian detection, traffic sign recognition, and rear door alert.
A new Nissan Maxima costs an average of $42,550, while a three-year-old used Maxima costs an average of $30,050.
#6. Toyota Corolla
iSeeCars Reliability Rating: 8.5
Taking the sixth spot is the Toyota Corolla compact car. This vehicle offers a comfortable ride and above-average fuel economy for its class. It comes with the Toyota Safety Sense suite of safety features, including lane-keeping assist, lane departure warning, pedestrian detection, emergency braking, and traffic sign recognition.
A new Toyota Corolla costs an average of $24,298, while a three-year-old used Corolla costs an average of $21,361.
#7. Chrysler 300
iSeeCars Reliability Rating: 8.4
The seventh-ranked sedan is the Chrysler 300, the sole American car on this list. The 300 features a 292-horsepower V6 engine as its base option, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a spacious and powerful sedan. Sharing a platform with the Dodge Charger, the 300 boasts the appearance of a muscle car rather than a practical family sedan. It offers a comfortable ride, a roomy interior, and comes with rear-wheel drive as standard, with the option of all-wheel drive.
A new Chrysler 300 costs an average of $36,963, while a three-year-old used 300 costs an average of $29,405.
#8. Mazda Mazda6
iSeeCars Reliability Rating: 8.4
Taking the eighth spot is the midsize Mazda Mazda6. Praised for its driving dynamics, the Mazda6 delivers a fun-to-drive experience and boasts an upscale interior comparable to that of a luxury car. Its base engine is a powerful 187-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder, while higher trims offer a turbocharged four-cylinder providing up to 250 horsepower. The Mazda6 comes equipped with several standard safety features, including automatic high-beam headlights, lane-keep assistance, pedestrian detection, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.
A new Mazda Mazda6 costs an average of $31,988, while a three-year-old used Mazda6 costs an average of $25,660.
#9. Nissan Altima
iSeeCars Reliability Rating: 8.3
Ranking ninth is the Nissan Altima midsize sedan. The Altima stands out with its powerful engine and comfortable seating. Its standard tech features include proximity keyless entry, remote start, and a voice command control system. Safety-wise, the Altima offers a range of features, from forward collision warning to automatic emergency braking and driver drowsiness detection.
A new Nissan Altima costs an average of $29,400, while a three-year-old used Altima costs an average of $23,708.
Honorable Mentions
Tesla Model S
The Tesla Model S is an electric car that combines sedan practicality with sports car performance. It offers rapid acceleration, reaching 0 to 60 mph in a blazing 2.3 seconds. The base Model S can travel up to 390 miles on a single charge, the highest range in its class. Additionally, cutting-edge technology features can be updated through over-the-air software updates.
A new Tesla Model S starts at $69,420, with the top-tier Plaid+ trim costing $149,990. A three-year-old used Model S ranges in price from $46,470 to $79,403.
Lexus ES 350
The Lexus ES 350 deserves an honorable mention as the most reliable luxury sedan. Sharing a platform with the third-ranked Toyota Camry, the ES 350 boasts a luxurious interior and a sporty exterior, along with a more powerful engine. It is equipped with a 302-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine, ensuring refined acceleration. Standard infotainment features include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The ES 350 also comes with a range of active safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, automatic high-beam headlights, and road sign recognition.
A new Lexus ES 350 costs an average of $45,320, while a three-year-old used ES 350 costs an average of $42,058.
Subaru Impreza
The Subaru Impreza stands out with its standard all-wheel drive, impressive interior and cargo space, and enjoyable ride. It boasts Subaru’s characteristic high safety rating and includes standard safety features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assistance, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking.
A new Subaru Impreza costs an average of $23,610, while a three-year-old used Impreza costs an average of $23,238.
Hyundai Elantra
The Hyundai Elantra deserves special recognition as the 2021 North American Car of the Year. While it may not match other vehicles in terms of long-term reliability, it has received praise and accolades for its blend of value and quality. The Elantra comes with an array of standard technology features and delivers a smooth and comfortable ride.
A new Hyundai Elantra costs an average of $22,725, while a used Elantra costs an average of $19,107.
Bottom Line
Sedans offer numerous advantages over minivans and SUVs, including affordability, fuel economy, and an easy-to-drive nature. Despite the disappearance of many domestic sedans from the automotive landscape in recent years, such as the Chevrolet Impala, Ford Taurus, Ford Fusion, Cadillac CT6, and Buick Regal, there are still plenty of high-quality and reliable sedans to choose from. The dependability of these sedans is a testament to why they remain in production. These reliable sedans are the most likely to reach 200,000 miles and should not be costly to maintain once warranty coverage expires.
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This article was originally published on Ratingperson.com.