Toyota Dominates Longest-Lasting Car Brands, iSeeCars Reports
According to a recent study by iSeeCars, Toyota stands out as the leader in producing the longest-lasting vehicles, with an impressive average of 17.8% predicted likelihood that its cars will reach at least 250,000 miles. This remarkable durability is attributed to Toyota’s extensive lineup of SUVs and trucks, including popular models such as the 4Runner, Sequoia, Tacoma, and Tundra. Additionally, Toyota’s sedans and hybrids, notably the Avalon and Prius, consistently rank high in longevity.
Lexus, Toyota’s luxury division, ranks second in the survey, followed by Honda and its luxury counterpart, Acura. Notably, these four brands are the only ones exceeding the industry average of 4.8% for vehicle longevity, placing them in a select group renowned for their ability to produce durable vehicles.
Karl Brauer, Executive Analyst at iSeeCars, remarked, “Japanese cars have a well-earned reputation for high quality and durability. After examining lifespan data on over 174 million vehicles, we can confirm that Toyota, Lexus, Honda, and Acura produce cars with a better-than-average chance of hitting 250,000 miles.”
Ranking of Long-Lasting Car Brands
The study revealed that only four brands surpass the average probability of longevity. While most automotive brands fall short of the 4.8% threshold, brands like GMC, Tesla, Chevrolet, and Cadillac are only marginally below, with a predicted likelihood of reaching 250,000 miles ranging between 0.2% and 0.3% lower than average.
The complete rankings from iSeeCars highlight the brands that excel in durability:
1. **Toyota** – 17.8% (3.7 times above average)
2. **Lexus** – 12.8% (2.7 times above average)
3. **Honda** – 10.8% (2.3 times above average)
4. **Acura** – 7.2% (1.5 times above average)
5. **Overall Average** – 4.8%
6. **GMC** – 4.6% (1.0 times average)
7. **Tesla** – 4.6% (1.0 times average)
8. **Chevrolet** – 4.5% (0.9 times average)
9. **Cadillac** – 4.5% (0.9 times average)
10. **Mazda** – 3.6% (0.7 times average)
11. **Ram** – 3.5% (0.7 times average)
12. **Lincoln** – 3.4% (0.7 times average)
13. **Ford** – 3.1% (0.7 times average)
14. **Dodge** – 2.5% (0.5 times average)
15. **Nissan** – 2.4% (0.5 times average)
Others, such as Subaru, Volvo, Infiniti, and luxury brands like Mercedes-Benz, fall significantly below the average.
Insights on Non-Luxury and Luxury Brands
Among non-luxury brands, only Toyota and Honda exceed the average lifespan probability of 5.1%, with both manufacturers showing over twice the likelihood compared to GMC, which ranks third among non-luxury brands.
The rankings for non-luxury brands are as follows:
1. **Toyota** – 17.8% (3.5 times above average)
2. **Honda** – 10.8% (2.1 times above average)
3. **GMC** – 4.6% (0.9 times average)
4. **Chevrolet** – 4.5% (0.9 times average)
5. **Mazda** – 3.6% (0.7 times average)
In the luxury segment, the average likelihood of reaching 250,000 miles is only 3.2%. This lower figure is largely due to the less aggressive driving habits of luxury car owners. Brands such as Lexus, Acura, and Tesla outperform their counterparts, while many luxury brands, including Jaguar and Maserati, struggle to achieve even 1% longevity likelihood.
The top luxury brands include:
1. **Lexus** – 12.8% (4.0 times above average)
2. **Acura** – 7.2% (2.3 times above average)
3. **Tesla** – 4.6% (1.4 times above average)
Brauer emphasized, “The reduced likelihood of a luxury car hitting 250,000 miles is more a reflection of how their owners use them rather than an indication of their build quality.”
As consumers consider purchasing a vehicle, insights from the iSeeCars study can serve as a valuable resource. While longevity is just one aspect of vehicle quality, it remains a significant factor for buyers looking to invest in a car that will last for many years.
The methodology used for this analysis involved examining data from over 174 million cars, calculating the average odometer reading for each vehicle annually, and developing a model to estimate the probability of reaching various mileage milestones. The analysis excluded heavy-duty vehicles and focused on the most common models on the road to provide a realistic view of longevity expectations.
For those in the market for a new or used vehicle, understanding which brands have the highest likelihood of longevity can guide buyers toward more reliable options.
