8 Most Reliable Daily Drivers (Sedan, Sports Car, SUV, Truck)
Durability is crucial to choosing a car for everyday use as it often correlates to relatively lower running costs.
These reliable daily drivers cover various types of vehicles, from the most common sedans and SUVs to sportier cars and trucks good for the day-to-day commute.
Most Reliable Daily Drivers (Sedan)
#1 Toyota Corolla
Toyota ranks among the most dependable automakers in history, having many models that have served the driving community faithfully for decades and with low ownership costs.
Through its double-digit generations of evolution covering the sedan, fastback, station wagon, and hatchback body styles, the Toyota Corolla has been one of the most reliable affordable vehicles for over half a century.
It may not be the most exciting in looks and driving dynamics, but it’s a car that will serve your basic commuting needs year after year without costing a fortune to run.
The rating on JD Power attests to Corolla’s long-running, impressive reliability.
Table Guide:
- Reliability: /100; higher = fewer problems.
| Model Year | Reliability |
| 2022 Toyota Corolla | 82/100 |
| 2021 Toyota Corolla | NA |
| 2020 Toyota Corolla | 80/100 |
| 2019 Toyota Corolla | 83/100 |
| 2018 Toyota Corolla | 84/100 |
| 2017 Toyota Corolla | 84/100 |
| 2016 Toyota Corolla | 86/100 |
| 2015 Toyota Corolla | 84/100 |
| 2014 Toyota Corolla | 85/100 |
| 2013 Toyota Corolla | 86/100 |
| 2012 Toyota Corolla | 85/100 |
| 2011 Toyota Corolla | 85/100 |
| 2010 Toyota Corolla | 82/100 |
| 2009 Toyota Corolla | 85/100 |
| 2008 Toyota Corolla | 82/100 |
| 2007 Toyota Corolla | 85/100 |
Besides the renowned durability, the Toyota Corolla has these daily-driver attributes:
- Adequately powered but frugal engine.
- Relatively roomy interior and trunk.
- Good visibility, especially the earlier models.
A hybrid version has been available since 2020 if you want an even thriftier Corolla.
#2 Honda Insight
If you want a reliable conventional-looking sedan with a hybrid powertrain for everyday use, the Honda Insight should feature highly on your list.
The Insight is a compelling alternative to the more popular Prius for your money, with equally impressive fuel economy (around 50 mpg combined) at a similar sticker price.
The Honda Insight, however, is livelier and more refined than its Toyota counterpart. Its electric motor delivers more torque for a more responsive acceleration driving around town.
You get to ride comfortably in a well-utilized, roomy interior of a car with excellent crash safety.
The latest-gen Insight has won the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick Plus award in consecutive years since the model’s introduction.
Consumer Reports gave the third-generation, new-for-2019 Honda Insight a maximum score of 5 out of 5 since its debut and predicted that the latest model would remain reliable.
Unlike previous generation hatchbacks before a five-year hiatus between the second and third generations, the newest Insight is a sedan.
Most Reliable Daily Drivers (Hatchback)
#3 Toyota Prius (& Prius Prime)
As you await more EV charging stations in your area before jumping onto the all-electric bandwagon, hybrids (HEV) and plug-in-hybrids (PHEV) vehicles are excellent options to extract more miles per gallon from your fuel expense.
Getting a Toyota Prius (HEV) or Prius Prime (PHEV) for everyday use is smart to keep costs manageable when fuel prices are high, not least because they are supremely reliable daily drivers.
These Toyota’s high fuel economy is prominent: the Prius’s 50-plus mpg overall leads the class, while the equally efficient Prius Prime can operate on electricity-only power for 25 miles per charge, a real cost-saver if you make short commutes.
Reliability-wise, Consumer Reports rated the Prius hybrid’s reliability at 5/5 across most of its model years in the past decade.
The plug-in-hybrid Prius Prime is arguably even more impressive; all the model years obtained the maximum 5 out of 5 score since it appeared in 2017.
Elsewhere, JD Power ranked the Prius hybrid’s reliability highly:
Table Guide:
- Reliability: /100; higher = fewer problems.
| Model Year | Reliability |
| 2022 Toyota Prius | 76/100 |
| 2021 Toyota Prius | 76/100 |
| 2020 Toyota Prius | 71/100 |
| 2019 Toyota Prius | 79/100 |
| 2018 Toyota Prius | 85/100 |
| 2017 Toyota Prius | 86/100 |
| 2016 Toyota Prius | 87/100 |
| 2015 Toyota Prius | 85/100 |
| 2014 Toyota Prius | 84/100 |
| 2013 Toyota Prius | 84/100 |
| 2012 Toyota Prius | 85/100 |
| 2011 Toyota Prius | 84/100 |
| 2010 Toyota Prius | 86/100 |
| 2009 Toyota Prius | 87/100 |
| 2008 Toyota Prius | 87/100 |
| 2007 Toyota Prius | 85/100 |
They cost a few thousand dollars more than a purely gas-powered economy car.
But still, the Toyota Prius has had a long presence on the roads, and you will see a return on your investment quicker than when hybrids were less reliable.
If you desire the added convenience of a plug-in hybrid for your everyday car, the Prius Prime will not disappoint.
Most Reliable Daily Drivers (Sports & Sporty Cars)
#4 Mazda MX-5 Miata
After over three decades, the Miata two-seat roadster continues to offer car enthusiasts and its broad fan base a refreshingly pure, unadulterated driving experience.
Of greater significance is the MX-5’s surprising performance as Mazda’s most reliable model, according to Consumer Reports’ ranking of the most dependable car brands, beating its more mainstream siblings.
Mazda’s position is second only to Lexus, ahead of Toyota and Honda, which makes the Miata’s reliability all the more remarkable.
Besides, it’s one of the most fuel-efficient, with remarkable nimbleness around town and an adequately comfortable ride, signifying the MX-5 Miata as one of the most reliable, fun, and fast daily drivers.
Consumer Reports rated the Mazda MX-5 models of 2022, 2019, 2016, 2013, 2012, 2010, 2008, 2007, and 2006 (covering the third and fourth-gen Miata) with a maximum score of 5/5 in reliability.
Its handling agility, precise stick shifter, and foldable top add to the joy of piloting the featherweight Miata for two.
Overall, the rear-wheel-drive MX-5 Miata is a solid choice for car lovers and those desiring slightly more speed and excitement in their daily commute.
#5 Audi A5
Mainstream sedans from the Japanese and Korean car makers are the ideal choice for reliability and low running costs.
Still, faster premium models can be suitable everyday cars for buyers on a more generous budget.
Among practical cars above the $40k price tag, the Audi A5 is one of the most reliable luxury daily drivers, beating its more illustrious German rivals.
The recent Audi A5 model years achieved high-reliability ratings on Consumer Reports:
- 2022 Audi A5 (4/5 reliability score).
- 2021 Audi A5 (4/5 reliability score).
- 2019 Audi A5 (5/5 reliability score).
- 2018 Audi A5 (5/5 reliability score).
- 2015 Audi A5 (4/5 reliability score).
- 2013 Audi A5 (4/5 reliability score).
The A5 is available in three body styles: coupe, convertible, and Sportback. Still, the four-door Sportback suits everyday use the best with its hatchback utility.
This Audi Sportsback has enough strengths to withstand the daily grind:
- Standard all-wheel drive for enhanced traction on slippery pavements.
- Strong yet efficient turbocharged inline-four hybrid powertrain equipped with automatic transmission.
- Firm yet supple ride.
- Nimble handling for city driving.
- Good visibility.
- Versatile hatchback body style.
Other reliable premium daily drivers in the sedan market worth researching include:
- Acura TLX (starts at $39,000).
- Infiniti Q50 (starts at $42,000).
- Lexus ES250 and ES350 (both starts at $41,000).
Most Reliable Daily Drivers (SUV)
#6 Honda CR-V
The CR-V is one of the best-selling SUVs worldwide, with many notable pluses and competencies across all practical metrics.
If you’re shopping for an inexpensive yet reliable daily driver in the SUV market, the Honda CR-V – new or used – is a top contender for your money.
Outstanding everyday-car qualities this popular Japanese SUV offers include:
- Strong yet thrifty engine,
- Ride comfort,
- Roomy cabin and storage area, and crucially
- One of the most reliable models from an always dependable automaker.
Wherever you look, leading or staying near the top of any reliability ranking isn’t a surprising feat for the CR-V.
It is impeccably reliable, judging by the reliability score JD Power gave.
Table Guide:
- Reliability: /100; higher = fewer problems.
| Model Year | Reliability |
| 2022 Honda CR-V | 83/100 |
| 2021 Honda CR-V | 83/100 |
| 2020 Honda CR-V | 81/100 |
| 2019 Honda CR-V | 83/100 |
| 2018 Honda CR-V | 82/100 |
| 2017 Honda CR-V | 81/100 |
| 2016 Honda CR-V | 81/100 |
| 2015 Honda CR-V | 80/100 |
| 2014 Honda CR-V | 82/100 |
| 2013 Honda CR-V | 83/100 |
| 2012 Honda CR-V | 82/100 |
| 2011 Honda CR-V | 85/100 |
| 2010 Honda CR-V | 83/100 |
| 2009 Honda CR-V | 83/100 |
| 2008 Honda CR-V | 84/100 |
| 2007 Honda CR-V | 84/100 |
#7 Mazda CX-5
If the compact champ of utility, the Honda CR-V, isn’t sporty enough for your daily dose of thrills behind the wheel, the Mazda CX-5 is worth a serious look.
The CX-5 has sharp handling and a premium interior. And like all Mazdas, this small SUV is massively fun to drive.
With reliability scores between 4/5 and 5/5 on Consumer Reports for CX-5 models of the past decade, this small entrant is one of Mazda’s most dependable SUVs and a remarkably reliable daily driver that excites and impresses in equal measures.
| Model Year | Reliability |
| 2022 Mazda CX-5 | 4/5 |
| 2021 Mazda CX-5 | 5/5 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-5 | 4/5 |
| 2019 Mazda CX-5 | 5/5 |
| 2018 Mazda CX-5 | 5/5 |
| 2017 Mazda CX-5 | 5/5 |
| 2016 Mazda CX-5 | 4/5 |
| 2015 Mazda CX-5 | 5/5 |
| 2014 Mazda CX-5 | 5/5 |
| 2013 Mazda CX-5 | 5/5 |
Considering Mazda’s continued presence at the top of reliability charts for car manufacturers, opting for the CX-5 is wise to lower maintenance costs.
Alternatively, these Mazda SUVs may suit you better, depending on your size preference:
- Mazda CX-30 (extra-small)
- Mazda CX-9 (midsize)
They are just as reliable and enjoyable to drive as the CX-5.
Most Reliable Daily Drivers (Truck)
#8 Ram 1500
Pickup trucks are massively popular among small and midsize families for work and the daily commute, and opting for a durable model helps keep the upkeep expenses low.
While Ford rules the sales charts with the ultra-capable F-150 full-size truck, the competing Ram 1500 is a more comfortable and equally reliable daily driver.
It can satisfy the most demanding commercial duties yet provide the best-in-class ride comfort and tranquillity for long or short daily commutes.
Here is how the two leading pickup models’ reliability compare:
Table Guide:
- Reliability: /100; higher = fewer problems.
| Model Year | Ram 1500 Reliability | Ford F-150 Reliability |
| 2022 | 81/100 | 79/100 |
| 2021 | – | 79/100 |
| 2020 | 80/100 | 83/100 |
| 2019 | 77/100 | 83/100 |
| 2018 | 79/100 | 78/100 |
| 2017 | 78/100 | 81/100 |
| 2016 | 79/100 | 80/100 |
| 2015 | 83/100 | 86/100 |
| 2014 | 83/100 | 84/100 |
| 2013 | 86/100 | 82/100 |
| 2012 | 87/100 | 81/100 |
| 2011 | 82/100 | 83/100 |
Reliability is undoubtedly crucial, but the Ram 1500 is also a safe family vehicle, winning numerous Top Safety Pick awards from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
References:
https://www.carsforsale.com/used-cars-for-sale
