New? Create an account
Enter your registered email address below to receive password reset instructions.
Please check your inbox and follow the password reset instructions.
Your account is ready to roll! 
Save your favorites and access them
anytime, anywhere, on any device.
Happy exploring!
Shopping cars within 250 mi of your nearest EchoPark.
Share this article
Published January 09, 2024
Share this article
You may have read articles about the most reliable sedans before, but not like this one. Today, we're bringing you a list of the cars you should be shopping for, as told by our customers and leading auto industry associations.
Buying a car may not seem like a big deal. After all, if you don't like it, you can always trade it in. But when you shop smart, you can get the most value for your money and even make big profits on a trade-in down the line.
At EchoPark, we specialize in reliable used sedans. Find tried-and-true models from leading brands like Honda and BMW, many of which you can only find at our nationwide Experience Centers.
So, what are the most reliable used cars? You're about to find out in this guide. But first, we want to explain the criteria we used to create our list.
You've probably heard car salespeople talk about cars in terms of reliability, but what exactly does that mean? A reliable car holds up to time and presents a lower risk of breaking down.
But that's not the only way to define reliability. When coming up with our list of the most reliable cars in the industry, we used the following factors to make our decisions.
Reliability and dependability go hand in hand. In the auto world, a dependable car gets good gas mileage, has low maintenance needs in the short- and long-term, and performs well across its lifetime.
Some cars last for more miles than others, even with the same driving habits. A reliable sedan should last long enough for drivers to get the most out of their investment.
Not all pre-owned cars come with the original manufacturer's warranty. Many dealerships offer extended warranties to make up for that fact. If you want to benefit from the original warranty, consider buying a used car produced within the last few years.
Organizations like the JD Power Association, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and Consumer Reports offer industry-leading ratings and rankings. These scores are designed to help drivers buy the best vehicles.
Industry ratings organizations like the JD Power Association, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and Consumer Reports offer industry-leading ratings and rankings. These scores are designed to help drivers buy the best vehicles available.
Some aspects of reliability can only be experienced in the driver's seat. Auto associations can rank and rate sedans, but those scores only matter if they hold up on the road.
A vehicle's price tag is only one aspect of how much it really costs. Miles per gallon (MPG), annual car maintenance costs, insurance premiums, financing fees, and depreciation also go into the total cost of owning a car.
Some car manufacturers are more consistent with their vehicle products than others. Additionally, a good manufacturer reputation can drive up demand, meaning your car will have a higher resale value.
We compiled a list of the top sedans on the market today and evaluated them based on the factors listed above. Then, we divided our top picks based on size (compact, midsize, full-size) and price (affordable, mid-tier, luxury).
If you are hunting for a new sedan, use this list of the most reliable sedans to narrow down your options. We'll also help you find out where to shop for pre-owned sedans near you.
The Honda Civic is the most reliable compact sedan on the market today, if not the most reliable sedan, period. It has earned a US News Rating of 8.7 out of 10. Contained within that score are an 82 out of 100 rating for quality and reliability from the JD Power Association and a critics' rating of 9.4 out of 10. Additionally, the Honda Civic received a RepairPal Reliability Rating of 4.5 out of 5. Not shabby by any stretch of the imagination!
The rating comes from the car's average annual repair cost of $368 and is ranked #1 on Consumer Reports' list of the most reliable compact cars. This compact car is incredibly affordable, with prices for the 2024 edition starting at $25,045. It also gets impressive gas mileage; fuel economy ranges from 26 to 33 MPG in the city and 36 to 42 MPG on the highway.
Explore EchoPark Automotive's used Honda Civics or read on for the top specs for this popular sedan.
Engine Performance
Depending on the trim level, the 2023 Honda Civic comes with a 158-horsepower 2-liter four-cylinder engine or a 180-horsepower turbocharged engine. No matter which option you go for, the Civic is surprisingly fun to drive and easy to handle.
Technology
The standard infotainment center in the 2023 Honda Civic is a 7-inch touchscreen display. Drivers can optionally upgrade to a larger 9-inch or 10.2-inch infotainment screen. All touchscreen displays can be synced with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Resilience
Honda Civics are resilient vehicles, often lasting 200,000+ miles without giving drivers serious car problems. Proper care and regular maintenance can extend the lifetime of a Civic even further.
Safety
Cutting-edge safety features come standard in the Honda Civic. Drivers can access adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, automated emergency braking, and lane-departure alerts.
Unique selling point
The Civic's claim to fame is its manufacturer, Honda, which is one of the most trusted car brands on the market today. Honda vehicles are attractive, ergonomic, and spacious, and the Civic is no exception.
The Hyundai Elantra is an affordable compact car that comes in second for reliability behind the Honda Civic.
U.S. News gave it a 7.9 out of 10. This score is made up of an 8.6 out of 10 critics' rating and a 78 out of 100 quality and reliability rating from the JD Power Association, among others.
RepairPal has also rated the Hyundai Elantra a 4.5 out of 5 in terms of reliability. The Elantra's high score is due, in part, to its impressive average annual repair cost of only $452.
Making the Elantra even more attractive is the fact that it's the most affordable sedan on our list. The 2023 base model costs $22,065. Even the hybrid versions are affordable at $25,665—$30,265, depending on the trim.
If you're sold on the Elantra already, check out our stock of this reliable sedan!
Engine performance
The non-hybrid Hyundai Elantra comes standard with a 147-horsepower 2-liter four-cylinder engine, and the hybrid versions feature a 139-horsepower electric motor. Upgrade to the N Line trim or higher for a 201-horsepower turbocharger or the Elantra N Model for a super-sporty 276-horsepower turbocharger.
Technology
The Elantra comes standard with an 8-inch infotainment center, but drivers also have the option to upgrade to a more expansive 10.3-inch display. Built-in WiFi, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto are also complimentary in all trims.
Resilience
A Hyundai Elantra will easily last you 150,000 miles. An Elantra may even last over 250,000 miles with the proper care.
Safety
The Elantra has earned a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). No matter which trim you buy, you'll get access to automated braking, lane-departure alerts, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control.
Unique selling point
The most obvious feature that explains why so many people drive Elantras is its price tag. Another reason to love the Elantra is Hyundai's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and three-year complimentary maintenance package.
The Chevrolet Malibu is one of the most reliable midsize sedans, and it's a vehicle that many drivers overlook.
U.S. News gave it a 6.8 out of 10 rating, giving high marks to its luxe interior and playful performance. Despite its relatively low critics' rating of 5.4 out of 10, Consumer Reports ranks it as the top choice among midsize car drivers.
Among other popular family sedans, the Malibu stands out for its low price tag. The newest edition starts at $26,195. You only have to shell out a few thousand more for the highest trim, which is $32,595.
The Malibu is not only affordable in the short term; it also comes with low annual repair costs. RepairPal rated this sedan a 4 out of 5 due to its average yearly repair cost of $532.
EchoPark has a wide selection of used Chevy Malibu's available. Check out what we have available, or keep reading for more essential stats.
Engine performance
The 2023 Chevy Malibu only comes with one engine, no matter which trim level you invest in. The 160-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine makes for a slow and steady ride that gets the job done without being flashy about it.
Technology
The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment center is another feature drivers can't upgrade by choosing a higher trim. The good news is that it comes with add-ons like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an optional mobile hotspot.
Resilience
This is where the Malibu outshines other midsize sedans in its class. Drivers can expect to get 100,000 to 150,000 miles from this vehicle with routine maintenance.
Safety
The NHTSA gave the Chevy Malibu a five-star overall safety rating. Automated emergency braking, lane-departure alerts, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control are all available, as well as other optional safety features.
Unique selling point
Again, it's the brand that makes the difference. In this case, Chevrolet's competitive warranty package makes the Malibu an attractive option.
The Honda Accord is a midsize sedan that is consistently rated among the most reliable cars on the market.
The car gets an impressive 8.5 out of 10 from US News, earning high marks for performance and interior. The JD Power Association rated the Accord an 83 out of 100 for quality and reliability, and the car also has a 9 out of 10 critics' score.
RepairPal also gives the Accord credit for its reliability, ranking it the #1 choice among all midsize cars. With a 4.5 out of 5, the annual repair cost is only $400, making for an incredibly low cost of ownership.
As a bonus, the Accord is a great value. The starting price for new is under $30,000. Even though the hybrid model costs a bit more, drivers can still expect to pay less than $39,000 for a new model.
At EchoPark, we know how much our customers love the Honda Accord, which is why we have dozens in stock.
Engine Performance
The base Accord comes with a 192-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Upgrade to a higher trim or the hybrid models for an improved 204-horsepower turbocharger. Regardless of your choice, this car is punchy yet controlled and a blast to drive.
Technology
Choose from a 7-inch or 12.3-inch infotainment center that is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Upgrade to the top-tier trims for a complimentary wireless phone charger and 12-speaker Bose sound system.
Resilience
Depending on the year, a Honda Accord can give you 200,000 miles or more without any issues. However, according to Consumer Reports, newer models are somewhat less dependable with their one-speed variable transmission.
Safety
The Accord comes standard with all the safety features you would expect from a modern sedan. That includes automated emergency braking, lane-departure alerts, and adaptive cruise control.
Unique selling point
In addition to price and reliability, there's a lot to love about the Accord. It is a joy to drive with its fine-tuned steering and suspension. Drivers also love it for its fuel efficiency: a 30—33/38—43 city/highway split.
The Chrysler 300 is the most reliable full-size sedan that saw its final release in 2023. Chrysler plans to discontinue the model, citing poor sales, which is surprising considering that it's consistently ranked among the most reliable vehicles in its class.
It earned the top spot on Consumer Reports' list of reliable full-size sedans. U.S. News also puts it in the top spot with a 7.6 out of 10. It also receives high scores for performance and interior and a critics' rating of 6.7.
The Chrysler 300 is prominent within a class of pricier sedans for its affordability. The 2023 Chrysler 300 starts at $37,110, but you can find it for much more affordable rates pre-owned.
With a mere 3.5 out of 5, the 300 could do better in terms of annual repair costs. Still, at only $631 per year, drivers can expect more expensive maintenance and repairs that happen less often.
If a new 300 is out of your price range, consider buying used. At EchoPark, we have a range of used Chrysler 300 models available for a fraction of the cost.
Engine Performance
A 292-horsepower 3.6-liter V-6 engine comes standard in the Chrysler 300. It can also be fitted with an optional and more powerful Hemi V-8 engine. Or upgrade to the highest trim, the 300C, for a sports-car-worthy 485-horsepower 6.4-liter V-8 engine that can reach 60 MPH in as little as 4.4 seconds.
Technology
For a car with such a high price tag, you might expect to see more entertainment technology inside. Yet, the standard 8.4-inch touchscreen display is offset by the fact that SiriusXM comes complimentary for one year on new vehicles. Buyers can reactivate this service on used cars by contacting SiriusXM.
Resilience
With all that power under the hood, you might think the 300 would be vulnerable to breakdowns. But with an average lifetime of over 100,000 miles and even up to 200,000 in some cases, this vehicle is a smart investment.
Safety
One of the biggest downsides to the Chrysler 300 is that despite its hefty price tag, the basic model does not come with standard safety features. You'll have to upgrade to a higher trim level to get automated braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist.
Unique Selling Point
The Chrysler 300 is especially spacious and comfortable for a sedan. The bold styling also gives it a luxurious look to compete with similar vehicles from other mid-price brands like Cadillac, Lincoln, and Buick.
The BMW 2 Series is a compact luxury sedan that also comes as a Gran Coupe, the only of its kind among compact luxury cars, and in plug-in hybrid form.
Consumer Reports has ranked the 2 Series #1 for reliability in the luxury entry-level car segment. It also received an 8.4 out of 10 from U.S. News, an 85 out of 100 from the JD Power Association, and a critics' rating of 9 out of 10.
BMWs are known for their above-average maintenance and repair costs. You can expect to pay more per repair for your 2 Series. But those costs only average around $463 in the first year of ownership.
The latest 2024 model starts at $39,795, beating out all but the Audi A3 and Acura Integra in terms of price. You can save even more on this reliable luxury car when you buy used.
EchoPark Automotive has select used 2 Series models available right now. Use the link to check inventory availability, or read on to learn about this popular luxury sedan.
Engine performance
The base trim comes with a 255-horsepower turbocharged 2-liter four-cylinder engine. Drivers can upgrade to a 382-horsepower turbo 3-liter inline-six engine, available with rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. You can't go wrong with either option, especially since the four-cylinder engine gets up to 60 MPH in 5.1 seconds.
Technology
Control everything inside your BMW 2 Series from the standard 8.8-inch touchscreen or optional 10.3-inch infotainment center. Drivers can also access a subscription-based hotspot, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 10-speaker sound system with the choice to upgrade to a 14-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.
Resilience
The average 2 Series is somewhat less resilient than other BMW models, which have an average lifespan of 180,000 to 210,000. Still, you'll get anywhere from 70,000 to 130,000 miles before running into any serious issues.
Safety
The driver-assistance tech we all know and love comes standard in the 2 Series. Additional bonuses included blind-spot monitoring and front and rear parking sensors. Drivers can even add on optional automatic parallel and perpendicular parking features.
Unique selling points
Aside from the elegant styling and smooth ride, the 2 Series also shines in terms of its Gran Coupe option. The coupe features a unique rear-wheel drive setup and an incredibly balanced load distribution for a truly dynamic ride.
The Audi A4 is among the best of the best when it comes to luxury compact sedans.
Consumer Reports rated it third in the reliability category. The A4 has also received an 8.7 out of 10 from U.S. News, a 9.8 out of 10 critics' rating, and a JD Power Association quality and reliability rating of 78 out of 100.
As a luxury vehicle, a new A4 will cost you. The base trim starts at $41,395. If you want the full package—the Prestige 45—you'll have to shell out at least $52,395. RepairPal estimates that the A4's average repair cost is $739 per year. This compact car's total cost of ownership is more affordable than other models in its class.
Drivers can reduce the A4's price tag further with a pre-owned Audi. We have some available at EchoPark, so browse our A4 inventory and schedule a test drive.
Engine performance
The A4 comes standard with a turbocharged 2-liter four-cylinder engine. It comes in the Premium 40, which offers 201 horsepower, or the Premium Plus 45, featuring 261 horsepower. Drivers can expect a quick and smooth ride with supremely balanced handling on curvy roads.
Technology
A broad 10.2-inch touchscreen comes standard to this vehicle. The infotainment center is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Drivers can add on an optional package for built-in navigation and SiriusXM, too.
Resilience
When well-cared for, an Audi A4 can last over 250,000 miles. More commonly, these vehicles perform optimally for up to 200,000 miles before presenting any significant issues.
Safety
The NHTSA has given the A4 a five-star overall safety rating. However, you must upgrade to a higher trim level to access the driver-assistance features that come standard in most cars these days.
Unique selling point
The A4 comes with Audi's optional Virtual Cockpit add-on. This impressive and futuristic piece of tech overlays a virtual touchscreen on the dashboard to easily control entertainment, navigation, and more.
These are the dependable cars you and your family have been searching for. Whether you want a compact, midsize, full-size, or luxury sedan, this list has something for you. And you can test drive your top picks at EchoPark.
Are you ready to drive home in a vehicle you and your wallet can feel good about? At EchoPark, we love talking cars with our amazing customers. We are devoted to making you happy and always go the extra mile to ensure that.
Find an EchoPark location near you to schedule a test drive of the most reliable sedans and get our experts' advice about which one is right for you!
