5 Popular Cars With The Least Problems (Ranked 1-5)

The worry about the unreliability of a vehicle can be exhausting. While it is inevitable to have a car without its glitches, it is logical to get a dependable brand of car.

In this article, we have listed 5 popular cars with the least problems. If you are unsure about what model to buy, this article will surely clear your doubts.

NB: We use the engine performance, fuel economy and maintenance cost as the major yardstick to measure the reliability of these vehicles. Let’s get right into it!

1. Toyota Prius

The Toyota Prius is a hybrid car. Hybrid cars have high expectations for efficiency and reliability, and the Toyota Prius has lived up to this standard. 

Fuel Economy 

The Toyota Prius model comes with an engine that combines electric motors and generators. This creates an efficient output on the road.

It has 54 city mpg and 133 highway mpg. Thus, the fuel rating of the Toyota Prius makes it one of the top Toyota cars with fuel efficiency. In addition, the car also has an aerodynamic shape to reduce air resistance. This aids the car to burn less fuel and saves you that extra cash.

Engine Performance

The old models of the Prius hybrid system features a 97 bhp 1.8-liter VVT-I engine. Toyota has refined this system to increase the output.

The new engine now produces a power output of 121 bhp. With the 121hbp produced by the Pruis, it can cover 0- 62mph in 10.6 seconds.

The Pruis works best with city driving where it relies on its electric motors. However, if you do lots of highway driving, the Prius’ acceleration can be slow.

The engine of the Pruis also has a high thermal efficiency. According to greencarreports, the Prius will achieve a 40% thermal efficiency. This makes it one of the most efficient gasoline engines around the world.

The Prius also improves the limit of exhaust gas recirculation. This significantly prevents the engine from knocking because the cooled gas reused in the cylinders increases as the temperature of the gasoline lowers.

Maintenance Cost

According to YourMechanic, the estimated cost to maintain and repair a Toyota Prius ranges at an average of $317 per year.

This is relatively cheap compared to other vehicles. However, the cost varies depending on the personal usage of your car. Some major tips to maintain your car include:

• Inspect all fluids and adjust all fluid levels according to manufacturer specifications
• Rotate your tires regularly
• Inspect brake linings regularly
• Inspect or replace the cabin air filter periodically
• Service the engine according to the maker’s recommendations

2. Toyota Corolla 

According to RepairPal, the reliability rating of the Toyota Corolla is 4.5 out of 5.0. It also tops as the 1st out of 36 compact cars. 

Fuel Efficiency 

The estimated fuel efficiency of the Corolla is 53 city MPG and 52 highway MPG, respectively. Thus, it is fuel efficient both in long and short distances.

Engine Performance 

This car model features a 1.8L or 2.0 four-cylinder engine. It uses a front-wheel drive and a CVT gearbox. According to parker.co.uk, the 1.8-liter engine produces 122 hp and 142 Nm of torque. The 2.0 liter produces 180 hp and 190 Nm of torque.

This is a high and impressive performance and Toyota says that the 2.0 accelerates from 0-62mph in 7.9 seconds, while it takes about 10.9 seconds for the 1.8 engine to cover the same distance.

Maintenance Cost

According to YourMechanic, the estimated cost to maintain and repair the Corolla is $286 per year. This is relatively cheap compared to other models.

The cost would vary according to your personal usage and the car’s mileage. A higher mileage car may require more maintenance than a lower mileage one.

3. Honda Accord

This model is a prevailing choice for car owners. Its popularity and usage have increased because of its reliability and efficiency. According to RepairPal, the Honda Accord ranks a 4.5 0ut of 5.0 for reliability. It also tops the 1st out of 24 midsize cars.

Fuel Efficiency 

The Honda Accord features a 1.5 turbocharged cylinder engine with a CVT transmission. The car is one of the most fuel-efficient in its class. It has a 30 city MPG, 38 highway MPG and 33MPG combined.

The Accord has a 60% fuel efficiency. However, models with bigger wheels have less fuel efficiency. They usually have:

• 29 city MPG
• 35 highway MPG
• 32 MPG Combined

 The hybrid LX of this model ranks as the best, since hybrid cars have the highest fuel economy. The hybrid LX has:

• 48 city MPG
• 47 highway MPG
• 47 MPG combined

Engine Performance

The Honda Accord produces 192 hp and 192 Nm of torque for the base engine.

The other models like the sport, EX, L and the Touring trims can boast of 253 hp and 273 torque because they feature the 2.0-liter engine.

Asides from the amazing reviews about Honda’s swift acceleration and balanced driving, its braking system is also exceptional as it has done well in crash tests.

However, the engine can run out of steam with a full load if driving over hilly terrains.

Maintenance Cost

According to YourMechanic, the average maintenance cost of the Honda Accord is $279 annually. However, there’s a 15.5% chance that the Accord would require a major repair in the first 10 years of usage.

Related: Honda Accord Problems: 15 Common Issues (Explained)

4. Lexus RX

Car experts commend this car for its reliability, easy maneuvering and safety system. According to RepairPal, the RX has a 4.0 out of 5.0 reliability rating and ranks as the 3rd out of 17 luxury SUVs.

2012 is the best year for Lexus RX and on the flipside, 2004 is the worst year for Lexus RX.

Fuel Economy 

The RX is estimated to deliver a 20 city MPG, a 27 highway MPG and 23 MPG combined. The hybrid models would give a 30 city MPG, 28 highway MPG and 30 MPG combined.

Engine Performance 

This model features a v-6 engine and a front or all-wheel drive. However, all hybrids come with a standard all-wheel drive. The v6 produces 295hp and 267 Nm of torque.

Talking about SUVs like the RX, we also have an article that discusses whether SUVs cost more to maintain.

This engine is a quiet operator, and it is remarkably swift. The hybrid version performs more efficiently as it features a 3.5-liter v6 engine and three electric motors. It creates 308 hp and 247 Nm. It is better because it delivers more mileage with little gas.

Maintenance Cost

According to YourMechanic, the average cost to maintain the RX is $349 per annum. This beats all other luxurious SUVs. There is, however, a 20. 47% chance this car will require a major repair in the first 10 years of usage. 

Related: 6 Lexus Models You Can Lease (And Some You Cannot)

5. Toyota Camry

Car critics have ranked the Camry as the most dependable and non-problematic car for the past 3 years. According to surveys, the Toyota Camry had the fewest problems per 100 vehicles out of 35,000 vehicles. RepairPal gives it a 4.0 out of 5.0 reliability rating and 3rd out of 24 midsize cars.

Fuel Economy 

The Camry has a 28 city MPG and a 38 highway MPG on a regular model. The mileage varies according to the model. For instance, the XLE and XSE produce 22 city MPG and 31 highway MPG.

Engine Performance 

It features a 2.5 L 4-cylinder dual variable valve timing with intelligence (DVVT-I) engine. This delivers a remarkable performance which produces 203 hp and 184 Nm.

However, if you are fully concerned about burning less fuel, the Toyota Camry hybrid should be your choice. It features a 2.5 L 4-cylinder engine, a 259-volt lithium-ion battery and a 650-volt electric motor. This delivers an estimated:

• 51 city MPG
• 53 highway MPG
• 208 horsepower

Maintenance Cost

According to YourMechanic, the average yearly cost to repair the Camry is $303. The vehicle’s parts are easy to find and cheap to repair according to car experts.

However, the maintenance cost will vary based on factors, such ass the mileage, usage, location and age of the vehicle.

Related: Is The Toyota Camry A Good First Car? (Read This First)

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