Buying a car is one of the biggest financial decisions most of us make, and if you’re the type who drives your vehicle until the odometer looks like a phone number, you want to choose wisely. Some of us form genuine attachments to our cars, watching them age gracefully while racking up memories and miles in equal measure.

The good news is that certain brands have built their entire reputation on longevity, reliability, and the kind of engineering that laughs in the face of time. Whether you’re motivated by practicality, nostalgia, or just plain stubbornness about keeping your trusted companion on the road, these manufacturers consistently deliver vehicles that can go the distance.

We’ve rounded up the brands that understand the assignment when it comes to long-term ownership, backed by reputation, resale value data, and the kind of loyalty that speaks volumes.

Toyota

If Toyota had a dating profile, its bio would simply read “reliable, dependable, will still be here in 20 years.” And I’d definitely swipe right. 

This Japanese automaker has practically turned longevity into an art form, with models like the Camry, Corolla, and Tacoma regularly crossing 200,000 miles without breaking a sweat. According to iSeeCars 2025 Longest Lasting Cars study, Toyota places 10 models in the top 25 vehicles most likely to reach 250,000 miles, the most of any brand, which isn’t exactly a surprise to anyone who’s ever owned one.

The brand’s philosophy of continuous improvement over flashy redesigns means they perfect their platforms rather than constantly reinventing the wheel. Parts are abundant, mechanics know these vehicles inside and out, and the resale values remain strong even after a decade of ownership.

For the driver who views their car as a long-term investment rather than a disposable appliance, Toyota is basically the gold standard.

Lexus

Think of Lexus as Toyota’s sophisticated older sibling who is finishing business school but still shows up to help you move.

The luxury division of Toyota inherited all those legendary reliability genes while adding premium materials and near-silent cabins that actually improve your daily commute. Owners routinely report their ES and RX models sailing past 300,000 miles with nothing more than routine maintenance, which is pretty remarkable for a luxury brand.

The secret sauce is Toyota’s engineering backbone, combined with meticulous attention to build quality and that famous Japanese craftsmanship. Lexus vehicles depreciate more slowly than many competitors, meaning your investment holds its value while you’re busy not worrying about breakdowns.

If you want to feel fancy on your drive to work for the next 15 years without constant trips to the service department, Lexus delivers that sweet spot between luxury and longevity.

Honda

Honda built its American reputation one Accord and Civic at a time, creating a following of devoted owners who genuinely get emotional when they finally retire their high-mileage companions.

The brand’s engineering philosophy emphasizes simplicity and durability, which translates to fewer things that can go wrong and easier fixes when something eventually does. Honda’s naturally aspirated engines are known for their smooth operation and impressive lifespan, with many owners reporting minimal issues even beyond 250,000 miles.

The manual transmissions are legendary, and even the automatics have proven remarkably robust compared to industry standards. What’s particularly appealing is that Honda doesn’t nickel-and-dime you with expensive proprietary parts or overly complex systems that require specialist tools.

For the DIY-inclined owner who wants a car they can actually maintain themselves while racking up impressive mileage, Honda remains a top-tier choice.

Subaru

Subaru owners are a special breed, and that’s not just because of the brand’s quirky marketing, it’s because these cars genuinely inspire loyalty through their ability to handle whatever life throws at them.

The symmetrical all-wheel-drive system that comes standard on nearly every model isn’t just a gimmick; it’s a differentiator that makes these vehicles incredibly capable in challenging conditions while remaining reliable year after year. Models like the Outback and Forester regularly appear on longest-lasting vehicle lists, with many owners in northern climates treating them as essential tools rather than mere transportation.

The boxer engine design, while occasionally requiring head gasket attention on older models, generally proves durable and efficient for the long haul. Subaru’s rust-proofing has improved dramatically over the years, addressing one of the few weak points in their longevity armor.

If you’re someone who values capability, practicality, and a vehicle that can genuinely become part of your family adventures for a decade or more, Subaru deserves serious consideration.

Mazda

Mazda might not get as much attention in reliability conversations as Toyota or Honda, but that’s changing as more drivers discover these vehicles’ impressive staying power.

The brand’s “Jinba Ittai” philosophy, the harmony between car and driver, isn’t just marketing fluff; it reflects an engineering approach that prioritizes driving enjoyment without sacrificing durability. Mazda’s Skyactiv engines and transmissions have proven remarkably reliable, with the brand consistently ranking high in long-term dependability studies.

What’s particularly appealing is that Mazda vehicles maintain their engaging driving dynamics even after years of ownership, so you’re not just keeping a reliable appliance but a car that’s actually fun to drive. The interiors hold up well over time, with materials that resist wear better than you’d expect at this price point.

For the enthusiast who wants something more engaging than a typical commuter car but still needs it to last 15 years, Mazda offers a compelling combination of soul and stamina.

Porsche

Yes, a luxury sports car brand on a longevity list might seem contradictory, but Porsche owners will tell you these vehicles are built to be driven hard and often for decades.

The 911, in particular, has earned a reputation as one of the most durable sports cars ever made, with many examples exceeding 200,000 miles while still delivering thrilling performance. Porsche’s engineering excellence means that even their complex systems are designed for long-term durability rather than planned obsolescence.

While maintenance costs are certainly higher than a Toyota Camry, the actual reliability and longevity of components often surprises people who assume all European cars are expensive nightmares. The air-cooled 911s from previous generations have proven so durable that they’re now collector’s items, and the modern water-cooled versions seem to be following that same trajectory.

For the enthusiast who wants a sports car they can genuinely drive and enjoy for 20+ years rather than a garage queen, Porsche’s commitment to longevity makes them a surprisingly practical choice.

Ford (Trucks)

Ford says the F Series was America’s best selling truck for the 49th consecutive year and the best selling vehicle overall for the 44th year through 2025, and that’s not just clever marketing, it’s because these workhorses genuinely deliver the durability their owners demand.

The typical F-150 owner is someone who needs their truck to earn its keep, whether that’s on a job site, a farm, or hauling a boat every weekend, and Ford has engineered these vehicles to handle that abuse. Models equipped with the naturally aspirated V8 engines are particularly known for impressive longevity, with many commercial users reporting 300,000+ miles with proper maintenance.

The body-on-frame construction and generally straightforward mechanical systems mean these trucks can be repaired and maintained indefinitely by competent mechanics. Parts availability is excellent, resale values remain strong, and there’s an entire aftermarket industry dedicated to keeping older F-Series trucks running.

If your definition of “keeping a vehicle forever” involves actually working it hard rather than just gentle commuting, Ford trucks have earned their reputation as legitimate long-term investments.

GMC/Chevrolet (Trucks and SUVs)

General Motors’ truck and SUV lineup, particularly under the GMC and Chevrolet brands, has quietly built an impressive reputation for longevity that rivals Ford’s dominance.

The Silverado and Sierra share platforms and powertrains that have proven exceptionally durable, with the 5.3L and 6.2L V8 engines regularly surpassing 200,000 miles without major issues. What’s particularly notable is how many of these trucks remain in service as commercial vehicles, daily drivers, and work trucks well into their second and third decades.

The body-on-frame Tahoe and Suburban have become legendary for their ability to haul families and cargo for hundreds of thousands of miles, making them favorites among large families who need space and dependability. GM’s widespread dealer network and parts availability mean you’ll never struggle to find service or components, even for older models.

For buyers who prioritize American trucks and SUVs and plan to extract every possible mile from their investment, GMC and Chevrolet offer proven platforms with track records that speak for themselves.

Acura

Acura benefits from Honda’s engineering excellence while adding luxury features and performance-oriented touches that appeal to drivers who want something a bit more special.

The brand’s reputation for reliability mirrors its parent company, with models like the TL, MDX, and RDX regularly achieving high mileage with minimal drama. What makes Acura particularly appealing for long-term ownership is the combination of upscale materials, smooth powertrains, and Honda’s legendary build quality, all at price points below European luxury competitors.

The V6 engines, in particular, have proven exceptionally durable, delivering refined performance year after year without the complexity of turbocharged or hybrid systems. Maintenance costs remain reasonable for a luxury brand, and the dealership experience tends to be less painful than what you might encounter with European marques.

If you’re looking for a vehicle that feels premium on day one and still delivers that quality feeling a decade later without breaking the bank on repairs, Acura represents an intelligent middle ground.

Volvo

Volvo’s reputation for building tanks that happen to be cars isn’t just folklore, it’s based on decades of engineering vehicles that prioritize occupant safety and long-term durability above flashy features.

The Swedish automaker’s older models, particularly those from the 1980s and 1990s, are legendary for their ability to accumulate astronomical mileage, and while modern Volvos are more complex, that engineering philosophy persists. The brand’s focus on structural integrity means these vehicles often look dated before they actually wear out, which is a good problem to have if you’re planning to keep a car forever.

Modern Volvo powertrains, while more sophisticated than their brick-like predecessors, have shown improved reliability, particularly in their non-hybrid variants. The interiors are designed to age gracefully, with materials that resist wear and maintain their appearance even after years of daily use.

For drivers who value safety, understated Scandinavian design, and vehicles engineered to protect their occupants for the entire lifecycle of the car, Volvo remains a compelling choice.

Ram (Trucks)

Ram trucks have evolved significantly from their Dodge roots, establishing themselves as serious contenders in the longevity conversation, particularly with their heavy-duty models.

The Cummins diesel engines available in Ram HD trucks have achieved a legendary status among truck enthusiasts, with high mileage examples reported beyond 500,000 miles with proper maintenance. What’s particularly impressive is how Ram has improved interior quality and ride comfort without sacrificing the durability that truck owners demand.

The brand’s focus on creating trucks that can genuinely serve as both daily drivers and serious work vehicles has resulted in platforms that hold up remarkably well across diverse use cases. While some electronic components in older models had issues, the fundamental mechanical components, engine, transmission, frame, have proven robust in long-term testing.

For buyers who need a truck capable of heavy towing and hauling but also want something they can comfortably drive for 15+ years, Ram’s modern offerings, especially with the Cummins option, represent a strong value proposition.

Tesla

Including Tesla on a long-term ownership list might seem premature given the brand’s relative youth, but early data suggests these electric vehicles may redefine what longevity means in the automotive world.

The Model S has documented rideshare examples exceeding 400,000 miles, and the Model X has documented fleet examples surpassing 300,000 miles, which suggests the electric drivetrain can hold up under intensive use. Electric motors have far fewer moving parts than internal combustion engines, which theoretically translates to less wear and fewer components that can fail over time.

Tesla’s over-the-air software updates mean your vehicle can actually improve in some ways after purchase, adding features and refinements that traditionally would require buying a new model. Broader real world fleet data across many EV models shows average battery degradation of about 2.3% per year, with charging behavior and climate playing a major role, so long term battery health can be strong but varies widely by driver and charging habits.

While we don’t have decades of data yet, and some build quality concerns exist, the fundamental simplicity of the electric drivetrain combined with Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network suggests these vehicles could become the new benchmark for drivers who plan to keep their cars forever.

Conclusion

The decision to keep a vehicle for the long haul represents both a financial strategy and a personal philosophy about consumption and stewardship. While virtually any car can last with enough money and determination, choosing a brand with a proven track record makes that journey significantly more pleasant and affordable.

The manufacturers on this list have earned their reputations through decades of delivering vehicles that genuinely honor the commitment their owners make when deciding to go the distance. What’s particularly encouraging is the diversity represented here, from practical Japanese sedans to American trucks, from luxury European sports cars to cutting-edge electric vehicles, proving that longevity isn’t confined to a single formula. As you consider your next vehicle purchase, remember that the cheapest car you’ll ever own is often the one you already have, properly maintained and driven with care.

Choose a brand that respects that philosophy, and you’ll find that the relationship between driver and vehicle can indeed stand the test of time.