Most Reliable Cars: Models Owners Keep for a Decade or More - iSeeCars

Trying to execute smart car owner moves like comparing auto insurance rates is not always easy. If you are shopping for a new vehicle, how do you know if you are making the right choice? 

Fortunately, a little recent research can help. Discover which car brands and models are the most valued by consumers according to iSeeCars. 

They looked at more than 929,000 cars from model years 1981 to 2009 and focused on the cars that stayed with their original owners the longest. Based on those numbers, these are the 13 most loved cars on the road today.

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Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Courtesy of Toyota

Percentage of 15-year-old-plus vehicles still with the original owner: 7%

Toyota vehicles account for seven of the top 13 most loved cars. The Highlander Hybrid is a midsize SUV known for its smooth, effortless handling.

The vehicle seats eight, but guzzles far less gas than smaller competitors because of its hybrid status.

Toyota Camry Hybrid

Courtesy of Toyota

Percentage of 15-year-old-plus vehicles still with the original owner: 6.9%

This list includes three Toyota hybrids, which is a testament to how the brand is winning over drivers in a market that can seem oversaturated.

Of course, the Camry was at the top of the best-selling sedan category for years before it went hybrid.

This car has front-wheel drive and on-demand All Wheel Drive and gets up to 51 miles per gallon.

Toyota Highlander

Courtesy of Toyota

Percentage of 15-year-old-plus vehicles still with the original owner: 6.6%

This Hylander is the non-hybrid version of the car in the top slot.

Even though it's not a hybrid, this version still gets high marks for its fuel economy. Reviewers have also praised its stylish looks and quiet cabin.

Toyota Tacoma

Courtesy of Toyota

Percentage of 15-year-old-plus vehicles still with the original owner: 6.4%

The Tacoma is a longstanding favorite among those seeking an everyday truck. Tacomas handle well and can safely haul a number of items, including people.

In particular, drivers tend to fall in love with the Tacoma for its off-roading capabilities.

Toyota Prius

Courtesy of Toyota

Percentage of 15-year-old-plus vehicles still with the original owner: 6.3%

The Prius is a hybrid known for its gas mileage, and newer models average between 49 and 57 miles per gallon.

RepairPal has given the Prius a reliability score of 4 out of 5, which is above average.

Honda CR-V

Courtesy of Honda

Percentage of 15-year-old-plus vehicles still with the original owner: 6.3%

The Honda CR-V is a great five-person SUV option that has been noted for its roomy interior and great gas mileage of around 40 miles per gallon.

RepairPal has given it an excellent reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5.

Ford Escape Hybrid

Courtesy of Ford

Percentage of 15-year-old-plus vehicles still with the original owner: 6.3%

The Escape has been discontinued, which is a shame given how much owners appear to love it.

The five-passenger classic is fuel-efficient, boasts a spacious backseat, and has excellent cargo space.

Toyota RAV4

Courtesy of Toyota

Percentage of 15-year-old-plus vehicles still with the original owner: 6.2%

The RAV4 is often compared to the Ford Escape and is known for the high safety ratings it earns from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

This vehicle is a practical and efficient choice that earns driver loyalty.

Lexus IS 350

Courtesy of Lexus

Percentage of 15-year-old-plus vehicles still with the original owner: 5.8%

The IS 350 is a sporty vehicle that boasts a spacious, five-seat interior and offers drivers a comfortable, quiet ride.

The best part? You will spend less on maintenance for this vehicle: CarEdge says the cost to repair the car is far lower than similar sedans over the first 10 years of its lifespan.

Nissan Versa

Courtesy of Nissan

Percentage of 15-year-old-plus vehicles still with the original owner: 5.7%

If you are looking for a bargain, the Versa is among the more affordable cars of its type on the market.

Owners have said they are surprised at how comfortable the driver's seat is, making this surprisingly spacious car an ideal vehicle for driving longer distances.

Toyota Tundra

Courtesy of Toyota

Percentage of 15-year-old-plus vehicles still with the original owner: 5.5%

The Tundra has an excellent reputation for reliability and durability, and many drivers are drawn to it for its power and ability to haul things.

And even if you don't want to keep the Tundra for 15 years, it holds its value well, making it an easy vehicle to sell at a good price and helping you keep more cash in your wallet. 

Honda Ridgeline

Courtesy of Honda

Percentage of 15-year-old-plus vehicles still with the original owner: 5.5%

The Honda Ridgeline is a pickup truck with a dual-action tailgate that can drop down or swing open to cater to your hauling needs. The height of the tailgate also makes it an ideal makeshift workbench.

This car is perfect for a working professional. Perhaps that's why owners love it so much.

Subaru Forester

Courtesy of Subaru

Percentage of 15-year-old-plus vehicles still with the original owner: 5.5%

Both the Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) have chosen this vehicle as a top safety pick numerous times, a fact that probably endears it to many owners.

While its mileage isn't as great as others on the list, it does handle well.

Bottom line

ambrozinio/Adobe

Keeping the same vehicle for a long period can offer some overlooked financial benefits. For example, you can save money on car insurance by dropping collision and comprehensive coverage once the vehicle's value has fallen too low to make it worth insuring.

You may also find that renewing your license plate tabs becomes cheaper as the car ages.

These are just some of the benefits of buying a car that you know you will keep for a long time. The models on this list are good candidates for vehicles that will remain in your garage for years to come.

We can help boost your earning potential even further!

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