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hen it comes to finding a reliable used car, knowing which used cars are generally rated as the most dependable and reliable can certainly help. Fortunately, Consumer Reports publishes a list of their best used cars every year. According to Consumer Reports the most reliable used cars are those used cars that have the fewest reported complaints and issues, and are reported to have the fewest number of mechanical breakdowns and failures.

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Japanese Cars Are Rated Highest
Consumer Reports states that Japanese manufactured automobiles are among the most dependable and reliable available. Furthermore, certain makes and models of Japanese cars appear in the Consumer Reports lists of most reliable used cars year after year. Therefore, this article will discuss some of the best Japanese used vehicles on the road today.

Honda Models

Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is often rated as the most reliable (or certainly one of the most reliable) used car on a year after year basis. Known for the dependability and reliability of its engine, the Honda Accord has been one of the best selling family sized vehicles in America for the last 15 years or so. The Honda Accord also has one of the highest used car resale values of any car.

Honda Civic
Among smaller, economy type cars, the Honda Civic is by far one of the highest rated small cars in terms of dependability and reliability. The Honda Civic offers excellent fuel economy and is well-known for being a vehicle that requires little maintenance, other than regular oil changes, and does not break down very often.

Toyota Models

Toyota Camry
Also a Japanese made car, the Toyota Camry is one of the best-selling vehicles in the history of the retail automobile industry. The reliability and performance of the Toyota Camry is legendary, and it is not uncommon to find Camrys on the road that have 300,000 or 400,000 miles on the odometer. The Toyota Camry’s longevity is a testament to its excellent design, reliability and acceptance by consumers all over the world.

Toyota Corolla
Surprisingly, this vehicle has been around since 1966. They are known for their durability and ability to rack up the miles while continuing to run well. Since they were one of the bestselling cars in the 1970s, not only has Toyota continued to manufacture and improve them, but there are lots of used Corollas out on the market. Many have dubbed the Toyota Corolla the best international car in its price bracket.

Other Models

Mazda Miata
For sports car lovers, the Mazda Miata is considered one of the most dependable and most reliable sports cars on the road today. The Miata is well-known for its engine and its ability to run for many thousands of miles without overhaul or repair. In fact, some Miata owners have reported mileage in excess of 300,000 miles before a major overhaul was required.

Hyundai Elantra – The Non-Japanese Entry
The Hyundai Elantra is the only car on our list of 5 best reliable used cars that is not made by a Japanese car manufacturer. In fact, the Elantra is made by the Korean manufacturer: Hyundai. While generally not well regarded in year models prior to 2002, the Elantra has since garnered the respect and praise of many used car consumer reporting services. The Elantra is well-known for its solid build quality and reliability. Furthermore, it is often praised for its substantial power in a car of its size.

The list above is but a few of the quality used cars that are available; however, if you’re searching for a used car that is dependable, reliable and more likely to provide you with years of trouble-free service, then you should definitely considered some of the models listed above.