Over the course of automotive history, certain engines have stood out not just for performance or innovation, but for sheer reliability. From daily drivers to heavy-duty workhorses, these powerplants have demonstrated remarkable endurance over time.
While thousands of engines have been built worldwide, only a few have earned reputations for outlasting even the cars they powered. This list captures a selection of ten of the most dependable engines, each notable for their longevity and consistent performance.
Their histories reveal the engineering philosophies that shaped them, and their legacies continue in many of the vehicles still on the road today.
1. Chrysler Slant-Six: The Indestructible Inline Workhorse
Debuting in 1959, the Chrysler Slant-Six was produced for over four decades, earning its place among the most reliable engines in history. Its name came from its 30-degree angled orientation, which allowed for a lower hood profile and improved service access.
Offered in 170, 198, and 225 cubic inch displacements, this inline-six powered a wide range of vehicles—from muscle cars like the Dodge Challenger to practical models like the Plymouth Duster.
With a rugged design, excellent cooling characteristics, and a strong reputation in motorsports, the Slant-Six was known to run reliably even under harsh conditions and with minimal maintenance.
2. Ford 300 Straight-6: America’s Trusted Truck Engine
The Ford 300 inline-six engine, produced from 1964 to 1996, gained legendary status for its durability, especially in work trucks and industrial applications. Known for low-end torque and robustness, it powered everything from F-Series pickups to tractors and UPS trucks.
Its simple cast-iron construction and forged internals made it nearly unbreakable. Countless reports of these engines running beyond 500,000 miles with basic maintenance—and sometimes less—cemented their reputation.
It even saw success in motorsports like the Baja 1000. Despite its humble output, the Ford 300 earned the love of mechanics and owners for one reason: it simply refused to quit.
3. Mercedes-Benz OM617: The Diesel That Refused to Die
From 1974 to 1991, Mercedes-Benz produced the OM617 engine, a five-cylinder diesel that became a cornerstone of the brand’s reputation for durability. Built with a cast iron block and head and a chain-driven camshaft, it powered luxury sedans and commercial taxis alike.
Most famously, it became known for racking up over 500,000 miles with no major repairs, especially in Europe’s iconic Mercedes diesel taxis.
It powered the first turbo-diesel production sedan, the W116 300SD, and even appeared in the Mercedes C111 concept car, setting multiple speed records. The OM617 delivered unmatched endurance and made diesel cool, competent, and dependable.
4. Toyota UZ-Series: The V8 That Could Do It All
Introduced in 1989, Toyota’s UZ V8 engine family showcased Toyota’s engineering excellence across performance, luxury, and utility platforms. Found in vehicles like the Lexus LS 400, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, and Tundra, the UZ engines balanced smooth power delivery with extreme reliability.
Offered in 4.0L (1UZ), 4.3L (3UZ), and 4.7L (2UZ) variants, these V8s were used not only in road cars but also in racing and marine applications. Designed to be understressed and long-lasting, these engines are still running strong in many vehicles worldwide.
The UZ series represents Toyota’s masterful combination of refinement and mechanical endurance across diverse platforms.
5. BMW M50: Germany’s Bulletproof Inline-Six
BMW’s M50 engine, produced from 1990 to 1996, helped redefine the brand’s inline-six legacy. Introduced with the E34 5 Series, the M50 ranged from 2.0 to 2.5 liters and was BMW’s first engine to feature VANOS, their variable valve timing system. Its strong iron block and smooth-revving nature made it a favorite among enthusiasts and tuners.
Even when boosted, it held up well to added stress. It was also the base for the S50 engine found in the E36 M3. The M50’s blend of technology, power, and mechanical toughness made it one of BMW’s most respected engine designs.
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6. Toyota JZ-Series: Tuning Legend and Daily Driver King
Toyota’s 1JZ and 2JZ engines, produced between 1990 and 2007, became synonymous with bulletproof performance. The 2JZ-GTE, in particular, powered the legendary Mk IV Supra and became famous for its ability to handle massive amounts of horsepower on stock internals.
Built with a cast iron block and aluminum head, the JZ family engines could comfortably reach 1,000 hp in tuned form, but even in stock condition, they ran flawlessly for hundreds of thousands of miles.
This reliability, paired with incredible tuning potential, made the JZ engines favorites among racers and modifiers while retaining their dependability as daily drivers.
7. Volkswagen ABF: A Short-Lived but Mighty Performer
The Volkswagen ABF engine, in production from 1992 to 1999, was a 2.0-liter 16-valve inline-four known for rev-happy performance and impressive reliability. Found in the Mk III Golf GTI and various Passat models, it produced 148 hp and was designed with a cast iron block and aluminum head.
While it wasn’t produced for long, it gained popularity in the enthusiast community for its durability and responsive nature. Common issues were limited to sensors, not mechanical failure, and many ABF engines still run strong today. It remains a top swap candidate for older Volkswagens due to its robust construction and performance.
8. GM LS-Series: America’s Modular Muscle
Since its debut in 1997, General Motors’ LS V8 engine family has become one of the most beloved and reliable small-block V8s ever made. With dozens of variants across multiple displacements, the LS series powered everything from trucks and SUVs to sports cars like the Corvette and Camaro. E
asy to maintain, incredibly durable, and endlessly tunable, LS engines often surpass 300,000 miles with basic care. Tuners favor LS engines for their versatility and power potential, and swaps into everything from muscle cars to Miatas are common. It’s a testament to American engineering and a modern symbol of power and dependability.
9. Honda K-Series: Rev-Happy Reliability
The Honda K-Series, launched in 2001, quickly became a go-to engine for performance enthusiasts and daily drivers alike. Available in 2.0L and 2.4L forms, it featured dual overhead cams, VTEC, and a high-revving character that made it both fun and reliable.
Found in Civics, Accords, Integras, and CR-Vs, the K-Series engine has gained popularity for swaps due to its power potential and bulletproof design.
The K20 and K24 variants are especially admired for their strong internals and ability to handle aggressive tuning. Loved by tuners and commuters alike, the K-Series represents the best of Honda’s efficient and durable design.
10. Toyota 2GR V6: The Everyday Hero
The 2GR engine, part of Toyota’s GR family, has been in production since 2005 and powers a broad spectrum of vehicles, from the Camry and Highlander to the Lexus IS and Lotus Evora.
A 3.5-liter aluminum V6, the 2GR delivers smooth, efficient performance and has become known for exceptional reliability. With output ranging from 237 to 316 hp, the 2GR offers strong performance without compromising longevity.
It’s one of Toyota’s most ubiquitous modern engines and has been featured on the Ward’s 10 Best Engines list multiple times. Versatile, powerful, and reliable, the 2GR is the gold standard for modern V6 engines.
These ten engines exemplify what it means to build something truly reliable—powerplants that stood the test of time, conditions, and expectations. Whether powering luxury sedans, work trucks, or race cars, these engines have become legends not just for their specifications but for their consistency and endurance.
From the indestructible Ford 300 to the tuning-friendly 2JZ, each engine earned its reputation through real-world performance and owner trust.
As automotive technology continues to evolve, these engines remind us of a golden era when mechanical reliability was paramount. Their legacies live on, both under hoods and in the hearts of enthusiasts.
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