Over the years, car manufacturing has greatly improved, making most modern vehicles more reliable and long-lasting. However, a select few models have stood out for their exceptional endurance, often far outliving expectations and dodging the scrapyard.
These resilient rides—spanning a variety of brands and body styles—have become legends in their own right, praised not only for durability but also for their surprising affordability and availability.
Though traditional trucks are purpose-built for longevity and excluded from this list, the 15-passenger vehicles featured here represent a fascinating cross-section of automotive staying power and owner loyalty.
1. Honda Accord: The Gold Standard of Longevity
The Honda Accord has been a constant presence on American roads since 1976, blending practicality, efficiency, and longevity in an unassuming package. It’s the archetypal reliable sedan—so much so that spotting one on the highway today is nearly inevitable.
Honda’s reputation for engineering excellence plays a huge role in the Accord’s lasting power, with its robust engines and meticulous assembly setting benchmarks in the industry.
Consumer Reports consistently ranks the Accord as one of the least troublesome cars to own. Unlike its sportier sibling, the Civic, the Accord is often left unmodified, ensuring better maintenance and a longer lifespan.
2. Buick Roadmaster Estate: The Last of the Land Yachts
Produced from 1991 to 1996, the Buick Roadmaster Estate was a rolling tribute to American automotive excess. This full-size station wagon carried retro design features like wood paneling and rear-facing third-row seats, combined with the muscle of a 5.7-liter V8 engine.
Despite its girth, the Roadmaster was relatively efficient on the highway, thanks to a combination of low-stress suburban usage and ample spare parts. Compared to its sedan counterparts, the wagon variant is especially revered.
These cars are cheap to insure and simple to maintain, making them an appealing option for enthusiasts of American iron looking for reliability with flair.
3. Geo Prizm: The Corolla in Disguise
The Geo Prizm—along with its close relatives like the Chevy Nova and Pontiac Vibe—shares its DNA with one of the most dependable cars of all time: the Toyota Corolla. Built at the NUMMI plant in California through a joint venture between GM and Toyota, these cars deliver Japanese reliability under American badges.
Though not widely recognized, the Prizm offers Corolla-level performance and durability at a lower cost. High fuel efficiency, minimal maintenance, and a surprising amount of resilience make this an attractive sleeper pick for used-car buyers. These vehicles still regularly clock over 200,000 miles with minimal issues.
4. VW Van: Icon of Counterculture, Beacon of Durability
The classic VW Van, spanning models from 1950 to 1992, is as famous for its personality as its surprising staying power. Originally embraced by the counterculture movement, this vehicle still has a loyal following across generations.
Thanks to its shared components with the VW Beetle and a massive network of enthusiasts, parts are easy to find, and repairs are often DIY-friendly.
Collectible models like the 23-window bus fetch high prices, while Syncro AWD versions have cult status in ski towns. Backyard finds often spring back to life with minimal effort, making the VW Van a fun and functional classic.
5. Rear-Wheel-Drive Volvos: The Unkillable Swede
Rear-wheel-drive Volvos produced until 1996 have a reputation for indestructibility, and rightly so. Built with simplicity, safety, and longevity in mind, these cars often outlive their owners.
Rust was once their Achilles heel, but later models used galvanized steel to counteract that. Frequently passed from one generation to the next, these Volvos often become college commuter cars or road-trip campers.
Irv Gordon famously drove his Volvo P1800 more than 3 million miles, earning a Guinness World Record. While fashion has never been Volvo’s focus, function certainly has, making these vehicles a smart buy for anyone prioritizing reliability.
6. Saab 900: Quirky, Cultish, and Surprisingly Resilient
Though not as mechanically straightforward as Volvos, the Saab 900 has an almost fanatical fan base that keeps it alive. Despite having known issues, such as weak transmissions, many are still in daily use, particularly in snow-prone regions like New England and Colorado.
Owners are often deeply attached to these vehicles, with some driving them across the country multiple times. The 900’s unique Scandinavian engineering and turbocharged variants made it beloved among enthusiasts.
Even though Saab ceased operations in 2010, its cars—especially pre-GM 900 models—continue to thrive, maintained by a community of diehards and well-stocked specialty garages.
7. Subaru Wagons: Rugged Over Reliable
While Subarus are famous for their all-wheel-drive capabilities and winter-weather dominance, they’ve had their share of mechanical gremlins—most notoriously, head gasket failures.
Yet they continue to be seen en masse in college towns and mountainous regions. The Impreza, Outback, and Legacy models provide a balanced mix of utility, comfort, and all-weather confidence, which helps explain their persistent popularity.
Older models are especially prevalent in the Pacific Northwest and Northeast, often marked by a patchwork of bumper stickers. While not flawless, many Subaru wagons continue to run well into the 200,000-mile range with attentive maintenance and repairs.
Also Read: 10 Best Hybrid Cars of 2025 That Balance Fuel Efficiency, Reliability, and Everyday Comfort
8. Mercedes Diesels: Built Like Tanks, Run Forever
The Mercedes 240D, 300D, and 300TD models from the 1970s and ’80s are legendary for their longevity. With rock-solid diesel engines and minimal electronics, they’re practically bulletproof.
Initially popular for their fuel efficiency under strict federal regulations, they’ve since become icons of endurance. Many are still on the road today, often passed between multiple generations of owners.
They’re also popular for conversion to alternative fuels like vegetable oil. Unlike newer luxury cars, these classics can be maintained without complicated diagnostics. Their combination of old-world craftsmanship and diesel durability makes them a top choice for automotive longevity.
9. Toyota Camry: The Sedan That Won America
The Toyota Camry took off in 1992 with a wider, more comfortable model designed for the North American market. It quickly surpassed the Ford Taurus and became America’s favorite sedan.
Reliability, comfort, and minimal maintenance earned the Camry its top spot, and millions remain in use decades later. Recent recalls related to pedal issues haven’t affected its reputation for longevity.
Closely related Lexus models and the Toyota Avalon also share the Camry’s long-lasting platform. It’s not uncommon to see Camrys still on the road with 300,000 miles or more. For practical, affordable endurance, few cars beat the Camry.
10. Ford Escort: The Working Class Hero
The Ford Escort from 1991 to 2002 may not be glamorous, but it’s been a faithful servant to millions. A product of Ford’s collaboration with Mazda, the Escort shared engineering DNA with the reliable Protégé.
With no-frills design and affordable parts, it became a go-to for commuters, students, and budget-conscious drivers. Jalopnik once named it among the best cars for poor people, a testament to its unpretentious efficiency.
While you won’t see these featured at car shows, many continue to chug along, often with minimal investment. It’s the quintessential A-to-B machine—humble but dependable.
11. Camaro & Firebird: Muscle Cars That Refuse to Die
The Chevy Camaro and Pontiac Firebird from 1982 to 2002 live on more due to owner tenacity than inherent reliability. These F-body cars remain symbols of American muscle, with fans who keep them running through sheer willpower and a wealth of aftermarket parts.
Whether it’s nostalgia, affordability, or rebellion against modern performance cars, these rides endure. Many exist in project condition—primer-gray and halfway restored—but they rarely head to the junkyard.
They’re aspirational for budget gearheads and a throwback to a more analog era of driving. For those unwilling to drive a Mustang, these are the only real choices.
12. Ford Crown Victoria/Mercury Marquis: Built for the Long Haul
The Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis are large, V8-powered sedans that have earned reputations for toughness. Often associated with police and taxi fleets, even civilian versions share many core components with their hard-duty counterparts.
From 1992 until 2011, they offered American families comfort and reliability in a traditional rear-drive package. Their body-on-frame construction makes them easy to repair, and spare parts are abundant and cheap.
Even today, reconditioned ex-police models are sold for civilian use. These cars might lack refinement, but they more than make up for it in longevity and ease of maintenance.
13. Buick LeSabre: Grandpa’s Secret Weapon
From 1989 to 2005, the Buick LeSabre proved itself as a quiet workhorse. Though nearly identical under the skin to other GM sedans of the era, the LeSabre benefited from a reputation for quality and careful ownership. Typically driven by older adults, these cars were rarely abused and religiously maintained.
Multiple J.D. Power awards attest to their solid engineering. While parts like intake gaskets can be a weak point, overall the LeSabre is a great used-car buy. Its blend of comfort, ease of repair, and affordability makes it a practical choice for anyone seeking no-frills transportation.
14. Jeep Cherokee (XJ): The Unlikely Legend
Produced from 1987 to 2001, the Jeep Cherokee XJ was the first true crossover SUV. Though not built like a traditional truck, it retained off-road capability thanks to its tough straight-6 engine and rugged underpinnings.
Cherokees are known for minor issues—window motors, speakers—but they rarely suffer drivetrain failures. They’ve become especially popular among DIYers and off-road enthusiasts, with many still functioning today in original or lightly modified form.
Their simplicity and availability of parts keep them alive. While modern SUVs are more refined, few can match the XJ’s legendary mix of utility and durability.
Longevity isn’t just about the car—it’s about how you treat it. Simple habits like regular oil changes, using quality fuel, and keeping an eye on warning lights can dramatically increase a car’s lifespan.
Driving smoothly, addressing minor issues early, and following the maintenance schedule are all essential. Keeping the car clean, both inside and out, helps preserve resale value and prevent corrosion.
It also helps to find a good local mechanic who knows your vehicle well. No matter how reliable the model, proactive care is the key to making any car go the distance.
These 15 enduring car models remind us that longevity isn’t solely about engineering—it’s also about community, culture, and care. Whether it’s a beloved family sedan like the Camry, an old-school muscle car held together by passion, or a quirky Saab running on nostalgia, each has carved out a legacy on the road.
They continue to serve drivers across America, many decades after their debut, often with six-figure mileage and stories to tell. While buying new might seem tempting, these reliable old-timers prove that with a little love, the road doesn’t have to end anytime soon.
Also Read: 10 Cars Still Running After a Million Miles That Prove Maintenance Matters