5 Car Brand That Still Have Reputation and 5 That Lost It

If you’ve already chosen a particular car class or model, it’s a good idea to see how it ranks in terms of reliability within its specific category. However, if you’re still undecided on which car to choose, starting with the overall brand rankings can be a smart move.

While it might seem like most modern cars should offer excellent reliability, the data from the annual What Car? Reliability Survey, conducted in partnership with MotorEasy, reveals significant differences between them.

Car Brand That Still Have Reputation

In an auto industry full of hype, recalls, and shifting trends, only a few car brands have managed to hold onto their reputation — and earn it, year after year. These are the names that still stand for reliability, performance, and long-term value.

Whether you’re buying new or used, these brands continue to prove they’re not just surviving the competition — they’re outlasting it. Here’s a look at the car brands that still carry real weight with drivers who know what matters.

1. Mini

Mini stands out as the highest-rated car brand for reliability, earning a strong overall rating of 98.3%.

It performed exceptionally well across its entire model range, with all five Mini models included in the survey showing a very low fault rate. Even in cases where faults occurred, all the affected vehicles remained drivable.

Impressively, about 85% of the cars that needed repairs were completed and returned to owners in less than a week, and Mini covered 70% of the repair costs.

The Mini Countryman emerged as the top performer within the range, scoring an outstanding 99.7%, while the Mini Convertible followed closely with a rating of 99.2%. Among electric vehicles, the British-built Mini Electric proved to be the best-performing model.

For over 60 years, we’ve built cars with a singular mission: to spark joy and inspire what we call Big Love. Today, that passion has only intensified.

It all began in 1957. In post-World War II England, the Suez Crisis had caused fuel prices to skyrocket. This led many to question whether the oversized, fuel-hungry vehicles of the time were still practical.

Amid this backdrop, Sir Leonard Lord of the Morris Company posed a challenge to his top engineer, Alec Issigonis: design and build a small, fuel-efficient car that could carry four adults and remain affordable for the average person. What followed was a breakthrough in automotive design that would become legendary.

Issigonis met the challenge by reimagining the car’s architecture. He maximized cabin space by pushing the wheels to the corners and rotating the engine sideways.

These innovations not only allowed for better stability in tight corners but also created more room for passengers. The result was a vehicle unlike anything the world had seen. When the first MINI debuted in 1959, it quickly captured hearts and became an icon of its era.

Throughout the decades, the MINI has evolved in many forms, but its core identity — rooted in creative engineering and cultural relevance — has never faded.

The out-of-the-box thinking that Issigonis brought to life remains woven into every MINI model produced today. Through numerous generations and continuous innovation, MINI’s unique spirit has not only endured, but thrived.

MINI, originally a British brand founded in Oxford, has been under the ownership of the BMW Group for more than 20 years. This partnership has combined MINI’s British heritage with precision German engineering, ushering in a new era for the brand.

A milestone in this collaboration is the 2025 MINI Countryman, which is being manufactured in Germany for the first time on BMW production lines.

As MINI looks to the future, the brand is investing in innovation and sustainability through programs like the 100% electric, zero-emissions MINI E and Urban-X — an accelerator platform supporting startups reimagining city life.

With a strong emphasis on environmental responsibility, MINI’s vision for the coming decades includes a reduction in CO2 emissions, a secure and transparent supplier network, a resource-efficient circular economy, and new concepts for urban mobility.

These efforts reflect MINI’s broader mission to shape a future that is not only more connected and electric, but also sustainable and community-driven.

The evolution continues with the upcoming 2025 MINI Countryman SE ALL4, an all-electric model that represents a bold step forward. Built for tomorrow but ready to take on today, it reflects a design philosophy of “charismatic simplicity” while retaining the spirited drive MINI is known for.

MINI’s journey wouldn’t be complete without acknowledging its roots in motorsport. In 1961, British racing legend John Cooper saw untapped potential in the humble MINI. By outfitting it with a more powerful engine, upgraded brakes, and performance tweaks, he introduced the Classic MINI Cooper 997 — transforming it from a people-mover into a performance icon.

The very next year, in 1962, MINI made history again. Pat Moss, a trailblazing female rally driver, led the brand to its first motorsport victory at the Netherlands Tulip Rally. At a time when motorsport was largely male-dominated, her success not only broke gender barriers but also solidified MINI’s place in competitive racing.

From then on, MINI continued to outperform larger, more powerful rivals. With its agile handling and durable build, it routinely outlasted the competition in high-pressure races. The racing legacy lives on today through the MINI John Cooper Works (JCW) program, and the spirit of competition continues to be a central part of MINI’s identity.

2. Lexus

Lexus, the luxury division of Toyota, achieved a strong reliability rating of 97.9%. Although it has been overtaken by Mini this year, Lexus had held the top spot on the dependability chart for the previous seven years and still delivered an impressive performance.

This continued success can be attributed to two main factors: Lexus cars rarely experience issues, and when they do, the brand’s dealerships typically resolve the problems at no cost to the customer.

The standout model in the Lexus range is the 2014–2021 Lexus NX, which was rated the best family SUV and was one of only two models this year to achieve a perfect 100% reliability rating.

In addition, the Lexus ES executive saloon was named the most reliable car in its category, while the 2016–2022 Lexus RX earned the top spot among luxury vehicles.

The Lexus name has become synonymous with delivering exceptional luxury experiences. When the brand was founded in 1983, a carefully selected and secretive team of engineers, designers, and technicians was tasked with an extraordinary challenge: to create a luxury vehicle that would surpass the world’s finest and set a new benchmark in automotive excellence.

After six years of intensive work and innovation, this vision became a reality with the launch of the Lexus LS 400 in 1989.

To this day, Lexus remains true to the founding spirit that inspired its creation. The brand continues to reflect the values that drive it to constantly reimagine luxury, combining progressive design and cutting-edge technology to enrich the lives of its drivers.

Yet despite the brand’s clear dedication to innovation and elegance, the origin of the Lexus name is frequently misunderstood. The name is often thought to be an acronym for “Luxury Export To The United States” or a similar phrase, which seems fitting given that Lexus first entered the U.S. market in 1989.

However, this popular theory has been debunked by Team One, the Japanese advertising agency that worked on the brand. According to interviews with the team, the name Lexus does not carry any specific literal meaning.

Instead, it was chosen to project a sophisticated and technologically advanced image. Linguistically, the name draws influence from the Latin “luxus” and the French “luxe,” both denoting luxury and refinement, along with the Greek word “lexicon,” meaning language—all of which combine to convey a sense of elegance and depth.

In every Lexus we design and build, we aim to connect with the emotions and desires of our customers, crafting remarkable experiences that align with our core values.

Our deep-rooted commitment to hospitality, craftsmanship, design, and technology has been the foundation of the trust and admiration Lexus enjoys today. These values are what guide us, inspire us, and drive us forward each day.

One of the most central values at Lexus is the spirit of Omotenashi, a traditional Japanese approach to hospitality. This principle means more than simply meeting the needs of our customers—it’s about anticipating them, thinking ahead to what they might want before they even ask.

This philosophy is evident in every detail, from the sleekly concealed windows in the Lexus NX to the smart powered tailgate in the Lexus RX. Every feature is carefully considered with the customer’s convenience and experience at heart.

Another cornerstone of the Lexus identity is the Takumi—the master craftspeople who dedicate 60,000 hours to refining their skills to an unmatched level.

These artisans are experts in their field, and their presence ensures that no vehicle leaves a Lexus facility without undergoing meticulous inspection and perfection. The result is a level of craftsmanship where even the tiniest detail is enhanced to maximize comfort, quality, and satisfaction.

The brand’s bold design philosophy draws heavily from nature, Japanese culture, and the essence of the human experience. These influences inform a design language that is provocative and distinctive, engineered to make a powerful visual statement.

One need look no further than the Lexus IS to see this philosophy in action, with its sharp contours and iconic spindle grille offering a striking presence on the road.

Beyond aesthetics and comfort, Lexus is deeply committed to reimagining the role of technology in the driving experience. For Lexus engineers, technology is not just about functionality or innovation—it’s about possibility.

They are not content with merely developing new features; they pursue ideas that ignite the imagination and pave the way for future breakthroughs. This approach ensures that every Lexus not only meets the standards of today’s drivers but also shapes the future of what luxury mobility can be.

3. Suzuki

Suzuki earned an impressive reliability rating of 97.7%. According to the survey, only 8% of Suzuki owners reported experiencing any issues with their vehicles.

Of those that did encounter problems, half were resolved within a week. Furthermore, three-quarters of the affected cars were repaired free of charge, and the majority of the repair costs came in at under £200.

Leading Suzuki’s lineup in terms of reliability is the Vitara, which achieved a strong score of 97.7%, followed closely by the 2017–2024 Swift, which scored 95.7%.

Suzuki is recognized globally as one of the largest automobile manufacturers. Its journey from a small village company to a major automotive force is full of fascinating milestones and unexpected achievements. Here are some interesting and fun facts that highlight how Suzuki evolved into the brand it is today.

The company was founded in 1920 by Michio Suzuki in a small Japanese village. His first invention wasn’t an automobile but an automatic loom, which he designed for his mother. Initially, the business focused on manufacturing looms rather than vehicles. However, this innovation mindset laid the foundation for what would become a dynamic automotive company.

Japan is well known for its unique kei cars—small, compact vehicles designed to comply with specific regulations. These regulations stipulate that a kei car must not exceed 3.4 meters in length, 1.48 meters in width, and 2 meters in height. In response to these constraints, Suzuki has demonstrated remarkable creativity by designing kei cars that suit every preference and lifestyle, from sporty models to crossovers.

Suzuki’s first steps into automobile manufacturing began in 1937 with a project to build a small car. This was followed by the production of its first motorcycle in 1952 and its first series production car in 1955. That year marked a pivotal moment with the release of Suzuki’s first passenger vehicle—the 360 cc Suzulight. This compact car was a symbol of Suzuki’s commitment to efficiency and innovation.

Suzuki isn’t stopping at cars and motorcycles. The company is now involved in space exploration, proudly supporting the commercial lunar program HAKUTO-R in its mission to the Moon. Suzuki is contributing to this effort by applying its expertise in building small, lightweight, safe, and dependable vehicles—further proving the brand’s ability to go beyond traditional limits.

At the production level, Suzuki maintains an impressive level of detail and precision. Each car requires workers to take exactly 2,545 steps during the assembly process. This dedication to detail is a reflection of the company’s disciplined manufacturing philosophy.

Among Suzuki’s most iconic products is the Suzuki Hayabusa, which ranks among the fastest motorcycles in the world. The Hayabusa is capable of reaching speeds up to 300 kilometers per hour, making it a favorite among performance enthusiasts.

Despite being known for modest and practical cars, Suzuki’s output surpasses some of the most prestigious brands. The company produces more vehicles annually than other well-known names such as Mercedes-Benz and BMW. This is a testament to the efficiency and global reach of the Suzuki manufacturing process.

Finally, Suzuki Motor Corporation holds its position as one of the world’s largest automobile manufacturers. Consistently ranked among the top ten globally, Suzuki produces an average of 3.04 million vehicles each year. This scale of production highlights the brand’s commitment to mobility, affordability, and innovation for millions of drivers worldwide.

4. Honda

Honda achieved a solid reliability rating of 96.6%. Although it once led the charts for reliability, it has been surpassed by other Japanese manufacturers in recent years.

Nonetheless, Honda continues to build dependable vehicles, with models like the Jazz Hybrid and Civic each earning an impressive score of 97.6%.

According to the survey, 15% of Honda cars experienced an issue, with the most common problems relating to bodywork and non-engine electrics.

Despite this, nearly all affected vehicles remained drivable, and 58% of repairs were completed within a day. Adding to the reassurance for owners, Honda covered the cost of 85% of the necessary repairs.

5. Toyota

Toyota earned a strong reliability rating of 96.1%. While it may not reach the near-flawless levels of its luxury counterpart Lexus, Toyota still manufactures some exceptionally reliable vehicles.

Interestingly, some of its smallest and most budget-friendly models are the top performers.

The Aygo X stands out as one of only two models to achieve a perfect 100% reliability rating this year, and the Yaris also proves to be a dependable option, with a score of 93.5%.

For those in need of a larger vehicle, the Toyota RAV4 is a solid choice particularly for families seeking a hybrid SUV earning an impressive rating of 98.8%.

Least Reliable Car Brands

When it comes to cars, reliability isn’t just a luxury — it’s a necessity. Whether you’re commuting daily or planning cross-country road trips, the last thing you want is to be stranded by the side of the road or handing over your paycheck to a repair shop. Yet, not all automakers are created equal.

Some brands consistently fall short when it comes to durability, build quality, and long-term dependability. In this article, we break down the least reliable car brands based on real-world data, customer complaints, and expert analysis — so you know exactly what to steer clear of before signing that dotted line.

1. MG

MG ranks at the bottom of our reliability survey, with a rating of 76.9%. This low placement is primarily due to a high fault rate of 37% among its vehicles and the slow pace of repairs 58% of the cars with issues were off the road for more than a week.

The MG 4 was the lowest-scoring model in the brand’s line-up, receiving a rating of just 63.8%, while the MG ZS EV followed closely behind at 69.3%. The only model to achieve a commendable score was the MG5, which managed a reliability rating of 92.0%.

2. Alfa Romeo

Alfa Romeo received a reliability rating of 84.1%. According to owners, 33% of Alfa Romeo vehicles experienced a fault, and some of these problems proved to be both time-consuming and expensive to resolve.

Among the models reported, a third of Alfa Romeo Stelvios had issues, and of those with problems, a third spent more than a week in the workshop.

The Alfa Romeo Giulia performed even worse in this regard, with 55% of faulty cars taking over a week to repair.

While the manufacturer covered 83% of the repair costs for the Giulia, only 67% of Stelvios were fixed free of charge. Notably, 17% of Giulia owners faced repair bills exceeding £1500 each.

When you see the stylish Giulia or Stelvio driving through the streets of Grosse Pointe, it’s natural to wonder, “who owns Alfa Romeo?” Since 2007, Alfa Romeo has been under the ownership of Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles (FCA). Although FCA has owned this iconic luxury brand for over a decade, Alfa Romeo has continued to maintain its unmistakable Italian heritage and flair.

Being part of one of the largest automotive groups in the world allows Alfa Romeo to deliver an exclusive and sophisticated driving experience to a wider range of customers without compromising its identity. Genesis Alfa Romeo invites you to explore more about the brand’s storied history and the vehicles that have carried it forward with distinction.

Many drivers in Sterling Heights might be surprised to learn that Alfa Romeo’s history dates all the way back to 1910. That year marked a pivotal moment when Cavalier Ugo Stella acquired shares of an Italian automotive plant in Milan, giving birth to a legacy focused on performance and motorsport-inspired design.

The name “Alfa” stands for “Anonima Lombarda Fabbrica Automobili” – A.L.F.A. Between the years 1932 and 1986, Alfa Romeo was owned by an Italian state holding company. In 1986, the brand transitioned to become part of the Fiat Group, where it retained its unique character and design philosophy.

A significant reorganization within Fiat in February 2007 resulted in the creation of four new automotive subsidiaries, one of which was Alfa Romeo Automobiles S.p.A. Since then, Alfa Romeo has operated as a subsidiary under Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles. So, to answer the question directly: FCA is who owns Alfa Romeo and continues to invest in strengthening its proud legacy.

Being part of FCA has in no way diminished Alfa Romeo’s reputation for delivering high-performance vehicles with cutting-edge technology. Drivers in Rochester have likely noticed the sleek and sophisticated Alfa Romeo Giulia on city roads and highways.

The Giulia merges timeless Italian design with the latest in automotive innovation, offering an exciting and luxurious driving experience.

The Alfa Romeo Stelvio is another standout, praised for its agile performance and family-friendly design. Both the Giulia and the Stelvio exemplify Italian luxury and are offered at a price point that is often more accessible than other high-end performance brands—giving more drivers the opportunity to enjoy what Alfa Romeo has to offer.