Numerous car brands are recognised for their dependable performance and long-lasting build quality. These manufacturers have established strong reputations among both everyday drivers and automotive professionals by consistently producing durable vehicles designed to stand the test of time.
In an age of overnight trends, disposable goods, and companies that vanish as quickly as they appear, brand longevity is nothing short of remarkable. The marketplace has never been more saturated, more competitive, or more unforgiving. With new startups emerging daily and attention spans shrinking, surviving even a decade in business can feel like a victory.
Yet, there are brands that have defied the odds—not only surviving, but thriving—for fifty, a hundred, or even over two hundred years. These are more than companies; they are institutions. Symbols of reliability, resilience, and reinvention.
Longevity in branding isn’t just about time; it’s about trust. It’s about consistently delivering value, staying relevant while staying true to core principles, and navigating the volatile tides of culture, technology, and consumer behavior. It requires a rare blend of innovation and tradition, a deep understanding of customer relationships, and the ability to pivot without losing identity.
What makes these brands endure when so many others fall by the wayside? Is it superior products? Masterful marketing? A cult-like following? The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all formula.
Each brand’s story is a layered journey marked by risk, reinvention, and sometimes sheer resilience in the face of overwhelming odds. Some found their footing through world wars and economic collapses. Others evolved across generations, adapting to seismic shifts in industry and consumer expectations.
Brands With Amazing Longevity
In this article, we explore a curated list of brands that have not only stood the test of time but have defined it. These are names that have become embedded in culture, synonymous with quality, trust, or even luxury. Their stories offer more than just inspiration—they provide a blueprint for endurance in an era where most businesses are chasing short-term gains.
Whether you’re a business owner, a marketer, or just a curious reader, these brands hold valuable lessons in persistence, adaptability, and the timeless power of staying true to one’s mission. From century-old automotive legends to global icons in fashion, food, and technology, these are the brands with amazing longevity—and the stories behind how they got there.
Toyota
Toyota is globally recognised for its outstanding reliability. Their vehicles are celebrated for being durable, requiring minimal maintenance, and showcasing smart, efficient engineering.
Toyota consistently delivers on performance, comfort, and the latest technology, which makes them a popular option for a broad spectrum of motorists around the world.
Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki-gaisha, more commonly known as Toyota, holds the title of the largest automobile manufacturer in the world—surpassing Ford, General Motors, and all other competitors.
Much like the origin stories of many other automotive companies, Toyota didn’t start with cars. Its beginnings were rooted in the production of automatic looms. Then, in 1933, Kiichiro Toyoda, the son of the company’s founder, made the pivotal decision to enter the automotive industry. To gather knowledge, he traveled to Europe to study gasoline engine technology firsthand.
The Japanese government supported this ambitious initiative, recognizing that domestic automobile production would be both more cost-effective and essential for military purposes, particularly in the conflict with China. Within just one year of establishing its automotive division in 1933, Toyota created its first engine—the Type A—which was installed in the Model A1 passenger vehicle and the G1 truck.
Throughout World War II, Toyota focused primarily on manufacturing trucks for the Japanese military. The company’s facilities in Aichi narrowly avoided destruction, as the war ended before a planned Allied bombing raid could be carried out.
After the war, Toyota resumed producing vehicles, initially finding more success with trucks and buses rather than passenger cars. However, the company remained committed to building automobiles and, in 1947, introduced the Model SA—also known as the Toyopet. The name “Toyopet” would later be extended to other models as well.
Toyota experienced slightly greater success with the Model SF, which featured a taxi version but retained the same 27-horsepower engine as its predecessor.
Not long after, Toyota released the RH model, which offered an improved 48-horsepower engine. Production began to accelerate, and by 1955, the company was manufacturing 8,400 vehicles annually. That same year, Toyota expanded its lineup by introducing two new models: the rugged, Jeep-inspired Land Cruiser and the luxury Crown sedan.
As Toyota’s production numbers continued to climb and its portfolio of models grew, the company began targeting international markets. In 1957, it established its first dealership outside Japan in the United States, followed by the opening of its first overseas plant in Brazil in 1959. A notable aspect of Toyota’s global strategy was its practice of tailoring each vehicle to suit the specific needs and preferences of its respective regional market.
Toyota’s breakthrough in the American market came during the 1970s, a time when rising fuel prices compelled domestic automakers to produce smaller, more economical cars.
These locally made models were generally viewed as entry-level and often lacked refinement and build quality. Toyota, on the other hand, already had a selection of fuel-efficient vehicles that offered superior quality. The Corolla exemplified this edge and quickly became one of the most popular compact cars in the United States.
However, Toyota faced continued challenges in the luxury segment. Despite efforts to sell premium models like the Crown and Cressida, they struggled to gain traction.
As the American luxury car market began to decline in the early 1980s—with many automakers grappling with shrinking sales—Toyota responded by launching a new brand entirely: Lexus. This new division would be solely focused on producing luxury vehicles.
By the early 1990s, Toyota had firmly established itself as a global leader in reliability and cost-effective maintenance. This reputation contributed to its widespread popularity across international markets. Seeking to attract a younger demographic, Toyota introduced sportier models such as the MR2 and the Celica.
Today, Toyota is a major player in the global push toward environmental sustainability. Its hybrid flagship, the Toyota Prius, remains one of the most successful and recognizable green vehicles on the market.
The company has also announced its next step into electric mobility with the upcoming release of the Toyota Plug-in HV, a plug-in electric vehicle powered by a lithium-ion battery pack and designed to charge using standard electricity.
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Honda
Honda cars are trusted by drivers who value longevity and consistent performance. Backed by a rich heritage of engineering excellence, the brand places a strong emphasis on fuel economy and sustainability.
Their cutting-edge hybrid offerings demonstrate a clear commitment to eco-conscious motoring. Honda Motor Co., Ltd., widely known as Honda, is one of the world’s most respected automotive and motorcycle manufacturers. Founded in 1948 by Soichiro Honda and Takeo Fujisawa, the company started with motorcycles before entering the automotive world.
Honda’s first major success was the Super Cub in 1958, a small, fuel-efficient motorcycle that became the best-selling vehicle of all time. Its popularity helped change the image of motorcycles in the U.S. with the now-famous slogan: “You meet the nicest people on a Honda.”
Honda entered the car market in 1963 with the T360 mini truck and S500 sports car, though these were just the beginning. The 1972 Civic marked their real entry into the global car market, thanks to its affordability and advanced emissions technology.
The Civic’s CVCC engine helped it meet U.S. Clean Air Act standards without a catalytic converter, showcasing Honda’s innovation. When the oil crisis hit, Honda’s small, fuel-efficient cars gained a strong edge over gas-hungry American vehicles.
In the 1980s and 1990s, Honda became known for building ultra-reliable vehicles like the Accord, Civic, and Prelude. These cars earned loyal customers thanks to low maintenance costs, high resale value, and remarkable durability.
Honda also innovated in performance, developing the VTEC engine, which offered both power and fuel economy.
The 1990 NSX supercar was a breakthrough—bringing Ferrari-level performance with Honda-level reliability.
Performance models like the Civic Type R and Integra Type R became legends among car enthusiasts. They delivered exhilarating driving experiences while maintaining Honda’s dependable engineering.
In 1986, Honda launched Acura, the first Japanese luxury car brand in the U.S., paving the way for Lexus and Infiniti. Early Acura models like the Legend and Integra brought upscale design and performance to a wider audience.
Honda also led in environmental innovation with the 1999 Insight—the first hybrid sold in the U.S., beating the Toyota Prius. The brand has since explored hydrogen fuel cell tech, plug-in hybrids, and continues to push toward cleaner mobility.
Today, Honda operates over 30 manufacturing plants worldwide and is the largest engine maker on the planet. Its engines power everything from cars and motorcycles to boats, generators, and even aircraft.
The company has ventured into robotics with ASIMO and aviation with the high-tech HondaJet. These bold moves reflect Honda’s core philosophy of innovation, exploration, and human-centered design.
Throughout its history, Honda has stayed true to its founding values: quality, innovation, and reliability. Its unofficial guiding principle, “The value of life can be measured by how many times your soul has been deeply stirred,” still resonates.
That spirit is visible in everything Honda builds—from commuter bikes and family cars to sports machines and aircraft. Today, Honda remains a trusted global brand, committed to engineering excellence and building the future of mobility.
Lexus
Celebrated for its exceptional craftsmanship and meticulous design, Lexus delivers a premium driving experience that blends luxury with performance.
The brand stands out with its continuous innovation, integrating cutting-edge technology, refined interiors, and high-end materials that result in vehicles known for their sophistication and comfort.
One might assume a factory is simply where cars are assembled and completed, but at Lexus, it’s where some of our most innovative thinking begins. From reimagining the materials we use, to engineering entirely new methods of production, to developing and testing vehicles in groundbreaking ways, the factory becomes a birthplace for ideas.
“You would think a factory is just where automobiles are built and finished. With us, it’s where some of our best ideas get started—from rethinking the materials, to inventing new methods of making them, to crafting and testing our vehicles in ways never imagined. Some would call this over the top; we just call it another day at the office.”
In designing the LFA supercar, carbon fiber was chosen over aluminum for its lightness and strength. However, conventional carbon fiber wasn’t quite up to our exacting standards.
So, we invented a one-of-a-kind loom capable of producing a circular weave specifically tailored to our design needs. This breakthrough allowed for unprecedented levels of accuracy, consistency, and cost efficiency. “We achieved accuracy, consistency and cost-effectiveness.
This innovative use of carbon fiber would become one of the defining features of the LFA. Since then, we’ve added it to the GS F and RC F, and have planned it for future vehicles as well. Is it worth the extra effort? We wouldn’t consider any other way.”
Beyond innovation in advanced materials, Lexus continues to explore new uses for traditional components. Our shift from aluminum to ultra-strong steel frames enhances vehicle rigidity, providing improved handling, superior ride comfort, and better noise insulation.
The Lexus LX, for example, owes its repeated wins at the punishing Mint 400 off-road race to its high-durability steel frame. Attention to detail is just as evident in the LS model’s Shimamoku wood trim. “To see how we’ve completely reengineered wood, just look at the Shimamoku trim of the LS. T
o create it, alternating light and dark wood veneers are layered. Then, they are carefully shaped in a process involving 67 steps over 38 days until the trim is like everything else in a Lexus—as close to perfect as possible.”
Lexus manufacturing is defined by an elite team of ten master craftsmen known as the Takumi, who not only ensure perfection in every process but also pass on their expertise to all technicians in our plants. Their expectations are extremely high. For example, inspectors are trained to evaluate 4,000 separate paint quality points on every vehicle and examine up to 250 precision aspects of a single engine component.
“All of Lexus manufacturing is overseen by a group of ten master craftsmen called the Takumi who pass their knowledge and expertise on to every technician. Their standards are unwavering—for example, they train inspectors to check 4,000 points on every Lexus for paint quality and scrutinize up to 250 points on a single engine part. In total, there are 26,000 tasks in every Lexus plant that require special certification.
Skoda
Skoda vehicles are lauded for their great value and everyday practicality. Offering a compelling mix of affordability and quality, Skoda focuses on spacious cabin designs and clever storage options.
Whether it’s compact hatchbacks or roomy SUVs, the brand is known for building reliable, efficient, and easy-to-use vehicles suited to family and personal use alike.
In 1989, a significant social and economic shift began with the fall of the Iron Curtain. Czechoslovakia, with its relatively advanced industrial infrastructure, appeared to be the most equipped to transition from a planned to a market economy.
For the Volkswagen Group, this transformation was not only a chance to tap into a promising new sales market just across the border but also an opportunity to collaborate with the Czech car manufacturer, Škoda.
Škoda, a well-established brand known for its strong presence in former Eastern Bloc countries, seemed like the perfect partner for Volkswagen to gain access to the emerging Eastern European markets.
By 1987, Škoda had modernized its production facilities in Mladá Boleslav, Vrchlabí, and Kvasiny to produce the Favorit model, and Volkswagen believed that with further improvements to the model range, Škoda could expand its position in Western Europe as well.
The company’s modernized production structures and a well-trained workforce led Volkswagen to believe that Škoda had all the potential needed to become a competitive member of the Volkswagen Group.
Volkswagen’s interest in Škoda was met with a highly positive response from the Czech government, which had already begun privatizing state-owned companies in 1990.
Looking for a strategic partner to support one of the country’s largest foreign exchange earners, the government was eager to find a company that would ensure the continued existence and growth of Škoda. Volkswagen was more than happy to meet this expectation, aligning with its own future plans for the brand.
On December 9, 1990, the Czech government gave Volkswagen approval to acquire a stake in Škoda. The joint venture agreement was signed on March 28, 1991, and, on April 16, 1991, Volkswagen acquired an initial 31 percent stake in Škoda, automobilová a.s., assuming managerial control of the subsidiary.
Mazda
Mazda’s reputation for innovation shines through its SKYACTIV technology, which delivers both fuel efficiency and enhanced driving dynamics.
The brand’s signature KODO design results in sleek, stylish exteriors, while the refined interiors emphasise a driver-focused experience.
With state-of-the-art infotainment and safety features, Mazda vehicles offer an excellent balance of reliability and high build quality perfect for those seeking dependable and enjoyable motoring.
Mazda and Hiroshima share a deep, unbreakable bond. Established in 1920, Mazda has a rich history intertwined with its home city, and even the most devastating event in the city’s history failed to define it. When Hiroshima suffered the loss of nearly a third of its population in the tragic event of August 1945, both the city and Mazda refused to succumb to despair.
At that time, Toyo Kogyo, as Mazda was known, immediately sprang into action, distributing medical supplies, setting up consultation centers to reunite families, and even housing local government officials and broadcasters within its plant. This resilient, never-give-up spirit has remained a driving force behind Mazda’s forward momentum to this day.
In present-day Hiroshima, known as the “Peace City,” “More than 50 percent of our employees are from this region, so we have a very strong wish to contribute to its society,” says Masahiro Moro, Managing Executive Officer of Mazda.
In 1967, Mazda introduced an iconic innovation—the Mazda rotary engine. This breakthrough led to the creation of the legendary Cosmo sports car, which would become a symbol of the Mazda spirit of overcoming adversity.
When Mazda’s president, Tsuneji Matsuda, drove the Cosmo prototype into the 1963 Tokyo Motor Show, it sparked excitement and was poetically described as “More like flying than driving.” Then, in 1989, Mazda once again defied the norms with the debut of the Mazda MX-5 roadster.
During the 1980s, car manufacturers were hesitant to produce lightweight sports cars, citing concerns about weight and performance. Mazda, however, produced a timeless roadster that captured the hearts of British drivers and went on to become the best-selling roadster of all time.
Mazda continued to push the boundaries of automotive engineering in 1991, when the company’s 787B entered the 24 Hours of Le Mans race, becoming the first Japanese car manufacturer to win the prestigious title.
It was also the first victory achieved with a rotary engine, although rotary engine cars were banned from the race the following year. In 2003, Mazda revived the rotary engine with the RX-8, demonstrating that their commitment to innovation never waned.
Mazda’s engineers worked relentlessly to advance the Wankel rotary engine, creating a lighter, more fuel-efficient version and introducing it in the four-door RX-8. Furthermore, the RX-8 Hydrogen RE was launched, marking the world’s first practical use of a rotary engine powered by hydrogen fuel.
Today, Mazda continues to draw inspiration from its innovative challenger spirit, which has defined both its past and present. The company remains committed to breaking boundaries in the automotive industry, offering the driving pleasure concept known as Jinba Ittai—achieving a perfect unity between car and driver.
This philosophy is being carried into the future through cutting-edge technologies such as the Skyactiv engines, which balance performance with fuel efficiency. Mazda’s commitment to innovation is exemplified by the e-Skyactiv X engine, which seeks to deliver a new, deeper form of pure driving pleasure.
Additionally, Mazda’s next-generation design is showcased in the Mazda Vision Coupe, a groundbreaking four-door coupe concept car that elevates refinement and elegance to new heights with its atmospheric interior and bold silhouette. At Mazda, the belief that anything imagined can be made drives the company’s continuous pursuit of excellence and future possibilities.
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Brands That Fade With Age
Consumer Reports has analyzed data from over 300,000 vehicles and determined that five automakers have emerged as the least reliable for 2025.
These findings are based on a variety of contributing factors, including safety, overall value, and other critical elements. Each of these factors played a role in pushing these brands to the bottom of the list when it comes to vehicle dependability.
If you’re shopping for a new vehicle, it may be wise to steer clear of these five car manufacturers, which have been identified as the least reliable in 2025.
In particular, certain models from these brands have been highlighted as major contributors to their low reliability scores.
Volkswagen
Volkswagen’s overall reliability has taken a hit, largely due to models such as the Taos. In Consumer Reports’ survey, the Taos received the lowest reliability rating of all vehicles analyzed.
According to the data, owners of the Taos have reported multiple issues involving the engine head gasket, various electrical components, and braking system malfunctions.
“Taos has not been without its issues, for sure,” commented Alex Black, the chief marketing officer at EpicVIN.
“We’ve heard reports of electrical issues, engine oddities and brake problems. That’s in line with what CR is saying. VW quality can vary wildly by model some are fine, others appear half-baked.”
Jeep
Jeep enjoys a strong base of loyal customers. However, owners of the Grand Cherokee have expressed dissatisfaction with the vehicle’s reliability.
Common issues reported include problems with the climate control and drive systems, as well as steering vibrations and the need for harness replacement.
The list of concerns extends further, with many Grand Cherokee drivers mentioning troubles with body hardware, electrical accessories, and fluid leaks.
Additionally, several respondents in the survey noted the presence of unexplained and unsettling noises.
Alex Black points out that Jeep has consistently appeared on the unreliable list over the years, with the Grand Cherokee often being the main offender.
“I’ve worked with enough of them at dealerships and auctions to know they can be hit-or-miss, especially after they rack up miles. That steering and suspension wear? Totally real,” added Black.
GMC
GMC’s place on this list is largely due to one of its midsize pickups: the Canyon.
Among the problems reported to Consumer Reports were engine troubles and malfunctions with the vehicle’s electronic systems.
The most significant issue affecting the Canyon was the need for a complete hardware replacement of the infotainment system, which proved to be very expensive.
“Canyon engine and electronics issues are no shock,” noted Black. “GM trucks used to be bulletproof, but some of the newer tech in these mid-size pickups has been giving folks trouble.”
Creating something truly remarkable requires more than just hard work. It takes vision, perseverance, and a fearless attitude, to name a few qualities. These intangible elements come together to create vehicles that are truly deserving of bearing the GMC badge.
The future of GMC is already on the horizon, with new trucks and SUVs designed for the next generation. The highly anticipated 2026 HUMMER EV is set to make its debut in late summer 2025, offering a bold and unapologetic design that matches the capabilities of GMC’s vehicles.
When considering all the capabilities GMC trucks and SUVs have to offer, it’s only natural that their design reflects that strength and power.
GMC integrates intuitive technology into its vehicles, providing first-class tech designed to feel like second nature. This technology enhances the driving experience and helps drivers achieve more with ease.
Along with this, GMC places a strong emphasis on uncompromising safety. The brand sets the standard for engineering and innovation in safety by offering a comprehensive range of standard and available safety features, as well as advanced driver assistance technologies.
Professional-grade capability is a cornerstone of GMC’s identity. The true measure of capability lies in how well the driver and the machine work together, and GMC is committed to building trucks and SUVs that empower drivers to do more, even under challenging conditions.
The craftsmanship inside each GMC vehicle reflects this commitment, blending abundant capability with luxurious details that ensure comfort and control at all times.
Looking ahead, GMC is embracing the future with its electric vehicles, such as the HUMMER EV SUV, HUMMER EV Pickup, and Sierra EV Denali Edition 1. With a focus on zero tailpipe emissions and limitless potential, GMC’s move toward electric vehicles is already yielding impressive results, making the future of driving more sustainable and innovative than ever.
Cadillac
Although Cadillac is often associated with luxury, its all-electric model, the Lyriq, stands out for its own set of issues.
According to feedback gathered by Consumer Reports, drivers have experienced problems with the electric vehicle’s battery, as well as various electronic accessories, including interior features within the cabin.
“Battery issues and infotainment bugs are totally normal in first-generation electric vehicles. No shade just the nature of rushing new tech to market,” Black mentioned.
Rivian
What sets Rivian apart from other car brands is its exclusive focus on all-electric vehicles, but unfortunately, it was ranked as Consumer Reports’ worst brand in 2025.
The automaker’s only two models, the R1T pickup truck and the R1S sport utility vehicle, both received low scores from drivers in the survey.
“This hurts, ’cause I like Rivian. But yeah, we’ve heard from owners about battery problems, charging bugs, and general electrical gremlins,” explained Black. “They’re making cool stuff, but they’re still learning.”
The R1T was reported to have issues related to its EV batteries and charging system, which in some cases required EV battery pack replacements.
Additionally, the vehicle’s climate control system and electrical accessories failed to meet the expectations of many drivers.
