When buying a car—especially a used one—reliability is one of the most important things to consider. A reliable car means fewer breakdowns, lower repair bills, and peace of mind on the road. Luckily, several surveys conducted by trusted names like Which?, Honest John, and Auto Express give us a clear picture of which brands UK drivers trust most in 2025.
Here’s a look at the most reliable car brands in the UK, ranked by real owners.
1. Lexus – The Gold Standard of Reliability
Lexus has consistently topped reliability charts for years, and 2025 is no different. According to both the Which? Car Survey and Auto Express Driver Power, Lexus drivers report extremely low fault rates and top-tier satisfaction scores. Its hybrid systems are known for lasting well over 150,000 miles without issues.
- Average Owner Score: 5/5
- Common Praise: Superb build quality, smooth hybrid tech
- Warranty: Up to 10 years (with service plan)
2. Toyota – Reliable, Practical, and Efficient
Toyota, Lexus’ parent company, also ranks near the top. Known for its robust engineering and efficient hybrid models like the Yaris and Corolla, Toyota consistently performs well in Honest John’s Satisfaction Index. Owners mention few issues even on high-mileage vehicles.
- Average Owner Score: 4.9/5
- Common Praise: Affordable maintenance, dependable performance
- Notable Models: Toyota Yaris, Corolla, RAV4
3. Honda – Built to Last
Honda remains a favourite among UK drivers who want a car that “just works.” The Jazz and Civic, in particular, earn praise for their bulletproof reliability and longevity. According to Which?, fewer than 10% of Honda owners reported faults in the past 12 months.
- Average Owner Score: 4.8/5
- Common Praise: Durable engines, low-cost servicing
- Best Picks: Honda Jazz (especially for older drivers), Honda CR-V
4. Hyundai – Rising Reputation
Hyundai’s reputation has soared in recent years. Backed by a five-year unlimited mileage warranty, many UK drivers trust models like the i10 and Tucson for everyday use. In Auto Express surveys, Hyundai owners highlight minimal mechanical problems and strong dealer support.
- Average Owner Score: 4.7/5
- Common Praise: Great value, long warranty
- Popular Models: Hyundai i10, i20, Kona
5. Kia – Dependability with Style
Kia ties closely with Hyundai in reliability rankings. Their 7-year warranty has long been a selling point, and their cars—especially the Picanto and Ceed—are praised for being solid, affordable, and worry-free. Kia also scores highly in Honest John’s real-world owner reports.
- Average Owner Score: 4.7/5
- Common Praise: Long warranty, practical features
- Notable Models: Kia Sportage, Ceed, Picanto
6. Mazda – The Quiet Performer
Mazda often flies under the radar, but owners know better. The brand is known for stylish design and minimal problems. The MX-5, in particular, earns rave reviews for long-term dependability, as noted in both Auto Express and Which? owner surveys.
- Average Owner Score: 4.6/5
- Common Praise: Smooth drive, few faults
- Recommended Models: Mazda 3, Mazda CX-5
7. Suzuki – Simple and Reliable
Suzuki may not have the flashiest cars, but when it comes to reliability, they deliver. The Swift and Vitara are often praised for low running costs and solid mechanics. Honest John readers consistently rate Suzuki as one of the best in owner satisfaction.
- Average Owner Score: 4.5/5
- Common Praise: Budget-friendly, easy to maintain
- Top Picks: Suzuki Swift, Vitara
Final Thoughts
If reliability is your top priority, brands like Lexus, Toyota, and Honda consistently come out on top in UK owner surveys. These rankings are backed by thousands of real drivers who know what it’s like to live with these cars day in, day out.
Before buying, it’s worth checking the latest Which? reliability ratings, Honest John Satisfaction Index, or Auto Express Driver Power Survey for real-world feedback. A little research now can save you a lot of headaches—and repair bills—down the line.
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