The engine, known as the heart of a car, carries the car’s power output and its importance is self-evident. If it doesn’t work properly, you won’t be able to go anywhere; if it’s inefficient, you may face a series of problems. A reliable engine can save you a large sum of maintenance fees.
No one likes to see the engine malfunction light on. Whether it’s a minor or major malfunction, frequent problems will significantly increase your car maintenance costs. In some cases, you may even have to replace a new engine.
With 61 years of car repair experience, Northwest Collision Center listed the top five most expensive car components to replace on its website, with the car engine topping the list. “The engine is the heart of the car, and the cost of replacing the engine is not cheap. Depending on the brand and model, the price of a new engine ranges from $4,000 to $7,000, not including labor costs. The complexity of this work and the importance of precise installation make the engine one of the most expensive repairs you may face,” said Northwest Collision Center.
Some brands are not only known for their overall car reliability but also for the reliability of their engines. Here are the top five car brands with the most reliable engines summarized by GOBankingRates.
While Japanese cars are widely considered the most reliable, followed closely by Korean cars, American brand manufacturers know how to produce advanced, efficient, high-performance, and durable engines.
Ford has a long history in car engines. In fact, founder Henry Ford began researching internal combustion engines in the 1890s and built the first Ford engine. The later versions of this engine were used in his first car, the Ford Quadricycle, completed in June 1896. Ford engines have been synonymous with performance, reliability, and longevity throughout their history, often exceeding the car owner’s expectations.
Chevrolet stands out among General Motors’ subsidiaries for its reliable, powerful engines. Since 1997, the LS engine has undergone three generations of changes, proving to be easy to maintain and low in faults throughout its lifecycle. The 5.7-liter LT1 engine provided ample power for Chevrolet Corvettes and Camaros in the 1990s, while the new fifth-generation engine is further improving Chevrolet’s annual ranking in J.D. Power’s reliability ranking.
Lexus has topped the list for the second consecutive year in J.D. Power’s automotive reliability report. Reliability has rapidly become synonymous with Lexus, a feat unmatched by most other luxury brands on the market. Lexus models equipped with engines such as 1UR-FE, 2JZ, and 2GR are among the most reliable cars you can buy.
For decades, Honda engines have enjoyed a good reputation. Currently, a typical Honda car has a lifespan of about 200,000 miles. However, the lifespan of many Honda models exceeds the owner’s expectations. Whether Honda cars are equipped with K-series engines, J35 engines, or H22A engines, you can enjoy top-notch reliability and durability.
Toyota has consistently introduced outstanding engines that often achieve hundreds of thousands of miles of driving. CarBuzz has selected several time-tested Toyota engines, including the 3.5-liter V6 2GR engine, which has powered many of Toyota’s most popular models like the Tacoma and Camry.
Noteworthy are the powerful 1JZ and 2JZ engines, and the UZ series engines, which power many of Toyota’s luxury sedans, compact cars, pickups, and SUVs.