It's difficult to determine which cars last the longest, as there aren't many available statistics, and it would be almost impossible for a study to control factors like routine maintenance and driving style. Therefore, we've taken a pragmatic approach and created the following list based on a study of the top 16 vehicles with more than 200,000 miles. This study by iSeeCars looked at more than 10 million vehicles to find those that vaulted past 200,000 miles with the greatest consistency. Percentage of vehicles over 200,000 miles: 16.3% MPG: 13 city | 17 highway Drivetrain: 4-wheel drive The Land Cruiser hasn't exactly been a darling in the U.S. auto market, but it's a beloved favorite in developing countries that lack good road systems. This is thanks to the high-grade steel used in manufacturing and precise, small-batch production techniques that Toyota puts into the vehicle. It's designed to last decades handling rugged off-road driving, and this shows in the number of Land Cruisers on the road with more than 200,000 miles. Percentage of vehicles over 200,000 miles: 11.2% MPG: 13 city | 17 highway Drivetrain: 4-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive While the Land Cruiser takes the top spot, Toyota's reputation for making rugged, reliable vehicles doesn't stop there. Like the Land Cruiser, the Toyota Sequoia is a truck-based, body-on-frame SUV with a separated chassis that lends itself to a high level of durability.1. Toyota Land Cruiser
2. Toyota Sequoia
3. Chevrolet Suburban
Percentage of vehicles over 200,000 miles: 5.1%
MPG: 15 city | 19 highway
Drivetrain: 4-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive
The Chevrolet Suburban is another reliable, full-size sport utility vehicle (SUV). Compared to the prior-listed Toyota SUVs, this vehicle makes it to 200,000 much less often, but 5.1% is still an incredible figure that is five times greater than the average for all cars. It's helped by a durable design that can prevent issues like rust and major repairs for 6 – 10 years, and a strict adherence to good maintenance can take it much further.
4. Ford Expedition
Percentage of vehicles over 200,000 miles: 4.9%
MPG: 17 city | 23 highway
Drivetrain: 4-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive
The Ford Expedition has a sound, reliable design that can easily carry it to 150,000 miles and beyond. While the Expedition may begin developing serious wear at 150,000 miles, routine maintenance and good driving practices can see it reach the 200,000-mile mark.
5. Toyota 4Runner
Percentage of vehicles over 200,000 miles: 4.1%
MPG: 16 city | 19 highway
Drivetrain: 4-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive
While the Toyota 4Runner doesn't have the same incredible longevity as the Sequoia and Land Cruiser, it still benefits from Toyota's conservative design philosophy and excellent manufacturing standards.
Honorable Mentions
The following vehicles deserve an honorable mention for their longevity and reliability. Interestingly, truck-based SUVs are the most consistently reliable vehicles and make up most of the list. The Prius stands out as a notable exception, as it's a hybrid car that boasts excellent longevity.
As an automotive enthusiast with a deep understanding of vehicle durability and reliability, I've delved into various studies and first-hand experiences to bring you insights into the longevity of cars, a complex topic often challenging to quantify. One notable study that adds credibility to our discussion is the comprehensive analysis conducted by iSeeCars, examining over 10 million vehicles to identify those surpassing the 200,000-mile mark with exceptional consistency.
The iSeeCars study sheds light on the top 16 vehicles in terms of longevity, and I'll provide a breakdown of the key concepts discussed in the article:
1. Toyota Land Cruiser
- Percentage over 200,000 miles: 16.3%
- MPG: 13 city | 17 highway
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Drivetrain: 4-wheel drive
The Toyota Land Cruiser emerges as a standout, particularly in developing countries with challenging terrains. Its longevity is attributed to high-grade steel manufacturing and precise, small-batch production techniques by Toyota. The vehicle is designed to endure rugged off-road driving, evident in the substantial percentage of Land Cruisers surpassing 200,000 miles.
2. Toyota Sequoia
- Percentage over 200,000 miles: 11.2%
- MPG: 13 city | 17 highway
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Drivetrain: 4-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive
Following closely is the Toyota Sequoia, reinforcing Toyota's reputation for crafting durable vehicles. With a truck-based, body-on-frame structure, the Sequoia exhibits a separated chassis contributing to its high level of durability.
3. Chevrolet Suburban
- Percentage over 200,000 miles: 5.1%
- MPG: 15 city | 19 highway
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Drivetrain: 4-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive
The Chevrolet Suburban, a full-size SUV, demonstrates reliability with a remarkable 5.1% of vehicles reaching over 200,000 miles. Its durable design contributes to preventing issues like rust, and with proper maintenance, it can extend its lifespan significantly.
4. Ford Expedition
- Percentage over 200,000 miles: 4.9%
- MPG: 17 city | 23 highway
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Drivetrain: 4-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive
The Ford Expedition boasts a sound and reliable design capable of surpassing 150,000 miles. While wear may start to show at this point, consistent routine maintenance and good driving practices can extend its life to the 200,000-mile mark.
5. Toyota 4Runner
- Percentage over 200,000 miles: 4.1%
- MPG: 16 city | 19 highway
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Drivetrain: 4-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive
The Toyota 4Runner, although not matching the longevity of its counterparts like the Sequoia and Land Cruiser, benefits from Toyota's conservative design philosophy and high manufacturing standards.
Honorable Mentions
- Truck-based SUVs dominate the list of consistently reliable vehicles.
- The Prius, a hybrid car, stands out as an exception with excellent longevity.
In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the long-term durability of vehicles, showcasing the reliability of specific models and the importance of factors such as manufacturing techniques, design philosophy, and routine maintenance in determining a car's lifespan.
