Which vehicles deserve to be called the toughest and most reliable cars ever built?
Some vehicles have earned a reputation as the most dependable cars ever made. They can stay on the road for years that turn into decades. Many of them are capable of exceeding 621,000 miles without major failures. Here are 10 of the longest-lasting models whose owners could realistically pass them down to the next generation.
Despite the belief that hybrid vehicles can't be reliable and are expensive to repair, the Toyota Prius has proven otherwise. Prius models have built a reputation for lasting well beyond 373,000 miles, which is one reason they have been widely used as taxi cabs.
Its electric motor and battery have demonstrated remarkable durability, while the gasoline engine has impressed owners with its long service life. Overall, the Toyota Prius is an efficient, quiet, and exceptionally durable daily driver.
The popularity of the Peugeot 504 is reflected in its production numbers, with nearly 4 million examples built. It's a simple yet extremely durable vehicle, especially in diesel form. Its soft independent suspension allows it to handle badly damaged roads with ease. That's why the Peugeot 504 served with police agencies, government services, the military, and taxi fleets. It is still a common sight on roads in many African countries.
The Mercedes-Benz W123 and W124 have long earned legendary status and a reputation for being virtually indestructible. Time has shown that the W123 is capable of surpassing 621,000 miles. One reason is its cast-iron OM617 gasoline engine.
The W124 may even exceed that figure with proper care and regular maintenance. Its longevity is credited to the OM603 diesel engine, along with outstanding build quality and a simple mechanical design. Both the W123 and W124 remain in service in many countries, handling harsh climates and rough roads without complaint.
A legend of the 1990s, the body-on-frame Toyota Land Cruiser 80 often covers 311,000 to 435,000 miles with little need for repairs. Some examples still show almost no rust despite spending more than three decades on the road.
There isn't much on this Land Cruiser to break. Many versions came with manual window cranks and manually adjustable seats. It features the 1HD turbodiesel engine, a manual transmission, and a steel bumper. The Land Cruiser 80 is simple, and that's exactly why it's so dependable. Hunters, off-road enthusiasts, and military personnel have shown that even after being completely submerged in water, it can return to service without suffering damage.
The Nissan Patrol earned its reputation for durability naturally, evolving from a rugged military off-roader into a more upscale SUV with leather-trimmed interiors. Early Patrol models with bare-bones cabins worked in places where roads barely existed. They were used by United Nations missions in Africa and the Middle East, as well as rescue teams and military units.
The body-on-frame Y60 remains a favorite among hunters and off-road enthusiasts. Thanks to its nearly indestructible engine, straightforward engineering, and affordable replacement parts, the Nissan Patrol is considered one of the longest-lasting SUVs ever built.
This stylish midsize sedan made the list despite having little in common with rugged off-road vehicles. Even after two decades of use, the Honda Accord continues to look modern and well-kept. Its longevity comes from Honda's A-Series and K-Series engines, which are capable of lasting more than 186,000 miles. Even older examples are known for remaining reliable and trouble-free.
The Japanese sedan has become a symbol of long-lasting engineering. Even high-mileage cars that have spent years in demanding conditions continue to demonstrate exceptional durability for decades. At the same time, the Honda Civic offers a comfortable interior, a solid list of features, and excellent handling. Its 1.6-liter engines are often modified and turbocharged without significantly affecting reliability.
The conservative Swedish "brick" has long been regarded as the benchmark for Scandinavian reliability. The Volvo 140 established that reputation during the 1960s and 1970s as a practical, safe, and dependable car whose boxy shape became synonymous with those qualities despite changing design trends.
The Volvo 240 carried over the same iconic styling while inheriting its predecessor's reliability and durability. Its legendary reputation comes largely from the cast-iron Redblock engine, which is capable of traveling 311,000 miles or more without requiring a major engine overhaul.
The LS400 built its reputation on a long-lasting engine, precise assembly quality, and premium comfort. Its suspension delivers an exceptionally smooth ride, the cabin remains remarkably quiet, and every detail reflects meticulous Japanese craftsmanship.
Even after 20 years, the LS400 can still compete with many modern luxury sedans. Its 1UZ-FE engine is known to exceed 932,000 miles, making the LS400 one of the most durable long-term choices in the premium segment.
The iconic performance car of the early 2000s street racing era became famous through The Fast and the Furious and grew into a symbol of its time. It also proved to be incredibly durable, with enthusiasts considering its cast-iron 2JZ-GTE engine one of the best ever built. It is renowned for its exceptional strength and enormous tuning potential.
Supra owners quickly took advantage of that potential, modifying the engine to produce as much as 1,000 horsepower. Even with those upgrades, the Supra MK4 has remained a powerful, reliable, and remarkably durable sports car.