Boring isn't bad when it comes to cars. Exotic speedsters and luxury vehicles certainly grab more attention, but they also drain their owners' bank accounts. However, boring cars like compact SUVs, sedans, and pickup trucks offer money-saving reliability that could also help drivers save on car insurance.
Fewer trips to the repair shop mean lower ownership costs over time, and a car that keeps running past 200,000 miles can delay the expense of buying your next one.
That's why these 11 boring vehicles are worth considering; they may not impress anyone, but their reliability and longevity could easily save drivers a mint.
- 18-29
- 30-39
- 40-49
- 50-59
- 60-69
- 70-79
- 80+
Toyota Camry
Consumer Reports has stated that Toyota Camrys could rack up well over 200,000 miles if drivers stay up to date on their repairs and maintenance. J.D. Power regularly awards the Toyota Camry top honors for reliability and dependability in its midsize car segment.
Toyota's smart engineering practices, like "overbuilding," which is designing engine parts capable of performing beyond their likely requirements, result in vehicles like the Camry having extremely durable engines.
According to RepairPal, this mundane, if not practical, daily driver has excellent annual ownership costs of only $388. That's well below the $526 average for midsize cars. The current Camry is also sold only as a hybrid, earning up to 50 mpg combined, according to Kelley Blue Book.
Toyota Corolla
Some Toyota Corolla owners managed to rack up more than 500,000 miles on their odometers thanks to dedicated repairs and maintenance.
The Corolla's outstanding durability is driven in no small part by the automaker's supply chain quality, which makes it easy for drivers to find high-quality replacement parts for this sedan, no matter where they are.
Toyota Corolla drivers only spend $362 on repairs and maintenance annually, according to RepairPal. That helps earn the Corolla a 4.5 out of 5 reliability rating, ranking it first out of 36 compact cars. Fuel costs stay low, too, with the gas-powered 2026 model earning 34 mpg combined, according to Kelley Blue Book. The trade-off is modest power and a 13.1-cubic-foot trunk.
Honda Civic
RepairPal states that the Honda Civic has an excellent reliability rating of 4.5 out of five, and even declares it is one of the most reliable vehicles on the road. Annual repair costs average $368, and iSeeCars found the Civic has a 15% chance of reaching 250,000 miles, the best of any compact car in its study.
Benefiting from Honda's long motorsports history, this sedan has benefited from engine innovations that allow its powertrain to balance high-performance with endurance.
The Civic also has a standout fuel economy rating, generally achieving an EPA-estimated combined 33 MPG. The sedan's 14.8-cubic-foot trunk is also roomy for a compact car, making it a practical choice for commuters.
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Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V is one of the most reliable SUVs available, according to RepairPal. It earns a 4.5 out of 5 reliability rating and ranks second out of 26 compact SUVs, with average annual repair costs of $407, compared with $521 for the segment.
Top-notch engineering ensures that the CR-V's 1.5-L I-4 intercooled turbo engine consistently runs like clockwork.
These durable components also make it less likely that CR-V owners might have to pay for unscheduled repairs, lowering this SUV's overall ownership costs. The CR-V also has a 12.7% chance of reaching 250,000 miles, the best of any compact SUV, according to iSeeCars. With up to 76.5 cubic feet of cargo space, it's a practical pick for families.
Toyota Tacoma
The Toyota Tacoma has a 25% chance of lasting for 250,000 miles or more, according to iSeeCars.
More than 75% of Tacoma trucks sold over the last 20 years are still in service today, according to Toyota. At the heart of this remarkable longevity is the Tacoma's engineering. Its durable suspension, high-strength steel frame, and time-tested powertrain are as unglamorous as they are reliable.
RepairPal states that it's uncommon for the Tacoma to need major repairs. This midsize pickup truck only needs unscheduled repairs 0.3 times per year on average, which is less than the 0.4 times per year for the average vehicle.
Subaru Forester
Many Subaru Forester drivers report this high-performance compact SUV lasting more than 200,000 miles.
The Forester's renowned boxer engine gives it ample balance and exceptional longevity, especially compared to traditional gas-powered engines. The Subaru brand has also scored high marks for reliability on various consumer surveys. Standard all-wheel drive makes it a practical pick for drivers who deal with snow or dirt roads.
According to RepairPal, the average annual maintenance costs for a Subaru Forester are $632, which is $20 cheaper than the average vehicle, which costs $652. However, that's above the $521 average for compact SUVs, and RepairPal ranks the Forester 21st out of 26 in its class. The 2026 model earns up to 29 mpg combined, according to Kelley Blue Book.
Subaru Impreza
The Subaru Impreza's unique boxer engine design, which uses an unconventional horizontal layout to reduce vibrations, causes less wear and tear on engine parts.
It also gains durability from its rigid frame that uses high-strength steel, increasing the Impreza's durability. Now sold only as a hatchback, the Impreza offers up to 56 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded.
Additionally, the Impreza has received the Best Resale Value Award from Kelley Blue Book numerous times and is one of the most affordable all-wheel-drive vehicles around. One drawback to note: RepairPal puts its average annual repair cost at $653, and while repairs are infrequent, they tend to be more severe than average.
Kia Seltos
The newest model on this list, a properly maintained Kia Seltos, has promising longevity potential. While early models suffered from problems with the SUV's 1.6-L turbocharged engine, the South Korean automaker has largely addressed those issues in its newer models.
Today's Seltos offers two engines. The LX, S, and EX trims use a naturally aspirated 2.0-L four-cylinder with 146 horsepower and earn 29 mpg combined, according to Kelley Blue Book. The X-Line and SX trims keep a 1.6-L turbocharged four-cylinder with 195 horsepower, though fuel economy drops to 25 mpg combined.
Buyers focused on simplicity and fuel savings may prefer the 2.0-L engine, while the turbo adds passing power. Every trim offers 62.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, which is generous for a subcompact SUV.
Toyota Avalon
According to iSeeCars, the Toyota Avalon has a 23.2% chance of lasting 250,000 miles or more. That means it is 4.3 times more likely to surpass the 250,000-mile mark than the average vehicle, which only has a 5.4% chance.
Although it's no longer rolling off the production line, the Toyota Avalon was a paragon of reliability in its day. That makes it a smart used-car buy for drivers who want a roomy, comfortable full-size sedan. RepairPal gives it a 4.0 out of 5 reliability rating with average annual repair costs of $463.
The sedan's 2022 model has received zero recalls. J.D. Power has also awarded this sedan's swan song an excellent 83/100 quality and reliability score. The 2022 model's 301-horsepower V-6 earns up to 26 mpg combined, according to Kelley Blue Book.
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Honda Ridgeline
The Honda Ridgeline has a 13.7% chance of lasting for more than 250,000 miles, according to iSeeCars.
Drivers thank this pickup truck's unibody design for its longevity. A rarity amongst midsize trucks, this unique design bolsters the Ridgeline's ride quality while decreasing the likelihood of mechanical issues. All-wheel drive is standard, and the truck's 280-horsepower V-6 earns up to 21 mpg combined, according to Kelley Blue Book.
It also features a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, making it practical for everyday towing and hauling needs. That's less than some body-on-frame rivals, so buyers who tow heavy trailers may want a traditional truck. RepairPal also notes that Ridgeline repairs happen about as often as average but are more likely to be severe.
Honda Pilot
The Honda Pilot's top-of-the-line engineering, particularly when it comes to its 3.5 L V-6 engine, transmission, and all-wheel-drive system, makes it a highly reliable SUV. With seating for up to eight, it's a good fit for larger families.
Additionally, the 2025 Honda Pilot earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, making it both safe and durable. IIHS has since tightened its criteria, and the 2026 model didn't make its 2026 award list, though it still earns good ratings in several crash tests.
According to iSeeCars, the Honda Pilot has a 14.3% chance of lasting 250,000 miles or more. One drawback is fuel economy, as most trims earn 21 mpg combined, according to Kelley Blue Book. RepairPal also puts its average annual repair cost at $542.
Bottom line
Unsurprisingly, Toyota is the automotive brand that has the best chance of any of its cars lasting well beyond 250,000 miles. According to iSeeCars, the Japanese automaker's vehicles have a 17.8% chance of accumulating a quarter of a million miles during their lifetime.
Additionally, with Toyota staples, such as the Camry, having such inexpensive maintenance costs, drivers might be able to leverage that reliability to help them find a cheaper auto insurance policy.
Keep in mind that even the most reliable vehicle needs regular care to reach those high mileage numbers. Sticking to the maintenance schedule in your owner's manual is the easiest way to protect your investment.
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