Top 10 Most Reliable American Cars and Trucks

Interested in buying a domestic vehicle but want to make sure it’s as reliable as can be? AutoGuide has compiled a list of the most reliable vehicle in its respective segment based on Consumer Reports’ 2013 predicted reliability results from the 2013 Annual Auto Survey.

In order to predict a vehicle’s reliability, Consumer Reports surveyed vehicle owners to see the number of serious problems they’ve encountered with their vehicle over the past 12 months of ownership. The results are compiled from responses on 1.1 million vehicles owned or leased and only vehicles that receive Consumer Reports’ recommended rating are listed. The Dodge Dart and Jeep Patriot both have “average or better” reliability, but they were left off the list for scoring poorly in the publication’s tests.

So if you’re in the market for a small car, look towards the Chevrolet Sonic. The 2014 Sonic sedan is priced from $14,995 while the hatchback has a starting price of $15,595. The compact is available with either a 1.4-liter turbo Ecotec engine with 138 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque or a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with 138 hp and 125 lb-ft of torque.

After being heralded as one of the best cars, if not the best Consumer Reports has ever reviewed, it’s no surprise to find the Tesla Model S as the most reliable American hybrid or electric vehicle. Available with three different battery options, the Tesla Model S has an estimated range of 230 miles to 300 miles with its performance ranging from 302 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque to 416 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. All that performance and eco-friendliness comes at a starting price of $70,890.

In the market for a reliable upscale car? With a starting MSRP of $31,540, the Chrysler 300 should be at the top of your list to test drive. The flagship sedan comes standard with a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine touting 292 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, while power hungry enthusiasts can opt for a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with 363 hp and 392 lb-ft of torque. The V6 however will provide 19 mpg in the city and a best-in-class 31 mpg on the highway.

In the battle of the most reliable American muscle cars, the Ford Mustang comes out on top, trumping the Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger. Though Mustang enthusiasts are awaiting the official debut of the 2015 Ford Mustang, it could be a prime time to buy the outgoing model as Ford starts to offer discounts to clear its stock. It’s worth noting that the more reliable model is the Ford Mustang GT that is equipped with a 5.0-liter V8 engine with 420 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. The Mustang GT starts from $31,695 though those on a budget can opt for the V6 model for $22,995.

Taking most reliable American large SUV is the Chevrolet Suburban that boasts a starting price tag of $47,295. What you get however is a 5.3-liter Vortec V8 engine with 320 hp and 335 lb-ft of torque with E85 FlexFuel capability. The 2014 Suburban is available in two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive and has a max towing capacity of 8,100 lbs. Then again, savvy shoppers will want to just wait for the 2015 Chevrolet Suburban to hit the market in Spring 2014, boasting loads of new changes and upgraded comfort.

Rounding off the ninth and 10th slots are the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups, both claiming the title of most reliable trucks. Both vehicles got a major overhaul for the 2014 model year (2013 shown above) so today’s shoppers do have a choice between what’s left of the 2013 models and the new 2014 model. However, the most reliable models according to the survey are the 2500 and 3500 trims with diesel engines that come in the form of a 6.6-liter turbo-diesel with 397 hp and a whopping 765 lb-ft of torque. Both 2500 trucks are priced from $32,405.