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These Are 2025's Most Reliable Car Brands

These Are 2025's Most Reliable Car Brands

The Truth About Cars Dec 19, 2025 76 min
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About this episode

A deep dive into the most reliable car brands of 2025, featuring insights from Steve Ellick of Consumer Reports. The episode discusses the methodology behind reliability rankings, highlighting brands like Lexus, Subaru, and Toyota at the top. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by brands like Rivian and Jeep, and the impact of electric vehicles on reliability. Additionally, the hosts explore practical tips for maintaining vehicle cleanliness in winter, including effective salt removal techniques for floor mats. The episode wraps up with a discussion on the recent NASCAR settlement and its implications for teams and the sport.

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Technical Too Afraid to Ask
Term

all weather floor mats

"...if you don't have, you know, all weather floor mats, if you don't have the rubber ones or whatever, you know, polyurethane that they are, if you've still got the carpeted ones, eventually there's going to be a crust of salt that builds up..."

All weather floor mats are special mats for your car that keep dirt and water from ruining the carpet inside. They're made from tough materials that are easy to clean.

Concept

secure purchase

"...it's where you can buy it start to finish. Sellers and titles are verified, paperwork is handled by experts..."

Secure purchase is a way to buy things online safely. It makes sure the person selling the car is real, and it helps with payments and paperwork so you don't get scammed.

Term

DMV

"...or maybe, worst of all, wait for hours at the DMV just a chance for the title."

The DMV is a government office where you go to get your driver's license and register your car. People often complain about waiting a long time there.

Term

title

"...wait for hours at the DMV just a chance for the title. That air is over."

A title is a paper that shows who owns a car. It has important details about the car and the owner.

Car

Ford F150

"...how does a 2024 Ford F-150 do against other 2024s, which is how we get, you know, let's call it average compared to other 2024s..."

The 2024 Ford F-150 is a large truck that can be used for many purposes, like carrying heavy loads or towing trailers. It's popular because it's tough and can be customized in many ways.

Brand

Lexus

"...the press release basically says Lexus, Subaru and Toyota are again a keyword there at the top of the brand reliability rankings..."

Lexus is a brand that makes luxury cars and is part of Toyota. They are known for making cars that last a long time without problems.

Car

Subaru Forester

"redesign their models. They incrementally, you know, this old Subaru Forester and the new one, it looks almost exactly the same."

The Subaru Forester is a small SUV that many people find reliable and useful. It has been updated several times, but it often looks quite similar to older versions.

Car

Mazda Cx90

"not to mention that transmission is all new as well. And that's where you start seeing problems when you just throw a bunch of new components at a new model..."

The Mazda CX-90 is a new SUV that has been designed from scratch. It has a different setup compared to older Mazda SUVs, including a new engine and all-wheel drive system.

Term

powertrain

"...they've, they've pretty much worked out their powertrain related issues, you know, they never really had those that was okay."

The powertrain is the part of the car that makes it move. In electric cars, it includes the electric motors and batteries that provide power instead of a traditional engine.

Term

build quality

"...where Tesla suffered in the past was build quality. I mean, they were building them intense a couple years ago."

Build quality is about how well a car is made. It includes things like how well the parts fit together and how good the materials are. Good build quality means fewer problems with the car.

Term

quality control

"...quality control was really not there. Build quality was a problem."

Quality control is how companies make sure their products are good and work well. In car making, it means checking for problems before the cars are sold to customers.

Car

Tesla Model Y

"The new updated model Y is one of the more reliable EVs you can buy the model three as well."

The Tesla Model Y is an electric SUV made by Tesla. It's known for being reliable and has a lot of modern features.

Car

Tesla Cybertruck

"The only Tesla that is below average reliability now is the Cybertruck, which, you know, no surprise, it's a ground up completely different design from anything prior."

The Tesla Cybertruck is a new electric truck from Tesla that looks very different from regular trucks. It's made with a tough metal shell and has a futuristic design.

Car

Mitsubishi Outlander

"...we do have data on some Mitsubishi's, the Outlander and the Outlander plug in."

The Mitsubishi Outlander is a compact SUV that has a lot of space inside. There's also a version that can run on electricity and gas.

Term

EVs

"...a lot of anti EV people say, oh my gosh, EVs are super expensive for repair. When that battery goes out, you're gonna regret buying one..."

EVs stands for electric vehicles, which are cars that run on electricity instead of gasoline. They use batteries to power electric motors, making them different from regular cars that have engines that burn fuel.

Term

internal combustion engine

"...I'm not worried about internal combustion engine parts. And of course, you have hybrids and plug-in hybrids that are kind of mixing and matching electric motors and internal combustion engines..."

An internal combustion engine is the type of engine most cars use, which burns fuel to create power. This is different from electric vehicles that use batteries and electric motors.

Term

hybrids

"...And of course, you have hybrids and plug-in hybrids that are kind of mixing and matching electric motors and internal combustion engines..."

Hybrids are cars that have both a regular engine and an electric motor. They can use either one or both to drive, which helps save fuel and reduce pollution.

Term

Ultium platform

"...and then you see the Ultium platform ones, for example, you know, GM's Ultium platform..."

The Ultium platform is a system by GM that helps build electric cars. It allows them to use different battery types and sizes for better performance.

Term

EV battery replacements

"they're like full on EV battery replacements needed. Right. That's a pretty hefty problem. Not to mention the climate system is completely different as well."

EV battery replacements mean changing out the battery in an electric car when it stops working well. This can be expensive and is an important part of keeping the car running.

Term

charging control unit

"It's like the onboard integrated charging control unit failed and I can't charge my car. For plug-in hybrids, that's sometimes okay."

The charging control unit in an electric car helps manage how the battery charges. If it breaks, the car might not charge at all, which can be a big problem.

Brand

GM Ultium

"...and then they share platforms across it, you know, an entire, you know, a manufacturer, for example, the GM Ultium cars, they all came out at the same time. They're"

GM Ultium is a system created by General Motors for making electric cars. It helps them build different types of electric vehicles using the same technology, making it easier and more efficient.

Car

Toyota Prius

"...ds. It's, you know, Toyota has been building the Prius for, I mean, probably a quarter of a century now...."

The Toyota Prius is a car that uses both gas and electricity to run, which helps it save fuel and produce less pollution. It's been around for a long time and is known for being good for the environment, making it a popular choice for people who want to drive a greener car.

Car

Jaguar Ipace

"as someone who tests cars on a routine basis, I've had a few EVs not charged. I have a memorable story with a Jaguar I-Pace from five or six years ago that the I-Paces would not charge anywhere, but the dealer and turned out a long story short. I think it was a software issue. The"

The Jaguar I-PACE is a fancy electric SUV that offers a smooth ride and high-tech features. It's important because it shows how luxury brands are starting to make electric cars that are both stylish and good for the environment.

Term

software issue

"...it was a software issue. The software wasn't communicating with the chargers at Walgreens and Whole Foods..."

A software issue is a problem with the car's computer programs that can cause it to not work correctly. Just like a phone or computer, cars need updates to fix these problems.

Car

Nissan Leaf

"... couple of years ago where it was probably Nissan Leaf then where one charger at a grocery store didn't..."

The Nissan Leaf is a car that runs entirely on electricity, meaning it doesn't use gas at all. It's important because it helps reduce pollution and is part of the growing trend of electric cars, but sometimes people talk about how hard it can be to find places to charge it.

Car

Tesla Model 3

"...elf. Like I said, the Tesla model, why the Tesla Model 3? They're reliable models now. The Ford Mustang Ma..."

The Tesla Model 3 is an electric car that is known for being fast and having a long battery life, so you can drive it for a long time before needing to charge it. It's popular because it combines cool technology with a more affordable price compared to other electric cars.

Car

Ford Mustang

"...la Model 3? They're reliable models now. The Ford Mustang Mach-E is reliable. It's been around for a while..."
Car

Ford F150 Lightning

"...The F-150 Lightning too, which, you know, is it going away? I think..."

The Ford F-150 Lightning is an electric version of the F-150 truck, which is very popular in the U.S. It has become more reliable over time, which is important for truck buyers.

Car

Rivian R1T

"...hey're newer automaker. They have the R1S and the R1T, which share a lot of components and those compo..."

The Rivian R1T is a new electric truck that can drive off-road and has a lot of space inside. It's exciting because it's part of a new wave of electric vehicles that are designed for people who love adventure and want to be more eco-friendly.

Car

Rivian R1S

"...d, I mean, they're newer automaker. They have the R1S and the R1T, which share a lot of components and..."
Car

Ram 1500

"...heir own. I mean, Ram just had an update for the 1500 and didn't do so hot. It's a pretty unreliable fu..."
Car

Dodge Ram

"...f these brands has a story of their own. I mean, Ram just had an update for the 1500 and didn't do so ..."

The Dodge Ram is a big truck that's often used for work or towing things, like trailers. It's known for being tough and reliable, and it recently got some updates to make it more comfortable and high-tech inside.

Car

Jeep Compass

"...ht, it's still lower. As far as Jeep, I mean the Compass is average. So that's good, but everything else. ..."

The Jeep Compass is a small SUV that can handle both city driving and some rougher roads. It's popular because it combines comfort with the ability to go on adventures, staying true to the Jeep brand.

Car

Jeep Wrangler

"...that's good, but everything else. So you got the Wrangler, the Grand Cherokee, and then you throw on plug-i..."
Car

Jeep Grand Cherokee

"...ut everything else. So you got the Wrangler, the Grand Cherokee, and then you throw on plug-in components to them..."

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a type of SUV that can drive on rough roads and is also comfortable for everyday use. It's popular because it combines the ability to go off-road with nice features inside, making it a good choice for families and adventurers alike.

Term

plug-in hybrid

"...you throw on plug-in components to them. You have the Wrangler 4xE and the Grand Cherokee 4xE..."

A plug-in hybrid is a type of car that can run on electricity and gas. You can charge it at home, which helps save fuel and is better for the environment.

Car

GMC Acadia

"... unanimously problematic. So, you know, GMC, New Acadia has some problems, not new, but newer, like it wa..."

The GMC Acadia is a medium-sized SUV that's great for families because it has a lot of room inside and is comfortable to drive. However, some versions of this car have had problems, so it's a good idea to check which years are the best before buying one.

Term

JD Power

"...whether it's with yourself, JD Power, other companies that track reliability..."

JD Power is a company that helps people understand how good cars are by giving ratings based on customer feedback and surveys.

Brand

Maserati

"and supply some Maserati as well, which also didn't make your list. Italian built vehicles have had their own issues over the years"

Maserati is a luxury car brand from Italy that makes fast and stylish cars. They are known for their performance and unique designs.

Car

Dodge Challenger

"...in the past though, like when Dodge only had the Challenger and Charger a couple years back and it was like a..."
Car

Dodge Charger

"I will say in the past though, like when Dodge only had the Challenger and Charger a couple years back..."

The Dodge Challenger is a type of car known as a muscle car, which means it has a strong engine and is designed for performance. It's been around for a long time and has a classic look.

Car

Chrysler 300

"...kinks on that generation, same with the Chrysler 300, but they've dropped the, you know, the more reli..."

The Chrysler 300 is a big car that looks stylish and has a lot of room inside, making it comfortable for passengers. It's known for being a nice mix of luxury and performance, which is why many people like it.

Car

Subaru Brz Subaru

"Toyota, I always forget what it's called because it changed the name. It used to be the SineFR, I think it's the TR-E6 now. 86 and the BRZ. Subaru BRZ. And then I always want to say FR because it was Sion for so long. And then, you know, of course we have automakers that have"

The Subaru BRZ is a small sports car that's fun to drive and designed to be light and quick. It's popular among people who love cars because it offers a sporty experience without being too expensive.

Car

Hyundai Genesis

"..., Lincoln, so forth. Then you've got Hyundai, Kia Genesis, where Hyundai and Kia are both mainstream brand..."

The Hyundai Genesis is a luxury car that focuses on being comfortable and packed with cool technology. It's known for giving you a lot of features for the money, making it a smart choice for someone looking for a nice car without spending too much.

Car

Honda Civic

"...enesis, Kia, Toyota, Camry, and Lexus ES, Honda, Civic, and Acura, and Tiger named the shared cars. Has ..."

The Honda Civic is a small car that's known for being dependable and saving gas. It's been around for a long time and is popular because it's a good choice for many different kinds of drivers, whether they're young people or families.

Car

Toyota Camry

"...rms, whether it's Hyundai, Genesis, Kia, Toyota, Camry, and Lexus ES, Honda, Civic, and Acura, and Tiger..."
Car

Chevrolet Blazer EV

"...ferent vehicles at the same time. The Lyric, the Blazer EV, the Prolog, ZDX, they didn't really have time to..."

The Chevrolet Blazer EV is a new electric SUV that keeps the classic Blazer look but runs on electricity instead of gas. It's exciting because it shows how traditional SUVs are changing to be more eco-friendly and modern.

Car

Acura ZDX

"... same time. The Lyric, the Blazer EV, the Prolog, ZDX, they didn't really have time to fix the issues ..."
Car

Toyota Tacoma

"...y, and then the, or actually, better example, the Tacoma. Tacoma came out a couple of years ago, it was u..."

The Toyota Tacoma is a smaller truck that's tough and can handle rough roads, making it great for work or outdoor activities. People like it because it's reliable and holds its value well over time.

Car

Mazda Mx5 Miata

"No, Mazda is a good brand for the most part, they have been historically, when you look at, you know, the MX-5 Miata, the Mazda 3, which has been around for a while, super reliable. But they did drop in your rankings a little bit though, I think."

The Mazda MX-5, or Miata, is a small sports car that's really fun to drive and has a classic look. It's popular because it's light, easy to handle, and not too expensive, making it a favorite among car lovers.

Car

Mazda Cx70

"...e those reliable ones, and then they drop because CX70, CX90, CX90 plug-in and CX70 plug-in means you a..."

The Mazda CX-70 is a new type of SUV that's designed to be fun to drive while still being practical for everyday use. It's stylish and aims to attract people who want a mix of good looks and good performance.

Car

Chrysler Daytona

"... are going to be different than others. Obviously Daytona always brings in one off drivers and because it'..."

The Chrysler Daytona is a car that has a history of being sporty and fast, especially back in the 1980s. The new version tries to mix that classic look with modern features, making it interesting for fans of cool cars.

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