New car prices are continuing to become a problem in the U.S., with most brands subjecting their portfolios to substantial price increases. The best way to get into a car ownership experience when on a budget is by consulting the used market. In this case, reliability becomes a major consideration, which is why it’s typically advised to consider Japanese-designed models.
Japanese cars hold the best reputation for reliability, thanks to the region’s culture of prioritizing dependability over aspiration and performance. These models, from sedans to coupes and even hatchbacks, feature simple drivetrain configurations that are built to last and affordable to maintain, resulting in some impressive value retention ratings.
2023 Nissan Maxima
Reliability Score: 75/100
The 2023 Nissan Maxima earns a 7.5/10 reliability score from iSeeCars, together with 7.5/10 for value retention and 8.0/10 for safety, bringing its overall score up to 7.7/10. J.D. Power issues the model with an 87/100 consumer-verified overall score, including 93/10 for quality and reliability, 85/100 for the driving experience, and 80/100 for resale. The ’23 Maxima typically sells for anywhere between $24,050 and $37,147. Pricing started at $38,340 when new.
Nissan Maxima Reliability
The 2023 Nissan Maxima shows dependable year-round operation, with strong V-6 durability and stable electronics, even when accounting for high-mileage use. Owners report some CVT-related hesitation and occasional cabin rattles that develop as the car ages.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $540 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $7,400 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 5
2023 Subaru Impreza
Reliability Score: 77/100
The 2023 Subaru Impreza earns a 7.7/10 reliability score from iSeeCars, resulting in an 8.2/10 overall score, thanks to it earning 8.8/10 for value retention and 8.0/10 for safety. This model year also gets 81/100 for its consumer-verified overall score, including 78/100 for quality and reliability, 71/100 for the driving experience, and 85/100 for resale. These typically sell for $17,616 to $28,038, but when new, the ’23 Impreza would have cost you $19,795.
Subaru Impreza Reliability
The 2023 Subaru Impreza delivers consistent reliability with sturdy all-wheel drive hardware and predictable running costs. Drivers report CVT shudder when subjected to heavier loads, along with minor oil consumption on higher mileage units.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $653 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $7,300 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 2
2023 Subaru Legacy
Reliability Score: 77/100
The 2023 Subaru Legacy earns a 7.7/10 reliability score, together with an 8.4/10 value retention and 9.0/10 safety rating, bringing its overall score up to 8.4/10. The same model gets an 82/100 consumer-verified overall score, including 80/100 for quality and reliability, 75/100 for the driving experience, and 83/100 for resale. You can pick a two-year-old Legacy up for anywhere between $21,109 and $34,353. It would have cost you $24,395 when new.
Subaru Legacy Reliability
The 2023 Subaru Legacy maintains steady reliability with durable engines and confident all-weather behavior. Owners report infotainment system glitches and intermittent CVT surging during highway driving.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $563 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $6,500 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 2
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2023 Nissan Altima
Reliability Score: 77/100
The 2023 Nissan Altima sits with a 7.7/10 reliability score, as well as a 7.9/10 value retention and 8.0/10 safety score, resulting in it earning a 7.9/10 overall score. J.D.Power issues the model with an 82/100 consumer-verified score, including 80/100 for quality and reliability, 79/100 for the driving experience, and 85/100 for resale. This model year sells for $18,789 to $31,114, but you would have paid $25,630 if you bought the Altima in 2023.
Nissan Altima Reliability
The 2023 Nissan Altima offers solid reliability with low annual repair frequency and manageable ownership costs. Drivers report CVT lag during hard acceleration and occasional sensor issues that trigger warning lights.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $483(RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $6,000 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 0
2023 Toyota Corolla
Reliability Score: 78/100
The 2023 Toyota Corolla range earns a 7.8/10 reliability score from iSeeCars, which contributes to an 8.3/10 overall score, thanks to a 9.0/10 value retention and 8.0/10 safety scores. J.D. Power issues the model with a 76/100 consumer-verified overall score, including 76/100 for quality and reliability, 74/100 for the driving experience, and 80/100 for resale. You can pick one up for anywhere between $20,366 and $28,175, which is impressive considering a new Corolla would have cost $21,700 when new.
Toyota Corolla Reliability
The 2023 Toyota Corolla delivers high reliability standards with stable engine performance and low repair incidence across long-term ownership. Some drivers report rough cold starts and minor interior wear on frequently used surfaces.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $362 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $4,434 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 0
2023 Mazda3
Reliability Score: 80/100
The 2023 Mazda3 hatchback in particular earns an 8.0/10 reliability score from iSeeCars, together with an 8.5/10 value retention and 10/10 safety score, bringing its overall score up to 8.8/10. J.D. Power issues both the hatch and sedan with a 78/100 consumer-verified overall score, which includes 74/100 for quality and reliability, 80/100 for the driving experience, and 80/100 for resale. You will spend anywhere between $17,856 and $29,082 on a used Mazda3 today, but this would have cost at least $22,550 when new.
Mazda3 Reliability
The 2023 Mazda3 hatch and sedan duo hold strong reliability with well-built engines and tight chassis quality that tends to age well. Owners report occasional electronic inconsistencies involving the parking brake system and some premature suspension bushing wear.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $433
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $7,380 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 0
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2023 Honda Accord
Reliability Score: 80/100
The 2023 Honda Accord holds an 8.0/10 reliability score, as well as an 8.8/10 value retention and 10/10 safety score, bringing its overall grade up to 8.9/10. J.D. Power awards the model an 81/00 consumer-verified overall score, which includes 80/100 for quality and reliability, 78/100 for the driving experience, and 85/100 for resale. These typically sell for around $22,832 to $28,998, but you would have spent $29,060 on a new Accord in 2023.
Honda Accord Reliability
The 2023 Honda Accord maintains high reliability standards with durable engines and predictable maintenance needs. Drivers report rare fuel pump failures, along with intermittent issues involving seat mechanisms and interior trim noises.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $400 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $6,799 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 0
2023 Toyota Camry
Reliability Score: 80/100
The 2023 Toyota Camry holds an 8.0/10 reliability score from iSeeCars, as well as an 8.8/10 value retention and 9.0/10 safety score, resulting in it earning an 8.6/10 overall score. The very same model holds an 83/100 consumer-verified overall score from J.D. Power, which includes 88/100 for quality and reliability, 81/100 for the driving experience, and 80/100 for resale. You can pick a ’23 Camry up for around $22,399 to $37,769, with pricing starting at $26,320 when it was new.
Toyota Camry Reliability
The 2023 Toyota Camry benefits from strong reliability with long-lasting powertrains and minimal mechanical complaints. Some drivers report abrupt transmission behavior in stop-and-go traffic and mild discomfort from the firm ride on rough roads.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $921 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $6,500 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 0
2023 Honda Civic
Reliability Score: 81/100
Both the 2023 Honda Civic hatchback and sedan earn an 8.1/10 reliability score from iSeeCars, together with a 9.3/10 value retention score and 9.0/10 safety grade, bringing their overall score to 8.8/10. J.D. Power awards the range an 82/100 consumer-verified overall score, which consists of 82/100 for quality and reliability, 81/100 for the driving experience, and 81/100 for resale. Expect to pay anywhere between $21,339 and $30,951 for a 2023 Civic, which was $23,750 when it was new.
Honda Civic Reliability
The 2023 Honda Civic delivers dependable reliability with efficient engines and steady long-term operating costs. Owners report occasional suspension noise along with early wear of wheel bearings on poorly maintained roads.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $368 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $5,639 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 4
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2022 Toyota Avalon
Reliability Score: 87/100
The 2022 Toyota Avalon holds an incredibly impressive 8.7/10 reliability score from iSeeCars, as well as an 8.3/10 value retention and 8.0/10 safety score, resulting in an 8.3/10 overall score. The same model gets an 83/100 consumer-verified overall score, which consists of 91/100 for quality and reliability, 73/100 for the driving experience, and 83/100 for resale. You can pick a ’22 Avalon up for around $23,996 to $38,263, despite it bearing a $36,825 base MSRP when new.
Toyota Avalon Reliability
The Toyota Avalon delivers strong reliability thanks to proven drivetrain components and high build quality. Some drivers report a firm ride that feels out of character for a large sedan, along with minor transmission harshness during low-speed shifts.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $463(RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $5,470 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 0