Buying a car in 2020 felt a little like shopping during a thunderstorm thanks to the coronavirus lockdowns. The world was noisy, uncertain, and moving really slowly. Because of this, many buyers wanted something that would start every morning and not demand attention like a needy houseplant. Five years later, these Covid sedans have revealed themselves to be able to survive not just the year of low usage but months of neglect at a time.
What makes a reliable sedan special isn’t just the absence of breakdowns. It’s how calmly it ages. Panels stay tight, engines remain smooth, and no rattle sounds like a coin trapped in a soda can. The cars on this list were all sold for the 2020 model year, and today they’re widely recognized for their durability, sensible engineering, and ownership experiences that rarely involve panic Googling from a service waiting room.
Models are listed in descending order based on their JD Power Quality & Reliability scores, from the most reliable to the least reliable.
2020 Nissan Maxima
J.D. Power Score: 88/100
The 2020 Nissan Maxima sits in a slightly unusual place in the sedan world. It’s technically a full-size sedan, but it carries itself with more attitude than most cars in that category. Under the hood is a 3.5-liter V6 producing around 300 horsepower, paired with a continuously variable transmission. The engine remains one of Nissan’s strongest assets, delivering smooth power even at higher mileage, and owners often praise how well the Maxima balances comfort and performance. Inside, the cabin materials tend to hold up well over time, especially compared to some competitors that age faster visually.
Reliability-wise, most complaints center around infotainment glitches or transmission behavior rather than catastrophic failures. Treated gently and serviced on schedule, the Maxima has earned a reputation as a dependable long-haul cruiser that still feels a bit special years down the line.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $540 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $6,025 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 26
- Worst Year To Buy Used: 2004
2020 Hyundai Sonata
J.D. Power Score: 86/100
The 2020 Hyundai Sonata marked a big design and engineering leap for Hyundai. The bold styling made it look futuristic at launch, and thankfully, the mechanicals underneath have aged just as well. Most models came with either a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine or a turbocharged option, both focused more on efficiency and smoothness than outright speed. Over time, Sonata owners have reported strong reliability, especially with the standard engine. Routine maintenance seems to be the key, as the car rewards basic care with consistent performance. The ride is soft, making it an excellent daily driver even years later.
Quirks are mostly limited to tech-related annoyances. Touchscreens and driver assistance systems occasionally act up, but major mechanical complaints are relatively rare. The Sonata’s biggest achievement is how normal it feels to live with long-term. The Sonata doesn’t demand attention, doesn’t surprise you with random issues, and doesn’t feel tired after years of use.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $458 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $6,444 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 70
- Worst Year To Buy Used: 2011
2020 Kia Optima
J.D. Power Score: 85/100
The 2020 Kia Optima, which later evolved into the K5, represents one of Kia’s most solid reliability chapters. Powered by a choice of four-cylinder engines, the Optima prioritized balance over drama. Acceleration is adequate, fuel economy is respectable, and the overall driving experience leans toward calm and predictable. Long-term owners often describe the Optima as dependable. Engines tend to run smoothly even at higher mileage, and suspension components hold up well on rough roads. Interior materials aren’t luxurious, but they wear slowly and don’t fall apart with age.
The most common quirks revolve around electronics, particularly infotainment software and sensors. These issues are usually annoying rather than expensive. Mechanically, the Optima has proven to be one of those cars that just keeps doing its job.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $471 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $7,321 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 24
- Worst Year To Buy Used: 2015
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2020 Kia Forte
J.D. Power Score: 83/100
The 2020 Kia Forte doesn’t try to be anything it’s not, and that has worked in its favor. As a compact sedan, it uses a simple four-cylinder engine and a straightforward drivetrain that prioritizes efficiency and longevity. The result is a car that feels easy to own and easy to maintain. Owners frequently report low running costs and few serious problems over time. The Forte’s engine is not powerful, but it’s consistent and rarely stressed. The ride is firm enough for city driving and stable on highways, while the cabin is fairly comfortable for its size.
Interior quality is solid for the segment, though some plastics can show wear. Infotainment systems occasionally lag or freeze, but mechanical failures are not very common. All the Forte needs is regular oil changes and basic care. This usually keeps them happy for years.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $451 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $6,216 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 18
- Worst Year To Buy Used: 2017
2020 Toyota Corolla
J.D. Power Score: 82/100
The 2020 Toyota Corolla is the definition of predictable reliability. Powered by a naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine and backed by decades of proven engineering, the Corolla continues to do exactly what buyers expect it to do. It’s not fast, but that’s okay. What it offers instead is smooth operation, excellent fuel economy, and components that seem to age at half the speed of rivals. Many owners report minimal issues even after crossing significant mileage milestones.
Quirks are few and far between. Some drivers note noisy road surfaces or basic interior materials, but these are trade-offs rather than flaws. The Corolla’s strength is consistency. It behaves the same on day one and day one thousand.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $362 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $4,434 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 54
- Worst Year To Buy Used: 2009
2020 Honda Accord
J.D. Power Score: 82/100
The 2020 Honda Accord blends practicality with a hint of athleticism. Available with turbocharged four-cylinder engines, the Accord offers strong acceleration without sacrificing efficiency. Its chassis feels composed, and steering remains sharp even after years of use. Reliability has generally been strong, though owners tend to recommend diligent maintenance, especially for turbocharged variants. When cared for properly, the Accord ages gracefully, with engines and transmissions delivering consistent performance well into higher mileage.
Interior space remains a standout feature. Seats hold up well, and controls stay intuitive over time. Some quirks appear in the form of infotainment bugs or minor electronic complaints, but serious mechanical issues are relatively uncommon. The Accord continues to feel like a car designed by engineers who value balance above all else.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $400 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $6,799 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 77
- Worst Year To Buy Used: 2014
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2020 Mazda Mazda3 Sedan
J.D. Power Score: 82/100
The 2020 Mazda3 Sedan proves that reliability doesn’t necessarily have to be boring. Powered by a 186-horsepower four-cylinder engine and paired with a six-speed sport automatic transmission, it offers a more engaging driving experience than most compact sedans. Owners often praise how well the Mazda3 feels even after years of use. Steering remains tight, suspension components tend to hold up well, and the engine maintains its smooth character. The interior punches above its weight, with materials that age better than many competitors.
Common complaints usually involve infotainment responsiveness or occasional interior rattles. Mechanically, though, the Mazda3 has proven dependable. It’s the kind of car that still feels enjoyable long after the novelty wears off.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $433 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $5,928 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 29
- Worst Year To Buy Used: 2012
2020 Toyota Camry
J.D. Power Score: 81/100
The 2020 Toyota Camry continues a long tradition of sensible durability. Available with either a four-cylinder or a V6, the Camry offers more choice than many rivals while maintaining Toyota’s reputation for reliability. Long-term ownership reports highlight engines that remain smooth and transmissions that rarely cause trouble. The Camry’s ride quality balances comfort and control, making it well-suited for everything from city traffic to cross-state drives.
Interior materials are practical rather than flashy, but they hold up exceptionally well. Minor quirks usually involve infotainment systems or trim-level features rather than core mechanical components.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $388 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $4,581 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 61
- Worst Year To Buy Used: 2007
2020 Chevrolet Malibu
J.D. Power Score: 81/100
The 2020 Chevrolet Malibu often flies under the radar, but its long-term reliability has surprised many owners. Powered by turbocharged four-cylinder engines, the Malibu focuses on efficiency and everyday usability rather than performance theatrics. Owners frequently report dependable operation with routine maintenance.
The Malibu‘s engines and transmissions generally hold up well, and the ride remains comfortable even as the miles accumulate. Interior quality is average for the segment, but components tend to age predictably rather than failing suddenly. Most quirks involve interior wear or software glitches. Serious mechanical failures are less common than expected.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $532 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $6,882 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 54
- Worst Year To Buy Used: 2016
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2020 Lexus ES
J.D. Power Score: 80/100
The 2020 Lexus ES brings luxury into the reliability conversation without over-complicating things. Powered by a smooth V6 or an efficient hybrid system, the ES prioritizes refinement and longevity. Owners consistently praise its quiet cabin, smooth ride, and components that seem engineered to last. Even after years of use, the ES retains its composure, with minimal squeaks or mechanical complaints.
Quirks are rare and usually minor, often involving infotainment preferences rather than faults. Maintenance costs are higher than those of non-luxury sedans, but unexpected repairs are less frequent. The ES feels like a car designed to age slowly and gracefully, which is exactly what it has done.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $468 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $5,926 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 15
- Worst Year To Buy Used: 2013