You want a vehicle that keeps paying dividends long after the sticker shock fades, and this article helps you separate brands that commonly hit a quarter-million miles from those that often don’t. It quickly shows which makes tend to deliver long-term value and which ones may cost more over time, so you can focus your search where it matters.
They’ll explore durable winners — including trucks and SUVs known for conservative engineering — alongside brands that more frequently need major repairs or early replacement. Expect clear comparisons and practical takeaways tied to real-world mileage patterns to guide smarter buying and ownership choices.
Toyota trucks and SUVs consistently hit 250,000 miles
They often show up at the top of longevity studies, especially full-size models like the Sequoia and various Toyota trucks. iSeeCars’ analysis of millions of odometers gives Toyota a much higher-than-average chance of reaching 250,000 miles, driven by conservative engineering and durable powertrains (https://www.iseecars.com/longest-lasting-cars-study).
Owners report routine maintenance and timely repairs extend life. That combination keeps many Toyotas running well past a quarter-million miles.
Lexus models are built for long-term reliability
Lexus consistently posts strong dependability, with many models showing low reported problems over time. Owners often report high mileage with routine maintenance and conservative driving.
Hybrids and mainstream Lexus sedans frequently appear on longest-lasting lists, reflecting durable powertrains and conservative engineering. iSeeCars’ long‑lasting study highlights Lexus among brands more likely to reach 250,000 miles (https://www.iseecars.com/longest-lasting-cars-study).
Honda vehicles commonly reach high mileage
Honda models often earn reputations for long life thanks to simple engineering and reliable engines. They tend to be maintenance-friendly, which helps owners hit high-mileage milestones.
Certain Civics, Accords, and CR-Vs regularly appear in longevity lists and owner reports. Regular oil changes and timely repairs play a big role in whether a Honda reaches 250,000 miles.
Subaru cars often last beyond 250,000 miles
They often reach high mileage thanks to durable boxer engines and standard all-wheel drive that handle wear evenly. Regular maintenance and rust prevention matter for longevity.
Owners report many models hitting 250,000+ miles with routine oil changes and timely repairs. iSeeCars’ analysis highlights brands with higher chances of long life, and Subaru appears among those known for longevity (https://www.iseecars.com/longest-lasting-car-brands-study).
Ford vehicles tend to fall short of 250,000 miles
Ford models, on average, show lower odds of reaching a quarter-million miles compared with the top brands in recent longevity studies.
Some Ford trucks and SUVs still hold up well with proper maintenance, but overall brand metrics lag behind leaders like Toyota and Lexus.
Variability across models and model years matters; a well-kept older Ford can outlast a newer, neglected vehicle.
Buyers should review specific model reliability records and long-term ownership reports before assuming high-mileage durability.
Chevrolet models often struggle with long-term durability
Many Chevrolet models show mixed longevity in real-world reports. Some pickups and SUVs hold up well, but several smaller cars face recurring engine and transmission repairs that shorten service life.
Owners often cite higher repair frequency on certain model years, and routine maintenance doesn’t always prevent major failures. Industry studies and owner surveys place some Chevrolets below brands that regularly hit 250,000 miles.
Nissan cars usually don’t reach the 250,000-mile mark
Nissan models often show solid everyday reliability, but many fall short of the quarter‑million mile threshold. iSeeCars’ analysis found Nissan below the small group of brands most likely to hit 250,000 miles, reflecting that fewer Nissans become high‑milers compared with top long‑lasting brands (https://www.iseecars.com/longest-lasting-car-brands-study).
Common issues like transmission wear and certain engine problems can limit lifespan, so maintenance history matters a lot.
Volkswagen vehicles are less likely to hit high mileage
They tend to show more complex electrical and turbocharged-engine issues as they age, which raises repair costs and can shorten usable life.
Owners and studies report fewer VW models reaching 250,000 miles compared with brands like Toyota and Honda.
Regular, often costly maintenance helps some VW cars last longer, but many buyers find long-term reliability falls short of the longest-lasting competitors.
Toyota Sequoia stands out as a top long-lasting SUV
The Sequoia shows a strong track record for longevity, with studies finding it has roughly a 39% chance of reaching 250,000 miles.
That figure makes it far more likely to hit high mileage than most SUVs on the road.
Drivers praise its durable construction and conservative engineering, especially in older generations.
Toyota’s reputation for reliability also helps explain why the Sequoia appears near the top of longest-lasting vehicle lists like the one from iSeeCars.
Honda Accord is a solid runner past 250K miles
The Accord often reaches high mileage thanks to a durable engine and straightforward mechanical design. Owners report long lifespans when they follow routine maintenance.
Its parts are widely available and relatively inexpensive to repair, which helps cars stay on the road longer. Reliability studies and longevity analyses commonly list Honda among top brands for reaching 250,000 miles.