From Family Handyman · Alex Shoemaker · · 1m 30s
The car brands most likely to reach 250,000 miles
A new study analyzed 395 million vehicles to find which automakers build cars that last the longest.
In brief
A new study analyzed 395 million vehicles to find which automakers build cars that last the longest. Toyota, Lexus, Honda, and Acura dominate longevity rankings, with Toyota having nearly a 20% chance of reaching 250,000 miles. Originally reported by Family Handyman.
Toyota dominates longevity rankings

Toyota has a 19.7% chance of reaching 250,000 miles, nearly double Lexus at 14.4%. Honda and Acura round out the top four at 13.3% and 9.5%.
Study analyzed 395 million vehicles
iSeeCars compared odometer readings from vehicles of different ages to estimate how likely each model was to reach 250,000 miles.
GMC is the only non-Japanese brand
GMC ranks fifth at 5.8%, the only brand besides the four Japanese automakers to beat the study's 5.4% overall average.
“For buyers seeking the longest-lasting vehicles, it's clear which brands they should focus on for their next new or used car purchase.”
Top brands dominate individual models
Toyota, Lexus, Honda, and Acura accounted for 25 of the 27 highest-ranked vehicles. The Toyota Sequoia ranked first, followed by the Lexus LS.
“Toyota, Lexus, Honda and Acura don't just lead the list, they substantially outperform the average vehicle's chances of reaching that high-mileage threshold.”
Longevity spans all vehicle types
Toyota and Honda placed trucks, SUVs, sedans, hybrids, and smaller vehicles among the top performers, showing durability isn't limited to one category.
Individual condition still matters most
Maintenance history, previous use, mileage, rust, and accident damage all affect how long a used car lasts, regardless of brand rankings.
“The longest-lasting brand rankings can provide valuable context when comparing used vehicles with higher odometer readings.”
Luxury cars driven less often
Luxury vehicles accumulate fewer miles than mainstream models, which can reduce their estimated odds of reaching 250,000 miles.
“Luxury status doesn't translate into extreme longevity, though it's important to remember how much the average luxury car is actually driven.”
The one thing
Toyota, Lexus, Honda, and Acura dominate longevity rankings, with Toyota having nearly a 20% chance of reaching 250,000 miles.





