When buying a new or used car, reliability remains one of the most important factors to consider. A reliable vehicle is less likely to suffer from unexpected breakdowns, costly repairs or long periods off the road, all of which can significantly increase ownership costs over time.

Using the latest UK reliability surveys and owner feedback available in 2025, this guide looks at which car manufacturers are currently considered the most reliable and why they continue to perform well.

How Car Reliability Is Measured

UK car reliability rankings are typically based on large-scale owner surveys conducted by independent automotive publications and warranty providers. These surveys assess:

• How often cars develop faults

• How serious those faults are

• How long repairs take to complete

• The cost of repairs

• Whether faults are covered by warranty

• Overall owner satisfaction

By analysing real-world data from tens of thousands of UK drivers, these studies provide a strong indication of ongoing reliability rather than showroom performance.

The Most Reliable Car Manufacturers in the UK (2025)

According to recent UK reliability data and owner-reported surveys published in 2024 and 2025, the following brands consistently rank among the most reliable.

Honda

Honda continues to top many reliability rankings in 2025. The brand is known for dependable engineering, durable engines and relatively simple mechanical layouts.

Owners report:

• Very low major fault rates

• Minimal unscheduled garage visits

• Long-lasting components even at higher mileages

Honda models frequently perform well beyond 100,000 miles with routine maintenance, making them a popular choice for both new and used car buyers.

Mini

Mini has significantly improved its reliability over the last decade and now regularly appears near the top of UK reliability surveys.

Key strengths include:

• Improved engine and gearbox reliability

• Strong build quality across newer generations

• Good warranty support

Despite their sporty image, modern Mini models are now considered dependable daily drivers when properly maintained.

Suzuki

Suzuki consistently ranks among the most reliable mainstream car manufacturers in the UK.

Suzuki vehicles are praised for:

• Simple, proven mechanical designs

• Low repair costs

• Excellent durability for smaller cars

Models like the Swift and Vitara are particularly popular with drivers seeking long-term reliability without premium running costs.

Toyota

Toyota’s reputation for reliability remains strong in 2025. The brand’s conservative engineering approach and long-term focus on durability continue to pay off.

Key reasons Toyota performs well:

• Highly reliable petrol and hybrid engines

• Strong quality control

• Excellent performance in long-term ownership studies

Toyota hybrids in particular are routinely cited as some of the most dependable vehicles on UK roads.

Vauxhall

Vauxhall has made major improvements in recent years and now features regularly among the more reliable mainstream manufacturers.

Advantages include:

• Accessible servicing and parts availability

• Improved reliability in newer models

• Competitive repair costs compared to some rivals

For drivers wanting a practical and affordable car with solid dependability, Vauxhall is now a safer bet than in the past.

Other Brands That Perform Well

Several other manufacturers also score strongly in UK reliability rankings, including:

• Lexus

• Kia

• Hyundai

• BMW

However, reliability often varies between individual models rather than across entire brands, so researching specific vehicles is always recommended.

Most Reliable Car Models in the UK (2025)

In addition to brand rankings, specific models continue to stand out for reliability:

• Toyota Yaris

• Suzuki Swift

• Toyota Aygo

• Kia Picanto

• Honda Jazz

These cars are regularly praised for low fault rates, low repair costs and strong long-term performance.

Why Choosing a Reliable Car Matters

Opting for a reliable car can have a major impact on overall ownership costs. Fewer repairs and less downtime mean:

• Lower maintenance and repair bills

• Reduced risk of unexpected breakdowns

• Better resale value

• Less stress for drivers and families

For new drivers, commuters and those on tighter budgets, reliability can often be more important than performance or styling.

Final Thoughts

Reliability remains one of the smartest considerations when choosing a car in the UK. In 2025, brands such as Honda, Mini, Suzuki, Toyota and Vauxhall continue to stand out for their dependable engineering and strong owner satisfaction.

While no car is completely fault-free, choosing a manufacturer with a proven reliability record can save significant time and money over the lifetime of the vehicle, making it a sensible decision for most drivers.