10 American Cars And SUVs That Are More Reliable Than Their Japanese Rivals
Can you find American cars and SUVs that are more reliable than the models that are normally considered the most reliable? Typically, when the subject of reliability comes up, Toyota and Honda are the first brands to come to mind. With that said, you might be surprised to learn that some used American cars and SUVs are more reliable than counterparts from various Japanese brands.
Front 3/4 shot of a 2024 Ford Escape driving
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The quality and reliability ratings were sourced from J.D. Power, and the ten-year estimated maintenance and repair costs were sourced from CarEdge. The average yearly maintenance costs were sourced from RepairPal. General vehicle information and powertrain specifications were sourced from various automakers. This list is sorted by quality and reliability scores from lowest to highest.
2020 Cadillac CT6
Quality & Reliability Score: 83/100
Cadillac
The 2020 Cadillac CT6 features a beautiful exterior design and is engaging to drive. Most versions of this car are less expensive than other luxury rivals, including those from Japan. It's made to be a car that can give you the American luxury drive you deserve.
Most Popular Powertrain Specifications
Engine | 3.6-liter V6 |
Transmission | 10-speed automatic |
Horsepower | 335 hp |
Torque | 284 lb-ft |
Driveline | AWD |
Fuel Efficiency | 18/27 mpg |
This model of the Cadillac CT6 came with additional standard features and plenty of power. The base CT6 has heated front seats, a built-in navigation system, a sunroof, and several driver-assist features to make it a complete package.
Reliability Factors
- Average yearly maintenance costs: $614
- Ten-year estimated maintenance and repair costs: $11,170
- Total Recalls: 1
2018 Ford Fusion
Quality & Reliability Score: 83/100
Ford
If you want an affordable American car with a stylish design, a wide range of trims, several powertrains, and an interior with near luxury features, the 2018 Ford Fusion could be right for you. The dizzying array of possibilities makes it easy to enjoy the drive.
Most Popular Powertrain Specifications
Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder |
Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
Horsepower | 173 hp |
Torque | 174 lb-ft |
Driveline | FWD |
Fuel Efficiency | 21/32 mpg |
This Ford sedan can be all things to all buyers, giving you the choices that make sense. Sure, it’s a used car now, but you can still find the variety that you want, making it possible to have a great vehicle to drive when you get behind the wheel.
Reliability Factors
- Average yearly maintenance costs: $552
- Ten-year estimated maintenance and repair costs: $6,785
- Total Recalls: 2
2019 Buick LaCrosse
Quality & Reliability Score: 84/100
Buick
The 2019 Buick LaCrosse is a smooth, elegant, and premium sedan that you’ll be proud to drive. It’s certainly more reliable than most of its Japanese rivals, and it has proficient powertrains, handsome styling, and a well-rounded infotainment system.
Most Popular Powertrain Specifications
Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder mild hybrid |
Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
Horsepower | 194 hp |
Torque | 187 lb-ft |
Driveline | FWD |
Fuel Efficiency | 25/35 mpg |
Buick added a new trim to the mix for the 2019 LaCrosse called the Sport Touring trim. This model has 19-inch wheels, an all-black grille, and additional appearance features to give this large sedan a more stylish appearance.
Reliability Factors
- Average yearly maintenance costs: $569
- Ten-year estimated maintenance and repair costs: $8,814
- Total Recalls: 2
Front 3/4 shot of a 2024 Ford Bronco Sport
2017 Buick Regal
Quality & Reliability Score: 84/100
Buick
The 2017 Buick Regal rides on a chassis that was engineered in Europe while wearing a purely American name. This car brings credible athletics to your drive, giving you the feeling you want when it’s time to toss it around on the road.
Most Popular Powertrain Specifications
Engine | 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder |
Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
Horsepower | 259 hp |
Torque | 295 lb-ft |
Driveline | FWD |
Fuel Efficiency | 21/29 mpg |
This Buick sedan is the smallest in the lineup, and it gives you good acceleration, decent handling, and a long list of standard features to make it an exciting and fun car on the road. You’ll be glad to have the comfort of the Regal when you take a drive.
Reliability Factors
- Average yearly maintenance costs: $605
- Ten-year estimated maintenance and repair costs: $8,814
- Total Recalls: 0
2023 Dodge Charger
Quality & Reliability Score: 86/100
Stellantis
If you want a muscle car, but you also need room for your family to ride along, the 2023 Dodge Charger has everything you’re looking for. This impressive car can be had with Hemi V8 engines or the Pentastar V6, giving you plenty of power for a great ride.
Most Popular Powertrain Specifications
Engine | 3.6-liter V6 |
Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
Horsepower | 292 hp |
Torque | 260 lb-ft |
Driveline | RWD |
Fuel Efficiency | 19/30 mpg |
This Dodge sedan brings nostalgia to the full-size sedan class, giving you a look that takes you back while offering modern driving qualities and features. The 2023 Charger is the last model year for the car, bringing some special “Last Call” models into the mix.
Reliability Factors
- Average yearly maintenance costs: $652
- Ten-year estimated maintenance and repair costs: $8,012
- Total Recalls: 2
2020 Buick Encore
Quality & Reliability Score: 86/100
Buick
The 2020 Buick Encore is a tiny premium SUV with a pleasant ride, an impressive infotainment system, and a comfortable interior. This little SUV could be the best option when you want a small vehicle to drive in the city.
Most Popular Powertrain Specifications
Engine | 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder |
Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
Horsepower | 138 hp |
Torque | 148 lb-ft |
Driveline | FWD |
Fuel Efficiency | 25/30 mpg |
This Buick SUV has a small engine, which makes it great for city driving and not as good on the highway. Still, it’s a reliable American SUV that’s rated higher than some Japanese rivals. You’ll be pleased with what you find in the Encore.
Reliability Factors
- Average yearly maintenance costs: $466
- Ten-year estimated maintenance and repair costs: $8,638
- Total Recalls: 4
2020 Cadillac CT6-V in black parked on road
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2023 Buick Enclave
Quality & Reliability Score: 86/100
Buick
If you’re looking for an attractive American SUV with desirable features and three rows of seats, the 2023 Buick Enclave could be the right vehicle for you. This Enclave is relatively affordable, and it includes a quiet cabin, which makes it a great option for road trips with the family.
Most Popular Powertrain Specifications
Engine | 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder |
Transmission | 9-speed automatic |
Horsepower | 228 hp |
Torque | 258 lb-ft |
Driveline | FWD |
Fuel Efficiency | 23/31 mpg |
Towing Capacity | 1,500 pounds |
Buick provides a Sport Touring package for this version of the Enclave. It was offered for the base Essence trim, giving drivers polished 20-inch wheels and a few other appearance items. Other than that, the 2023 version is extremely similar to the previous model year.
Reliability Factors
- Average yearly maintenance costs: $720
- Ten-year estimated maintenance and repair costs: $8,984
- Total Recalls: 0
2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer
Quality & Reliability Score: 87/100
Chevrolet
The smallest SUV in the Chevy lineup is the Trailblazer. The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer has attractive styling, a spacious cabin, and is filled with excellent technology. This little ute has a punchy style and solid practicality, giving you what you need.
Most Popular Powertrain Specifications
Engine | 1.2-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder |
Transmission | CVT |
Horsepower | 137 hp |
Torque | 162 lb-ft |
Driveline | FWD |
Fuel Efficiency | 29/31 mpg |
This little Chevrolet SUV isn’t exactly fast or quick, but it can be peppy and a little fun on city streets. If you’re looking for a bit of extra versatility in a small vehicle, the Trailblazer could be exactly what you want to drive.
Reliability Factors
- Average yearly maintenance costs: $548
- Ten-year estimated maintenance and repair costs: $5,478
- Total Recalls: 1
2023 Chevrolet Blazer
Quality & Reliability Score: 87/100
Chevrolet
The sporty nature and fierce styling of the 2023 Chevrolet Blazer makes it an impressive choice. The Blazer rides on standard 18-inch wheels, and it comes with a spacious rear seat area and cargo space to make your crew comfortable.
Most Popular Powertrain Specifications
Engine | 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder |
Transmission | 9-speed automatic |
Horsepower | 228 hp |
Torque | 258 lb-ft |
Driveline | FWD |
Fuel Efficiency | 22/29 mpg |
Towing Capacity | 1,500 pounds |
This Chevrolet SUV is one of the few two-row midsize SUVs left on the market. It received a facelift for 2023 and is easily one of the most reliable American SUVs, making it much more reliable than its Japanese rivals.
Reliability Factors
- Average yearly maintenance costs: $431
- Ten-year estimated maintenance and repair costs: $9,124
- Total Recalls: 2
2018 Cadillac CTS-V Glacier Metallic Edition
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2021 Buick Envision
Quality & Reliability Score: 88/100
Buick
The 2021 Buick Envision has stylish design elements and affordable pricing compared to rivals. This SUV has a smooth ride, giving you the feeling you want on the road. Inside, you’ll enjoy the benefits of Buick’s quiet tuning technology.
Most Popular Powertrain Specifications
Engine | 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder |
Transmission | 9-speed automatic |
Horsepower | 230 hp |
Torque | 258 lb-ft |
Driveline | FWD |
Fuel Efficiency | 24/31 mpg |
Towing Capacity | 1,500 pounds |
This Buick SUV has stylish body panels and a cabin filled with popular standard features to give you the look and feel you want to enjoy. The list of driver-assistance tech is impressive, ensuring you can stay safe and secure when you’re behind the wheel.
Reliability Factors
- Average yearly maintenance costs: $465
- Ten-year estimated maintenance and repair costs: $8,818
- Total Recalls: 2
