Want to drive something vintage every day? These are the classic cars to consider.
Volkswagen 1 of 23 1938-2003 Volkswagen Beetle
Yes, the Volkswagen Beetle is slow. It’s basic, too, but that’s what makes it so reliable. It’s simple, straightforward, and easy to fix. Break down on the side of the road? Odds are you can get going again with some simple tools.
Ford 2 of 23 1979-1993 Ford Mustang
The Fox-body Mustang is now old enough to be considered classics, and with proper care, one can get you anywhere you want to go. They’ve aged nicely, and aftermarket support is second to none.
Chevrolet 3 of 23 1994-1996 Chevrolet Impala SS
The Impala SS makes for a great sleeper—it’s sort of like a discount Chevy SS sedan. First offered in the early Nineties, it’s now a true modern classic car.
Nissan 4 of 23 1990-2002 Nissan President
The President is basically a Japanese-market version of the first-generation Infiniti Q45, with more luxury appointments and a cooler name. It was never sold in America, but now that it’s broken the 25-year barrier, it’s legal to import.
YouTube 5 of 23 1997-2017 Toyota Century
Like the President, the Toyota Century wasn’t ever sold in America, but because it’s over 25 years old, it can be legally imported and registered in the United States. An uncompromised ride, a high-class interior, and a V-12 engine—the only production Japanese 12-cylinder engine—make it the perfect daily, as long as you don’t mind bad fuel economy.
Jeep 6 of 23 1984-2001 Jeep Cherokee
The Jeep Cherokee XJ’s unibody design and relatively well-appointed interior means you don’t have to compromise to drive one everyday. It’s an absolute tank through bad weather, too, in case you need to get somewhere in a blizzard.
Toyota 7 of 23 1983-1987 Toyota Corolla
Thanks to Initial D, the AE86-generation Corolla has become a full-blown classic in the automotive community. But at the end of the day, it’s still an Eighties Toyota, which means reliable, simple, balanced, and fun.
Toyota 8 of 23 1984-1989 Toyota MR2
Like the AE86, the first-gen MR2 is now a classic. It looks great, it’s fun to drive, and because it’s a Toyota, it’s dead-reliable. Just keep an eye out for water leaks on the T-top models.
BMW 9 of 23 1966-1977 BMW 02 Series
The BMW 02’s iconic looks aren’t the only thing it has going for it. It’s also solidly built, and easy to fix in a pinch. If you can find one without rust, it can make for a wonderful daily-driver.
BMW 10 of 23 1982-1994 BMW 3-Series
If you want something more “modern” than a 2002, the E30-generation 3-Series will get the job done. For years it’s been the go-to for enthusiasts looking for a fun car that can do it all on the cheap. It was only recently that non-M3 E30s became appreciating assets.
Mazda 11 of 23 1990-1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Dependability is just one of the many reasons people love the original Miata, and while it might not have much space for transporting a family, it can certainly get you to and from work every day without issue. And because the earliest NA-generation examples are more than 25 years old, the Miata qualifies as a true classic.
Volkswagen 12 of 23 1974-1990 Volkswagen Golf GTI
The first GTI was so great because it was cheap, simple, and fun. Sure, things might break, but parts are widely available and affordable. As long as you keep rust at bay, it can make for a great daily.
Volkswagen 13 of 23 1988-1995 Volkswagen Corrado
GTI not your style? The Volkswagen Corrado is a solid alternative, with distinct looks and an equally enjoyable driving experience. Just be sure to keep up with maintenance, as they can be a bit more finicky than your average VW.
Saab 14 of 23 1978-1998 Saab 900
Saab enthusiasts will swear by the 900 as one of the most dependable classics out there. If you like its quirky looks and front-wheel drive layout, it could be the daily for you.
Datsun 15 of 23 1969-1978 Datsun Z
Datsun’s Z cars will last forever if you take care of them. They make good cruisers, and wonderful vintage sports cars. If you can put up with carburetors on the early models and find one without rust, you can’t go wrong.
Datsun 16 of 23 1967-1973 Datsun 510
If you need a little bit more room, Datsun also made a lovely sedan called the 510. It’s just as dependable as the Z, but with a cabin you can fit more than two people in.
Volvo 17 of 23 1974-1993 Volvo 240
Volvo’s legendary brick, the 240, is known for its sturdy structure, and that theme continues into the mechanicals. Everything is reliable and incredibly easy to fix, which is why you still see so many on the road today.
Mercedes-Benz 18 of 23 1976-1986 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
While most German cars have their fair share of issues, the same can’t be said of the W123 Mercedes. They drive like tanks, and can go for hundreds of thousands of miles as long as you keep up with maintenance. Find one with a diesel engine, and you’ll be set.
Mercedes-Benz 19 of 23 1991-1998 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
If you’d rather have a more modern Benz, we recommend the W140-generation S-Class. Built on the tail end of Merc’s bulletproof reliability years, its handsome looks and wide range of engine choices make it a good choice for those wanting a luxurious land boat with vintage style.
Toyota 20 of 23 1951-1997 Toyota Land Cruiser
No matter which generation of Land Cruiser you’re into, you’re going to get a reliable car. Toyota overbuilt them from the factory to ensure their dependability in the toughest environments.
Porsche 21 of 23 1964-1998 Porsche 911
The 911 didn’t change much in its first 34 years of production, so there’s a massive amount of aftermarket (and factory) support for keeping them on the road, no matter what year you drive.
Honda 22 of 23 1984-1991 Honda CRX
Not only is the CRX extra-fun to drive—it’s incredibly dependable as well. It is a Honda, after all. With proper care, it will get you to you destination every day for the rest of time.
DW Burnett 23 of 23 1990-1994 Lexus LS400
The first LS400 debuted in 1989, meaning it falls well into classic territory. As evidenced by editor-at-large Matt Farah’s example, they were so overbuilt, they could even last one million miles. It’s the obvious choice for those seeking a reliable daily driver.
Keyword: The Best Classic Cars for Daily Driving