Share Post:
People often want a new car that won’t make them panic whenever the check engine light pops on. Truth be told, reliability means less time in the shop and more money in your wallet.
American automakers have been refining their craft for decades, but a few have inched way ahead of the pack. One in particular—a name that used to conjure images of your grandparents’ ride—might leave you absolutely gobsmacked.
With that said, I prepared a rundown of the top U.S. brands, backed by recent data from major industry sources like J.D. Power and Consumer Reports.
Let’s jump in and see who’s crushing it on dependability, plus a few tips for spotting a rock-solid vehicle that’ll stand the test of time.
The Standouts
Major studies from J.D. Power and Consumer Reports shine a spotlight on American reliability. Buick, surprisingly, has taken center stage, landing in second place overall in the 2025 J.D. Power U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study—outrunning a bunch of better-known contenders.
That same study also places Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, and Ford near the top among U.S. manufacturers. Meanwhile, Ram, Jeep, and Dodge are in the upper-to-mid tiers, although some models can vary quite a bit in how often they break down.
Here’s a snapshot based on J.D. Power’s 2025 list for American brands:
- Buick (2nd overall): Unexpected leader, praised for reliable crossovers like the Encore GX and the Enclave.
- Cadillac (5th): Known for blending luxury and trustworthy engineering in models like the XT5 and XT6.
- Chevrolet (6th): A diverse lineup that includes everything from sport cars like the Corvette to sturdy trucks like the Silverado.
- GMC (7th): Focuses mostly on trucks and SUVs, with the Sierra and Canyon holding their own.
- Ford (9th): Continues to show improvements in new models such as the Bronco and Mustang.
Consumer Reports data echoes that trend, placing Buick at 11th, Ford at 13th, and Chevrolet at 16th in 2025 predictions. There’s a fair bit of alignment between the two organizations’ assessments, and they both agree on one thing: Buick is the most surprising winner in the bunch.
Buick
Plenty of people used to think Buick was purely for older drivers cruising leisurely around town. Most assumed it was more about cushy seats than cutting-edge tech or bulletproof reliability. But the 2025 J.D. Power study ranks Buick second overall, beating out quite a few flashier or trendier brands.
Models like the Encore GX and Enclave get consistent praise for having fewer reported problems, specifically in categories like electronics, engine performance, and even interior trim.
One statistic that really pops out is Buick’s low number of issues per 100 vehicles—149 in the 2024 data, which is way below the industry average of around 190. That means drivers had a smoother experience, with fewer trips to the dealership for mysterious squeaks, rattles, or warning lights. It’s eye-opening for a brand that used to conjure images of your grandpa’s Sunday ride.
Reasons Buick Ranks So High
- Strong focus on comfort and quality materials
- Tighter manufacturing processes (fewer flaws on the assembly line)
- Warranties that match or exceed industry standards, such as 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper coverage and 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain protection
- Dealer networks that tend to have solid customer satisfaction records
Everyone loves a good sleeper hit, and Buick basically nailed that vibe—no over-the-top marketing, no attempt to be the flashiest brand out there, yet it keeps climbing the dependability charts.
Cadillac
Cadillac’s come a long way from those classic land yachts of the past. Today, it merges upscale interiors and advanced features, especially in models like the XT5 and XT6. Data from J.D. Power places Cadillac in fifth among American names, reinforcing the idea that you can have a bit of glam without panicking about a breakdown two years into ownership.
Consumer Reports, however, ranks Cadillac a little lower (21st in 2025). Part of that is due to more complicated technology in the luxury segment, which can introduce glitches in new infotainment systems or driver-assist features.
Nonetheless, the brand’s focus on bridging old-school classiness with modern reliability seems to be paying off, particularly with mid-size SUVs that balance performance and comfort.
Chevrolet
Chevrolet is known for offering something for nearly every taste—sports cars, family-friendly SUVs, electric crossovers, and workhorse trucks.
That massive lineup has its pros and cons. The Corvette is often praised for both speed and durability, while the Silverado is a staple for people who need a truck that won’t roll over and play dead after a few years of heavy hauling.
If the Corvette’s legendary mix of speed and reliability has caught your eye, check out Corvette Guys for everything from performance mods to restoration essentials.
J.D. Power’s ranking puts Chevy at 6th among American brands, but Consumer Reports places it around 16th. Part of the discrepancy could be tied to newer electric models, which sometimes have quirks and quality-control hiccups.
Regular gas-powered mainstays like the Tahoe and Blazer usually do decently well, but the brand is facing a bit of a challenge in maintaining across-the-board consistency.
GMC
One step up the premium ladder from Chevy is GMC, which primarily sells trucks and SUVs. J.D. Power has GMC at 7th, while Consumer Reports isn’t as optimistic, slotting it at 20th in predicted reliability. The Sierra and Canyon get props for robust engineering, but some owners have encountered hassles tied to electronics or advanced driver-assist features.
Still, if you want a truck that walks the line between a workhorse and a more upscale vibe, GMC might fit the bill. The brand is also tiptoeing into electric territory with the Hummer EV, though that model has endured a few reported issues—mostly the kind of teething pains common in brand-new, advanced technology.
Ford
Ford still stands out as one of the most recognized American automakers on the planet. J.D. Power places it around 9th in 2025, and Consumer Reports ranks it at 13th. That’s an improvement from past years, helped by certain standout vehicles like the Mustang and Bronco. The F-150 remains an all-time classic, yet the hybrid variant reportedly struggles a bit on reliability, showing that adding new powertrain tech can be a bumpy ride.
Even so, Ford has put a lot of energy into modernizing its lineup, rolling out electric vehicles like the Mustang Mach-E. Early reports suggest quality can be hit-or-miss with brand-new EV releases, but there’s momentum for the brand to keep refining those designs and manufacturing processes.
Other Notable American Brands
Several more names round out the American scene:
- Dodge (Tied for 4th): Surprised many by matching Jeep in reported dependability. Charger and Challenger owners often rave about engine durability, but the brand’s focus on performance can sometimes overshadow day-to-day comforts.
- Jeep (Tied for 4th): Much beloved for off-road capabilities, especially the Wrangler and Grand Cherokee. However, advanced 4×4 systems plus modern infotainment can bring a few trouble spots.
- Ram (8th): Known for trucks like the 1500. Historically robust, but 2024 data shows 201 problems per 100 vehicles, which suggests some room for improvement.
- Lincoln (10th): The luxury arm of Ford tries to blend premium touches with a relaxing drive. Overall scores haven’t topped the charts, but owners do appreciate the quiet cabin experience.
- Chrysler: Trails far behind, plagued by complaints about the Pacifica minivan’s electronics and the aging 300 sedan.
What Makes Buick So Surprising?
View this post on Instagram
Plenty of car fans never saw Buick’s meteoric rise coming. It’s widely regarded as an “older driver’s choice,” more about easy steering and a smooth ride than thrilling design or advanced gadgets.
That’s why it catches people off-guard to see it crush reliability metrics. One factor is the brand’s consistent effort to keep core engineering fundamentals solid. Instead of rushing radical changes, Buick refines existing platforms and tech, which tends to iron out kinks before they become massive recall headaches.
Dealership culture might also help. Service departments often focus on approachable customer care—far from the hustle you might feel elsewhere. In a business where customer satisfaction can drive brand loyalty, Buick often scores surprisingly high.
Pricing is also reasonable for the equipment you get, which wins hearts among drivers who want some lux flavor without jumping into a premium brand’s price bracket.
How to Spot a Good Bet
A brand’s overall score provides a big-picture impression, but there are a few ways to boost your odds of landing a keeper:
- Check Owner Forums: Real-world chatter about recurring issues can shine a light on model-specific trouble spots.
- Read Up on Recalls: Frequent recalls are a red flag, though sometimes they’re minor. Look closely at the nature of the recall. Is it a quick software fix or a major mechanical overhaul?
- Study Maintenance Costs: Some vehicles have parts that cost a fortune. Even if a problem is rare, it’s no fun if it drains your bank account.
- Opt for Proven Powertrains: Cutting-edge can be cool, but older, well-tuned engines are often safer bets, especially in the early years of a new model generation.
Summary
Car buying is personal. Everyone’s looking for something a bit different—maybe it’s off-road prowess, maybe it’s luxury, or maybe it’s hauling capacity. Still, strong reliability numbers give peace of mind.
Based on 2025 data from J.D. Power and Consumer Reports, Buick is pulling off an unexpected coup, outperforming bigger household names in the American market. Other contenders like Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, and Ford put on a decent show, with certain models standing out as genuine keepers.
If there’s one major takeaway, it might be the idea that older perceptions don’t always match modern reality. Buick isn’t just for your grandparents anymore. It’s a bona fide champion in dependability, offering comfy rides that spend more time on the road and less time on a tow truck.
It’s definitely worth a glance the next time you’re on the hunt for a durable, low-drama vehicle—and it’s proof that brand images can shift in a big way when the engineering and service support are on point. Who knows? Maybe that quiet old brand is about to become your new favorite.
