Top 10 Most Reliable Cars on the Road

In recent years it has been the Japanese and Korean car manufacturers that have cornered the reliability stakes of motor vehicle manufacturing and they continue to do so without any real competition from their European counterparts. In fact, not one motor vehicle hailing from the occident has made it onto the elite list of the top 10 most reliable cars on the road.

Right up until twenty years ago, motor vehicles may have been sexy and sassy but they weren't necessarily built with the long haul in view. Manufacturers concentrated more on sleek lines and aerodynamics rather than on steadfast reliability.

But all this changed in the 1980's with the introduction of extended vehicle warranties. For the first time, manufacturers were held responsible for teething problems and other manufacturing faults and from then on in it wasn't so much the good looks and charisma that sold the end product but the reliability factor that eclipsed all others in importance.

Increasingly more time and technology have been earmarked to improve safety features and the knowledge that the manufacturers would have to bear the cost of repair themselves has motivated a system greatly beneficial to the motorist.

The Europeans haven't been knocked off their lofty pedestal completely; they are still the sector leaders in motor vehicle technology and remain the prime innovators of the industry. However, if you have any intention of buying a new car, or even a used car in Cape Town, we would advise you to have a good look at the list of the safest and most reliable cars on the road today.

Below are the top 10 most reliable cars on the road according to the warranty claims against each:

• 1. Honda Accord - what it lacks in style and pure sex appeal it gains in resolute reliability! Only 9.9% of Hondas needed to be repaired over a two year period and with a marketing message "Isn't it nice when things just work?", it seems more than apt that the Japanese-produced Honda claims the respected and important title of ‘most reliable'.


• 2. Subaru Forester - Japan can add the silver to the gold in the reliability Olympics as this car clocks in at second place. Not the best looking of motor vehicles, it is tough and tenacious, especially on difficult and rugged off-roads. With a spacious interior and dependable handling, it is a popular choice - but keep an eye on the consumption as it does have a reputation of being a bit of a gas guzzler.


• 3. Mazda MX5 - Well, well, well, the Japanese are clearly dominating these games and walk away with yet another winning model. This time it is from the Mazda stable, considered one of the top most trustworthy manufacturers. This elegant and sporty car has re-invented dependability and is today considered the most reliable convertible ever produced.


• 4. Mitsubishi Carisma - this makes it four in a row for Japan and although car fundis won't go to the ends of the earth for this somewhat dull offering, it is still a great investment for the family man.


• 5. Toyota Yaris - yet another spectacular Japanese innovation, is right up there with the safest of vehicles on the roads. It recently claimed the highest crash test rating and its rather unsightly bonnet conceals a unique Minimal Intrusion Cabin System, which disperses energy from impact through the body.


• 6. Honda Civic - The powerful Honda stable has two in the top ten with the Civic model. The most popular of the Honda range, the Civic boasts a sizeable interior, making it the ideal family car.

The remaining manufacturers that have made it onto the top ten are Nissan, Hyundai and Lexus, so if you are considering replacing your set of wheels with a new or used car, forget the graceful lines and outsized engines and opt for safety instead by going east, young man.

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Tags: long haul, buying a new car, honda accord, charisma, safety features, car manufacturers, sleek lines, motor vehicle, sex appeal, reliability factor, aerodynamics, hondas