While some of the most trusted car brands reflect other research and rankings, others may come as a shock to drivers.
What are the biggest rip-offs to avoid when it comes to car maintenance?
We asked the car enthusiasts at Woodward Dream Cruises to name the biggest rip-offs in car maintenance.
- JD Power’s research identified the most trusted car brands by measuring issues experienced by original owners of cars from three years ago.
- Lexus, Toyota’s luxury car division, has been ranked as the most reliable car brand in 2026.
- The study found that the industry average is 204 problems per 100 vehicles.
With new car prices on the rise, there’s no doubt that choosing a reliable car brand is more important than ever for the average American driver.
A reliable new car can easily go over 200,000 miles if properly cared for. Regular maintenance is very helpful, but some vehicles are more reliable than others. J.D. Power conducted a reliability study of its U.S. vehicles to identify “issues experienced by the original owners of the three-year-old vehicles.”
The study yielded a list of car brands with the fewest problems per 100 cars. These are the most reliable car brands in 2026, according to a vehicle reliability study conducted by JD Power.
MINI produces the most reliable vehicles, says JD Power
MINI, the British car brand that makes the MINI Cooper, produces vehicles with the fewest problems, according to J.D. Power.
MINI currently produces the MINI Cooper and MINI Countryman models. Highly customizable British cars have unique exterior designs. MINI vehicles resemble go-karts and handle like one thanks to quick steering and engaging driving dynamics.
The British brand has been using components and engines co-developed with German luxury car manufacturer BMW since 2001. MINI simplifies the design of its best-selling vehicles and delivers predictable reliability year after year, earning it a top three spot on J.D. Power’s 2026 Most Trusted Automotive Brands list.
Buick builds reliable American cars based on research results
Buick, a General Motors brand, holds the title of second most trusted car brand in 2026, according to J.D. Power. The American automaker produces several notable SUV nameplates, including one of its newest models, the Buick Envista.
Buick’s new SUV is affordable yet upscale, with a premium interior and upper trim packed with great features. GM’s Chevrolet and Cadillac brands are also among the top 10 most reliable cars, based on JD Power’s findings.
Lexus will be J.D. Power’s least problematic car brand in 2026
Toyota’s luxury brand, Lexus, has carved out an identity all its own, but the use of some reliable parts, components, and designs has earned Toyota its place as one of the most consistently reliable automotive brands in the industry.
Lexus ranks at the top of JD Power’s list of most trusted car brands. The company’s vehicles may be more expensive than Toyota vehicles, but Lexus models add a level of refinement and performance that sets them apart from their parent company. Lexus also ranked in the top three on Consumer Reports’ 2025 Most Trusted New Car Brands list.
Models such as the midsize SUV RX are the best-selling vehicles in their respective segments. Lexus, like Toyota, also produces several hybrid vehicles to replace its most popular SUV nameplates, such as the NX and RX. These options offer better fuel efficiency and more power at a small price increase.
The 10 Most Trusted Car Brands According to JD Power Research
The study conducted by J.D. Power includes 30 car brands that produce gasoline, hybrid, electric, truck, and SUV models. Only 10 brands have 194 issues per 100 or fewer vehicles.
10 Most Trusted Car Brands in 2026 (from least to most problems per 100 cars)
- lexus
- buick
- mini
- Cadillac
- chevrolet
- Subaru
- porsche
- toyota
- come
- nissan
JD Power found that the industry standard is 204 problems per 100 vehicles. If you’re looking for a new car that’s affordable to maintain, the top three brands on this list are worth considering.
Charles Singh is an Autos Connect reporter for The Tennessean, part of the USA TODAY Network. Please contact CSingh@Gannett.com.
