9 Car Brands More Reliable Than Jeep

Through effective branding campaigns and an origin story steeped in military lore, the Jeep brand has imbued its vehicles with a sense of capability, ruggedness, and dependability. However, this idealized image of the Jeep has been markedly different from the lived experience of drivers out on the road. Consumer Reports, a reputable consumer advocacy group known for rigorous vehicle testing, places the Jeep brand low on its list of reliable brands. The Stellantis-owned company is also one of customers' least favorite car brands.

Jeep offers an expansive lineup that includes SUVs, the Gladiator pickup, plug-in hybrids, and the electric Wagoneer S. Still, Consumer Reports struggles to recommend much of the brand's lineup, including prized nameplates such as the Wrangler. This particular model suffers from weak fuel efficiency, a noisy ride, and poor dependability, despite some versions carry luxury-level price tags.

To identify brands that may provide more dependable alternatives, we used Consumer Reports' reliability rankings, CarEdge's projections for long-term maintenance costs, major repairs, and depreciation, and J.D. Power's study of problems reported by owners after three years. These measurements didn't always agree, but together they provide a broader picture of the costs and potential problems drivers may encounter over time.

Unlike Jeep, which has expanded its range of vehicles, Ford has whittled down its offerings recently. Over the past 10 years, the U.S.-based automaker has focused primarily on its award-winning trucks and SUVs, while putting sedans to the side. While Consumer Reports places Ford comfortably ahead of Jeep in its reliability rankings, its results still vary considerably by model. Among the car company's most recent lineup, the 2026 Ford Maverick stands out, coming in at between $28,145 and $41,425. The Ford Bronco Sport also boasts high dependability, and costs between $31,845 and $38,265, according to Consumer Reports. Meanwhile, JD Power placed Ford right around the industry average dependability score of 202 in 2025, with 208 issues reported for every 100 cars sold.

Ford has been subject to some of the most expensive recalls in recent history, but its projected maintenance expenses compare favorably with those of other automakers. CarEdge estimates that Ford vehicles average $10,313 in maintenance and repair costs during their first 10 years, $1,342 less than the industry average. It also places the likelihood of a major repair during that period at 31.85%. CarEdge also estimates that new Ford vehicles depreciate by an average of 50% after five years.

Hyundai is a South Korean automaker with a litany of accolades from Consumer Reports. The brand ranks well for road tests, repair costs, and reliability. In Consumer Reports' assessment Hyundai outperforms Jeep for reliability. There's a solid chance drivers will find a Hyundai that matches their preferences and needs due to its vast lineup of vehicles, ranging from sedans and SUVs to trucks and electric vehicles. Plus, Hyundai outperformed Jeep in a 2025 JD Power study, with 222 problems reported per 100 vehicles, 53 fewer than Jeep.

It's worth noting that Hyundai models can be hit or miss, so it's important to assess each model and model year on its own merits instead of relying on the brand's overall reputation. The Sonata, for instance, is one of the best cars for a retiree due to its combination of reliability and affordability.

Hyundai drivers are projected to save money on upkeep bills compared to other well-known brands, according to CarEdge. Over a decade, a Hyundai can eat up about $7,024 in maintenance and repair costs, which is $1,947 below the industry average. Hyundai's 23.46% major-repair probability is also substantially lower than Jeep's 32.59%, suggesting owners face less risk of an expensive repair over the first decade. CarEdge estimates that new Hyundai vehicles depreciate by an average of 48% after five years.

Audi is a German luxury automotive company that delivers stylish vehicles with premium interior designs and capable engines. Consumer Reports acknowledges the brand's performance in reliability as well as in road tests, and Audi holds an advantage over Jeep in Consumer Reports' reliability rankings. Plus, Audi was above Jeep in JD Power's 2025 dependability study, recording 273 problems per 100 vehicles compared with Jeep's 275.

Audi is known for its impressive range of luxury SUVs and sedans, some offered at relatively economical prices for a premium brand. The 2025 Audi A4 is among the brand's highest-rated nameplates for reliability, scoring well above the midrange. At a price point between $42,000 and $44,100, this vehicle is proof that Audi offers some of the most affordable luxury cars you can buy.

CarEdge estimates that Audi owners fork over around $10,211 over the course of a decade to keep these vehicles operating smoothly. While that may seem like a lot compared to a typical car brand, it's actually $2,328 cheaper than the average for luxury brands. Audis also come with a 30.97% chance of needing a major repair within the same timeframe, 4.71% lower than comparable automakers. According to CarEdge, new Audi vehicles depreciate by an average of 48% after five years. 

Many people associate the Mazda brand with its sporty Miata convertible. However, the Japanese car manufacturer has a much broader lineup of sedans, crossovers, and SUVs in addition to its celebrated sports cars. Consumer Reports gives Mazda high marks for used-car reliability, road tests, and repair costs. Consumer Reports also places Mazda well ahead of Jeep when comparing reliability. Mazda also outperformed the overwhelming majority of car brands in JD Power's 2025 dependability assessment, with only 161 problems reported per 100 vehicles, compared with Jeep's 275. For context, only Lexus and Buick recorded better brand-level scores than Mazda.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 is one highlighted model, selling for between $29,050 and $41,080. The sporty MX-5 Miata has also earns recognition for its reliability. You might also be excited to hear about the below-average maintenance costs of a Mazda. Tese vehicles tend to rack up maintenance and repair bills of $7,381 over a decade. This is $1,590 below the industry average. On top of that, a typical Mazda comes with a 20.83% chance of requiring a major repair across a 10-year period, 4.6% lower than comparable automakers, as reported by CarEdge. That probability is considerably lower than Jeep's 32.59%, giving Mazda one of the strongest long-term repair advantages among the brands on this list. According to CarEdge, new Mazda vehicles depreciate by an average of about 40% after five years. 

Over the years, Volvo has ceded ground to competing brands in areas it once dominated, such as groundbreaking safety features and aesthetic style. Yet, Consumer Reports still places the Swedish brand above Jeep, earning a stronger reliability ranking than Jeep, while also ranking well in used-car dependability. Volvo performed better than Jeep, but worse than the industry average, in JD Power's 2025 dependability study, with 242 problems per 100 vehicles compared with Jeep's 275.

Consumers have a suite of options from the automaker's vast lineup of sedans, SUVs, electric vehicles, and station wagons. Overall, the Volvo brand perhaps stands out the most for its stylish designs, both on the exterior and interior of its vehicles, while still offering this luxuriousness at relatively affordable prices. Consumer Reports also shows that the 2026 XC60 and the 2025 S60 models have above-average owner satisfaction and road test scores. These models sell for $49,700 to $60,800 and $42,600 to $51,000, respectively.

As you may imagine with luxury vehicles, a Volvo can cost more to maintain than a mainstream-brand car. However, the brand is still cheaper on upkeep bills than similar luxury automakers. More specifically, CarEdge estimates Volvo owners spend about $10,082 on maintenance and repairs over a decade, which is $2,457 cheaper than the average for luxury brands. Furthermore, Volvos come with a 34.92% chance of needing a major repair during the same time frame, 0.76% lower than comparable automakers. New Volvo vehicles depreciate by an average of 51% after five years, according to CarEdge. 

Chevrolet is an American automotive brand owned by Detroit-headquartered General Motors. Similar to other brands that have shifted their focus over time, Chevrolet has gone from offering a sweeping array of vehicles to specializing in trucks and SUVs, although its flagship Corvette sports car is an outlier. Overall, the American automaker's advantages tend to be solid safety features, spacious design, and ergonomic controls. Chevrolet is also making a name for itself in the electric vehicle industry by expanding its lineup of EVs. Chevrolet finishes ahead of Jeep in Consumer Reports' reliability assessment, and performed well in JD Power's 2025 dependability study, with 169 problems reported per 100 vehicles compared with Jeep's 275.

Chevrolet drivers can expect below-average maintenance bills. CarEdge estimates the typical owner spends around $9,602 on maintenance and repairs over a 10-year period, which is $631 less than the industry average. Chevrolet's 28.96% major-repair probability is also lower than Jeep's 32.59%, adding another long-term measure on which the brand comes out ahead. According to CarEdge, new Chevrolet vehicles depreciate by an average of 48% after five years.

Cadillac is another American brand that Consumer Reports deems more reliable than Jeep. This luxury car company specializes in producing premier-feeling SUVs and sedans. Plus, JD Power's 2025 report found that Cadillac tied with Chevrolet at 169 problems per 100 vehicles, compared with Jeep's 275. Like many automakers over the past few years, Cadillac has moved into the electric vehicle space with decent results. The Michigan-based marque also offers a performance-focused line known as the V-Series, designed to provide a high-end ride competitive with the classic European names dominating this area.

CarEdge suggests that Cadillac owners usually dedicate about $11,025 to keep these luxury models running smoothly in the first decade. While higher than those of other mainstream brands, these expenses beat the average for luxury brands by $1,514. Furthermore, the typical Cadillac faces a 33.81% chance of needing a major repair within the same time frame, 1.87% lower than comparable automakers. That means owners are spending less on upkeep and facing fewer repair risks. The depreciation information from CarEdge suggests that new Cadillac vehicles lose an average of 53% of their value after five years.

Hailing from Germany, Mercedes-Benz has earned a reputation for combining smooth rides and premium features. Despite a mixed dependability record, Mercedes-Benz ranks above Jeep for reliability, according to Consumer Reports. And, in J.D. Power's dependability ranks, Mercedes-Benz had 243 problems reported per 100 vehicles, outperforming Jeep which recorded 275. This Stuttgart-headquartered automaker offers a broad lineup of sedans, SUVs, and sports cars, giving interested consumers plenty to choose from. The brand's models are best known for their interior and exterior designs, premium feel, and comfort. Consumer Reports gives the 2026 GLE an above-average owner satisfaction rating. However, this model goes for between $62,250 and $133,150.

Unfortunately, Mercedes-Benz owners are in an unenviable position of paying the highest maintenance costs on this list. CarEdge puts the 10-year maintenance and repair costs at a towering $12,942. Although luxury brands tend to cost more to maintain, this total is still $403 above the average for luxury brands. Additionally, the brand faces a 41.24% chance of requiring a major repair over the course of a decade, 5.56% higher than comparable automakers. CarEdge estimates that new Mercedes-Benz vehicles depreciate by an average of 46% after five years.

Lincoln comes out ahead of Jeep in Consumer Reports' reliability rankings. Per JD Power, the brand recorded 221 problems per 100 vehicles in 2025 compared to Jeep's 275. Lincoln puts a luxurious spin on vehicles produced by its parent company, Ford. Lincoln primarily focuses on SUVs, which are known for quiet cabins, premium technology, and upscale interior materials. The 2026 Lincoln Aviator performs well in owner satisfaction and road tests. It sells for between $56,910 and $85,910, per Consumer Reports data.

Lincolns are the second-most expensive vehicles on this list to maintain, with a 10-year price tag of $12,416. However, these maintenance and repair costs are $123 below the average for luxury brands, according to CarEdge. This slightly below-average upkeep is paired with better odds of avoiding a considerable fix. Lincolns face a 34.45% chance of needing a major repair, which is 1.23% lower than for comparable automakers. CarEdge also shows that new Lincoln vehicles depreciate by an average of 55% after five years.