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Volkswagen Jetta Generations

Each Volkswagen Jetta generation, representing the timeframe between each Jetta redesign, is listed below. Use this list to see which is the most reliable and safest Jetta generation based on iSeeCars' data-driven ratings.

Our methodology

In the market for a slightly used Volkswagen Jetta, but wondering if it offers the latest design enhancements? iSeeCars' team of automotive experts and data scientists compiled the most accurate and comprehensive history of the Volkswagen Jetta's redesign schedule, showing which model year an all-new "vehicle generation" debuted. When a vehicle is redesigned it benefits from the latest design and engineering enhancements, which impacts performance, fuel efficiency, safety, and reliability. iSeeCars' data shows that, on average, newer generations of a model are more powerful, fuel efficient, and reliable than older generations, but not all models follow this pattern. Use the information below to track changes in the Volkswagen Jetta and its engine power, fuel efficiency, safety, and iSeeCars' Reliability Ratings across model years/generations. iSeeCars' objective and data-driven Reliability Rating is based on a rigorous analysis of over 312 million vehicles, to calculate each vehicle model's useful lifespan and its ability to last 200,000 miles or more.

The Volkswagen Jetta is a compact sedan last redesigned in 2019. The latest generation is powered by a 1.5L engine that makes 158 hp and delivers up to 41 mpg. A new Volkswagen Jetta has a starting MSRP of $21,435, and used prices for this generation of Volkswagen Jetta range from $12,866 to $29,945.

The previous Volkswagen Jetta generation is a compact sedan produced from 2011 to 2018. It is also available as a wagon. This generation is powered by a 1.4L engine that makes 150 hp and delivers up to 38 mpg. Used car pricing for this generation ranges from $4,498 to $18,993. This era of Volkswagen Jetta earns an iSeeCars Generations Rating of 8.5.

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Volkswagen Jetta Generations

In the market for a slightly used Volkswagen Jetta, but wondering if it offers the latest design enhancements? iSeeCars' team of automotive experts and data scientists compiled the most accurate and comprehensive history of the Volkswagen Jetta's redesign schedule, showing which model year an all-new "vehicle generation" debuted. When a vehicle is redesigned it benefits from the latest design and engineering enhancements, which impacts performance, fuel efficiency, safety, and reliability. iSeeCars' data shows that, on average, newer generations of a model are more powerful, fuel efficient, and reliable than older generations, but not all models follow this pattern. Use the information below to track changes in the Volkswagen Jetta and its engine power, fuel efficiency, safety, and iSeeCars' Reliability Ratings across model years/generations. iSeeCars' objective and data-driven Reliability Rating is based on a rigorous analysis of over 312 million vehicles, to calculate each vehicle model's useful lifespan and its ability to last 200,000 miles or more.

The Volkswagen Jetta is a compact sedan last redesigned in 2019. The latest generation is powered by a 1.5L engine that makes 158 hp and delivers up to 41 mpg. A new Volkswagen Jetta has a starting MSRP of $21,435, and used prices for this generation of Volkswagen Jetta range from $12,866 to $29,945.

The previous Volkswagen Jetta generation is a compact sedan produced from 2011 to 2018. It is also available as a wagon. This generation is powered by a 1.4L engine that makes 150 hp and delivers up to 38 mpg. Used car pricing for this generation ranges from $4,498 to $18,993. This era of Volkswagen Jetta earns an iSeeCars Generations Rating of 8.5.

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2019–2024 Volkswagen Jetta

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iSEECARS Generations Rating

iSeeCars Generations Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle generation lasts, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association.

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Coming soon
  • Reliability Coming soon
  • Safety 10 / 10
Model Year Engine(s) Drivetype(s) Used Price MSRP (when new) Combined MPG range
2024 1.5L I4 158hp, 184ft. lbs. FWD $21,495–$29,945 $21,435–$28,825 34 mpg
2023 1.5L I4 158hp, 184ft. lbs. FWD $19,996–$25,999 $20,655–$28,385 34 mpg–35 mpg
2022 1.5L I4 158hp, 184ft. lbs. FWD $17,995–$24,992 $20,365–$28,095 33 mpg–35 mpg
2021 1.4L I4 147hp, 184ft. lbs. FWD $15,750–$23,477 $18,995–$28,045 33 mpg–34 mpg
2020 1.4L I4 147hp, 184ft. lbs.; 2.0L I4 228hp, 258ft. lbs. FWD $15,299–$23,186 $18,895–$30,745 28 mpg–34 mpg
2019 1.4L I4 147hp, 184ft. lbs.; 2.0L I4 228hp, 258ft. lbs. FWD $12,866–$22,099 $18,745–$29,995 28 mpg–34 mpg

2011–2018 Volkswagen Jetta

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iSEECARS Generations Rating

iSeeCars Generations Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle generation lasts, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association.

See how we rank these cars
8.5 / 10
  • Reliability 8.1 / 10
  • Safety 8.9 / 10
Model Year Engine(s) Drivetype(s) Used Price MSRP (when new) Combined MPG range
2018 1.4L I4 150hp, 184ft. lbs.; 1.8L I4 170hp, 184ft. lbs.; 2.0L I4 210hp, 207ft. lbs. FWD $9,987–$18,993 $18,645–$29,545 27 mpg–33 mpg
2017 1.4L I4 150hp, 184ft. lbs.; 1.8L I4 170hp, 184ft. lbs.; 2.0L I4 210hp, 207ft. lbs. FWD $8,751–$17,989 $17,895–$28,995 27 mpg–33 mpg
2016 1.4L I4 150hp, 184ft. lbs.; 1.8L I4 170hp, 184ft. lbs.; 2.0L I4 210hp, 207ft. lbs. FWD $7,497–$16,667 $17,680–$30,380 27 mpg–33 mpg
2015 1.8L I4 170hp, 184ft. lbs.; 2.0L I4 115hp, 125ft. lbs.; 2.0L I4 150hp, 236ft. lbs.; 2.0L I4 210hp, 207ft. lbs. FWD $6,492–$14,998 $16,215–$30,380 26 mpg–36 mpg
2014 1.8L I4 170hp, 184ft. lbs.; 2.0L I4 115hp, 125ft. lbs.; 2.0L I4 140hp, 236ft. lbs.; 2.0L I4 210hp, 207ft. lbs. FWD $5,900–$14,483 $15,695–$30,875 25 mpg–34 mpg
2013 2.0L I4 115hp, 125ft. lbs.; 2.0L I4 140hp, 236ft. lbs.; 2.0L I4 210hp, 207ft. lbs.; 2.5L I5 170hp, 177ft. lbs. FWD $5,495–$13,663 $15,545–$29,300 25 mpg–34 mpg
2012 2.0L I4 115hp, 125ft. lbs.; 2.0L I4 140hp, 236ft. lbs.; 2.0L I4 200hp, 207ft. lbs.; 2.5L I5 170hp, 177ft. lbs. FWD $4,949–$11,994 $15,515–$27,795 25 mpg–34 mpg
2011 2.0L I4 115hp, 125ft. lbs.; 2.0L I4 140hp, 236ft. lbs.; 2.5L I5 170hp, 177ft. lbs. FWD $4,498–$10,963 $14,995–$25,295 25 mpg–34 mpg

2013–2016 Volkswagen Jetta (hybrid)

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iSEECARS Generations Rating

iSeeCars Generations Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle generation lasts, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association.

See how we rank these cars
Coming soon
  • Reliability Coming soon
  • Safety 8.9 / 10
Model Year Engine(s) Drivetype(s) Used Price MSRP (when new) Combined MPG range
2016 1.4L I4 170hp, 184ft. lbs. FWD $7,398–$17,977 $31,120–$31,120 44 mpg
2015 1.4L I4 170hp, 184ft. lbs. FWD $7,995–$18,897 $31,120–$31,120 45 mpg
2014 1.4L I4 170hp, 184ft. lbs. FWD $6,768–$15,400 $25,560–$31,895 45 mpg
2013 1.4L I4 170hp, 184ft. lbs. FWD $6,346–$14,523 $24,995–$31,180 45 mpg

2011–2014 Volkswagen Jetta (wagon)

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iSEECARS Generations Rating

iSeeCars Generations Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle generation lasts, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association.

See how we rank these cars
8.4 / 10
  • Reliability 7.8 / 10
  • Safety 8.9 / 10
Model Year Engine(s) Drivetype(s) Used Price MSRP (when new) Combined MPG range
2014 2.0L I4 140hp, 236ft. lbs.; 2.5L I5 170hp, 177ft. lbs. FWD $6,888–$15,994 $20,995–$30,265 26 mpg–34 mpg
2013 2.0L I4 140hp, 236ft. lbs.; 2.5L I5 170hp, 177ft. lbs. FWD $5,868–$13,998 $20,595–$29,495 26 mpg–34 mpg
2012 2.0L I4 140hp, 236ft. lbs.; 2.5L I5 170hp, 177ft. lbs. FWD $5,967–$13,710 $20,195–$29,220 26 mpg–34 mpg
2011 2.0L I4 140hp, 236ft. lbs.; 2.5L I5 170hp, 177ft. lbs. FWD $4,967–$12,938 $19,995–$26,095 26 mpg–34 mpg

2006–2010 Volkswagen Jetta

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iSEECARS Generations Rating

iSeeCars Generations Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle generation lasts, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association.

See how we rank these cars
Coming soon
  • Reliability 7.8 / 10
  • Safety Not Available
Model Year Engine(s) Drivetype(s) Used Price MSRP (when new) Combined MPG range
2010 2.0L I4 140hp, 236ft. lbs.; 2.0L I4 200hp, 207ft. lbs.; 2.5L I5 170hp, 177ft. lbs. FWD $3,984–$9,788 $17,735–$26,090 25 mpg–34 mpg
2009 2.0L I4 140hp, 236ft. lbs.; 2.0L I4 200hp, 207ft. lbs.; 2.5L I5 170hp, 177ft. lbs. FWD $3,275–$8,993 $17,515–$23,540 24 mpg–34 mpg
2008 2.0L I4 200hp, 207ft. lbs.; 2.5L I5 170hp, 177ft. lbs. FWD $2,995–$8,000 $16,990–$22,825 24 mpg–25 mpg
2007 2.0L I4 200hp, 207ft. lbs.; 2.5L I5 150hp, 170ft. lbs. FWD $2,995–$8,859 $17,130–$28,955 22 mpg–25 mpg
2006 1.9L I4 100hp, 177ft. lbs.; 2.0L I4 200hp, 207ft. lbs.; 2.5L I5 150hp, 170ft. lbs. FWD $1,997–$8,399 $18,530–$25,495 22 mpg–33 mpg

2009–2010 Volkswagen Jetta (wagon)

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iSEECARS Generations Rating

iSeeCars Generations Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle generation lasts, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association.

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Coming soon
  • Reliability Coming soon
  • Safety Not Available
Model Year Engine(s) Drivetype(s) Used Price MSRP (when new) Combined MPG range
2010 2.0L I4 140hp, 236ft. lbs.; 2.5L I5 170hp, 177ft. lbs. FWD $4,119–$11,394 $19,510–$25,715 25 mpg–34 mpg
2009 2.0L I4 140hp, 236ft. lbs.; 2.0L I4 200hp, 207ft. lbs.; 2.5L I5 170hp, 177ft. lbs. FWD $3,080–$9,993 $18,999–$27,165 24 mpg–34 mpg

2000–2005 Volkswagen Jetta

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iSEECARS Generations Rating

iSeeCars Generations Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle generation lasts, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association.

See how we rank these cars
Coming soon
  • Reliability 8.9 / 10
  • Safety Not Available
Model Year Engine(s) Drivetype(s) Used Price MSRP (when new) Combined MPG range
2005 1.8L I4 180hp, 173ft. lbs.; 1.9L I4 100hp, 177ft. lbs.; 2.0L I4 115hp, 122ft. lbs.; 2.5L I5 150hp, 170ft. lbs. FWD $2,299–$8,474 $18,295–$24,685 22 mpg–35 mpg
2004 1.8L I4 180hp, 173ft. lbs.; 1.9L I4 100hp, 177ft. lbs.; 2.0L I4; 2.0L I4 115hp, 122ft. lbs.; 2.8L V6 200hp, 195ft. lbs. FWD $1,993–$8,645 $18,005–$24,375 22 mpg–36 mpg
2003 1.8L I4 180hp, 173ft. lbs.; 1.9L I4 90hp, 155ft. lbs.; 2.0L I4 115hp, 122ft. lbs.; 2.8L V6 200hp, 195ft. lbs. FWD $1,962–$7,737 $17,675–$27,515 22 mpg–38 mpg
2002 1.8L I4 180hp, 174ft. lbs.; 1.9L I4 90hp, 155ft. lbs.; 2.0L I4 115hp, 122ft. lbs.; 2.8L V6 174hp, 181ft. lbs. FWD $1,786–$6,361 $17,400–$25,250 19 mpg–38 mpg
2001 1.8L I4 150hp, 155ft. lbs.; 1.9L I4 90hp, 155ft. lbs.; 2.0L I4 115hp, 122ft. lbs.; 2.8L V6 174hp, 181ft. lbs. FWD $1,810–$6,997 $17,250–$24,850 19 mpg–38 mpg
2000 1.8L I4 150hp, 155ft. lbs.; 1.9L I4 90hp, 155ft. lbs.; 2.0L I4 115hp, 122ft. lbs.; 2.8L V6 174hp, 181ft. lbs. FWD $1,629–$6,633 $17,225–$24,695 19 mpg–38 mpg

2001–2005 Volkswagen Jetta (wagon)

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iSEECARS Generations Rating

iSeeCars Generations Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle generation lasts, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association.

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  • Reliability Coming soon
  • Safety Not Available
Model Year Engine(s) Drivetype(s) Used Price MSRP (when new) Combined MPG range
2005 1.8L I4 180hp, 173ft. lbs.; 1.9L I4 100hp, 177ft. lbs.; 2.0L I4 115hp, 122ft. lbs. FWD $2,000–$8,395 $19,295–$22,815 22 mpg–34 mpg
2004 1.8L I4 180hp, 173ft. lbs.; 1.9L I4 100hp, 177ft. lbs.; 2.0L I4 115hp, 122ft. lbs. FWD $1,359–$8,278 $19,005–$22,515 22 mpg–35 mpg
2003 1.8L I4 180hp, 173ft. lbs.; 1.9L I4 90hp, 155ft. lbs.; 2.0L I4 115hp, 122ft. lbs. FWD $2,995–$8,341 $18,475–$21,815 22 mpg–39 mpg
2002 1.8L I4 180hp, 174ft. lbs.; 1.9L I4 90hp, 155ft. lbs.; 2.0L I4 115hp, 122ft. lbs.; 2.8L V6 174hp, 181ft. lbs. FWD $1,395–$7,090 $18,200–$26,050 19 mpg–39 mpg
2001 2.0L I4 115hp, 122ft. lbs.; 2.8L V6 174hp, 181ft. lbs. FWD – $19,150–$25,950 19 mpg–24 mpg

1993–1999 Volkswagen Jetta

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iSEECARS Generations Rating

iSeeCars Generations Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle generation lasts, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association.

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  • Reliability Coming soon
  • Safety Not Available
Model Year Engine(s) Drivetype(s) Used Price MSRP (when new) Combined MPG range
1999 1.9L I4 90hp, 149ft. lbs.; 2.0L I4 115hp, 122ft. lbs.; 2.8L V6 174hp, 181ft. lbs. FWD – $15,345–$24,025 19 mpg–38 mpg
1998 1.9L I4 90hp, 149ft. lbs.; 2.0L I4 115hp, 122ft. lbs.; 2.8L V6 172hp, 173ft. lbs. FWD – $15,095–$21,455 19 mpg–37 mpg
1997 1.9L I4 90hp, 149ft. lbs.; 2.0L I4 115hp, 122ft. lbs.; 2.8L V6 172hp, 173ft. lbs. FWD – $15,070–$21,430 19 mpg–37 mpg
1996 1.9L I4 90hp, 149ft. lbs.; 2.0L I4 115hp, 122ft. lbs.; 2.8L V6 172hp, 173ft. lbs. FWD – $14,725–$21,035 19 mpg–38 mpg
1995 2.0L I4 115hp, 122ft. lbs.; 2.8L V6 172hp, 173ft. lbs. FWD – $12,915–$20,365 18 mpg–24 mpg
1994 1.9L I4; 2.0L I4 115hp, 122ft. lbs.; 2.8L V6 172hp, 177ft. lbs. FWD – $13,515–$20,365 18 mpg–23 mpg
1993 2.0L I4 115hp, 122ft. lbs. FWD – $13,190–$13,190 22 mpg–23 mpg

1985–1991 Volkswagen Jetta

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iSEECARS Generations Rating

iSeeCars Generations Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle generation lasts, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association.

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  • Safety Not Available
Model Year Engine(s) Drivetype(s) Used Price MSRP (when new) Combined MPG range
1991 1.6L I4 52hp, 71ft. lbs.; 1.8L I4 100hp, 107ft. lbs.; 2.0L I4 133hp, 133ft. lbs. FWD – $10,815–$14,315 22 mpg–34 mpg
1990 1.6L I4 52hp, 71ft. lbs.; 1.8L I4 105hp, 110ft. lbs.; 2.0L I4 134hp, 133ft. lbs. FWD – $10,295–$13,750 22 mpg–34 mpg
1989 1.6L I4; 1.8L I4 123hp, 120ft. lbs.; 1.8L I4 85hp, 98ft. lbs. FWD – $10,230–$17,895 22 mpg–34 mpg
1988 1.8L I4 123hp, 120ft. lbs.; 1.8L I4 85hp, 98ft. lbs. FWD – $9,530–$14,520 22 mpg–25 mpg
1987 1.6L I4; 1.8L I4 123hp, 120ft. lbs.; 1.8L I4 85hp, 98ft. lbs. FWD – $10,130–$14,045 22 mpg–26 mpg
1986 1.6L I4; 1.6L I4 68hp, 98ft. lbs.; 1.8L I4 85hp, 98ft. lbs. FWD – $8,690–$10,510 22 mpg–35 mpg
1985 1.6L I4; 1.8L I4 90hp, 98ft. lbs. FWD – $8,515–$10,315 23 mpg–35 mpg

1985–1991 Volkswagen Jetta (coupe)

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iSEECARS Generations Rating

iSeeCars Generations Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle generation lasts, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association.

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  • Reliability Coming soon
  • Safety Not Available
Model Year Engine(s) Drivetype(s) Used Price MSRP (when new) Combined MPG range
1991 1.6L I4 52hp, 71ft. lbs.; 1.8L I4 100hp, 107ft. lbs. FWD – $11,000–$11,300 23 mpg–34 mpg
1990 1.8L I4 105hp, 110ft. lbs. FWD – $9,995–$9,995 23 mpg–25 mpg
1989 1.8L I4 85hp, 98ft. lbs. FWD – $10,010–$10,010 22 mpg–25 mpg
1988 1.8L I4 85hp, 98ft. lbs. FWD – $9,310–$9,310 23 mpg–25 mpg
1987 1.6L I4; 1.8L I4 85hp, 98ft. lbs. FWD – $9,910–$9,910 22 mpg–26 mpg
1986 1.6L I4; 1.8L I4 85hp, 98ft. lbs. FWD – $8,470–$8,470 22 mpg–35 mpg
1985 1.6L I4; 1.8L I4 90hp, 98ft. lbs. FWD – $8,295–$8,295 23 mpg–35 mpg

1980–1984 Volkswagen Jetta

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iSEECARS Generations Rating

iSeeCars Generations Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle generation lasts, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association.

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  • Reliability Coming soon
  • Safety Not Available
Model Year Engine(s) Drivetype(s) Used Price MSRP (when new) Combined MPG range
1984 coupe 1.6L I4; 1.7L I4 74hp, 90ft. lbs. FWD – $7,930–$7,930 21 mpg–37 mpg
1984 sedan 1.6L I4; 1.7L I4 74hp, 90ft. lbs.; 1.8L I4 90hp, 100ft. lbs. FWD – $8,150–$8,990 21 mpg–37 mpg
1983 coupe 1.6L I4; 1.7L I4 74hp, 90ft. lbs. FWD – $8,290–$8,290
1983 sedan 1.6L I4; 1.7L I4 74hp, 90ft. lbs. FWD – $8,510–$8,510
1982 coupe 1.6L I4; 1.7L I4 74hp, 90ft. lbs. FWD – $8,275–$8,725
1982 sedan 1.6L I4; 1.7L I4 74hp, 90ft. lbs. FWD – $8,495–$8,945
1981 coupe 1.6L I4; 1.7L I4 74hp, 90ft. lbs. FWD – $8,275–$8,275
1981 sedan 1.6L I4; 1.7L I4 74hp, 90ft. lbs. FWD – $8,495–$8,495

Other Model Generations

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Volkswagen Taos Generations

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Our methodology

iSeeCars Generations Rating is calculated based on the latest research from our data science team.

The iSeeCars Generations Rating is an analysis of two factors: reliability and safety. It is calculated for each model generation based on the analysis of over 312 million cars using a proprietary mathematical model that estimated the probability that each vehicle would survive to various mileage thresholds. This survival model was used to calculate the average lifespan of each vehicle generation, which forms the basis of the reliability score. The safety score is based on NHTSA safety ratings.

Vehicles are scored in two categories:

Reliability

The reliability score represents an analysis of iSeeCars' proprietary research on the longest-lasting vehicles.

Safety

The safety score is calculated based on the last five years of crash test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and incorporates the latest Top Safety Pick information from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).