Page Loading

Most Reliable Small Cars for 2026

Reliability ratings for small cars are calculated based on analyzing over 312 million vehicles to assess each model's long term durability.

See how we rank these cars

How reliable is the small car I want to buy? This question is top-of-mind for small car shoppers, but with limited unbiased and free resources available to consult, it can be difficult to answer. iSeeCars's objective and data-driven Reliability Rating, based on a rigorous analysis of over 312 million vehicles, addresses this lack of information by calculating each small car model's useful lifespan and its ability to last 200,000 miles or more. The small cars on this page are organized by small car segment and powertrain, allowing shoppers with any budget to find a reliable model.

The most reliable small car is the Volkswagen Golf with a 9 out of 10 reliability score. The Honda Civic (hatchback) is the second most reliable small car with a rating of 7.9 out of 10. The average reliability score for the small car category is 7.3, with 9 models scoring above average for reliability. iSeeCars.com has ranked 22 small cars based on their reliability scores, which represents the likelihood of a vehicle to reach a high mileage threshold on the odometer.

See more
Which small car is the most reliable?
  1. Volkswagen Golf
  2. Honda Civic (hatchback)
  3. Mazda Mazda3 Hatchback
  4. Mazda Mazda3 Sedan
  5. Honda Civic
  6. Volkswagen Jetta
  7. Volkswagen Golf GTI
  8. Toyota Corolla
  9. Chevrolet Spark
  10. Subaru Impreza
  11. Kia Rio 5-Door
  12. Subaru WRX
  13. Kia Forte
  14. MINI Hardtop 4 Door
  15. MINI Hardtop 2 Door
  16. Mitsubishi Mirage (hatchback)
  17. Hyundai ELANTRA
  18. Hyundai VELOSTER
  19. Nissan Sentra
  20. Kia Rio
  21. Nissan Versa
  22. Hyundai ACCENT
Models not ranked yet

How reliable is the small car I want to buy? This question is top-of-mind for small car shoppers, but with limited unbiased and free resources available to consult, it can be difficult to answer. iSeeCars's objective and data-driven Reliability Rating, based on a rigorous analysis of over 312 million vehicles, addresses this lack of information by calculating each small car model's useful lifespan and its ability to last 200,000 miles or more. The small cars on this page are organized by small car segment and powertrain, allowing shoppers with any budget to find a reliable model.

The most reliable small car is the Volkswagen Golf with a 9 out of 10 reliability score. The Honda Civic (hatchback) is the second most reliable small car with a rating of 7.9 out of 10. The average reliability score for the small car category is 7.3, with 9 models scoring above average for reliability. iSeeCars.com has ranked 22 small cars based on their reliability scores, which represents the likelihood of a vehicle to reach a high mileage threshold on the odometer.

See more
Last new model year: 2021

1. Volkswagen Golf

#1 of 9 Most Reliable Small Cars Under $25k #1 of 5 Best German Compact Cars #1 of 5 Best German Small Cars
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
8.4 / 10
  • Reliability 9.0 / 10
  • Value Retention 8.1 / 10
  • Safety 8.0 / 10
Vehicle Image
See More Photos
NEW PRICE (MSRP) 23195 - 23995
USED PRICE 11952 - 22650
MPG 32 - 33 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 17.4 cu ft

2. Honda Civic (hatchback)

#1 of 29 Best Gas Mileage Small Cars #1 of 29 Best Performance Small Cars #1 of 29 Best Small Cars
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
9.0 / 10
  • Reliability 7.9 / 10
  • Value Retention 9.1 / 10
  • Safety 10 / 10
Vehicle Image
See More Photos
NEW PRICE (MSRP) 27895 - 46895
USED PRICE 19997 - 44494
MPG 48 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 24.5 cu ft

3. Mazda Mazda3 Hatchback

#1 of 29 Best Family Small Cars #1 of 21 Best Family Compact Cars #1 of 18 Best Family Hatchbacks
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
8.7 / 10
  • Reliability 7.9 / 10
  • Value Retention 8.3 / 10
  • Safety 10 / 10
Vehicle Image
See More Photos
NEW PRICE (MSRP) 25550 - 37890
USED PRICE 17900 - 30414
MPG 26 - 29 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 20.1 cu ft

4. Mazda Mazda3 Sedan

#1 of 19 Best Small Cars for the Money #1 of 10 Best Small Cars for Moms #1 of 9 Best Compact Cars Under $25k
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
8.7 / 10
  • Reliability 7.7 / 10
  • Value Retention 8.4 / 10
  • Safety 10 / 10
Vehicle Image
See More Photos
NEW PRICE (MSRP) 24550 - 36740
USED PRICE 16746 - 26238
MPG 27 - 30 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 13.2 cu ft

5. Honda Civic

#1 of 29 Small Cars with Best Resale Value #1 of 21 Compact Cars with Best Resale Value #2 of 9 Best Compact Cars Under $25k
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
8.6 / 10
  • Reliability 7.7 / 10
  • Value Retention 9.1 / 10
  • Safety 9.0 / 10
Vehicle Image
See More Photos
NEW PRICE (MSRP) 24695 - 31495
USED PRICE 18783 - 28753
MPG 31 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 14.1 - 14.8 cu ft

6. Volkswagen Jetta

#2 of 19 Best Small Cars for the Money #2 of 10 Best Small Cars for Moms #2 of 5 Best German Compact Cars
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
8.0 / 10
  • Reliability 7.6 / 10
  • Value Retention 8.3 / 10
  • Safety 8.0 / 10
Vehicle Image
See More Photos
NEW PRICE (MSRP) 23995 - 29995
USED PRICE 14950 - 24153
MPG 34 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 14.1 cu ft

7. Volkswagen Golf GTI

#1 of 4 Most Reliable Small Cars Under $35k #1 of 3 Best Hatchbacks Under $35k #1 of 3 Most Reliable Hatchbacks Under $35k
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
7.9 / 10
  • Reliability 7.5 / 10
  • Value Retention 8.1 / 10
  • Safety 8.0 / 10
Vehicle Image
See More Photos
NEW PRICE (MSRP) 34590 - 42480
USED PRICE 22377 - 35266
MPG 27 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 19.9 cu ft

8. Toyota Corolla

#4 of 29 Small Cars with Best Resale Value #4 of 21 Compact Cars with Best Resale Value #4 of 16 Most Affordable Compact Cars
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
8.4 / 10
  • Reliability 7.4 / 10
  • Value Retention 8.8 / 10
  • Safety 9.0 / 10
Vehicle Image
See More Photos
NEW PRICE (MSRP) 22925 - 28640
USED PRICE 15887 - 24991
MPG 34 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 13.1 cu ft
Last new model year: 2022

9. Chevrolet Spark

#1 of 10 Most Reliable Small Cars Under $20k #1 of 8 Best Subcompact Cars #1 of 6 Most Reliable Subcompact Cars Under $20k
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
7.9 / 10
  • Reliability 7.4 / 10
  • Value Retention 8.4 / 10
  • Safety Not Available
Vehicle Image
See More Photos
NEW PRICE (MSRP) 13600 - 18100
USED PRICE 8847 - 16998
MPG 32 - 33 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 11.1 cu ft
Last new model year: 2023

10. Subaru Impreza

#1 of 10 Best Small Cars Under $20k #1 of 4 Best Compact Cars Under $20k #1 of 4 Most Reliable Compact Cars Under $20k
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
8.0 / 10
  • Reliability 7.3 / 10
  • Value Retention 8.7 / 10
  • Safety 8.0 / 10
Vehicle Image
See More Photos
NEW PRICE (MSRP) 19795 - 24595
USED PRICE 15497 - 23513
MPG 26 - 32 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 12.3 cu ft
Last new model year: 2023

11. Kia Rio 5-Door

#1 of 5 Best Korean Hatchbacks #1 of 3 Best Korean Subcompact Cars #2 of 8 Best Korean Small Cars
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
7.9 / 10
  • Reliability 7.3 / 10
  • Value Retention 8.5 / 10
  • Safety Not Available
Vehicle Image
See More Photos
NEW PRICE (MSRP) 17690
USED PRICE 10994 - 18781
MPG 36 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 17.4 cu ft

12. Subaru WRX

#1 of 4 Best Small Cars Under $35k #2 of 21 Most Comfortable Compact Cars #2 of 4 Most Reliable Small Cars Under $35k
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
8.3 / 10
  • Reliability 7.2 / 10
  • Value Retention 8.7 / 10
  • Safety 9.0 / 10
Vehicle Image
See More Photos
NEW PRICE (MSRP) 33995 - 44995
USED PRICE 22254 - 35999
MPG 21 - 22 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 12.5 cu ft
Last new model year: 2024

13. Kia Forte

#2 of 4 Most Reliable Compact Cars Under $20k #3 of 5 Best Korean Compact Cars #3 of 4 Best Compact Cars Under $20k
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
7.5 / 10
  • Reliability 7.2 / 10
  • Value Retention 8.4 / 10
  • Safety 7.0 / 10
Vehicle Image
See More Photos
NEW PRICE (MSRP) 19990 - 25390
USED PRICE 13617 - 22115
MPG 26 - 32 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 15.3 cu ft

14. MINI Hardtop 4 Door

#1 of 18 Best Hatchbacks for Tall People #1 of 18 Most Comfortable Hatchbacks #1 of 8 Best Subcompact Cars for Tall People
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
7.8 / 10
  • Reliability 7.1 / 10
  • Value Retention 8.4 / 10
  • Safety Not Available
Vehicle Image
See More Photos
NEW PRICE (MSRP) 30500 - 33800
USED PRICE 18864 - 37828
MPG 32 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 8.9 - 13.1 cu ft

15. MINI Hardtop 2 Door

#1 of 8 Subcompact Cars with the Most Horsepower #2 of 3 Most Affordable Subcompact Cars #3 of 8 Subcompact Cars with the Most Cargo Space
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
7.5 / 10
  • Reliability 7.1 / 10
  • Value Retention 8.4 / 10
  • Safety 7.0 / 10
Vehicle Image
See More Photos
NEW PRICE (MSRP) 29500 - 38900
USED PRICE 19738 - 37962
MPG 30 - 32 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 8.9 cu ft
Last new model year: 2024

16. Mitsubishi Mirage (hatchback)

#1 of 29 Small Cars with the Most Cargo Space #1 of 8 Subcompact Cars with the Most Cargo Space #1 of 8 Subcompact Cars with the Most Legroom
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
7.5 / 10
  • Reliability 7.1 / 10
  • Value Retention 8.3 / 10
  • Safety 7.0 / 10
Vehicle Image
See More Photos
NEW PRICE (MSRP) 16695 - 18895
USED PRICE 9949 - 17993
MPG 39 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 17.1 cu ft

17. Hyundai ELANTRA

#1 of 29 Best Small Cars for Tall People #1 of 29 Small Cars with the Most Legroom #1 of 21 Best Compact Cars for Tall People
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
8.4 / 10
  • Reliability 7.0 / 10
  • Value Retention 8.2 / 10
  • Safety 10 / 10
Vehicle Image
See More Photos
NEW PRICE (MSRP) 22625 - 29400
USED PRICE 14995 - 24200
MPG 31 - 35 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 14.2 cu ft
Last new model year: 2021

18. Hyundai VELOSTER

#1 of 21 Compact Cars with the Most Cargo Space #1 of 9 Coupes with the Most Cargo Space #1 of 2 Best Korean Coupes
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
7.9 / 10
  • Reliability 6.9 / 10
  • Value Retention 8.7 / 10
  • Safety 8.0 / 10
Vehicle Image
See More Photos
NEW PRICE (MSRP) 18900 - 28450
USED PRICE 12246 - 22570
MPG 28 - 30 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 19.9 cu ft

19. Nissan Sentra

#1 of 21 Most Comfortable Compact Cars #2 of 29 Most Comfortable Small Cars #2 of 16 Most Affordable Compact Cars
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
7.8 / 10
  • Reliability 6.8 / 10
  • Value Retention 8.5 / 10
  • Safety 8.0 / 10
Vehicle Image
See More Photos
NEW PRICE (MSRP) 22600 - 27990
USED PRICE 14788 - 22998
MPG 33 - 34 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 14.3 cu ft
Last new model year: 2023

20. Kia Rio

#1 of 8 Subcompact Cars with Best Resale Value #2 of 3 Best Korean Subcompact Cars #3 of 8 Subcompact Cars with the Most Legroom
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
7.7 / 10
  • Reliability 6.7 / 10
  • Value Retention 8.6 / 10
  • Safety Not Available
Vehicle Image
See More Photos
NEW PRICE (MSRP) 16750 - 17390
USED PRICE 10908 - 18582
MPG 36 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 13.7 cu ft

21. Nissan Versa

#1 of 29 Most Comfortable Small Cars #1 of 19 Most Affordable Small Cars #1 of 8 Best Family Subcompact Cars
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
7.7 / 10
  • Reliability 6.7 / 10
  • Value Retention 8.4 / 10
  • Safety 8.0 / 10
Vehicle Image
See More Photos
NEW PRICE (MSRP) 17390 - 21390
USED PRICE 11988 - 19694
MPG 30 - 35 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 14.7 - 15.0 cu ft
Last new model year: 2022

22. Hyundai ACCENT

#3 of 8 Most Comfortable Subcompact Cars #3 of 8 Subcompact Cars with Best Resale Value #3 of 3 Best Korean Subcompact Cars
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
7.4 / 10
  • Reliability 6.6 / 10
  • Value Retention 8.5 / 10
  • Safety 7.0 / 10
Vehicle Image
See More Photos
NEW PRICE (MSRP) 16645 - 19600
USED PRICE 10495 - 18524
MPG 36 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 13.7 cu ft

Toyota Corolla Hatchback

#1 of 10 Most Affordable Hatchbacks #2 of 18 Hatchbacks with Best Resale Value #3 of 29 Small Cars with Best Resale Value
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
Coming soon
  • Reliability Coming soon
  • Value Retention 8.9 / 10
  • Safety 8.0 / 10
Vehicle Image
See More Photos
NEW PRICE (MSRP) 24380 - 27375
USED PRICE 17334 - 26917
MPG 33 - 35 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 17.8 cu ft

Toyota GR Corolla

#3 of 29 Small Cars with the Most Horsepower #3 of 21 Compact Cars with the Most Horsepower #4 of 18 Hatchbacks with Best Resale Value
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
Coming soon
  • Reliability Coming soon
  • Value Retention 8.8 / 10
  • Safety Not Available
Vehicle Image
See More Photos
NEW PRICE (MSRP) 39920 - 47965
USED PRICE 32499 - 44495
MPG 22 - 24 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 17.8 cu ft

Kia K4

#1 of 16 Most Affordable Compact Cars #2 of 29 Small Cars with the Most Legroom #2 of 21 Compact Cars with the Most Legroom
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
Coming soon
  • Reliability Coming soon
  • Value Retention 8.3 / 10
  • Safety 10 / 10
Vehicle Image
See More Photos
NEW PRICE (MSRP) 22290 - 28390
USED PRICE 17932 - 24891
MPG 29 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 14.6 cu ft

Hyundai ELANTRA N

#2 of 29 Best Small Cars for Tall People #2 of 21 Best Compact Cars for Tall People #3 of 29 Small Cars with the Most Legroom
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
Coming soon
  • Reliability Coming soon
  • Value Retention 8.2 / 10
  • Safety Not Available
Vehicle Image
See More Photos
NEW PRICE (MSRP) 35100 - 36600
USED PRICE 23886 - 34998
MPG 23 - 24 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 14.2 cu ft

Volkswagen Jetta GLI

#7 of 29 Small Cars with the Most Legroom #7 of 21 Compact Cars with the Most Legroom #9 of 21 Compact Cars with the Most Horsepower
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
Coming soon
  • Reliability Coming soon
  • Value Retention 8.1 / 10
  • Safety 8.0 / 10
Vehicle Image
See More Photos
NEW PRICE (MSRP) 33745
USED PRICE 18499 - 31402
MPG 29 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 14.1 cu ft

Volkswagen Golf R

#1 of 29 Small Cars with the Most Horsepower #1 of 21 Compact Cars with the Most Horsepower #3 of 18 Hatchbacks with the Most Horsepower
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
Coming soon
  • Reliability Coming soon
  • Value Retention 8.1 / 10
  • Safety Not Available
Vehicle Image
See More Photos
NEW PRICE (MSRP) 49455
USED PRICE 35852 - 49990
MPG 25 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 19.9 cu ft
Last new model year: 2024

Mitsubishi Mirage G4

#8 of 29 Small Cars with the Most Legroom #8 of 21 Compact Cars with the Most Legroom #9 of 21 Best Compact Cars for Tall People
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
Coming soon
  • Reliability Coming soon
  • Value Retention 8.0 / 10
  • Safety Not Available
Vehicle Image
See More Photos
NEW PRICE (MSRP) 17795 - 19595
USED PRICE 8998 - 19698
MPG 37 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 12.4 cu ft

Related Rankings

Best Small Cars

Safest Small Cars

Best Used Small Cars

Most Affordable Small Cars

Best AWD Small Cars

Best Gas Mileage Small Cars

Best Small Cars for Snow

Most Reliable Used Small Cars

Best Manual Transmission Small Cars

Most Comfortable Small Cars

Best Performance Small Cars

Best Small Cars for Tall People

Best Small Cars for the Money

Best Small Cars for Teens

Best Resale Value Small Cars

Best Small Cars for Moms

Small Cars with the Most Cargo Space

Small Cars with the Most Horsepower

Small Cars with the Most Legroom

Best Turbocharged Small Cars

Best Family Small Cars

Best CVT Small Cars

How We Rank These Cars

The iSeeCars Reliability Rating indicates how dependable and long-lasting each vehicle is through a calculation of a vehicle's useful lifespan and its ability to last 200,000 miles or more.

Each vehicle is rated on a scale from 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest Reliability Rating. Vehicles within a given category are sorted to show the most reliable ones first. If two cars have the same ratings, the tie is broken by the higher overall iSeeCars Quality Score. iSeeCars displays comprehensive Quality Scores along with the Reliability Ratings for each model because multiple factors should be taken into account when buyers are seeking the best overall vehicle. Two of these factors are safety and resale value, both of which are included in the iSeeCars Quality Score system.

The overall iSeeCars Quality Score combines analyses of these three factors: reliability, resale value, and safety. It is calculated based on the latest research and analysis by our data science team. The data analysis comes from over 312 million vehicles as reported in our Longest-Lasting Cars and 5-Year Depreciation Studies. These two factors are combined with NHTSA and/or IIHS Safety Ratings to determine a car's Quality Score.

Vehicles are scored in three categories:

Reliability

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

Value Retention

The value retention score is based on our data science team's statistical analysis and prediction of 5-year depreciation from MSRP to determine which cars hold their value best, using US Bureau of Labor Statistics data to adjust for inflation.

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).