These Are Some Of The Most Reliable Car Engines Ever Made

Jul 03, 2023

These engines will last you a lifetime as long as they're serviced regularly.

With the ever-growing development to continuously push new innovations in the automotive industry to make today's cars better, more fuel-efficient, with lower emissions, and sometimes more power, newer technologies are also used to develop new designs and engines. Often, one of the biggest questions that come to mind when purchasing a vehicle is, 'How reliable is it?'. The common consumer wants something reliable that will not break down.

Updated June 2023: Automotive manufacturers always aim to create vehicles that will trump the competition. One way of achieving this is through reliable engines that can cover many more miles with proper maintenance and care. This updated list highlights all the engines that are synonymous with longevity and that are durable enough to withstand decades of road use.

It's our mode of transportation to get from point A to B, hopefully with a bit of fun as a bonus. If it can't do its job, then why bother? Unless, of course, it's a project car that is purposely built. Even then, you would have a daily driver and want that to be as reliable as ever. So, here we are to show you the most reliable car engines ever made.

We used trusted websites such as Tuner Pro and Bring a Trailer for information on the engines listed in this article.

There is no surprise that this engine would make it on the list. Toyota has always been synonymous with reliability. That's why they have been very successful in leading the industry regarding the number of car sales. Other than being very reliable, parts are also cheap, and they are not hard to find at all. You can practically find a Toyota part at every parts store.

Manufacturer

Toyota

Production Years

2008–Present

Configuration

Inline-four

Displacement

2.5 liters (152.2 cu in)

Power

169-180 hp

Torque

167–173 lb-ft

Fuel

Gasoline

Noteworthy Applications

Toyota RAV4, Toyota Camry, Lexus ES250 (XV60), Toyota Alphard, Scion TC

The Toyota 2AR-FE engine is one of Toyota's most economical engines ever produced. It's an inline-four engine with a die-cast aluminum engine block and aluminum DOHC head. This engine incorporates the new technology, the variable valve timing on both intake and exhaust, or the dual VVTi. This helps with the engine's better fuel efficiency, and its engine applications are available in the Toyota RAV4, Toyota Camry, Toyota Alphard, and Scion TC.

Overall, the 2AR-FE is an exceptionally dependable engine. But like most powertrains, it is not perfect. Some of the issues commonly associated with this engine include transmission problems and water pump issues.

Related: 10 Best Toyota Camry Models For First-Time Car Buyers

Next up is another entry for Toyota — the 1ZZ engine. The 1ZZ is the first engine in the Toyota ZZ family, and it's also an inline-four DOHC engine made with the same materials as the 2AR engine. However, these offer a lower displacement optimized for fuel efficiency for their more economical cars.

Manufacturer

Toyota

Production Years

1997-2008

Configuration

Straight-four

Displacement

1.4 liters (85.3 cu in); 1.6 liters (97.5 cu in); 1.8 liters (109.5 cu in); 1.8 liters (109.6 cu in)

Power

120-145 hp

Torque

122-127 lb-ft

Fuel

Gasoline

Noteworthy Applications

Toyota Corolla, Toyota MR2 Spyder, Toyota Wish, Toyota Allion, Toyota Matrix, Pontiac Vibe

This engine was such a success that they decided to equip it with various cars. Ranging from sedans, coupes, small SUVs, and even mid-engine cars. Applications for this engine are on the Toyota Corolla, Toyota MR2 Spyder, Toyota Wish, Toyota Allion, Toyota Matrix, and even the Pontiac Vibe. Toyota also offered a factory-supported bolt-on supercharger kit from 2003 to 2004. The kit added 7.5 lbs of boost and a 40 hp and 38 lb-ft of torque increase at the wheels.

While it's not perfect, the Toyota 1ZZ engine is dependable and durable, with an impressive ability to withstand abuse. Some of the issues commonly associated with this vehicle include excessive oil consumption, timing chain tensioner oil leak, and engine control module (ECM) problems.

Related: Why The New Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid Will Make You Regret Buying An EV

This entry is from the Honda B-Series family. The B-Series engines are synonymous with the performance capability of the engine and the ingenious V-TEC (Variable Valve Timing and Electronic Control) design. With different camshaft profiles, it offered maximum fuel efficiency at low RPMs and better performance at the higher rpm range. Because of this technology, race enthusiasts of all ages will have this engine in mind when building a Honda. The B-Series engine comes in different displacements, from 1.6-liter to 2.0-liter DOHC. Its applications come in the majority of the early Honda releases like the Honda Civic, Honda CRX, Honda Integra, and Honda CRV.

Manufacturer

Honda

Production Years

1988-2001

Configuration

Inline-four

Displacement

1.6 liters (97.3 cu in); 2.0 liters (120.4 cu in)

Power

100–200 hp

Torque

111–140 lb-ft

Fuel

Gasoline

Noteworthy Applications

Honda Civic, Honda CRX, Honda Integra, Honda CR-V

The Honda B Series inline-four has proven reliability and tuning potential, which has earned it an iconic status in the automotive industry. That said, owners have reported issues ranging from excessive oil consumption to cracked exhaust manifolds, head gasket failure, and poor fuel economy due to VTEC solenoid failure.

Related: 10 Best Honda Civic Models For First-Time Car Buyers

Another Honda entry is the K Series. Known to be the predecessor of the B Series engine, the K Series came to life in 2001. It's also an inline-four DOHC engine but with an improved i-VTEC system. The newer engine also offered new tuning possibilities while maintaining the engine's reliability. With the K Series engine, Honda opted for roller rockers on the cylinder heads to reduce friction. They also used a computer-controlled system, allowing the ECU to control ignition timings.

Since Honda was synonymous with high-revving, reliable, fuel-efficient engines, this immediately became a hot topic for enthusiasts out there. It was initially available in the Acura RSX, Civic Si, and CRV. The K Series came in either 2.0-liter or 2.4-liter form, which Honda makes easy to identify by coding them as K20 or K24.

Manufacturer

Honda

Production Years

2001-Present

Configuration

Inline-four

Displacement

2.0 liters (121.9 cu in); 2.3 liters (140.4 cu in); 2.4 liters (143.6 cu in)

Power

150-320 hp

Torque

132-310 lb-ft

Fuel

Gasoline

Noteworthy Applications

Honda Civic, Civic Type R, Integra Type S, Civic Si, CR-V, Accord, Acura RSX

The Honda K Series Inline-Four has been a dependable engine through the years, featuring on highly reliable cars such as the Honda Civic, Honda CR-V, and the Honda Accord.

Fabricated using a cast iron engine block with cylinder heads made out of an aluminum alloy, the Mercedes-Benz M111 engine's structure is quite solid. As a replacement for the legendary M102, the M111 had big shoes to fill, and it did so perfectly. Launched in 1992, the M111 consists of a wide range of straight-four engines produced by Mercedes until 2003. Requiring mainly just regular oil changes, the M111 is an incredibly durable and efficient engine.

The engine’s power output ranges from 121 to 194 horsepower, and it powers several Mercedes models that include the C-Class, E-Class, CLK, and SLK roadster among others. The M111 remains one of the best four-cylinder engines ever built, and you'll find it powering several Mercedes cars on our roads to date.

Manufacturer

Mercedes-Benz

Production Years

1992-2003

Configuration

Straight-four

Displacement

1.8 liters; 2.0 liters; 2.2 liters; 2.3 liters

Power

121–194 hp

Torque

125–207 lb-ft

Fuel

Gasoline

Noteworthy Applications

Mercedes-Benz C-Class, E-Class, CLK, SLK roadster

Perhaps not surprisingly, the M111 is one of the most reliable Mercedes-Benz engines out there, with many models still on the road to this day. That said, the M111 may face issues such as oil leaks, timing chain and tensioner problems, crankshaft position sensor failure, and electrical issues due to bad wiring harness.

Related: 5 Mercedes-Benz Engines That Belong In A Junkyard (5 That'll Annihilate Anything)

Of course, who could forget the ever-lasting Lexus 1UZFE engine? This engine can reach a million miles and still run smoothly. The 1UZFE powers Lexus' flagship car, the LS400. Going up against the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and the BMW 7 Series, this was certainly ahead of its time.

The engine demonstrated a very smooth ride with little to no engine vibration. This was very important for luxury vehicles, as it offers maximum comfort with more than enough power while getting chauffeured around. There are no known common issues of this engine other than the fuel economy not being the best, being a 4.0-liter V8. But with regular maintenance, this is one of the engines that will last forever.

Manufacturer

Toyota Motor Corporation

Production Years

1989-2004

Configuration

V8

Displacement

4.0-liter (242.2 cu in)

Power

256–500 hp

Torque

260–325 lb-ft

Fuel

Gasoline

Noteworthy Applications

Lexus LS 400, Lexus GS 400, Lexus SC 400, Toyota Crown/Toyota Crown Majesta

The Lexus 1UZFE is a highly dependable engine with a low failure rate. However, owners may experience issues such as oil leaks, coolant leaks, camshaft/crankshaft position sensors failure, as well as timing belt tensioner failure.

Another big engine from Lexus is the 2UR-GSE. It is a 32-valve DOHC V8 engine. Toyota introduced it in 2006 to replace the UZ engine as it was being phased out. The 2UR-GSE had better technology for fuel efficiencies, like having the dual VVTi and the direct injection (D4-S).

Manufacturer

Toyota Motor Corporation

Production Years

2007-Present

Configuration

V8

Displacement

5.0 liters

Power

422-482 hp

Torque

371-399 lb-ft

Fuel

Gasoline

Noteworthy Applications

Lexus IS F, RC F, GS F, LC 500, IS 500 F-Sport Performance

The 2UR had a different build structure than the other average UR engines. While being reliable is still the primary goal for the UR engines, the 2UR found its way into the performance lines of Lexus' F-cars, including the IS-F, RC-F, GS-F, and the current LC500. So, this is definitely a reliable monster that can go beyond 200,000 miles with no problem as long as maintenance is on point. That is truly impressive for a performance-built engine.Related: Here Are The Best Lexus Models To Buy Used (2 We'd Stay Away From)

Another very reliable engine comes from BMW. Normally, when you hear BMW, reliability has always been questionable due to its complex engineering. But the M57 diesel engine says otherwise. This is a 3.0-liter turbocharged water-cooled straight inline-six diesel engine with common rail injection.

BMW revised this engine twice during its production time, giving it different turbochargers for higher power outputs. Given that it's a diesel engine, this may not be the most popular engine to see, as some countries are gasoline dominant. Its applications were on the BMW E39 as the 525d, BMW E46 as the 330d, and BMW E90 as the 325d.

Manufacturer

BMW

Production Years

1998-2013

Configuration

Inline-six

Displacement

2.5 liters, 2.9 liters, 3.0 liters

Power

148-282 hp

Torque

221-428 lb-ft

Fuel

Diesel

Noteworthy Applications

BMW E39 (525d), BMW E46 (330d), BMW E90 (325d)

The BMW M57 Diesel offers a dependable solution for those seeking plenty of power under the hood. As a matter of fact, it is one of the most reliable BMW engines ever made. That said, some owners have had problems with carbon build-up, glow plugs, and even the turbocharger.

The RB26DETT is a performance engine built by Nissan, and it is another engine that is known for its reliability… in its stock form, of course. You may hear owners tell some horror stories regarding the RB engines, but note that most of these engines have already gotten modified to a certain point.

Manufacturer

Nissan

Production Years

1989-2002

Configuration

Straight-six

Displacement

2.6 liters

Power

280-320 hp

Torque

260-289 lb-ft

Fuel

Gasoline

Noteworthy Applications

Nissan Skyline GT-R BNR32, Skyline GT-R BCNR33, Skyline GT-R BNR34,

There are many versions of the RB26 engine, however, what sets this apart from the other RB family is that the other RB engines do not have an oil port on the cylinder block. The port plays a huge part in protecting your engine, which in turn helps with better reliability. The RB26DETT's iron block and forged internals not only make it strong and durable, but also imbue it with great tuning potential. That said, some RB26DETT engines may experience issues such as overheating, bad oil pump, and failed piston ring.

Related: Here’s What Makes The Nissan Skyline’s RB26DETT An Iconic JDM Motor

The Mercedes-Benz OM617 diesel engine is a dependable powertrain used across a wide array of models, including the Mercedes-Benz 300 D, Mercedes-Benz 300SD Turbo, Mercedes-Benz G-Class (W460/W461), and Mercedes-Benz 300CD, among others.

Manufacturer

Daimler-Benz

Production Years

1974-1991

Configuration

Straight-five

Displacement

3.0 liters

Power

80–230 hp

Torque

124–184 lb-ft

Fuel

Diesel

Noteworthy Applications

Mercedes-Benz 300 D, 300CD, G-Class (W460/W461), 409 D, 300SD Turbo

The OM617 engine family from Mercedes-Benz is a legend when it comes to reliability. It's an inline-five diesel engine that can go over half a million miles without having to be rebuilt. Mercedes used the engine family back in the '70s and the '80s. Besides being reliable, the engine offered enough power for engines of the time.

Now, to be able to achieve this, you must, of course, perform regular maintenance to keep the engine in its tip-top condition. You'll need to replace a few things like timing chains at a certain mileage, and motor mounts, as well as perform regular oil changes. However, this goes for all cars, as no maintenance-free vehicle exists.

Last but not least is the General Motors LS engine. GM introduced the LS engine family back in 1997. This has arguably been one of the greatest V8s ever made, thanks to GM's evolution over the years. The modern V8 family of engines still delivers consistent power, durability, and reliability over time.

It's such a great engine that General Motors continues to produce them, making them readily available for people who want to get one. General Motors offers three LS crate engines: the LS3, LS376/480, and LS376/525. All these engines produce over 430 hp and 425 lb-ft of torque, with the most powerful churning out 525 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque. Another thing is that part replacement will not be an issue for this, especially if you want to make the engine much more powerful than it already is.

Manufacturer

General Motors

Production Years

1997-Present

Configuration

V6; V8

Displacement

4.8–8.4 liters

Power

255–755 hp

Torque

285–715 lb-ft

Fuel

Gasoline

Noteworthy Applications

Chevrolet Corvette C5, Corvette C5 Z06, C6 Corvette ZR1, C7 Corvette Z06, C7 Corvette ZR1, Camaro ZL1

The General Motors LS engine has consistently ranked highly in terms of reliability, with the engine featuring on some of the best American performance cars that are as dependable as they are capable. That's not to say that the engine is perfect, however, as some may experience issues like oil consumption, cracked cylinder head, and failed camshaft phaser.

Brent Briones is a car enthusiast, car photographer, and car shop owner from the Philippines, and is now a writer for Hotcars.com. He likes to share his knowledge and love for cars.