The Most Reliable Automatic Cars in the UK, Ranked

Choose the automatic cars you think is the most reliable!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 6, 2024 06:16
For many car buyers in the UK, the reliability of an automatic vehicle is a top priority. As these cars often come with the promise of convenience and ease, knowing which models stand up to the test of time and use is invaluable. Everyone's experience can provide a different perspective on what makes a car dependable, which is why collective input is so important. By gathering votes from a broad audience of car owners, a more comprehensive understanding of each model's reliability is achieved. This voting process not only helps potential buyers make informed decisions but also encourages manufacturers to improve their offerings. Your contributions are essential to paint a clearer picture of the automotive landscape.

What Are the Most Reliable Automatic Cars in the UK?

  1. 1
    45
    votes
    Toyota Corolla
    EurovisionNim · CC BY-SA 4.0
    The Toyota Corolla is one of the most reliable vehicles on the market, thanks to its reputation for quality and durability. It is also a great choice for those who are looking for an automatic car, with smooth and responsive transmission.
    The Toyota Corolla is a compact car known for its comfortable and practical design. It is manufactured by Toyota, a renowned automotive company based in Japan.
    • Seating Capacity: 5
    • Fuel Efficiency: up to 31 city / 38 highway mpg
    • Engine Options: 1.8L 4-cylinder
    • Transmission Options: CVT or 6-speed manual
    • Cargo Space: 13.1 cubic feet
    Toyota Corolla in other rankings
  2. 2
    54
    votes
    Honda Civic
    Vauxford · CC BY-SA 4.0

    Honda Civic

    Honda
    The Honda Civic is a popular choice for those who want a reliable and efficient car. The automatic transmission is smooth and reliable, making it a great choice for commuting and long-distance driving.
    The Honda Civic is a compact car known for its reliability and versatility. It has become a popular choice among car enthusiasts for its potential as a fun and modifiable platform.
    • Engine: 2.0L inline-4 or 1.5L turbocharged inline-4
    • Horsepower: 158-306 hp
    • Torque: 138-295 lb-ft
    • Transmission: 6-speed manual or CVT
    • Front Suspension: MacPherson strut
    Honda Civic in other rankings
  3. 3
    29
    votes
    Mazda CX-30
    Vauxford · CC BY-SA 4.0

    Mazda CX-30

    Mazda
    The Mazda CX-30 is a new addition to the SUV market, but it has already gained a reputation for reliability and quality. The automatic transmission is responsive and smooth, making it a great choice for those who want a comfortable and reliable ride.
    The Mazda CX-30 is a compact crossover SUV that offers a blend of style, performance, and reliability. It sits between the smaller Mazda CX-3 and the larger Mazda CX-5 in Mazda's lineup, providing a perfect balance in terms of size and capabilities. With its sleek and modern design, the CX-30 stands out in the crowd and delivers a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience.
    • Engine: 2.0L Skyactiv-G petrol engine
    • Transmission: Six-speed automatic
    • Power: 120 horsepower
    • Fuel Efficiency: Up to 44.8 mpg
    • Seating Capacity: 5
    Mazda CX-30 in other rankings
  4. 4
    19
    votes

    Volkswagen Golf

    Volkswagen
    The Volkswagen Golf is a classic choice for those who want a reliable and efficient car. The automatic transmission is smooth and responsive, making it a great choice for city driving and long-distance trips.
    The Volkswagen Golf is a compact car that offers a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience. It has become a popular choice among individuals and families due to its well-designed interior, smooth ride, and versatile features.
    • Seating capacity: 5
    • Cargo space: 22.8 cubic feet
    • Fuel efficiency: Up to 37 MPG highway
    • Engine options: Multiple options including gasoline, diesel, and hybrid
    • Advanced safety features: Available Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Assist, and Blind Spot Monitor
    Volkswagen Golf in other rankings
  5. 5
    21
    votes
    Audi A3
    Rudolf Stricker · Public domain

    Audi A3

    Audi
    The Audi A3 is a luxury car that is known for its reliability and quality. The automatic transmission is smooth and responsive, making it a great choice for those who want a comfortable and reliable ride.
    The Audi A3 is a compact luxury car known for its reliability and sleek design. It offers a comfortable and premium driving experience with advanced technology and strong performance capabilities.
    • Engine Options: Various petrol and diesel engines available
    • Transmission: 7-speed automatic transmission
    • Fuel Efficiency: Up to 45.6 mpg combined
    • Safety Features: Includes ABS, traction control, and multiple airbags
    • Technology: Audi Virtual Cockpit, MMI infotainment system, and smartphone integration
    Audi A3 in other rankings
  6. 6
    11
    votes
    Mercedes-Benz C-Class
    Alexander Migl · CC BY-SA 4.0

    Mercedes-Benz C-Class

    Mercedes-Benz
    The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a luxury car that is known for its reliability and quality. The automatic transmission is smooth and responsive, making it a great choice for those who want a comfortable and reliable ride.
    The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a luxury compact executive car known for its elegance and high-quality craftsmanship. It offers a blend of style, performance, and advanced technology.
    • Model: C-Class
    • Body Style: Sedan
    • Engine Options: Various petrol and diesel engines
    • Transmission: 9-speed automatic
    • Drive Type: Rear-wheel drive / All-wheel drive
    Mercedes-Benz C-Class in other rankings
  7. 7
    11
    votes
    BMW 3 Series
    Jeroen Coebergh · CC0
    The BMW 3 Series is a classic luxury car that is known for its reliability and quality. The automatic transmission is smooth and responsive, making it a great choice for those who want a comfortable and reliable ride.
    The BMW 3 Series is a compact executive car manufactured by the German automaker BMW since May 1975. It is the successor to the 02 Series and has been produced in seven different generations.
    • Engine options: Range of turbocharged four and six-cylinder engines with power output ranging from 180 to 503 hp.
    • Transmission: Six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic.
    • Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive or BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system.
    • Suspension: Double-joint spring strut front axle and five-link rear axle.
    • Fuel economy: Up to 36 mpg on the highway.
    BMW 3 Series in other rankings
  8. 8
    11
    votes
    Ford Focus
    Vauxford · CC BY-SA 4.0

    Ford Focus

    Ford Motor Company
    The Ford Focus is a popular choice for those who want a reliable and efficient car. The automatic transmission is smooth and responsive, making it a great choice for city driving and long-distance trips.
    The Ford Focus is a compact car that offers comfort, style, and versatility. It is known for its smooth ride, well-designed interior, and fuel-efficient performance. With its compact size, the Focus is perfect for navigating city streets while still offering ample space for passengers and cargo. The sleek and modern design of the Focus adds to its appeal, making it an attractive option for those looking for a small car with a touch of sophistication.
    • Engine: Available in various engine options, including 1.0L EcoBoost, 2.0L Ti-VCT, and 2.3L EcoBoost
    • Transmission: 6-speed manual or automatic transmission options
    • Fuel Efficiency: Offers excellent fuel efficiency, with mileage ranging from 25-40 MPG
    • Seating Capacity: Accommodates up to 5 passengers
    • Cargo Space: Provides up to 13.2 cubic feet of cargo space in the trunk
    Ford Focus in other rankings
  9. 9
    13
    votes
    Kia Sportage
    Vauxford · CC BY-SA 4.0

    Kia Sportage

    Kia Motors
    The Kia Sportage is a popular SUV that is known for its reliability and quality. The automatic transmission is smooth and responsive, making it a great choice for those who want a comfortable and reliable ride.
    The Kia Sportage is a compact SUV that offers reliable and comfortable transportation for families and individuals. It has a stylish design, spacious interior, and a range of features to enhance the driving experience.
    • Engine Options: Various petrol and diesel engines
    • Transmission: 6-speed manual or automatic transmission
    • Fuel Efficiency: Up to 54.3 mpg combined
    • Seating Capacity: 5 passengers
    • Cargo Capacity: Up to 1,492 liters with rear seats folded
    Kia Sportage in other rankings
  10. 10
    6
    votes
    Nissan Qashqai
    Vauxford · CC BY-SA 4.0
    The Nissan Qashqai is a popular SUV that is known for its reliability and quality. The automatic transmission is smooth and responsive, making it a great choice for those who want a comfortable and reliable ride.
    The Nissan Qashqai is a compact crossover SUV that offers a practical and versatile driving experience. It combines the qualities of a traditional hatchback with the high driving position and rugged styling of an SUV.
    • Engine: Various petrol and diesel options available
    • Transmission: Automatic CVT
    • Seating Capacity: 5 passengers
    • Fuel Efficiency: Up to 50 MPG (combined)
    • Safety Features: Advanced driver-assistance systems
    Nissan Qashqai in other rankings

Missing your favorite automatic cars?

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Discussion

Ranking factors for reliable automatic cars

  1. Reliability
    Look for vehicles with a reputation for reliability based on owner reviews and reliability surveys, like the J.D. Power UK Vehicle Dependability Study.
  2. Performance and Efficiency
    Consider the performance of the automatic transmission, smoothness of gear shifts, and fuel efficiency of the vehicle.
  3. Maintenance Costs
    Research the expected repair and maintenance costs for the models you're considering, including the cost of replacement parts and labour.
  4. Safety Features
    Research the safety ratings and features (e.g., airbags, electronic stability control, collision avoidance) of the vehicles you are comparing.
  5. Resale Value
    Consider the potential resale value of the vehicle in the future. Vehicles with high reliability scores and strong resale values can be a better long-term investment.
  6. Comfort and Practicality
    Evaluate the overall comfort, features, and practicality of the vehicle, such as the amount of cabin space, boot space, and added features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, or driver assistance systems.
  7. Warranty
    Check the manufacturer's warranty terms, length, and coverage. A longer warranty with comprehensive coverage can provide peace of mind.
  8. Price and Affordability
    Assess your budget and compare the prices of various models. It is important to find a balance between the upfront cost, long-term maintenance, and overall value.
  9. Test Drive
    It is crucial to test drive multiple vehicles to see how they perform in different situations and understand their behaviour with the automatic transmission. Test gear shifts, acceleration, and overall responsiveness.
  10. Expert and Consumer Reviews
    Read objective reviews from automotive experts and real owner testimonials to get an unbiased assessment of the vehicle's performance, reliability, and transmission system.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most reliable automatic cars in the UK. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Automatic car is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 3423 views
  • 216 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Automatic car once every 24 hours. The rank of each Automatic car is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most reliable automatic cars in the uk

When it comes to choosing a car, reliability is a crucial factor. Automatic cars have become increasingly popular in the UK, thanks to their ease of use and convenience. However, not all automatic cars are created equal when it comes to reliability. There are a number of factors that can affect the reliability of a car, such as the make and model, the age of the vehicle, and how well it has been maintained. In general, automatic cars tend to have more complex transmission systems than manual cars, which can make them more prone to problems. When looking for a reliable automatic car in the UK, it's important to do your research and consider factors such as reliability ratings, customer reviews, and the reputation of the manufacturer. Some of the most reliable automatic cars in the UK include models from brands such as Toyota, Honda, and Mazda. Ultimately, the best way to ensure reliability is to choose a well-maintained car with a good track record of reliability. Regular servicing and maintenance can also go a long way in preventing problems and keeping your car running smoothly for years to come.

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