The Most Reliable Engine of All Time, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the engine you think is the most reliable!

Updated on Apr 22, 2024 07:47

In the world of automotive and machinery, the reliability of an engine is paramount. The assurance that a vehicle or machine will perform consistently without frequent breakdowns not only provides peace of mind but also ensures longevity and value for money. Ranking the most reliable engines can help potential buyers make informed decisions and enthusiasts to share their experiences and preferences. This dynamic list, fueled by your votes, evolves to reflect real-world usage and satisfaction. Whether you are a mechanic, a daily commuter, or an enthusiast of historical models, your input enhances the accuracy and relevance of the rankings. Cast your vote to influence the list and see how your favorite engine stacks up against others.

What Is the Most Reliable Engine of All Time?

1

96
votes
Toyota 22R Engine

Toyota Motor Corporation

This engine is known for its durability and longevity, with some reaching over 1 million miles. The 22R engine has been used in various Toyota models since 1981.
The Toyota 22R Engine is a legendary four-cylinder engine that was produced by Toyota Motor Corporation. It is widely regarded as one of the most reliable engines of all time. The 22R Engine was first introduced in 1981 and continued to be used in various Toyota models until 1995.

Engine Type: Four-cylinder

Displacement: 2.4 liters

Fuel System: Carbureted (early models) or Fuel Injected (later models)

Valvetrain: Overhead Cam (OHC)

Horsepower: 96-114 hp
2

36
votes
Honda D-Series Engine

Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

The D-Series engine is known for being reliable and fuel-efficient. It has been used in various Honda models since 1984.
The Honda D-Series Engine is a series of inline-four engines produced by Honda since 1984. It has gained a reputation for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and versatility, making it a popular choice for various Honda models, such as the Civic and CRX.

Engine Type: Inline-four engine

Production Years: 1984-present

Displacement Range: 1.2L-1.7L

Valvetrain: SOHC or DOHC

Fuel Delivery: Carbureted or Fuel-injected
3

31
votes
Volkswagen 1.9 TDI Engine

This diesel engine is known for its durability and fuel efficiency. It has been used in various Volkswagen models since 1991.
Volkswagen 1.9 TDI Engine in other rankings
- Position 4 of 10 in Most reliable engine ever built
4

14
votes
Mercedes-Benz OM617 Engine

Mercedes-Benz

The OM617 engine is known for its longevity and durability, with some reaching over 500,000 miles. It was used in various Mercedes-Benz models from 1974 to 1985.
The Mercedes-Benz OM617 Engine is a straight-five diesel engine that was produced between 1974 and 1991. It is widely regarded as one of the most reliable engines ever built, known for its durability and longevity.

Displacement: 3.0 liters (2,996 cc)

Cylinders: Inline, 5 cylinders

Max Power: 80-125 horsepower

Max Torque: 137-184 lb-ft

Fuel Type: Diesel
Mercedes-Benz OM617 Engine in other rankings
- Position 3 of 10 in Most reliable engine ever built
- Position 4 of 10 in Most reliable engine ever made
5

17
votes
Cummins 5.9L Engine

Cummins Inc.

The 5.9L engine is known for its durability and reliability, particularly in heavy-duty trucks. It has been used in various Dodge Ram models since 1989.
The Cummins 5.9L Engine is a powerful and durable diesel engine known for its exceptional reliability. It has been widely used in various applications, including pickups, vans, and medium-duty trucks.

Displacement: 5.9 liters

Cylinder Configuration: Inline 6 cylinders

Fuel Type: Diesel

Power Output: Varies depending on model and year

Torque: Varies depending on model and year
6

8
votes
Ford 300 Inline 6 Engine

Ford Motor Company

This engine is known for its reliability and simplicity, with some reaching over 300,000 miles. It was used in various Ford models from 1965 to 1996.
The Ford 300 Inline 6 Engine, also known as the Ford 4.9L engine, is a highly reliable and durable engine that was produced by Ford Motor Company. It is known for its exceptional performance and longevity in various applications. This robust engine has earned a reputation as one of the most reliable engines of all time.

Displacement: 4.9 liters

Cylinder Configuration: Inline 6

Valvetrain: Overhead Valve (OHV)

Fuel System: Carbureted or Fuel Injected

Compression Ratio: 8.4:1
7

4
votes
Subaru EJ25 Engine

Subaru Corporation

The EJ25 engine is known for its reliability and durability, particularly in Subaru's all-wheel-drive models. It has been used in various Subaru models since 1996.
The Subaru EJ25 engine is a horizontally opposed, four-cylinder engine that belongs to the EJ series of engines developed by Subaru. It is widely recognized as one of the most reliable engines of all time.

Displacement: 2.5 liters

Configuration: Horizontally opposed (Boxer) engine

Cylinder arrangement: Four cylinders in a flat configuration

Valvetrain: DOHC (Double Overhead Camshafts)

Fuel system: Sequential multi-port fuel injection
8

2
votes
Chevrolet LS Engine

General Motors (Chevrolet)

The LS engine is known for its reliability and performance, particularly in high-performance applications. It has been used in various Chevrolet models since 1997.
The Chevrolet LS Engine is a highly reliable and versatile V8 engine that has gained legendary status among car enthusiasts. It has become an iconic engine for its durability, power, and ease of modification. The LS Engine is a series of small-block V8 engines produced by General Motors under the Chevrolet brand.

Engine type: V8

Displacement: Varies: from 4.8 L to 7.0 L (293 cu in to 427 cu in)

Cylinder head material: Aluminum

Block material: Aluminum or cast iron

Valvetrain: Overhead valve (OHV)
9

17
votes
BMW M50 Engine

Bayerische Motoren Werke (BMW)

The M50 engine is known for its reliability and smoothness, particularly in BMW's 3-series models. It was used in various BMW models from 1990 to 1995.
The BMW M50 engine is a six-cylinder inline petrol engine that was designed and produced by BMW. It is known for its reliability, durability, and smooth performance.

Aspiration: Naturally aspirated

Compression ratio: 10.5:1 to 11.3:1

Engine type: Inline 6-cylinder

Displacement: 2.5 to 3.2 liters

Valvetrain: DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft)
BMW M50 Engine in other rankings
- Position 9 of 10 in Most reliable engine ever built
10

5
votes

Nissan RB26 Engine

The RB26 engine is known for its durability and performance, particularly in the Nissan Skyline GT-R. It was used in various Nissan models from 1989 to 2002.

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Ranking factors for reliable engine

Quality of materials and construction

Engines made with high-quality materials and built to an exacting standard tend to be more reliable over the long term.
Performance and endurance

Engines that are designed to perform at high levels consistently, without breaking down, tend to be more reliable to the owner.
Fuel Efficiency

Engines that are powerful but also fuel-efficient tend to have better longevity for the user.
Maintenance

Engines that are easier to maintain, with easy-to-replace parts that are easily accessible and that don't require frequent repairs, tend to be more reliable.
Reputation

Engines from reputable manufacturers that have proven reliability over a long period are more likely to be reliable.

About this ranking

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

Statistics

2402 views
224 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

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

More information on most reliable engine of all time

The engine is the heart of any vehicle, and its reliability is crucial for the smooth operation of the machine. Over the years, many automobile manufacturers have produced numerous engine models, each with varying degrees of reliability. From the iconic V8 engines of American muscle cars to the fuel-efficient engines of Japanese automobiles, the options are endless. However, the question remains: what is the most reliable engine of all time? In this article, we will explore the history of engines and highlight some of the most reliable models ever produced.