The Most Reliable Engine for a Car, Ranked

Choose the engine you think is the most reliable!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 3, 2024 06:55
Imagine the stress and inconvenience of your car breaking down on a busy highway far from any assistance. Such situations underscore the importance of having a car with a dependable engine. Therefore, knowing which engines are considered most reliable can save you from unwanted headaches and contribute to smoother, more reliable transportation for everyone. This is why your input on the most reliable car engines is invaluable. By voting on this topic, you help create a valuable resource for potential car buyers and automotive enthusiasts alike. Each vote brings us closer to a comprehensive consensus, aiding all in making better-informed decisions about which car engine might serve their needs best.

What Is the Most Reliable Engine for a Car?

  1. 1
    67
    votes

    Toyota 2JZ-GTE

    Toyota Motor Corporation
    This engine is known for its reliability and durability. It has been used in various Toyota models, including the Supra, and is highly regarded by car enthusiasts.
    The Toyota 2JZ-GTE is a high-performance, inline-six, twin-turbocharged engine known for its durability, reliability, and potential for significant power gains.
    • Engine Type: Inline-six, twin-turbocharged
    • Displacement: 3.0 liters (2997 cc)
    • Max Power: 320 horsepower at 5,600 rpm
    • Max Torque: 315 lb-ft (427 Nm) at 4,000 rpm
    • Fuel System: Sequential fuel injection
    Toyota 2JZ-GTE in other rankings
  2. 2
    34
    votes

    Honda B-series

    Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    The B-series engine is a high-performance engine that is also known for its reliability. It has been used in various Honda models, including the Civic and Integra.
    The Honda B-series is a line of gasoline-powered four-cylinder engines commonly used in Honda vehicles. It gained popularity for its reliability, performance, and potential for modifications.
    • Displacement: 1.6L, 1.7L, 1.8L, 2.0L, 2.1L
    • Valvetrain: SOHC or DOHC
    • Horsepower: 110-200 hp
    • Torque: 100-150 lb-ft
    • Fuel Delivery: Carbureted or Fuel Injected
    Honda B-series in other rankings
  3. 3
    19
    votes

    Subaru EJ25

    Subaru Corporation
    This engine is known for its reliability and has been used in various Subaru models, including the Impreza and Legacy. It is also popular among car enthusiasts due to its easy modifiability.
    The Subaru EJ25 is a horizontally opposed, four-cylinder petrol engine that belongs to the EJ series manufactured by Subaru. It is known for its reliability, durability, and performance, making it a popular choice among Subaru enthusiasts.
    • Engine Layout: Horizontally opposed (Boxer) configuration
    • Displacement: 2.5 liters
    • Cylinder Configuration: Four cylinders
    • Valvetrain: DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft)
    • Fuel Delivery: Multi-point fuel injection
    Subaru EJ25 in other rankings
  4. 4
    20
    votes

    Mazda SkyActiv

    Mazda Motor Corporation
    This engine is known for its fuel efficiency and reliability. It has been used in various Mazda models, including the Mazda3 and Mazda6.
    The Mazda SkyActiv is a family of direct injection gasoline engines and automatic transmissions developed by Mazda. It is designed to optimize fuel efficiency, reduce emissions, and provide responsive driving performance.
    • Engine type: Direct injection gasoline engine
    • Fuel efficiency: Improved by around 15% compared to previous Mazda engines
    • Compression ratio: 14:1 (higher than average)
    • High-pressure fuel injection: Enables better fuel atomization and combustion efficiency
    • Advanced exhaust gas recirculation: Reduces pumping losses during low load operation
  5. 5
    21
    votes

    Ford Duratec

    Ford Motor Company
    The Duratec engine is known for its reliability and has been used in various Ford models, including the Focus and Escape. It is also popular among car enthusiasts due to its easy modifiability.
    The Ford Duratec is a series of four-cylinder and V6 engines developed by Ford Motor Company. It is known for its reliability, smooth performance, and fuel efficiency.
    • Engine Type: Inline-4 or V6
    • Displacement: 2.0L, 2.3L, 3.0L, 3.5L, 3.7L
    • Power Output: Varies depending on engine size and configuration
    • Fuel Injection System: Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection
    • Valvetrain: DOHC or SOHC
  6. 6
    10
    votes
    BMW M54
    Aconcagua (talk) · CC BY-SA 3.0

    BMW M54

    BMW
    The M54 engine is known for its reliability and has been used in various BMW models, including the 3 Series and X3. It is also popular among car enthusiasts due to its high-performance capabilities.
    The BMW M54 is a highly regarded inline-six engine produced by BMW from 2000 to 2006. It is known for its performance, reliability, and smooth operation.
    • Engine Type: Inline-six
    • Displacement: 2.5L or 3.0L
    • Power Output: 168 to 239 horsepower
    • Torque: 164 to 225 lb-ft
    • Valvetrain: DOHC, four valves per cylinder
    BMW M54 in other rankings
  7. 7
    4
    votes

    Chevrolet LS

    General Motors
    The LS engine is known for its reliability and has been used in various Chevrolet models, including the Corvette and Camaro. It is also popular among car enthusiasts due to its easy modifiability.
    The Chevrolet LS is a series of small-block V8 engines produced by General Motors. It is known for its reliability, performance, and versatility, making it a popular choice for a variety of vehicles.
    • Engine Type: V8
    • Displacement: 5.3L-7.0L
    • Horsepower Range: 300-650 hp
    • Torque Range: 335-650 lb-ft
    • Fuel Delivery: Sequential fuel injection
    Chevrolet LS in other rankings
  8. 8
    10
    votes

    Mercedes-Benz M113

    Mercedes-Benz
    The M113 engine is known for its reliability and has been used in various Mercedes-Benz models, including the E-Class and S-Class. It is also popular among car enthusiasts due to its high-performance capabilities.
    The Mercedes-Benz M113 is a V8 engine that was developed by Mercedes-Benz in the late 1990s and early 2000s. It is known for its reliability and smooth power delivery, making it a popular choice for luxury vehicles.
    • Engine type: V8
    • Displacement: 4.3-5.5 liters
    • Power output: 275-493 horsepower
    • Torque: 295-516 lb-ft
    • Valvetrain: SOHC
    Mercedes-Benz M113 in other rankings
  9. 9
    8
    votes

    Nissan RB26DETT

    Nissan Motors
    This engine is known for its reliability and has been used in various Nissan models, including the Skyline GT-R. It is also popular among car enthusiasts due to its high-performance capabilities.
    The Nissan RB26DETT is a highly regarded and powerful inline-six engine that was produced by Nissan for their high-performance cars. It has gained a strong reputation among car enthusiasts for its reliability, performance, and tunability.
    • Engine Type: Inline-six
    • Displacement: 2.6 liters
    • Turbocharged: Yes
    • Maximum Power: 280 horsepower
    • Maximum Torque: 260 lb-ft
    Nissan RB26DETT in other rankings
  10. 10
    3
    votes

    Porsche M96

    Porsche
    The M96 engine is known for its reliability and has been used in various Porsche models, including the Boxster and 911. It is also popular among car enthusiasts due to its high-performance capabilities.
    The Porsche M96 is a flat-six internal combustion engine used in various Porsche models. It is known for its reliability, performance, and smooth power delivery.
    • Engine Type: Flat-six
    • Displacement: 2.5L - 3.6L
    • Aspiration: Naturally Aspirated
    • Max Power: 201 - 415 horsepower
    • Max Torque: 180 - 300 lb-ft
    Porsche M96 in other rankings

Missing your favorite engine?

Graphs
Discussion

Ranking factors for reliable engine

  1. Engine Design
    The design of an engine can play a significant role in its reliability. Engines with simple designs and minimal moving parts tend to be more reliable than those with complex designs.
  2. Engine Materials
    The materials used to construct an engine can greatly affect its reliability. Engines built with high-quality materials such as aluminum or titanium tend to be more reliable than those built with cheaper materials.
  3. Maintenance Requirements
    The level of maintenance an engine requires can also impact its reliability. Engines that require regular maintenance tend to be more reliable than those that require infrequent maintenance.
  4. Brand Reputation
    The reputation of the brand that manufactures the engine can also be a good indication of its reliability. Brands with strong reputations for producing high-quality and reliable engines are likely to produce engines that are reliable.
  5. User Reviews
    User reviews and feedback can also be helpful in determining an engine's reliability. Reviews can provide insight into the experiences of other drivers and can help identify any common issues or problems.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most reliable engine for a car. 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

  • 3803 views
  • 193 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 for a car

When it comes to investing in a car, one of the most crucial factors that we consider is the reliability of the engine. A reliable engine ensures that your car will run smoothly and is less likely to break down or need costly repairs. But what exactly makes an engine reliable? Typically, an engine's reliability is determined by its design, build quality, and materials used. Engines that are built with precision and high-quality materials tend to perform better and last longer. Additionally, regular maintenance and care can also contribute to the longevity of the engine. Several car brands have gained a reputation for producing reliable engines, including Toyota, Honda, and Subaru. These brands are known for their attention to detail in engine design and using high-quality materials in their production. However, it's important to note that even the most reliable engines can have issues. Regular maintenance and care, such as oil changes and tune-ups, are still essential to keep the engine running smoothly and prevent any potential issues. Ultimately, when choosing a car with a reliable engine, it's essential to do your research and consider factors such as the brand's reputation, engine design and build quality, and maintenance requirements. By doing so, you can ensure that you invest in a car with an engine that will provide you with reliable performance for years to come.

Share this article