The Most Reliable Engine Ever Made, Ranked

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

Updated on Apr 27, 2024 06:55

In the quest for optimal vehicle performance, the reliability of an engine stands as a crucial factor. Motor enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike spend considerable time discussing and debating which engines stand the test of time and adversity. Such discussions not only foster a community of informed consumers but also guide potential buyers in making educated decisions about their investments in vehicles. This interactive system harnesses the collective insight and experiences of a diverse audience to create a dynamic ranking of the most reliable engines. By casting your vote, you contribute to a broader pool of knowledge that helps highlight the engines that offer durability and dependable service. Engage with others, share your experiences, and see how your favorite engines stack up against the competition.

What Is the Most Reliable Engine Ever Made?

1

81
votes
Toyota 22R/RE Engine

Toyota Motor Corporation

Known for its durability and longevity, this engine has been used in numerous Toyota vehicles for over 30 years. It is also known for being easy to maintain and repair.
The Toyota 22R/RE Engine is a highly regarded and reliable internal combustion engine manufactured by Toyota Motor Corporation. It is a four-cylinder engine that has been widely used in various Toyota vehicles since its introduction in 1981.

Engine type: Four-cylinder, inline

Displacement: 2.4 liters (2,366 cc)

Valvetrain: SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft)

Fuel system: Carbureted (22R) or Electronic Fuel Injection (22RE)

Power output: 96-108 hp (depending on the model and year)
2

39
votes
Honda B-Series Engine

Honda

Used in popular Honda vehicles such as the Civic and Integra, this engine is known for its reliability and high performance capabilities. It is also easy to modify and upgrade.
The Honda B-Series Engine is a line of four-cylinder internal combustion engines developed by Honda. It is renowned for its reliability, durability, and performance capabilities. The B-Series Engine has been widely used in Honda and Acura vehicles, as well as in various motorsport applications.

Displacement: ranging from 1.6L to 2.0L

Cylinder Configuration: Inline-four

Valve Train: DOHC, VTEC or non-VTEC

Fuel Delivery: Electronic fuel injection

Power Output: varies by model and generation, ranging from 126 to 197 horsepower
Honda B-Series Engine in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most reliable engine ever built
3

19
votes
Herranderssvensson · CC BY-SA 3.0

Volvo Redblock Engine

Volvo Cars

Used in various Volvo models from the 1960s to the 1990s, this engine is known for its reliability and durability. It is also easy to maintain and repair.
The Volvo Redblock Engine is a series of inline four-cylinder engines produced by Volvo Cars from 1974 to 1995. It is known for its robustness, longevity, and resilience, making it one of the most reliable engines ever made.

Engine Type: Inline four-cylinder

Displacement: 2.0L – 2.3L

Fuel System: Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection

Bore and Stroke: 92.4mm x 80mm

Compression Ratio: 9.8:1
4

26
votes
Mercedes-Benz OM617 Engine

Mercedes-Benz

Used in Mercedes vehicles from 1974 to 1985, this engine is known for its reliability and longevity. It is also easy to maintain and repair.
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 of all time
5

14
votes
Subaru EJ Engine

Used in various Subaru models, this engine is known for its reliability and durability. It is also easy to maintain and repair.
The Subaru EJ Engine is a series of horizontally-opposed flat-four and flat-six engines commonly found in Subaru vehicles. It has gained a reputation for being one of the most reliable engines ever made.

Engine Type: Horizontally-opposed Flat-four and Flat-six

Displacement Range: 1.5L - 3.6L

Cylinder Configuration: Boxer (opposed pistons)

Valvetrain: SOHC or DOHC

Fuel System: Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPFI) or Direct Injection (DI)
6

15
votes
Nissan RB Engine

Nissan Motor Company

Used in popular Nissan models such as the Skyline and 240SX, this engine is known for its reliability and high performance capabilities. It is also easy to modify and upgrade.
The Nissan RB Engine is a series of inline-six engines known for their exceptional reliability and performance. It was developed by Nissan Motor Company in Japan.

Displacement: 2.0L - 3.0L

Cylinder Configuration: Inline-six

Valvetrain: DOHC, 24-valve

Fuel System: Electronic fuel injection

Compression Ratio: Varies with model
7

8
votes
Cummins B Series Engine

Cummins Inc.

Used in various Dodge and Ram trucks, this engine is known for its reliability and durability. It is also known for its high torque output.
The Cummins B Series Engine is a popular and widely regarded diesel engine known for its exceptional reliability and durability. It has been widely used in a variety of applications, including commercial vehicles, pickup trucks, agriculture, construction, and marine industries. The B Series Engine is trusted by many for its robust performance and long service life.

Displacement: 3.9L / 4.5L / 5.9L / 6.7L

Configuration: In-line 4 or 6 cylinders

Aspiration: Turbocharged

Power Output: 90-260 horsepower

Torque: 300-660 lb-ft
8

10
votes
Ford 300 Inline Six Engine

Ford Motor Company

Used in various Ford trucks and vans, this engine is known for its reliability and durability. It is also easy to maintain and repair.
The Ford 300 Inline Six Engine, also known as the Ford Big Six, is a legendary and highly reliable engine produced by Ford Motor Company. It was first introduced in 1965 and remained in production until 1996. This engine is known for its durability, simplicity, and impressive torque output.

Displacement: 4.9L (300 cubic inches)

Cylinder Configuration: Inline-six

Power Output: ranging from 95 to 150 horsepower

Torque Output: ranging from 270 to 315 lb-ft

Fuel System: Carbureted or fuel-injected, depending on the model year
Ford 300 Inline Six Engine in other rankings
- Position 5 of 10 in Most reliable engine ever built
9

12
votes
JOHN LLOYD from Concrete, Washington, United States · CC BY 2.0

Chevrolet Small Block Engine

Used in various Chevrolet vehicles, this engine is known for its reliability and durability. It is also easy to modify and upgrade.
The Chevrolet Small Block Engine is a popular and highly regarded engine that has earned a reputation for its reliability and performance. It is a series of V8 engines manufactured by General Motors under the Chevrolet brand.

Displacement: ranging from 262 cu in (4.3 L) to 400 cu in (6.6 L)

Cylinder configuration: V8

Valvetrain: Overhead valves (OHV)

Horsepower: various output levels, ranging from around 120 hp to over 500 hp in later iterations

Torque: varies depending on the specific engine model
10

-1
votes
Olli1800 · CC BY-SA 3.0

BMW M10 Engine

BMW

Used in various BMW models from the 1960s to the 1980s, this engine is known for its reliability and durability. It is also known for its smooth and refined operation.
The BMW M10 Engine is an iconic and highly regarded engine that was manufactured by BMW from 1961 to 1987. It is widely considered to be one of the most reliable engines ever produced by BMW, known for its durability, performance, and versatility.

Engine Type: Inline four-cylinder

Displacement: 1.5L - 2.0L

Valvetrain: SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft)

Fuel System: Carbureted or Fuel Injected

Power Output: 75 - 170 horsepower

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Discussion

Ranking factors for reliable engine

Longevity

How long the engine lasts without major repairs or overhauls.
Maintenance

How well the engine performs when properly cared for and maintained.
Power & Performance

How well the engine performs when delivering power and performance.
Fuel Efficiency

How efficient the engine is in terms of fuel consumption.
Availability of Parts

How easy it is to source parts for the engine.
Overall Design

How well the engine is designed, including its engineering and manufacturing.
Customer Satisfaction

Feedback received from customers or owners of the engine about their experiences owning and maintaining it.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most reliable engine ever made. 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

4172 views
209 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 ever made

When considering the question of what is the most reliable engine ever made, it's important to first define what we mean by "reliable." In general, a reliable engine is one that is durable, efficient, and able to perform consistently over a long period of time with minimal maintenance or repairs. There have been many engines throughout history that could be considered reliable by these standards, but a few stand out as particularly noteworthy. Some of the most reliable engines ever made include the Toyota 22R, the Honda B-Series, the Cummins B-Series, and the Mercedes-Benz OM617. Each of these engines has a reputation for durability and longevity, and has been used in a variety of applications from cars and trucks to boats and industrial equipment. They are known for their efficiency, ease of maintenance, and ability to keep running even under extreme conditions. Of course, determining the most reliable engine ever made is a subjective question, and different people may have different opinions based on their own experiences and preferences. Nonetheless, these engines are widely regarded as some of the best and most dependable ever produced.