The Most Reliable Six-cylinder Engine, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the six-cylinder engine you think is the most reliable!
Updated on Apr 19, 2024 07:50
Imagine you're deep into planning your next road trip or maybe pondering which pickup will haul your gear across states. The heart of your vehicle, a robust six-cylinder engine, can make or break your journey. Reliability in such engines isn't just a feature; it's a necessity that assures peace of mind amidst the roar of the highway or the silence of the trail.
This compilation of reliable six-cylinder engines is shaped by enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike, elevating personal experiences over mere specifications. By casting your vote, you're helping to refine a tool that guides potential purchases and fosters a community of informed drivers. Your input ensures that every entry reflects real-world efficacy and dependability.
What Is the Most Reliable Six-cylinder Engine?
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184votes
Jojodancer at English Wikipedia · Public domainToyota 2JZ-GTE
Toyota Motor CorporationThis engine is known for its reliability and durability. It was used in the Toyota Supra and other high-performance vehicles. The 2JZ-GTE is capable of producing over 800 horsepower with the right modifications.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- Position 1 of 10 in Most reliable engine for a car
- Position 1 of 10 in Most reliable engine Toyota has ever made
- Position 1 of 10 in Most reliable modern engine
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224votes
Hatsukari715 · Public domainBMW S54
BMWThis engine was used in the BMW M3 and is known for its high-revving power and reliability. It produces 333 horsepower and has a redline of 8,000 RPM.The BMW S54 is a high-performance six-cylinder engine known for its reliable and robust design. It is an inline-six engine that has garnered significant praise for its power output and durability.- Displacement: 3.2 L
- Configuration: Inline-six
- Valvetrain: DOHC, 24 valves
- Power Output: 343 hp
- Torque: 269 lb-ft
BMW S54 in other rankings- Position 3 of 10 in Most reliable BMW engine
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326votes
Nissan RB26DETT
Nissan MotorsThis engine was used in the Nissan Skyline GT-R and is known for its power and reliability. It produces 276 horsepower and has been used in high-performance applications for over 30 years.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- Position 2 of 10 in Most reliable Nissan engine
- Position 9 of 10 in Most reliable engine for a car
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420votes
Mercedes-Benz M104
Mercedes-BenzThis engine was used in the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and is known for its durability and longevity. It produces up to 276 horsepower and has been used in various Mercedes-Benz vehicles for over 20 years.The Mercedes-Benz M104 is a straight-6 petrol engine produced by Mercedes-Benz from 1989 to 1999. It was part of the Mercedes-Benz M104 engine series and aimed to be a reliable and efficient powertrain option.- Configuration: Straight-6
- Displacement: 2.8L, 3.0L, 3.2L
- Power Output: 190-326 horsepower
- Torque: 269-355 Nm
- Fuel System: Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Mercedes-Benz M104 in other rankings- Position 3 of 10 in Most reliable Mercedes-Benz engine
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517votes
Rudolf Stricker · Public domainAudi 2.7T
AudiThis engine was used in the Audi S4 and is known for its power and reliability. It produces up to 375 horsepower and has been used in various high-performance Audi vehicles.The Audi 2.7T is a six-cylinder engine known for its reliability and performance. It was developed by Audi, a German automobile manufacturer, and was featured in several Audi models such as the A6 and S4. The engine was in production from 1997 to 2004.- Engine Type: V6
- Displacement: 2.7L
- Power Output: 250 horsepower
- Torque: 258 lb-ft
- Turbocharging: Yes
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610votes
Porsche M96
PorscheThis engine was used in the Porsche 996 and is known for its performance and reliability. It produces up to 415 horsepower and has been used in various Porsche vehicles.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- Position 10 of 10 in Most reliable engine for a car
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75votes
Subaru EJ257
Subaru CorporationThis engine was used in the Subaru Impreza WRX STI and is known for its power and reliability. It produces up to 310 horsepower and has been used in various Subaru vehicles.The Subaru EJ257 is a six-cylinder engine known for its reliability and performance. It belongs to the EJ series of engines produced by Subaru.- Displacement: 2.5 liters
- Configuration: Flat-six
- Valvetrain: DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
- Power output: Approximately 300 horsepower
- Torque: Approximately 300 lb-ft
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83votes
Ford Barra
Ford AustraliaThis engine was used in the Ford Falcon and is known for its power and reliability. It produces up to 535 horsepower and has been used in various high-performance Australian Ford vehicles.The Ford Barra is a six-cylinder engine renowned for its reliability and performance. It is a family of inline-six engines developed by Ford Australia. The Barra engines have gained a strong reputation among automotive enthusiasts for their robustness and durability.- Engine type: Inline-six
- Displacement: 4.0L or 4.8L
- Power output: Between 215 hp and 530 hp
- Torque: Between 221 lb-ft and 470 lb-ft
- Fuel system: Sequential multi-port electronic fuel injection
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94votes
Volvo B6304
VolvoThis engine was used in the Volvo 960 and is known for its durability and longevity. It produces up to 204 horsepower and has been used in various Volvo vehicles.The Volvo B6304 is a six-cylinder engine developed by Volvo. It is known for its reliability and has been widely used in various Volvo models.- Displacement: 2,922 cc
- Cylinder arrangement: Inline
- Valvetrain: Double overhead camshafts
- Fuel system: Multi-point fuel injection
- Power output: 181-210 hp
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107votes
Enemytoast at English Wikipedia · Public domainMitsubishi 6G72
Mitsubishi Motors CorporationThis engine was used in the Mitsubishi 3000GT and is known for its power and reliability. It produces up to 300 horsepower and has been used in various Mitsubishi vehicles.The Mitsubishi 6G72 is a six-cylinder engine known for its reliability and performance. It was introduced by Mitsubishi Motors Corporation and has been widely used in various vehicles.- Displacement: 3.0 liters
- Configuration: V6
- Valvetrain: SOHC or DOHC
- Cylinder block material: Cast iron
- Cylinder head material: Aluminum
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Ranking factors for reliable six-cylinder engine
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Build QualityThe engine's build quality plays a crucial role in its reliability. Engines that are well-built using high-quality materials are less likely to develop problems.
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MaintenanceRegular maintenance of the engine is vital to its reliability. Engines that are regularly serviced and have their oil changed, spark plugs replaced, and other key maintenance tasks performed are less likely to develop issues.
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Fuel EfficiencyA more fuel-efficient engine generally lasts longer than one that's less fuel-efficient. Engines that are designed for better fuel economy often have better internal components and better engineering.
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PerformanceAn engine that's designed for high performance and power usually has a shorter lifespan than one designed for efficiency and reliability.
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Brand ReputationSome brands have a reputation for reliability based on their track record of producing robust and durable engines.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most reliable six-cylinder engine. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or six-cylinder engine is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 2038 views
- 196 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each six-cylinder engine once every 24 hours. The rank of each six-cylinder engine is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most reliable six-cylinder engine
Six-cylinder engines have long been a popular choice for drivers seeking a balance between performance and fuel efficiency. These engines are known for their smooth power delivery and ability to produce ample horsepower without sacrificing fuel economy. But with so many six-cylinder engines on the market, which one is the most reliable?
The answer is not a simple one, as there are many factors that can influence engine reliability, such as maintenance, driving habits, and manufacturing quality. However, there are a few standout six-cylinder engines that have earned a reputation for their reliability and durability.
One of the most reliable six-cylinder engines is the Toyota 2JZ-GTE, which was used in the legendary Toyota Supra. This engine is known for its robust construction and ability to handle high levels of boost, making it a favorite among tuners and enthusiasts.
Another highly regarded six-cylinder engine is the BMW M54, which was used in a variety of BMW models, including the 3 Series, 5 Series, and X5. This engine is known for its smooth power delivery and excellent overall reliability, making it a popular choice among BMW owners.
Other notable six-cylinder engines include the Honda J30A, which was used in the Honda Accord and Acura TL, and the Nissan VQ35DE, which was used in the Nissan 350Z and Infiniti G35. Both of these engines are known for their reliability and longevity, making them a solid choice for anyone in the market for a six-cylinder engine.
Ultimately, the most reliable six-c
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