The Most Reliable Transmission, Ranked

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

Updated on Apr 18, 2024 07:51

When it comes to vehicle maintenance and longevity, choosing the right transmission is crucial. A reliable transmission can mean the difference between a vehicle that is a consistent performer and one that faces frequent mechanical issues. This importance makes it vital for potential buyers and car enthusiasts to have access to accurate information about transmission reliability. By participating in this ranking, users contribute to a clearer understanding of which transmissions stand up to the rigors of extended use. Each vote helps refine the ranking, ensuring it better reflects the experiences of a wide range of users. This dynamic, user-generated content helps new buyers make informed decisions based on the collective experiences of previous owners.

What Is the Most Reliable Transmission?

1

58
votes
Toyota Aisin AW

Aisin Seiki Co., Ltd.

The Toyota Aisin AW is a highly reliable automatic transmission used in many Toyota and Lexus models. It is known for its smooth shifting, durability, and low maintenance.
The Toyota Aisin AW is a type of automatic transmission developed by Aisin Seiki Co., Ltd., a Japanese automotive parts manufacturer.

Type: Automatic transmission

Number of Gears: Up to 10 gears

Torque Capacity: Varies depending on the specific model

Shift Type: Electronically controlled

Applications: Used in various Toyota and Lexus models
2

24
votes
Honda B-series

Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

Honda B-series transmissions are known for their reliability and durability. They are commonly used in high-performance applications and are capable of handling high horsepower and torque.
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
- Position 2 of 10 in Most reliable Honda motor
- Position 2 of 10 in Most reliable engine for a car
3

35
votes
Ritchyblack - Stefan Krause · FAL

ZF 8HP

ZF Friedrichshafen AG

The ZF 8HP is a highly advanced and reliable automatic transmission used in many high-end luxury vehicles. It is known for its smooth shifting, efficiency, and durability.
The ZF 8HP is an eight-speed automatic transmission widely regarded as one of the most reliable transmissions in the automotive industry.

Type: Eight-speed automatic

Application: Used in various vehicle makes and models

Weight: Approximately 90 kg

Torque Capacity: Up to 1,000 Nm

Gear Ratios: 1st: 4.714, 2nd: 3.143, 3rd: 2.106, 4th: 1.667, 5th: 1.285, 6th: 1.000, 7th: 0.839, 8th: 0.667
4

12
votes
Porsche PDK

Porsche

The Porsche PDK is a highly advanced and reliable dual-clutch transmission used in many Porsche models. It is known for its lightning-fast shifts, smooth operation, and durability.
The Porsche PDK (Porsche Doppelkupplung) is a dual-clutch automatic transmission system that provides precise and lightning-fast gear changes.

Transmission Type: Dual-clutch automatic

Number of Gears: 7

Gearshift Time: as low as 60 milliseconds

Efficiency: improved fuel efficiency compared to a traditional automatic transmission

Performance: enhanced acceleration and smoother gear changes
Porsche PDK in other rankings
- Position 4 of 10 in Most reliable automatic transmission
5

16
votes
David Hume Kennerly · Public domain

Ford 6R80

Ford Motor Company

The Ford 6R80 is a highly reliable automatic transmission used in many Ford and Lincoln models. It is known for its smooth shifting, durability, and low maintenance.
The Ford 6R80 is a six-speed automatic transmission designed and manufactured by Ford Motor Company. It was first introduced in 2009 and is commonly used in various Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles. The 6R80 transmission is known for its reliability, smooth shifting, and ability to handle high torque outputs.

Transmission Type: Automatic

Number of Gears: 6

Gear Ratios: 1st: 4.17, 2nd: 2.34, 3rd: 1.52, 4th: 1.14, 5th: 0.86, 6th: 0.69

Torque Capacity: Up to 500 lb-ft (680 Nm)

Weight: Approximately 240 lbs (109 kg)
6

23
votes
Mercedes-Benz 7G-Tronic

Mercedes-Benz

The Mercedes-Benz 7G-Tronic is a highly advanced and reliable automatic transmission used in many Mercedes-Benz models. It is known for its smooth shifting, efficiency, and durability.
The Mercedes-Benz 7G-Tronic is a seven-speed automatic transmission system developed by Mercedes-Benz. It is designed to deliver excellent performance and smooth shifts for enhanced driving comfort.

Number of Gears: 7

Transmission Control: Electronically controlled with adaptive shift logic

Type: Automatic

Shift Type: Sequential

Gear Ratios: Wide range of gear ratios for optimal performance
Mercedes-Benz 7G-Tronic in other rankings
- Position 6 of 10 in Most reliable automatic transmission
7

9
votes
Dana60Cummins · CC0

Allison 1000

Allison Transmission

The Allison 1000 is a highly reliable automatic transmission used in many heavy-duty trucks and diesel-powered vehicles. It is known for its durability, shifting performance, and efficiency.
The Allison 1000 is a heavy-duty automatic transmission that is highly regarded for its reliability and durability. It is commonly used in trucks and other commercial vehicles.

Type: 6-speed automatic transmission

Weight: Approximately 330 pounds

Maximum Input Torque: Up to 1,025 lb-ft

Maximum Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): Up to 33,000 pounds

Suitable Applications: Medium-duty and heavy-duty commercial vehicles
8

11
votes
Tremec T56

Tremec Corporation

The Tremec T56 is a highly reliable manual transmission used in many high-performance vehicles. It is known for its durability, shifting performance, and ability to handle high horsepower and torque.
The Tremec T56 is a high-performance manual transmission designed for sports cars and muscle cars. It is known for its reliability and exceptional shifting performance.

Type: 6-speed manual transmission

Applications: Sports cars, muscle cars

Gear Ratios: 1st: 2.97, 2nd: 2.07, 3rd: 1.43, 4th: 1.00, 5th: 0.80, 6th: 0.62

Shifter Type: Short-throw, remote

Synchronized Gears: All forward gears
9

6
votes
Subaru CVT

Subaru

The Subaru CVT is a highly reliable continuously variable transmission used in many Subaru models. It is known for its smooth operation, efficiency, and low maintenance.
The Subaru CVT, also known as the Continuously Variable Transmission, is an automatic transmission system developed by Subaru since the 1990s. It is designed to provide smooth and efficient power delivery by seamlessly shifting through an infinite number of gear ratios without the need for traditional gears.

Type: Continuously Variable Transmission

Application: Automotive

Launch Year: 1990

Gear Ratios: Infinite

Efficiency: High
10

8
votes
Nissan RE5R05A

Nissan Motor Company

The Nissan RE5R05A is a highly reliable automatic transmission used in many Nissan and Infiniti models. It is known for its durability, smooth shifting, and low maintenance.
The Nissan RE5R05A is a 5-speed automatic transmission designed for rear-wheel drive vehicles. It was developed by Nissan Motor Company and widely used in various Nissan and Infiniti models.

Gear Ratios: 1st: 3.827, 2nd: 2.368, 3rd: 1.52, 4th: 1.000, 5th: 0.838, Reverse: 2.682

Maximum Torque Capacity: Up to 600 Nm (440 lb-ft)

Weight: Approximately 110 kg (242 lbs)

Fluid Capacity: Approximately 9.5 liters (10 quarts)

Shift Speeds: Quick and precise shifts for efficient acceleration and smooth gear changes

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Discussion

Ranking factors for reliable transmission

Build quality

High-quality materials and construction techniques reduce the likelihood of parts breaking down or failing.
Performance

A transmission that offers smooth shifting and accelerates quickly is less likely to experience wear and tear.
Design

The design of the transmission can impact performance and reliability. A well-designed transmission with optimized gear ratios and other features can result in more durability.
Maintenance and repair costs

A transmission that requires frequent repairs or has expensive replacement parts can be less reliable in the long run.
Customer feedback

Customer reviews and feedback can provide valuable insights into the reliability and performance of a given transmission.

About this ranking

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

Statistics

2780 views
199 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

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

More information on most reliable transmission

When it comes to choosing a reliable transmission, there are several factors to consider. A transmission is responsible for transferring power from the engine to the wheels, so it's critical to have a reliable one. Over the years, transmissions have undergone significant changes, and today there are several types of transmissions available, including manual, automatic, CVT, and dual-clutch transmissions. Manual transmissions are known for their durability, simplicity, and fuel efficiency, while automatic transmissions offer convenience and ease of use. CVT transmissions are becoming increasingly popular due to their smooth operation and fuel efficiency, while dual-clutch transmissions are known for their quick and precise shifting. When choosing a reliable transmission, it's essential to consider your driving needs and preferences. Each type of transmission has its advantages and disadvantages, and what works best for one person may not be the best fit for another. It's also essential to consider the manufacturer's reputation and the transmission's maintenance requirements. Regular maintenance, such as fluid changes and inspections, can help ensure the transmission's longevity and reliability.