A new study by iSeeCars.com has produced some fascinating statistics about which cars are most likely to remain on the road at mileage above two-hundred thousand. Here's a link to the list: blog.iseecars.com/
The team at iSeeCars approached this question of car longevity thusly: of all cars of this model produced, what percentage are still on the road, with over 200k on the odometer? Topping the list, the Ford Excursion. How many of those did they make? Oh right, not even 100,000, they must be good then if 5700 are still on the road.
Take for example the Toyota Tacoma, of which more than 2 million have been sold. 2.5% of Tacomas sold remain on the road with more than 200k miles, which amounts to 65,000 trucks, but a higher percentage of all Excursions produced continue to...excurse.
Are the cars we expected there?
Mostly. I already mentioned the Tacoma. The 4Runner--which is basically a four-door 'Taco with a camper shell and jump seats--comes in at #4 with 4.7% of 200k vehicles still on the road. Toyota also earns the number 2 spot with the low-production Sequoia, and an honorable mention with the #8 terrorist S-class Avalon.
The Avalon; buy it for looks, love it for the way it endures desert weather...
The General also makes a strong showing with the Suburban, Yukon XL and Tahoe all proving they've got what it takes to outlast the competition. They earned spots 3, 5 and 6 respectively, and in GMs defense there are a crap-ton of Tahoes and Yukons out there.
No-shows and also-rans
Where's Honda, you ask? The Accord and Odyssey Minivan both tied for the #10 spot with 2.3% of vehicles produced still on the road at 200k.
Let's be honest, the Civic has got to be getting shafted on statistics here. Honda sells around 300,000 Civics every year. A list with SUVs excluded sees the Civic move up to the #6 spot, and Nissan, Subaru and even the Mercedes S-class make appearances.
The venerable S
Aside from that sole S-class, Europe makes no showing at all. This might speak less to the quality of European cars, and more the the way they sell in lower volumes and owners choose to move on before 200k
The takeaway lesson here. Toyota really does have the world beat on reliability but when in doubt, small cars are the domain of Japan, and America is still king of the full-size pickup game; or at least there aren't enough Titans and Tundras built yet to overcome Ford's massive production lead on the 200k club.
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