5 Car Brands That Cost The Least Over Time

Buying a new car can be a decision with surprisingly long-term financial implications. For starters, you might be surprised to learn just how quickly a new car can depreciate after buying it, with new cars losing about 20% of their value in the first year of ownership. Within five years, the average depreciation rate for cars is around 60% depending on brand, model, and vehicle condition. With depreciation in mind, it can be particularly important to pay attention to just how much a car will cost you long term — especially if you do eventually want to resell.

Keeping a car running can often cost more than what you initially paid for it, as expenses add up over time. Cars that need pricey and regular repairs can quickly become a financial drain in addition to losing their resale value. When buying a car, it's wise to look past the sticker price and think about the total cost of owning the specific brand or model you're looking at. This strategy can help to ensure you're investing in a vehicle that won't bleed your wallet dry over the years. Prioritizing reliable car brands known for lower maintenance and repair costs can be an important way to ultimately lower your total cost of ownership. Let's dive into five car brands celebrated for their reliability, slower depreciation, and reasonably priced parts.

Ford, one of the oldest car manufacturers, is known for dependable vehicles. The Ford F-150, for example, is a durable truck with a reputation for requiring few repairs and is one of the top-selling trucks globally. In 2025, Ford has a diverse lineup of vehicles catering to different budgets. For those prioritizing affordability, models like the Ford Maverick start at around $27,990, while the Ford Escape starts at around $29,490. 

Ford vehicles present a mixed picture regarding long-term maintenance costs. On one hand, its models are noted for their durability, which could imply fewer major repairs. On the other hand, when repairs are needed, they can be expensive. According to RepairPal the average annual maintenance cost for a Ford is about $775, which is higher than the industry average of $652. However, the specific maintenance costs you might pay can depend on your model. For instance, the Fusion, Escape, and Ranger all have average annual maintenance costs of between $581 and $615 a year. If you go big with the Expedition, expect to pay $861 annually.

Consumer Reports research looking at how much car owners spent on regular car maintenance like oil changes, new tires, and other repairs found that Ford ranked No. 5 among all automotive brands for its combined one to five year average maintenance and repair costs. Ford's one to five year maintenance costs totaled $1,100, with a 10-year cost totaling $5,400. These figures suggest that while Ford may not be the cheapest to maintain over a decade, it's long-term costs are competitive.

Chevy has a robust lineup of cars and trucks, such as the enduring Silverado and the sporty Camaro. The 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 kicks off with a base price of $37,000, and climbs higher for more equipped versions like the Custom and LT, peaking at $51,500 for the RST trim. These models are known for their long-lasting engines and low maintenance costs. For example, Chevrolet Silverado engines can easily surpass 200,000 miles, which is about 10 to 20 years if properly maintained. 

Chevrolet cars can be a go-to for keeping your maintenance and repair bills reasonable over time — provided you select specific models. For day-to-day upkeep, smaller vehicles like the Chevy Malibu won't hit your wallet as hard, usually costing between $300 and $600 a year,  according to CarEdge. Meanwhile, according to Consumer Reports, the average maintenance costs for year one through five for Chevrolet owners is $1,200, with a 10 year total of $6,050. While slightly more expensive than Ford's maintenance costs, Chevy still balances nicely between affordable and what you'd typically expect to shell out over the years. Also, to give you a better idea of how Chevy costs compare — the most economical car brand, Tesla, has a 10 year maintenance cost of around $5,050. 

Lexus is Toyota's take on luxury, and while both brands recently lost the top spot for reliability, they are still well respected in the industry. The popular mid-size Lexus ES sedan starts at about $43,190 while more expensive options like the Lexus LX SUV, starts at around $106,850, or the sleek Lexus LC coupe starting around $100,425. While Lexus models come with a heftier price tags, folks often opt for the brand because they have lower maintenance and repair costs, which can help to even out the shock of their price tags. Models like the Lexus RX and the Lexus ES aren't just built to last — they're also fuel-efficient, and can save you even more on repairs as the miles add up.

In the first decade, you're looking at an average cost of about $6,875 to keep a Lexus running smoothly, according to CarEdge. Similarly, CarEdge ranked Lexus as second only to Tesla in terms of the least expensive car brands to maintain. iSeeCars analyzed over 12 million cars based on value retention, reliability, and safety and found that Lexus models rank quite high when compared to its competition. The brand is also a leader in safety, with multiple models considered top safety picks. The 2025 Lexus ES is even one of the five luxury cars worth your money according to Kelley Blue Book.

Hondas are known for their affordability and solid resale values. The 2025 Honda Civic is priced between $25,345 for the basic LX model and $46,383 for the sporty Type R. The Honda CR-V ranges from about $30,100 for the standard version to $41,100 for the top-end trims. The Civic and Accord shine in efficiency and trustworthiness. Hondas are built to last, with numerous models making it past 200,000 miles with ease. Plus, many models are eco-friendly by cutting down on CO2 emissions. 

Honda vehicles can be a solid pick if you're watching your wallet, especially on maintenance and repairs. According to CarEdge, you can expect to spend about $6,684 on keeping your Honda in good shape over the first 10 years of owning it. Plus, the odds are in your favor with a Honda — there's only about an 18.82% chance you'll face a major repair within that decade. That's a better bet than other car manufacturers offer. Looking at specific models, maintaining a Honda Civic will set you back about $5,620 over a decade, with the Accord coming in just a tad higher at $5,643. Also, according to a 2021 analysis from We Predict, Honda has the lowest service and warranty costs in the first three months of ownership. This low initial cost signals what Honda owners can generally expect down the road.

Toyota models, such as the Camry and Corolla, have a reputation for more affordable repairs, making them a sensible choice for those looking for durable and economical cars. The 2025 Toyota Camry starts at approximately $28,716 for the LE trim and goes up to about $34,674 for the XSE trim, offering a blend of affordability and luxury features. The Toyota 4Runner for 2025 starts at a base price of $42,220 and can go as high as nearly $70,000 for the upper trim levels like the Trailhunter and TRD Pro, which are geared towards more rugged use. 

Toyotas can easily win over budget-conscious buyers. For instance, the Toyota Prius is estimated to cost just $4,157 in maintenance costs over 10 years, according to CarEdge. But it's not alone; the Toyota Yaris, Prius Prime, Corolla, Camry, and Avalon all rank as some of the least expensive cars to maintain. Costs for these models stretch from around $4,027 for the Yaris to about $4,407 for the Avalon over a decade. While many cars lose value quickly, Toyotas are an exception. They hold onto their value remarkably well, making them a smart pick if you're thinking about resale down the line.