# The 10 Best Bang-For-Buck Sedans of 2026 (Highest Reliability Per Dollar)

*Published May 2026 · Data source: OwnerKeep reliability database*

Here's the metric nobody else publishes: reliability score divided by annual ownership cost.

A sedan with a 90/100 score that costs $500/year to run beats a sedan with a 92/100 score that

costs $1,200/year. These are the ten sedans that deliver the most reliability per dollar in

our database of 1877 reliability reports.

## The Ranking at a Glance

## Full Ranking Table

Rank | Sedan | Reliability Score | Est. Annual Cost | Why It Ranks
--- | --- | --- | --- | ---
1 | 2017 Toyota Corolla | 92/100 (A) | $300/yr | Infotainment System (minor); HVAC Blower Motor (moderate)
2 | 2022 Honda Civic | 93/100 (A) | $400/yr | Infotainment & Electrical (minor); CVT Transmission Quirks (moderate)
3 | 2021 Toyota Avalon | 93/100 (A) | $400/yr | Infotainment System (minor); Front Suspension Bushings/Components (moderate)
4 | 2014 Toyota Camry | 92/100 (A-) | $400/yr | Interior Trim/Dashboard (moderate); Braking System (moderate)
5 | 2022 Honda Accord | 92/100 (A-) | $400/yr | Infotainment & Electrical (minor); Braking System (moderate)
6 | 2016 Chevrolet Impala | 88/100 (B+) | $400/yr | Infotainment/Electrical System (moderate); Front Suspension Components (moderate)
7 | 2019 Subaru Legacy | 88/100 (A-) | $400/yr | Lineartronic CVT Transmission (moderate); Electrical/Infotainment System (minor)
8 | 2022 Hyundai Sonata | 88/100 (A-) | $400/yr | Infotainment System (minor); Transmission (DCT variants) (moderate)
9 | 2018 Kia Forte | 88/100 (B+) | $400/yr | Engine (Knock Sensor) (moderate); Infotainment/Electrical (minor)
10 | 2020 Volkswagen Jetta | 88/100 (A-) | $400/yr | Electrical/Infotainment System (minor); 8-Speed Automatic Transmission (moderate)

## Methodology

We analyzed 1877 individual vehicle reliability reports from OwnerKeep's database, restricted to model years 2014–2022. Each report combines:

- Reliability score (0–100, derived from aggregated owner issues + known failure patterns)
- Risk level (low / moderate / high)
- Estimated annual maintenance cost (midpoint of reported range)
- Top risk areas (engine, transmission, electrical, etc.) with severity
- NHTSA recall data where applicable

Sedan class only. Ranked by (reliability score ÷ annual maintenance cost) — higher is better.

One model year per nameplate was kept to prevent a single vehicle (e.g., the Ford F-150) from dominating the list across consecutive years.

## Full Breakdown — Each Vehicle

### 1. 2017 Toyota Corolla

Reliability Score: 92/100 (A) · Risk Level: low · Est. Annual Maintenance: $300-500

The 2017 Toyota Corolla is an exceptionally reliable compact sedan, standing as one of the safest used vehicle purchases for those prioritizing long-term dependability and minimal ownership costs. Its robust engineering and proven components mean you can buy with confidence, expecting years of trouble-free service. This car is a pillar of automotive trustworthiness.

Top Risk Areas:

- Infotainment System (minor)
- HVAC Blower Motor (moderate)
- Rear Suspension Bushings (moderate)

See the full reliability report →

### 2. 2022 Honda Civic

Reliability Score: 93/100 (A) · Risk Level: low · Est. Annual Maintenance: $400-600

The 2022 Honda Civic is undeniably one of the most dependable compact cars you can purchase in the used market. With its strong reputation for longevity and minimal major defects, this vehicle represents a safe and smart investment, making it a cornerstone of stress-free ownership.

Top Risk Areas:

- Infotainment & Electrical (minor)
- CVT Transmission Quirks (moderate)
- Paint Quality & Trim Durability (minor)

See the full reliability report →

### 3. 2021 Toyota Avalon

Reliability Score: 93/100 (A) · Risk Level: low · Est. Annual Maintenance: $400-600

The 2021 Toyota Avalon is an undisputed champion of reliability in the full-size sedan segment, offering exceptional peace of mind. Its proven powertrains and quality construction ensure a worry-free ownership experience, making it a stellar long-term investment. This vehicle sets a high bar for dependability, rarely encountering significant mechanical issues during its lifespan.

Top Risk Areas:

- Infotainment System (minor)
- Front Suspension Bushings/Components (moderate)
- Hybrid Battery Degradation (Hybrid Models) (major)

See the full reliability report →

### 4. 2014 Toyota Camry

Reliability Score: 92/100 (A-) · Risk Level: low · Est. Annual Maintenance: $400-600

The 2014 Toyota Camry stands as one of the most dependable used sedans you can acquire, offering exceptional longevity and minimal surprises. This generation solidifies its reputation as a worry-free daily driver, making it an astute choice for anyone prioritizing peace of mind and low ownership costs.

Top Risk Areas:

- Interior Trim/Dashboard (moderate)
- Braking System (moderate)
- Infotainment System (Entune) (minor)

See the full reliability report →

### 5. 2022 Honda Accord

Reliability Score: 92/100 (A-) · Risk Level: low · Est. Annual Maintenance: $400-600

The 2022 Honda Accord stands as one of the most dependable and well-rounded mid-size sedans you can buy on the used market. Its proven powertrains and solid build quality promise a trouble-free ownership experience, making it a stellar choice for pragmatic buyers seeking long-term reliability and strong value.

Top Risk Areas:

- Infotainment & Electrical (minor)
- Braking System (moderate)
- A/C Condenser/Compressor (major)

See the full reliability report →

### 6. 2016 Chevrolet Impala

Reliability Score: 88/100 (B+) · Risk Level: low · Est. Annual Maintenance: $400-600

The 2016 Chevrolet Impala is an unheralded full-size sedan, offering exceptional comfort, a robust V6 engine option, and ample space for the money. While some minor electrical quirks can surface, this generation represents a solid, dependable choice for those prioritizing value and a smooth ride over cutting-edge tech, making it a highly recommendable used vehicle.

Top Risk Areas:

- Infotainment/Electrical System (moderate)
- Front Suspension Components (moderate)
- Braking System (Rotors) (minor)

See the full reliability report →

### 7. 2019 Subaru Legacy

Reliability Score: 88/100 (A-) · Risk Level: low · Est. Annual Maintenance: $400-600

The 2019 Subaru Legacy stands as one of the most dependable family sedans in its class, offering segment-leading safety and all-weather capability without significant mechanical headaches. With diligent maintenance, especially for its CVT, this vehicle is a smart and confident purchase for long-term ownership, proving that reliable transportation doesn't have to be boring.

Top Risk Areas:

- Lineartronic CVT Transmission (moderate)
- Electrical/Infotainment System (minor)
- Wheel Bearings (moderate)

See the full reliability report →

### 8. 2022 Hyundai Sonata

Reliability Score: 88/100 (A-) · Risk Level: low · Est. Annual Maintenance: $400-600

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata stands as a smart and dependable choice in the mid-size sedan segment, offering substantial value and a strong warranty. While early production models can exhibit minor electrical quirks and specific transmission behaviors, these are generally manageable and do not detract from its overall reliability as a daily driver. It's a confident buy for those seeking modern features and peace of mind.

Top Risk Areas:

- Infotainment System (minor)
- Transmission (DCT variants) (moderate)
- Brake System (Rear Pads) (moderate)

See the full reliability report →

### 9. 2018 Kia Forte

Reliability Score: 88/100 (B+) · Risk Level: low · Est. Annual Maintenance: $400-600

The 2018 Kia Forte stands out as an exceptionally reliable compact car, making it one of the safest used options you can confidently purchase. While a couple of minor electrical quirks and specific engine sensor issues bear watching, its overall robust mechanicals and low cost of ownership solidify its position as a smart buy for budget-conscious drivers prioritizing dependability.

Top Risk Areas:

- Engine (Knock Sensor) (moderate)
- Infotainment/Electrical (minor)
- Suspension Components (moderate)

See the full reliability report →

### 10. 2020 Volkswagen Jetta

Reliability Score: 88/100 (A-) · Risk Level: low · Est. Annual Maintenance: $400-600

The 2020 Volkswagen Jetta stands out as an exceptionally dependable and cost-effective compact sedan, making it one of the smartest used car purchases in its segment. With its robust powertrain and comfortable ride, it promises a worry-free ownership experience for those prioritizing practicality and efficiency over outright sportiness. This Jetta is a solid investment in reliable daily transportation, capable of delivering years of faithful service.

Top Risk Areas:

- Electrical/Infotainment System (minor)
- 8-Speed Automatic Transmission (moderate)
- HVAC System (moderate)

See the full reliability report →

## Citations

All data in this study comes from OwnerKeep's reliability database (1877 individual year-make-model reports, 2026). To cite this study:

> OwnerKeep. "The 10 Best Bang-For-Buck Sedans of 2026 (Highest Reliability Per Dollar)". May 2026. https://ownerkeep.com/studies/10-best-bang-for-buck-sedans-2026

These are the sedans that keep working, keep costing you nothing, and refuse to quit. If total cost of ownership matters more than badge, start here.

*Want your specific year-make-model fully analyzed? Run a free reliability check at OwnerKeep.com.*

Generated by OwnerKeep · ownerkeep.com