For decades, Toyota and Honda have dominated conversations about automotive reliability, setting the global benchmark for long-term dependability. Their reputations have become so ingrained that few buyers even consider looking elsewhere when reliability tops the priority list. But recent industry data suggests a surprising shift. One American automaker is now outperforming both Japanese giants in overall dependability rankings.
That brand is Buick, which has quietly climbed to the top by focusing on proven powertrains, simplified technology, and consistent build quality. While Toyota and Honda continue to innovate with complex hybrid systems and new platforms, Buick has leaned into refinement rather than reinvention. This strategy has reduced common failure points and improved real-world ownership experiences.
The result challenges long-held assumptions about which brands build the most dependable vehicles. Buick’s rise shows that reliability leadership is no longer exclusive to Japan, and that American automakers can compete at the highest level when consistency and quality take priority over novelty.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including the CarEdge, Consumer Reports, and Kelley Blue Book. This article is based on the results of J.D. Powers’ 2026 Vehicle Dependability Study.
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Buick ranks near the top in J.D. Powers’ 2026 Vehicle Dependability Study
An American automaker that bucks the trend
Credit: Buick
Generally, people have a pretty negative perception when it comes to the reliability of American vehicles. Unfortunately, this perception is more accurate than we’d like. American automakers, on average, rank lower than automakers from other parts of the world in reliability. However, according to J.D. Powers’ annual dependability study, Buick actually comes out as one of the most reliable car brands on the market.
J.D. Powers’ most reliable automakers
Brand
Problems per 100 vehicles (PP100)
Lexus
151
Buick
160
Mini
168
Cadillac
175
Chevrolet
178
Buick falls into second place, right behind Lexus. This puts it above some pretty strong mainstream brands from Japan that are considered to be some of the most reliable automakers you can buy from. Toyota ranked eighth, with 185 problems per 100 vehicles, and Honda was much further down the list with 211 problems per 100 vehicles. Buick flies under the radar in a lot of ways, but it beats the industry average of 204 problems per 100 vehicles by quite a large margin.
Buick is currently joined by two other American automakers in the top five for this year’s dependability study. While Japanese automakers have been considered to be the kings of reliability for some time now, with good reason, there is data to suggest that certain American automakers are steadily starting to catch up.
This isn’t Buick’s first year near the top
- 2025: 143 problems per 100 vehicles
- 2024: 149 problems per 100 vehicles
- 2023: 159 problems per 100 vehicles
- 2022: 147 problems per 100 vehicles
Buick being near the top of the J.D. Powers’ dependability list isn’t some fluke. Reliability isn’t something you measure over a single year. The American automaker has consistently held top spots in the annual study, never dropping below the top five. This showcases a trend that a lot of consumers miss: Buick builds cars that have very few issues.
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Buick’s small lineup scores pretty highly on an individual level
All four models achieve great scores
Credit: Buick
If you consider what Buick was like at their peak and compare it to where the brand is now, you could say they have somewhat fallen from grace. However, despite maybe being smaller than they used to be, their stable is filled with some surprisingly nice models. Of the four models you have to choose from, all have pretty high reliability scores.
Buick’s lineup by reliability score
Model
Reliability score (2025)
Encalve
72/100
Envista
81/100
Envision
84/100
Encore GX
90/100
All four of Buick’s crossovers rank near the top of their individual segments when it comes to reliability scores. The only outlier is the Enclave. While it still achieves an average score of 72 out of 100, there are a number of midsize SUVs that score higher. This is, however, balanced out by the fantastic score that the Encore GX was awarded, with 90 out of 100 putting it among the most reliable cars on the road.
Buick makes use of the full might of General Motors to achieve such high reliability scores. Their vehicles are built up of parts that have proven themselves in a number of GM vehicles over a number of years. They have been refined with durability and longevity in mind. This is showcased in the fact that some of GM’s other brands, such as Cadillac and Chevrolet, also scored highly in J.D. Powers’ dependability study.
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They may be reliable, but are they good cars to buy?
Buick may not dazzle, but they are solid
Buick is rarely talked about in the automotive scene in 2026. Where they used to be one of the most popular and prominent automotive brands in the United States, they now make up only a fraction of General Motors’ total sales. Despite this, their current lineup is actually a lot better than you might think, with a few models that should make your list of considerations for your next car.
Starting prices of Buick’s models
Model (2026)
Starting MSRP
Buick Envista
$24,700
Buick Encore GX
$26,200
Buick Envision
$41,000
Buick Enclave
$46,400
Buick has positioned itself as an entry-level premium brand, meaning that they offer slightly more luxury than mainstream options without truly competing with traditional luxury automakers. In general, their smaller SUVs are better than their larger ones.
The Envista is the brand’s smallest crossover, and, in our opinion, their best model. It is sleek and affordable, and top trims feel downright plush on the inside. It could benefit from a couple more horses, though, with it being pretty sluggish and uninspiring to drive. Much of the same can be said about the slightly larger Encore GX. These are the two models we think are most worth considering.
The Enclave is Buick’s three-row midsize SUV, and it may not be the best option in its class, but it makes a case for itself. It still may not be all that exciting to drive, but it offers a plush ride, tons of high-end technology, and loads of space in all three rows. We just wish you didn’t have to shell out for the most expensive trim to get any of the best gear.
There is only one model in Buick’s lineup we’d probably skip, and that is the Envision. The compact luxury SUV segment is pretty loaded and the Envision just doesn’t have the chops to compete. It’s driving dynamics are mundane, it feels under-powered, and it doesn’t offer enough luxury for the price it commands.
