Top 10 most reliable cars of 2010

In the current economical climate choosing a reliable car which is sure to go the distance has never been more important. Gone are the days when motorists looked for the flashiest car in the showroom which would be the envy of their friends. The modern motorist is much more practical and nowadays it’s all about performance records, automobile part prices and durability.

When looking for new cars to lease or purchase it can be hard to know what constitutes a reliable model. As a testament to their belief in their models, some manufacturers have even started to offer a lifelong guarantee for some of their designs, however whether these guarantees really do last for a “lifetime” remains to be seen.

In recognition of 2010′s change in car attitudes, Fleet News has compiled a list of the top 10 most reliable cars of 2010 for the FN50 Report. The company questioned owners of the country’s top 50 contract hire companies who are responsible for managing more than 1.5 million vehicles between them. The prestigious top 10 most reliable cars of 2010 are as follows:

1. BMW 3 Series: First manufactured in 1975 the BMW 3 Series is still regarded as one of the most reliable compact cars on the market. Since its initial launch it has been produced in 5 generations and in 5 different body types but has lost none of its charm. Currently BMW’s best selling model, the 3 Series regularly features on the “top 10 best” lists in many renowned industry magazines.

2. Honda Accord: Zooming into second place in our top 10 is the Honda Accord. Following its launch in 1976, the Honda Accord went on to become America’s best selling car for 15 straight years (1982-1997) and topped its class in sales in 1991 and 2001. Key awards won by the Honda Accord include Motor Trend’s “Import Car of the Year” in 1994 and Drive’s “Car of the Year” in 2008.

3. Audi A4: Following its launch in 1994 the Audi A4 has proven to be one of the most popular models in the whole Audi range. The compact model made history in 2009 when Hohenester Sport announced it had achieved a new land speed record for the fastest biogas-powered car in a modified Audi A4. Popular with families and businesses, the Audi A4 has received critical acclaim worldwide for its exceptional performance records and reliable technology.

4. Nissan Qashqai: The Nissan Qashqai may be much younger than its fellow top 10 place holders but that doesn’t mean it should be dismissed. First produced in 2007, the compact crossover SUV is the highest placing British built car in the top 10. One of the most popular cars in the UK, the Nissan Qashqai was the fifth highest selling car in June 2010 and is a popular family model thanks to its impressive handling and functional interiors.

5: BMW 1 Series: The BMW 1 Series has been produced in 4 different body types since its initial launch in 2004. Currently the compact family car is available to purchase or lease in a 3 door or 5 door format and in alternative body types such as convertible and coupe. The extremely successful BMW 1 Series is due for a revision in 2012 after which time a new model is expected be launched based on the platform F20.

6. Ford Fiesta: Since its launch in 1976 more than 12 million Ford Fiesta models have been snapped up by motorists worldwide. The 6th generation of the Ford Fiesta has recently been produced and is manufactured at plants all over the world including Germany, Spain and Thailand. Key awards won by the Ford Fiesta over the years include the “Scottish Car of the Year 2008″ and the “Car of the Year 2009″ from Britain’s ‘What Car?’ magazine.

7: Mercedes-Benz C-Class: First introduced in 1993 as a replacement to the 190 range, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class was originally known as the “Baby Benz” as it was the smallest model in the range at the time. Built in BMW factories in Brazil, Mexico and Germany, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is currently one of the most popular BMW models. Several concept cars have been adapted from the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, however whether the future of the model lies in hybrid technology remains to be seen.

8: Toyota Avensis: The second British built car to feature in the top 10 is the Toyota Avensis. First manufactured in 1997, the Toyota Avensis has been adapted over the years and has advanced in size, technology and power. Renowned for its reliable performance records, the 3rd generation Toyota Avensis features a Pre-Collision System, Vehicle Stability Control and adaptive cruise control.

9. Honda Civic: The Honda Civic was first released in July 1972 and its sheer popularity has made it the second longest continuously running nameplate from a Japanese manufacturer. Used both as a racing vehicle and a commercial vehicle, the Honda Civic is now 37th year of production and is one of the most popular compact models on the market. Favoured by young professionals and businessmen, the Honda Civic has a sleek, professional finish which is hard to match.

10. Volkswagen Golf: No top 10 car list is complete without an appearance from the Volkswagen Golf. First manufactured in 1974, the VW Golf remains a hugely popular vehicle choice for families and businesses alike. In fact the model is so successful it is officially the 8th most popular car ever to be sold in Britain after notching up nearly 1,500,000 sales between 1974 and March 2009.

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