Toyota Motor Corporation, Japan’s renowned automaker, has long been associated with reliability and durability. Over the years, Toyota and its luxury brand Lexus have earned a reputation for crafting vehicles and engines that are exceptionally reliable. Many attest that these cars are nearly bulletproof and can withstand rigorous usage. An iconic example is the Toyota Hilux, as demonstrated on the Top Gear episode where it proved indestructible. This inherent robustness is often credited for Toyota’s cars lasting well past the one million mile mark. However, other automakers have also produced cars that are equally resilient or even better. Below are five finest examples of one million mile cars:
Honda Accord
While Toyota usually takes the spotlight for durability, Honda proves its mettle with the Honda Accord, which stands as one of the most durable cars from Japan. A recent documented case in March 2023 saw Justin Kilmer’s 2003 Honda Accord EX surpassing one million miles with its original V-6 engine still going strong. The car primarily covered over 800,000 miles since 2015 when Justin started using it for delivering medical supplies. Powered by a 3.0-liter V-6 engine and a six-speed manual transmission, the vehicle only required a transmission replacement at 320,000 miles, with all other components being original.
Honda Civic
The Honda Civic is another excellent example of a car that can easily last beyond a million miles. Numerous accounts of Civics reaching this impressive milestone exist, with one unique instance involving a 2006 Honda Civic sedan. This particular Civic achieved the feat with its original powertrain still intact, attributing its long life to regular maintenance. While the engine’s head gasket was replaced at 500,000 miles, the rest of the car remained resilient. Powered by a 1.8-liter inline-four engine and a five-speed automatic transmission with front-wheel drive, the Honda Civic continues to demonstrate its endurance.
Volvo 700 Series
Known for manufacturing some of the safest cars on the market, Volvo has also earned a reputation for creating durable vehicles that last a lifetime. The Guinness World Record for the highest mileage car belongs to a Volvo with over three million miles on the odometer. To own a Volvo with comparable endurance, the 1982-1992 Volvo 700 Series is an excellent choice. Many stories exist of these classic Volvos reaching one million miles. For instance, Jim O’Shea’s 1991 Volvo 740 GLE achieved this milestone, highlighting the remarkable craftsmanship of these cars.
SAAB 900 SPG
SAAB, originally an airplane manufacturer for the Swedish Air Force, ventured into the automotive industry and has a legacy of producing durable cars. The 1989 Saab 900 SPG is a prime example of the brand’s commitment to longevity. This performance hatchback, equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine and a five-speed manual transmission, displayed remarkable resilience. Notably, a Wisconsin sales agent, Peter Gilbert, owned the most popular million-mile Saab 900 SPG, which impressively retained its original engine and turbo.
Ford Crown Victoria
The Ford Crown Victoria, particularly the Police Interceptor version, is widely recognized for its longevity and reliability. With proper maintenance, owners have achieved a million miles on the odometer with these cars. One notable instance involved a 2004 model, which reached over 1,023,500 miles. This Ford features a 224-horsepower 4.6-liter modular V-8 engine, a four-speed automatic transmission, and rear-wheel drive. The car achieved its million-mile mark with most parts, including the engine, transmission, drivetrain, and exhaust system, remaining original, thanks to diligent upkeep and regular oil changes.
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