Scotty Kilmer clearly states his opinions in every how-to car video he releases. What does he think about the most popular automotive brands sold in the United States?
What car brands did #savagescotty rank the worst?
- Dodge Chrysler
- All GM brands
- Nissan
- Kia
- Mitsubishi
What car brands does Scotty say are the best?
- Subaru
- Mazda
- Ford
- Honda
- Toyota
That is the quick rundown on his answers. Do you need to know why he listed them in this order? Keep reading to gain deeper insight into his opinions based on years of experience as a reputable independent auto mechanic.
What about BMW, Mercedes-Benz, or Porsche? Scotty has plenty to say about the European brands, too. Click here for the companion video.
The 5 Worst Car Brands from Bad to the Absolute Bottom
5) Dodge Chrysler
This has been a long and painful descent into terrible. Even back when Chrysler was all-American back in the 1980s, their cars were unreliable, rusted out, and just plain cheap. Now that they are owned by Fiat, the transmissions, engines, and tech systems are the same as the worst-selling brand in the United States. Poor reliability at a not-so-great price.
4) All GM Brands
This includes GMC, Chevrolet, Cadillac, and Buick. The reliability is just not there. Most of the cars are now built outside of the States and the quality continues to be missing. It doesn’t matter what badge is on the fender, all GM cars use the same frame, engines, transmissions, and infotainment centers.
Just say no.
3) Nissan Post-2006
Back in the heyday, the Nissan and Datsun brands produced some fun and reliable vehicles at an affordable price. Since they were bought out by Renault in 2006, overall quality took a nosedive. Yes, you pay less, but that is in exchange for bad engines, rusting frames, terrible transmissions, and cheap finishes.
2) Kia
This South Korean automotive manufacturer is dedicated to delivering affordable cars. That does not mean that they will run forever, or even that long. Do not expect to get more than six or eight years or 100,000 miles out of a brand new Kia. Cheap materials simply mean that these cars are just not built to last ten to twenty years.
1) Mitsubishi
You don’t see too many Mitsubishi cars on the road, and there is a really good reason. They are cheaply made, burn a lot of oil, have a poor engine design, and it is hard and expensive to get parts. There is no good reason to make this your new car choice.
The 5 Best Car Brands Ranked from Good to Awesome
5) Subaru
If you are looking for an SUV with a near bulletproof engine and incredibly reliable all-wheel drive, Subaru is a great choice. Their cars are not flashy but are ready to roll over snow-covered roads without blinking. Sizes range from fun rally-type sports cars to three-row SUVs.
4) Mazda
Yes, the Mazda Miata ticks all the boxes when you want a fun convertible that is not overloaded on horsepower or push-button extras. Intuitive design turns most of their vehicles into rides that put a smile on the driver’s face. They are fairly reliable, not overly expensive, and look pretty good, too.
3) Ford
How did Ford end up near the top of Scotty’s list? Because they are really good at building trucks. Now that they have stopped making most of their sedans and sports cars, their expertise shines through by producing rugged and versatile rides that last.
2) Honda
If you want to buy a car that has an engine that is just about perfect in design and production, Honda is your brand. No other engine is as reliable. The interior features and less impressive transmissions step Honda back from the top of the list. But you won’t be disappointed if you take one home from the dealer. Pro tip: Stay away from the turbocharged engines for right now.
1) Toyota
It doesn’t matter if you are looking at a Prius or RAV4 or even a Tundra, your Toyota will just keep running and running. This brand has the best resale value on the market because of its dependability.
You can find a Toyota that has just the bare bones or all the luxury upgrades. Sports car, SUV, pickup, or a compact commuter sedan — everything is possible.
Always Do Your Research — Even When Buying the Best Brand
If you are shopping for a pre-owned car, you should never make the buy based solely on the manufacturer’s reputation. Always get a full maintenance report from VehicleHistory.com and take the printout and the car to your own mechanic. Only when you get a clean bill of health from a professional should you seal the deal.
