Home Cars Forget Tesla—These 20 Cars Will Still Be Running in 2050

Cars

Forget Tesla—These 20 Cars Will Still Be Running in 2050

Cameron Eittreim July 3, 2025

What makes a car survive the relentless march of time? While modern vehicles are packed with cutting-edge tech, it’s often the simpler, sturdier models that defy the odds and keep rolling for decades. Cars renowned for their longevity share a blend of robust engineering, mechanical simplicity, and global popularity. These factors mean easier repairs, widely available parts, and a dedicated community ensuring their survival. From legendary sedans to rugged off-roaders, some vehicles become icons not just for their style, but for their unstoppable presence on the world’s roads. As we look ahead to 2050, these enduring machines remind us that reliability often outlasts the latest trends.

NEXT >>

1. Toyota Land Cruiser

The Toyota Land Cruiser stands as a legend in the automotive world, renowned for conquering the world’s harshest terrains with unwavering dependability. Unlike many modern SUVs, its rugged construction and proven drivetrain are designed for endurance, not just comfort. Low failure rates and a reputation for minimal maintenance make it a favorite among explorers and humanitarian organizations alike. While other SUVs may falter, the Land Cruiser’s global presence and time-tested engineering ensure it will still be rumbling on roads—and off them—well into 2050.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

2. Honda Accord

The Honda Accord has consistently topped reliability charts, earning the trust of millions of drivers worldwide. Its straightforward engineering and readily available parts make it a favorite among DIY mechanics and professional shops alike. According to Consumer Reports, Accords from decades past are still seen daily, outlasting many of their mid-size sedan rivals. While competitors often succumb to costly repairs, the Accord’s blend of longevity and comfort ensures it remains a staple on the road, ready to cruise into 2050.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

3. Volvo 240

The Volvo 240 is celebrated for its tank-like durability and legendary safety features. Its simple, robust engineering makes it remarkably easy to maintain, even as the decades roll by. Enthusiasts around the world cherish these cars, especially in regions with harsh winters, where the Volvo 240’s resilience truly shines. Thanks to a cult following and a reputation for outlasting more modern rivals, it’s no surprise that many predict these iconic Swedish bricks will still be motoring along in 2050.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

4. Mercedes-Benz W123

The Mercedes-Benz W123 is often cited as the gold standard of mechanical resilience in luxury motoring. Praised by Classic & Sports Car Magazine, these sedans and wagons have clocked up millions of miles as taxis across continents, especially in Africa and Europe. Their overbuilt engines and straightforward mechanics make them easy to keep running for decades. Few vehicles blend luxury and longevity as seamlessly, ensuring the W123’s place on the road—and in history—well into the future.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

5. Toyota Hilux

The Toyota Hilux has become synonymous with toughness, earning its reputation as one of the world’s most indestructible vehicles. Its legendary durability was famously showcased on BBC Top Gear, where it survived a series of brutal endurance tests and kept running. Farmers, contractors, and adventurers across the globe rely on the Hilux as a steadfast workhorse in the harshest conditions. With such a proven track record, it’s almost certain that the Hilux will still be tackling tough jobs in 2050.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

6. Honda Civic

The Honda Civic consistently ranks as one of the most reliable compact cars on the market, a fact supported by U.S. News & World Report. Owners frequently boast of Civics reaching 300,000 miles or more with minimal issues, outlasting many of their peers in the segment. Affordable maintenance, a robust aftermarket, and widespread availability of parts make it easy to keep a Civic running strong. Its enduring popularity ensures that Civics will be a familiar sight on roads well into 2050.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

7. Lexus LS400

The Lexus LS400 is a masterclass in overengineering, offering a whisper-quiet ride and legendary durability. Praised by Car and Driver, early LS400s routinely surpass 300,000 miles with remarkable smoothness and minimal fuss. Its robust V8 engine and quality materials set new benchmarks for luxury reliability when it launched. Even as technology advances, the LS400’s timeless construction ensures it will continue gliding effortlessly down highways for many decades to come.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

8. Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback has earned a devoted following for its blend of durability and versatility. Its standard all-wheel-drive system and raised ground clearance make it a natural fit for rural communities and mountainous terrain, where reliability is critical. According to Edmunds, many Outbacks easily surpass the 200,000-mile mark, shrugging off tough weather and rough roads. With its reputation for ruggedness and longevity, the Outback is poised to keep families and adventurers moving far into the future.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

9. Ford Crown Victoria

The Ford Crown Victoria is a legend in the world of fleet vehicles, serving faithfully as police cruisers and taxis across North America. Praised by Jalopnik for its simple, body-on-frame engineering and robust V8, the Crown Vic is built to endure relentless daily use. Many examples have easily surpassed 300,000 miles with basic maintenance. Its proven track record and straightforward design virtually guarantee that Crown Vics will linger on for decades, long after many newer sedans have disappeared.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

10. Toyota Corolla

The Toyota Corolla is the world’s best-selling car, with over 44 million units produced and a reputation for near-legendary reliability. According to Kelley Blue Book, Corollas deliver low cost of ownership, easy maintenance, and excellent fuel economy, making them a practical choice for drivers worldwide. Decades-old models still populate roads on every continent, a testament to their enduring design. The Corolla’s global popularity and bulletproof engineering ensure it will remain a fixture on our streets well beyond 2050.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

11. Volkswagen Golf Mk2

The Volkswagen Golf Mk2 is celebrated for its solid construction and mechanical simplicity, qualities that have kept countless examples on the road for decades. As highlighted by Auto Express, the Mk2’s straightforward engineering makes it easy to repair and maintain, even as it ages. A favorite among enthusiasts and commuters alike, large numbers of Mk2 Golfs still navigate European streets daily. Their enduring presence is a testament to Volkswagen’s commitment to durability and timeless design.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

12. Jeep Cherokee XJ

The Jeep Cherokee XJ has become an off-road icon, thanks to its sturdy unibody platform and the legendary 4.0-liter inline-six engine. Praised by Four Wheeler Network, the XJ’s simple, durable design has made it a favorite among adventurers and weekend warriors. Its mechanical reliability and ease of modification ensure a loyal following, with many XJs still tackling trails decades after their debut. This classic Jeep’s enduring appeal guarantees its presence in the wilds—and on the roads—for years to come.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

13. Mazda MX-5 Miata (NA)

The Mazda MX-5 Miata (NA) is a masterclass in automotive simplicity and durability. With its lightweight chassis and bulletproof drivetrain, the first-generation Miata has won the hearts of enthusiasts worldwide. Road & Track highlights its mechanical reliability and ease of maintenance as key reasons why so many NA Miatas are still driven daily and raced on weekends. Its joyful spirit and robust engineering ensure the NA Miata’s legacy will continue to thrive for decades.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

14. Chevrolet Suburban

The Chevrolet Suburban holds the distinction of being one of the longest-running nameplates in automotive history. Praised by Car and Driver for its body-on-frame construction and unrivaled toughness, the Suburban has been a staple for large families, emergency services, and commercial fleets across North America. Its robust engineering makes it ideal for heavy-duty use and long journeys, while generations of loyal owners ensure that classic Suburbans will remain a common sight for decades to come.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

15. Peugeot 504

The Peugeot 504 is famed for its endurance in some of the world’s harshest environments, especially across Africa. Praised by The Guardian, the 504’s straightforward mechanics and rugged suspension make it a favorite in developing countries, where reliability is paramount. Its ability to withstand rough roads, extreme heat, and minimal maintenance has cemented its reputation as an automotive workhorse. Even decades after production ceased, countless Peugeot 504s continue to serve as taxis, family cars, and transport vehicles.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

16. Toyota Camry

The Toyota Camry has earned its place as a go-to family sedan thanks to its legendary reliability and easy-to-maintain design. Repeatedly recognized by U.S. News & World Report, the Camry’s straightforward engineering and widespread parts availability make repairs simple and affordable. Its huge presence in the global used car market means well-kept examples are everywhere, often with hundreds of thousands of miles on the odometer. Expect the Camry’s steady presence to remain strong in driveways and highways through 2050.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

17. Mercedes-Benz G-Class

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class originated as a military vehicle, which explains its legendary toughness and uncompromising design. According to Motor1, the G-Class features robust mechanicals and a body built to withstand the harshest environments, from desert sands to icy mountain passes. Its global reputation for durability means that many early G-Wagens are still in active duty, both on and off the beaten path. This icon’s resilience ensures it will remain a presence in extreme conditions for decades to come.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

18. Land Rover Defender (Original)

The Land Rover Defender (Original) is revered for its legendary toughness and no-nonsense engineering. As Autocar notes, its simple mechanics and durable construction have made it indispensable for farmers, explorers, and organizations in the world’s most remote corners. From African savannas to Arctic expeditions, the Defender’s ability to handle punishing conditions is unmatched. With a global network of enthusiasts and spare parts, the original Defender is primed to keep conquering terrain long after many modern SUVs have faded away.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

19. Ford F-150 (9th Generation)

The Ford F-150 (9th Generation) is the embodiment of simplicity and ruggedness in a work truck. As highlighted by MotorTrend, its straightforward mechanics and massive availability of affordable parts make it exceptionally easy to repair and maintain. Beloved by contractors, farmers, and families alike, the 9th-gen F-150 has become a staple across America. Its enduring reputation for reliability guarantees that these classic trucks will still be hauling, towing, and working hard for decades to come.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

20. Saab 900 (Classic)

The Saab 900 (Classic) stands out for its distinctive design and quirky engineering that appeals to dedicated enthusiasts. Hemmings highlights the 900’s reputation for high-mileage durability, especially when well cared for. Its turbocharged engines, innovative safety features, and robust construction have helped many examples easily surpass 300,000 miles. A strong global fan base keeps these classic Saabs alive, ensuring the 900’s legacy will continue to turn heads and rack up miles for years to come.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Enduring Machines: The Road Ahead

What unites these twenty cars isn’t just solid engineering—it’s a rare blend of mechanical simplicity, global popularity, and passionate communities dedicated to their survival. Their straightforward designs make repairs accessible, while extensive support networks and robust parts supplies keep them on the road long after most vehicles have faded from view. As technology races ahead, these enduring machines remind us of the value in durability, maintainability, and timeless appeal. If you’re seeking a car built for the long haul, consider joining the ranks of those who keep these legends alive—because some icons are simply too reliable to retire.

.article-content-img img { width: 100% }

<< Previous

Forget Tesla—These 20 Cars Will Still Be Running in 2050

1. Toyota Land Cruiser

2. Honda Accord

3. Volvo 240

4. Mercedes-Benz W123

5. Toyota Hilux

6. Honda Civic

7. Lexus LS400

8. Subaru Outback

9. Ford Crown Victoria

10. Toyota Corolla

11. Volkswagen Golf Mk2

12. Jeep Cherokee XJ

13. Mazda MX-5 Miata (NA)

14. Chevrolet Suburban

15. Peugeot 504

16. Toyota Camry

17. Mercedes-Benz G-Class

18. Land Rover Defender (Original)

19. Ford F-150 (9th Generation)

20. Saab 900 (Classic)

Enduring Machines: The Road Ahead

POPULAR