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Have you ever been in that situation where you walk into a dealership, look at that shiny new car, and wonder: “Will this engine let me down in a short time?” Well, my friends, this doubt is legitimate! If you are also looking for the most durable engines and want to understand which cars have the most reliable engines, you have come to the right place. Let’s explore together which are the most durable engines available in new cars, the ones that will take you far without giving you a headache.
The talk is this: everyone gets excited about new releases, modern technologies and efficiency. Of course, who doesn't want a car that consumes less fuel and is full of technological frills? But there is one detail that few people talk about. Newer engines, despite undergoing countless tests, still need time to mature. This means that, even after all the tests carried out by the manufacturers, a problem can always arise when the car hits the streets. A recent example? The GM Onix, which despite undergoing countless tests, faced safety problems and even caught fire. See the most durable engines below.
That's why when it comes to longer lasting engines, the experience of older engines and robust still have a lot of value. They have already undergone years of use, improvements and adjustments, becoming an extremely reliable option for those who want a car that will last.
The most durable engines
Now that you know why older engines still reign supreme when it comes to reliability, let's take a look at the engines that stand out in today's market and the cars that use them.
- Fiat Mobi 2025: The compact revolution with the 1.0 Firefly engine that retired the classic Fire in Brazil
- In the R$83 range, the VW T-Cross 1.0 TSI does 17 km/L with a range of 691 km and beats rivals in the automotive market
- Fiat Fire Engine: The first computer-designed engine that revolutionized the industry and now retires after 40 years
- Costing less than R$35, Fiat's popular car beats current models in the automotive market with a consumption of 13,5 km/L
1. Chevrolet Family 1
This engine is practically a dinosaur in the automotive industry. It debuted in Brazil in 1994 with the Corsa and has been updated several times since then. The third generation of this engine is present in cars such as the Joy, Joy Plus, Montana and Spin. Despite looking simple, with an eight-valve head and cast iron block, it is incredibly durable. Simplicity is key here, and that is why it is still one of the most durable engines on the market.
2. Fiat Fire
Fiat's Fire engine is a true legend when it comes to durability. It has been on the market since 2000, and today it still powers models such as the Mobi, Uno, Grand Siena and Fiorino. It is not the most powerful, nor the most economical, but if you want an engine that will never let you down, the Fire is the right choice. It is the engine that “can handle a lot of abuse”, as they say.
3. PSA TU5 (Peugeot/Citroën)
This engine began its journey in 2001 and, even after some updates, it maintains its original base. It equipped cars such as the Peugeot 206, 207, 307, Citroën C3 and C4. Today, you can still find it in new cars such as the Peugeot 208, 2008 and the Citroën C4 Cactus. Despite being an engine that is more than two decades old, it is still going strong, being a great option for a more durable engine.
4. Renault F4R
If you want an engine with a loyal following, this is the one. Renault's F4R debuted in Brazil in 2001, powering the Scénic, and is now present in the Sandero RS and Duster Oroch. It has a great combination of durability, power and parts availability, making it a solid choice for anyone who needs a reliable car.
5. Honda L15A and R18A1
Honda never disappoints when it comes to reliability. The L15A engine, which debuted in the 2005 Fit, and the R18A1 engine, introduced in the 2007 Civic, are examples of durability and low maintenance costs. They are currently used in the WR-V and HR-V, respectively. Honda is known for producing engines that simply won't break down, and these two follow that tradition with mastery.
Why do old engines still make sense?
In addition to their proven robustness, another great advantage of these more durable engines is their ease of maintenance. Parts for these engines are available on every corner, which means you won't have to struggle to find what you need.
Furthermore, the mechanical simplicity of older engines makes them less susceptible to failure, especially compared to more complex technologies that are still maturing in newer engines.
Which engine is right for you?
If you change your car every two years, you may not need to worry as much about engine durability. But if you plan to drive 400.000 km or more with the same car, the story changes completely. For those who work with apps, taxis, or simply drive a lot, these engines are the right choice.
So, in the next time you are in doubt about which car to buy, think about the most durable engines we have listed here. After all, a car can be beautiful and technological, but if the engine is not reliable, it will cause headaches. And nobody wants that, right?
Why is there no 1.0 pump with an aluminum block? They are screwing over the Brazilian people and the government is still giving them millions in incentives.
This Chevrolet engine from SPIN is the same as the 1983 Monza, very very good.
Only loses to 4.1 of the Opala 6 Cil