What is the most reliable European car brand sold in the US?
I think, Matchbox.
Your question is an oxymoron.
I agree with G.T. but not the new models.
Very old BMWs are also reliable.
As @g-t said, I also say that all in all, Volvo! The newer Volvos are not as good as the ones from 15 20 years ago but still better than US spec Mercedes or BMW cars.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qbXSqCOQEM
European cars make somehow sense if you live in Europe.
Different market, less miles/ year, more expensive gasoline, cheaper parts, mechanics know how to work on them.
You can't expect hundreds thousands miles of reliability, but they can last 10-15 years and considering the price they might worth in the long run.
Truth to say, when I was a kid we had european brand in the family, now family and friends back home ride mostly Japanese cars, which are anyway more expensive. I am not sure on the long horizon is a better deal (just money-wise, as comfort, ride quality absolutely).
@m_tokyo
I agree. I drive a Citroën van, and live in Great Britain. These were built in Coventry, England, but are now built in Luton, since PSA merged with Vauxhall / Opel, which is also in England.
As a British person, living in Britain, I will always be either buying European or Japanese vehicles, depending on my requirements, cost of the vehicle, and the fuel economy.
Fuel economy is one of the most important requirements for people who are looking for a vehicle, but as someone on the Internet, who is mending cars in America, says, look at the availability of the vehicle, available parts, and which garages know how to repair them. PSA group vehicles meet all of those requirements in Europe.
I drove a 99' volvo v70 past 400k miles when I got it with 160k on it already. Basic maintenance was all it ever needed. It's also dependent car to car from each manufacturer. Every manufacturer will have dud generations (some more than others).
Some are even dud brands.
I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say that most european car brands ARE pretty reliable, even French and British. Here in Europe, it wasn't uncommon to see old Peugeot 405, Citroen Xantia and Berlingo with the XUD diesel to go 250 thousand miles, and the VW TDI's can do those kinds of miles. Even my S-Type, with the Ford/Peugeot 2.7 Twin Turbo Diesel is on 211 thousand miles and still going strong.
Many Japanese cars, even ones that made it to the US, are made in Europe. Did you know that the Toyota Yaris is made in France, and the Corolla, Civic and Accord are made in Britain? Did you also know that the Rovers and Hondas shared the same chassis and engines? With the Accord and Civic using a Rover engine. Italian Cars are still junk though, except for the JTD engine, used in Saabs.
Lotus!
