Best SUVs From 2000 To 2010 Ranked By Reliability
The average price of a new car in the United States is hovering at close to $50,000 in the first quarter of 2025, based on the latest research. Quite simply, many of us don’t have that amount of money to spend on a new car, which leaves us turning to strong options on the used market.
Toyota
Toyota is a Japanese automaker founded in 1937 that has developed a reputation for reliability across a multitude of segments, from sports cars and family sedans to pickup trucks and off-roaders. Famous models from the brand include the Hilux, Land Cruiser, Camry, Crown, and Corolla, the latter being the world’s best-selling vehicle nameplate, with more than 50 million Corolla-badged vehicles being sold since it was first introduced. Toyota typically competes in the mainstream market, but is also famous for launching Lexus as a luxury sub-brand to take on Mercedes-Benz.
- Founded
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August 28, 1937
- Founder
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Kiichiro Toyoda
- Headquarters
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Aichi, Japan
- Owned By
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Publicly Traded
- Current CEO
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Koji Sato
The cost issue is exacerbated for buyers in search of a good SUV, as these are generally larger, more expensive models. That brings us neatly to this list of the best SUVs produced from 2000 to 2010. Now between 15 and 25 years old, sufficient reliability data exists to uncover the most reliable models from this period, so let’s get straight into it.
We have researched 10 of the most reliable SUVs produced between 2000 and 2010, based on reputable sources like RepairPal, Car Complaints, the NHTSA, and J.D. Power. These SUVs have been ranked from least to most reliable, based on their quality and reliability ratings. Where those ratings are the same, the model with fewer complaints is ranked higher.
10
2004 – 2005 Toyota RAV4
The last of the second-generation Toyota RAV4 models, this resilient Japanese crossover wears high miles well and is one of the best 2000s SUVs. From the 2003 to the 2004 RAV4, the number of complaints on the NHTSA’s website decreased by more than 50%.
The 2004 model received an updated 2.4-liter engine with 160 horsepower, so it was a better performer than the older 2.0L. There are also no turbochargers or hybrid parts to worry about here, but do watch out for the Takata airbag recalls that affected these RAV4s. That aside, a Kelley Blue Book fair purchase price of $5,452 for the 2005 model also makes this RAV4 super cheap.
2005 Toyota RAV4 Reliability Overview
- J.D Power quality and reliability rating: N/A
- No. of complaints from Car Complaints: 27
- RepairPal reliability rating: 4/5
Related
Best Toyota RAV4 Model Years To Buy
These are the best RAV4s across five generations and three decades.
9
2006 Honda CR-V
Like the RAV4, the Honda CR-V stands out for reliability in its second generation. The 2006 model has a low number of overall complaints, and many of the recalls it does have are due to Takata airbag issues that should have been remedied by now.
The 156-hp four-cylinder engine delivers only average performance, but there are no major reliability issues with it. You may also find a manual example, which should reduce transmission maintenance costs.
2006 Honda CR-V Reliability Overview
- J.D. Power overall rating: 82/100
- No. of complaints from Car Complaints: 72
- RepairPal reliability rating: 4.5/5
8
2010 Chevrolet Tahoe
It’s not exclusively Japanese brands that built reliable SUVs in the 2000s. The practical 2010 Tahoe comes with a proven 5.3-liter V8 engine with 320 hp, a maximum towing capacity of 8,400 lbs, along with a six-speed automatic. It’s not the most fuel-efficient SUV from 2000 to 2010, but this simple powertrain is key to the Tahoe’s longevity.
There are very few complaints for the 2010 Tahoe, when compared to other model years. If you need one of the best SUVs of the 2000s era for reliability with some space and capability, this is a solid bet.
2010 Chevrolet Tahoe Reliability Overview
- J.D. Power quality and reliability rating: 83/100
- No. of complaints from Car Complaints: 14
- RepairPal reliability rating: 3.5/5
7
2008 Honda Pilot
It’s a common trend that the final model year of a specific generation of car is the most reliable, as manufacturers have often ironed out any issues by that point. The 2008 Honda Pilot, the final first-gen Pilot model year, is a case in point.
It has the fewest complaints of any first-gen Pilot and an impressive quality and reliability rating of 85/100. It came with a 3.5L V6 and five-speed automatic transmission, a recipe that has been successful for this model for many years. A 2008 model will cost roughly $4k to $6k, depending on the trim and condition of the model.
2008 Honda Pilot Reliability Overview
- J.D. Power quality and reliability rating: 85/100
- No. of complaints from Car Complaints: 36
- RepairPal reliability rating: 3.5/5
Related
Best Honda Pilot Model Years
What is the most reliable Honda Pilot model?
6
2007 Infiniti FX35
There aren’t many luxury models on this list, but the Infiniti FX35 qualifies for a spot. The FX35 badge denotes the V6-powered version of this SUV, one of the first luxury SUVs to focus more on style than outright practicality. Producing 280 hp, power was not in short supply.
It’s a lot fancier than an equivalent Nissan inside, as it should be, yet reliability was stronger than many cheaper Nissans. That includes a quality and reliability score of 88/100.
2007 Infiniti FX35 Reliability Overview
- J.D. Power quality and reliability rating: 88/100
- No. of complaints from Car Complaints: 1
- RepairPal reliability rating: 3.5/5
5
2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
Although its on-road manners left a lot to be desired, the retro-styled FJ Cruiser excelled off-road, thanks to plenty of ground clearance and a brawny V6. The cliff-like dashboard has chunky controls that allow for easy, quick adjustments on the move, and you’ll be moving around a lot from behind the wheel with its wayward handling.
This is a solid SUV, though, as underlined by its high reliability and quality ratings. Running costs won’t be low (it returns 18 mpg combined at best), but low-mileage examples should be mechanically sound for a long time. Around $15k should get you a used 2008 example, depending on its condition.
2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser Reliability Overview
- J.D. Power quality and reliability rating: 86/100
- No. of complaints from Car Complaints: 13
- RepairPal reliability rating: 3.5/5
Related
Most Reliable Engines: 10 Motors That Just Won’t Die
They’re not all Toyota motors, either.
4
2008 Toyota 4Runner
Sharing components with the Land Cruiser Prado 120 series, FJ Cruiser, and Tacoma of the period, it shouldn’t be a surprise that this fourth-gen 4Runner is highly rated for reliability. With a solid rear axle and tough V6 and V8 engines, this 4Runner can last for many years if well maintained.
The 2008 4Runner has a quality and reliability score of 87/100 and far fewer complaints on record than earlier fourth-gen models. Expect to pay in the region of $10k for a 2008 4Runner today.
2008 Toyota 4Runner Reliability Overview
- J.D. Power quality and reliability rating: 87/100
- No. of complaints from Car Complaints: 17
- RepairPal reliability rating: 4/5
3
2008 Subaru Forester
One of the most unpretentious vehicles around, the Subaru Forester has always been defined by reliability, capability, and fuss-free motoring. The 2008 model is the last of the second generation, and like so many other SUVs here, it keeps things simple in the powertrain department. This Forester has a 173-hp 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-pot paired with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic. A 224-hp turbo model was available too.
You could get away with paying around $4k for a low-spec 2008 model today, and it’s one of the most reliable 2000s SUV models at the lower end of the price spectrum.
2008 Subaru Forester Reliability Overview
- J.D. Power quality and reliability rating: 88/100
- No. of complaints from Car Complaints: 4
- RepairPal reliability rating: 3.5/5
2
2007 Lexus GX
If you could choose a car to survive an apocalyptic event, the Lexus GX wouldn’t be the worst choice. Unlike the smaller RX and NX that are crossovers designed for on-road refinement, the GX has always been a sturdier body-on-frame SUV designed to be a good off-roader.
The 2007 model came towards the end of the first-gen model’s production run, pairing a 4.7-liter V8 with a five-speed automatic. Off-road gear like downhill assist control and 8.3 inches of ground clearance helped the GX over the rough stuff. According to Kelley Blue Book, the fair purchase price of a 2007 model today is around $8,800. This is one of the best 2000s SUV models for sheer reliability.
2007 Lexus GX Reliability Overview
- J.D. Power quality and reliability rating: 89/100
- No. of complaints from Car Complaints: 3
- RepairPal reliability rating: 3.5/5
1
2010 Lexus RX
Is it any surprise to find another Lexus on this list? The 2010 Lexus RX has an exemplary J.D. Power quality and reliability rating of 93 out of 100, easily living up to the Lexus brand’s superb reputation for dependability. It has fewer complaints logged than models from a year or two prior, and if you can live with the dated interior tech, you get to enjoy a smooth V6.
According to Kelley Blue Book, a 2010 Lexus RX costs as little as $9,100 today. Expect to pay a bit more for the hybrid version, but there’s less risk if you choose the standard RX 350. Quite simply, this is one of the most reliable SUVs made from 2000 to 2010.
2010 Lexus RX Reliability Overview
- J.D. Power quality and reliability rating: 93/100
- No. of complaints from Car Complaints: 10
- RepairPal reliability rating: 4/5
Sources: Toyota, Lexus, Honda, Chevrolet, Infiniti, Subaru, Kelley Blue Book, Car Complaints, NHTSA, RepairPal
