Great Vehicle Brands to Consider When Shopping for a New Car

April 21st, 2023 by

A blue 2014 Subaru Forester is shown from the front at an angle.

A few things are given if you’re in the market for a new car, even if you don’t know the specific make and model. You want a car that has a lot to offer yet doesn’t want a lot in return. A car that will get you to work and home without making a fuss. One that’s always up for a good time when adventure calls. We get it. So ask yourself what makes a good car? What brands are known for producing some of the most reliable vehicles on the road?

If you’ve been browsing Milwaukee car sales lately, looking for a model to jump out and exclaim, “I’m the best!” that probably won’t happen. Many of the most reliable vehicles are understated and even subtle in their approach, offering a quiet sophistication that you would never suspect given their affordable price tag or compact demeanor.

That’s why we here at Online.cars are here to help you make a more informed investment. Affordability, reliability, and performance are characteristics that, when balanced just right, make a great well-rounded vehicle, whether you’re looking for a solo commuter or a larger vehicle to haul the whole family. So where do you start? Right here! We’ve looked at some of the best-known and celebrated car brands on the road today to help you make the best choice for your needs and budget.

Toyota: The Perfect Mix of Everything

If you know anything about cars, no matter how small, you shouldn’t be shocked to see Toyota on our list. Toyota is at the top of many lists and has been for decades. This is because the Japanese automaker is dedicated to creating a well-balanced, affordable, long-lasting vehicle, making them great buys for those looking for an economical vehicle that will last them many years and miles ahead. If you want a vehicle that is great for commuting, trips to the grocery store, and everything in between, consider this trusted brand for your next travel companion.

Toyota is truly one of the standout brands for a practical, well-rounded car, but when examining the lineup, you may realize there are many superb options to choose from. Which do we recommend? Our first pick would have to be the Toyota Corolla, but if you don’t believe us, just ask the global car-buying public. The Corolla was the best-selling car across the world in 2022, outranking the likes of Ford, Tesla, and Chevy.

The compact sedan has it going on when it comes to longevity, with many models reportedly lasting upwards of 300,000 and sometimes even 400,000 miles! Corollas typically have little to no issues when properly serviced. They get great gas mileage and are rated high regarding safety. One of the best things? You can typically pick up a used Corolla for under 10k! If you want value and reliability, it’s tough to beat the Corolla.

What other Toyotas do we recommend? While the entire lineup has something to offer almost any type of driver, if you’re on the fence about the Corolla, check out the Toyota RAV4. The RAV4 is Toyota’s answer to the compact SUV, offering ample cargo space, power, and exceptional value. This extremely well-built compact SUV ranks high in safety, fuel economy, and performance. Need to tackle snowy roads or slippery streets? When equipped with four-wheel drive, the RAV4 is ready to take on anything Mother Nature throws at it.

A red 2023 Toyota Corolla is shown from the side while rounding a corner.

Subaru: Reliable, Safe, and Family Friendly

Subaru is a great brand known for its sporty and nature-loving styling, but it’s known for much more than its adventurous spirit. Subaru is an affordable brand that is long-lasting and great for families. The brand’s vehicles have a rugged exterior and durable interior, making them great for everyday travel, in addition to being easy to clean and kid-friendly. If you want a flexible vehicle with room for everyone and everything, Subaru may be the perfect traveler for you and your family. What if you like to spend weekends in nature? Find yourself driving down muddy roads? No problem! What you need is a Subaru.

Subaru has a lot of top-selling models, with two of its most popular being the Subaru Forester and the Subaru Outback. The compact Outback has been on the road for a while now and is in its sixth generation and still going strong. So, is the Outback a wagon or a crossover? In many ways, both. This midsize vehicle gives drivers the best of both worlds, lots of cargo space with flexible seating choices while delivering all-wheel drive and plenty of performance. This is all thanks to its reliable BOXER engine that generates plenty of get-up-and-go power without sucking your gas tank dry. If you want a car that straddles the line between modern and classic, consider the impressive Outback.

Looking for something a little larger? The Subaru Forester is packed with features and plenty of cargo space for active drivers. Whether you’re looking to get out into nature or simply want an easy-to-handle SUV to get you where you need to go, the Forester has built its name on being a flexible, durable compact SUV that is more than capable of tackling your biggest adventures. It comes standard with all-wheel drive and an abundance of standard safety features, making it great for drivers from all walks of life. The Forester’s generous cargo space means nothing gets left behind. Pack up the extra gear, school materials, or sports equipment because the Forester is ready to go when you are.

Kia: Surprising Value in an Affordable Package

Kia is known for being an economical brand that produces a variety of sedans, SUVs, and EVs designed for an abundance of driving needs. What we love about Kia is that this understated car company has slowly been making its mark and rising to the ranks to become one of the most reliable vehicles on the market. In 2022, J.D. Power ranked Kia at the top of its US Vehicle Dependability Study list ahead of other well-known luxury brands like Porsche and Lexus. Kia is also a brand that ranks high regarding customer satisfaction and low maintenance costs. If you want a car that gives a lot without taking a lot, check out Kia and prepare to be surprised.

Do most of your travels comprise navigating through busy downtown streets? Do you spend your days looking for a parking space you can fit in or dealing with narrow or busy roadways? The Kia Rio is the subcompact car you’re looking for! This great little model has fantastic fuel economy and doesn’t take up a lot of space, making it perfect for weaving in and out of traffic and fitting into that narrow parking spot. The Kia Rio is an affordable used sedan but is also affordable as a brand-new one, with 2023 models starting at $16,750.[a] The 2023 model also ranks #1 on US News & World Report’s list of Subcompact Cars for the Money.

If you’re looking to upgrade to a small SUV, the Kia Sportage is the automaker’s best-selling model. The compact SUV offers sleek lines, a roomy cabin, plus high dependability, making this Kia ideal for families, commuters, and anyone who wants a vehicle they can depend on for miles of trouble-free driving. The Sportage is known to take drivers upwards of 150,000-200,000 without costing them a small fortune. If you want to get the most for your money, the Kia Sportage is a great model to consider when shopping for a reliable SUV.

A red 2021 Kia Sportage is shown from the front at an angle.

Find the Perfect Vehicle From the Comfort of Your Own Home

There you have it, three of our top picks when it comes to car brands that offer outstanding models and a diverse lineup. Whether you’re looking for value, reliability, or flexibility, there’s a brand out there to meet your needs. Don’t think you have to spend a small fortune to get a lot for your money. These days economical brands like Kia and Toyota have made it their mission to provide drivers with vehicles they can trust that won’t cost them big when it comes to gas or repair costs.

The only tough question left is, what are you looking for? An SUV? A compact sedan? A vehicle you can pass on to your teen driver? There are plenty of fantastic options on the car lots, but brands like Toyota, Subaru, and Kia really stand out when it comes to overall customer satisfaction, safety, and reliability. For those ready to explore these trusted brands and the models they offer, we invite you to check out our extensive selection, all at your fingertips at Online.cars. We’re here to make the car-buying process simple and hassle-free, allowing you to purchase a great vehicle from the comfort of your own home!


[a] MSRP may change without notice. See dealer for complete details.