There are different types of vehicles for various purposes. There are cars that go fast. Cars that carry more than five and cars that are able to cross difficult terrain amongst other varieties. But how about cars that are able to travel the distance? In a Consumer Reports coverage on ’10 Best Cars to get to 200,000 Miles and Beyond’, the organisation went through a list of 740,000 vehicles that were represented in their annual subscriber survey, with 10 cars, SUVs, minivans and pickup trucks that were most reported to have more than 200,000 miles (320,000 km).
In the list of 10 vehicles, only one vehicle was American with the rest represented by Japanese brands Honda and Toyota. Best of all, seven out of the 10 vehicles mentioned are definitely familiar amongst Malaysians. Which are they? The cars listed below are in order based on Consumer Report’s survey of the total number of responses on the vehicles, and also scored well in the organisation’s road tests. Read on to find out!
According to Consumer Report’s Reliability survey, the 2016 Honda Accord is the most-likely vehicle to get to 320,000 km. Considering the Accord was just recently launched by Honda Malaysia, we think its just fitting then! Words like well equipped, competitively priced, performs well, and handles responsively is described, but also mentions that the ride can be choppy. With a roomy and well-finished interior, the Accord gets an overall 30 mpg (7.8-litres per 100 km) with its CVT gearbox (although Malaysia’s unit is equipped with a 5-speed auto). While Malaysia only has the 2.0 and 2.4-litre variant, the test concluded in the United States included the 3.5-litre V6 and Hybrid models.
Toyota Camry
The US market Toyota Camry, also available in Australia. It features a more sporty design compared to the South-East Asian model.
When it comes to a hassle-free, safe and reliable car, nothing speaks like a Toyota. The Camry here in mention is the US market version and is different from that which is available in the South-East Asia. But it’s not to say that the Camry’s available here aren’t smooth and dependable transportation options. For the local Malaysian market, the Camry 2.0 and 2.5 Hybrid delivers a fuel consumption at 7.1 and 5.2-litres per 100 km respectively, a more economical reading compared to the States’ 28 mpg (8.4-litre per 100 km). Consumer Reports is happy to say that the Camry has a long history of solid reliability and owner satisfaction. With many generations of Camry’s on the road, we couldn’t agree more.
The Toyota Camry available in South-East Asia is known as the Aurion in Australia.
Honda Odyssey
Here’s another vehicle that’s vastly different from the US. But comparing styles, we’d like to think our version available in Malaysia and Singapore (JDM version) looks much better. While the local Odyssey seats seven (with the second row seats being individual cradle units), the US market version seats eight, with both second and third row equipped bench seats. Power is vastly different as well, with a smaller 2.4 unit here compared to a monster 3.5-litre V6 in the States. Yet despite the differences, the Odyssey is still a great minivan with easy access, child-seat accommodations and abundance in cabin storage.
We definitely prefer the styling on the local Odyssey compared to the US market version above.
Just look at the latest Civic. Such a curvy machine.
The new 10th generation Civic has been launched to much support here in Malaysia. Here the Civic takes in the form of a 1.8-litre natural aspirated and two 1.5-litre turbocharged variants. Consumer Reports here has praised the Turbo version, highlighting the CVT which works well with the forced induction. Ride is more comfortable, with precise handling, quieter interior and more storage space. What we’re impressed with, is that the new Civics are compatible with Android Auto and Apple Carplay. Oh and that good looks makes us blush with envy.
Toyota Prius
It is still uncertain when the next generation Prius will reach our shores, but compared to the previous, the latest design is quite bold and unique.
The latest fourth gen Prius has quite a design to accustom with. But it is longer, lower and wider than the third generation XW 30 that we’re familiar with. Here with the new platform, the new Prius has an independent rear suspension that contributes to better handling and ride. Upgraded engine, lighter hybrid system components, battery cells with a higher energy density contributes to a claimed 10 per cent better mileage. As a car built for a future, digital gauges dominate the dashboard and makes it easier to access infotainment features.
As the only SUV in this list of seven, the 2.0 and 2.4-litre model for Malaysia is the one paired with a 5-speed automatic compared to the US market’s CVT. While CR states that the upside to the CR-V is the handling which is responsive and secure, the drawbacks include a stiff ride, and a distracting, difficult-to-use infotainment system. But as with Honda, rear seats are roomy and folding them is possible and easy. While the US version returns 24 mpg (9.8-litre per 100 km) the local 2.4 version is listed at 8.4-litres per 100 km, almost 1.5-litres in difference.
The US market Corolla certainly looks sporty compared to the more chic executive Altis locally.
To end the list is none other than the world’s most popular nameplate. In Malaysia, the Corolla Altis is a completely different model from the one mentioned at Consumer Reports. Here fuel economy is excellent on both ends, with the American variant achieving an overall 32 mpg (7.3-litre per 100km) and 43 mpg highway (5.4-litre per 100km). The local Corolla Altis 2.0 achieves a median mileage at 8-litres per 100km. With claims of good rear-seat spaciousness, we certainly have to agree on both ends.
So what do you think? With Honda and Toyota completely dominating this list, we can’t agree more with Japanese reliability and long term mileage. What car do you drive? How is your experience with these vehicles as an owner? Share with us your comments below!
Please note that we have taken this list, compared it with the Consumer Reports article here, and also omitted models which are not available in the Malaysian market.
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