Car Research

Carfax defines reliability as how likely a car is to need repairs because of issues arising outside of the regular maintenance schedule. We use billions of records to calculate how often a specific model has needed repairs and the average price that those repairs are likely to cost.  

Then we compare that result to similar models from the same model year. This means shoppers can see at a glance whether a car is more or less reliable than its rivals.

Carfax ranks vehicles from the same model year and segment by weighing specs such as fuel efficiency, powertrain, spaciousness, etc., as well as other factors including warranties. Alongside our best-in-class rankings, we also rank vehicles by specific consumer needs, such as SUVs with the most cargo space, which vehicles are best suited to shorter drivers and more.

Carfax has billions of vehicle records obtained since it started in the 1980s, and it continues to grow its database every day. Hundreds of millions of consumers have trusted us to provide detailed vehicle histories over that time, and now we’re using that same data to predict how vehicles will last over time too. Plus, with real customer reviews of cars, dealerships, and service centers, shoppers can feel confident about their choices for the entire lifecycle of owning a car.

Whether you’re looking to trade-in your current car and upgrade to a brand new vehicle, or buying a new-to-you used car, Carfax has what you need to get the best deal. Use our Sell My Car page to get real cash offers from nearby dealers, or go directly to Carfax Car Listings to search for a car you need. Every car listing, new or used, comes with a free Carfax Report so you can know the past, present, and predicted future of the vehicle before you buy.