Buying a used car from 2017 is one of the smartest moves you can make right now. These vehicles are old enough to have dropped significantly in price, but recent enough to still have modern safety features, good fuel economy, and plenty of life left in them.
The catch? Not every 2017 model ages the same way. Some have racked up a reputation for bulletproof reliability. Others have become money pits that their original owners quietly traded in. This guide cuts through the noise and tells you which 2017 vehicles are genuinely worth your money in 2024 and beyond.
What It Takes to Be Tops
Reliability rankings for a given model year don’t just measure how a car performed when it was new. They measure how it holds up after years of real-world use. Consumer Reports bases its vehicle reliability data on member surveys covering hundreds of thousands of cars, tracking problems across 17 different trouble areas from the engine to the infotainment system.
The 2017 model year is particularly interesting because it sits at a sweet spot. Most of these vehicles have passed the steepest part of the depreciation curve, which is why reliable 2017 cars are so affordable compared to newer equivalents. A well-maintained 2017 Toyota with a strong reliability record can cost you half what a comparable 2023 model would, and it’ll likely run just as well with proper care.
What separates the best from the rest comes down to a few things: proven powertrains, minimal first-year-of-generation bugs, and a manufacturer with a genuine culture of quality control. As you’ll see below, Toyota and Lexus dominate this conversation for good reason.
See Other Years
If 2017 isn’t quite the right fit for your budget or needs, you don’t have to stop here. You can browse used cars by make across multiple model years to compare options side by side. Reliability trends often carry across generations, so knowing which brands consistently perform well helps you shop smarter no matter which year you land on.
Highest Dependability Small Vehicles
Small cars from 2017 get a bad reputation, but the best ones are genuinely tough. The key is sticking to models that weren’t freshly redesigned that year. Carryover models from proven platforms tend to have far fewer gremlins than first-year redesigns.
In the small car segment, Toyota and Honda lead the reliability ranking by a significant margin. Both brands had small vehicles in 2017 that used well-tested engines and transmissions, which meant fewer surprises for owners down the road.
Subcompact Car: Toyota Yaris iA
The Toyota Yaris iA is one of the most underrated used car buys you’ll find. In 2017, it was actually built by Mazda on the Mazda2 platform, which means you’re getting Mazda’s excellent engineering under a Toyota badge. That combination produces a vehicle with standout reliability and low running costs.
It’s basic, no question. The interior is straightforward, the feature list is modest, and it’s not going to win any drag races. But that simplicity is exactly why it holds up so well. Fewer complex systems means fewer things to break. If you’re after an affordable commuter with a strong reliability track record, the Yaris iA deserves serious consideration.
Run a free VIN lookup tool before you buy any used example to check for past accidents or open recalls.
Highest Dependability Compact Vehicles
The compact segment in 2017 was competitive, and a few standout vehicles separated themselves from the pack. This is one of the most popular used car categories because the vehicles hit a sweet spot of size, fuel economy, and price. Getting the reliability ranking right here matters a lot.
Compact Car: Chevrolet Cruze
The 2017 Chevrolet Cruze surprises a lot of people. General Motors had a rough reliability reputation for years, but the second-generation Cruze genuinely cleaned up its act. The 2017 model year landed well above average in reliability surveys, which is a big deal for a domestic compact.
You’ll find the 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder to be peppy enough for daily driving, and fuel economy is genuinely competitive. The interior is a noticeable step up from the previous generation. Just make sure any used example you look at has had its oil changed regularly, since the turbo engine responds poorly to neglect.
Compact Hybrid: Toyota Prius
The Toyota Prius is basically a reliability benchmark at this point. The 2017 Prius uses the fourth-generation platform, which Toyota spent years refining. Consumer Reports noted that the 2017 and 2018 model years brought reliability climbing from above average to well above average, making this one of the safest bets in the used hybrid market.
The Prius hybrid system is remarkably durable in real-world conditions. Toyota’s hybrid battery technology has proven itself over decades, and most 2017 Prius vehicles on the road today still have their original battery packs functioning normally. If fuel costs are a factor in your budget, this vehicle makes a compelling case. Check EPA fuel economy data to see just how far your dollar goes with this one.
Sports Car: Mazda MX-5 Miata
Reliability and fun rarely go together, but the Mazda MX-5 Miata pulls it off. The 2017 model uses the fourth-generation ND platform, which Mazda refined from the ground up. It’s lightweight, naturally aspirated, and uses a simple mechanical setup that avoids the complexity that kills other sports cars in the long run.
Ownership costs are low. Parts are affordable. And because Mazda engineered this vehicle to be pure driving fun rather than tech-loaded, there’s very little to go wrong. If your heart is set on something genuinely enjoyable to drive and you want reliability to come with it, the Miata is the answer.
Highest Dependability Midsize Vehicles
Midsize sedans are where Toyota absolutely dominates the reliability ranking. The 2017 model year is a particularly good vintage for this segment, with multiple Toyota and Lexus vehicles landing at the very top of dependability surveys.
Midsized Sedan: Kia Optima
The 2017 Kia Optima earns its spot here by delivering solid reliability in a segment where Korean brands have genuinely closed the gap with Japanese manufacturers. The Optima’s 2.4-liter four-cylinder is the pick of the powertrain lineup for long-term durability. Avoid the turbocharged versions if reliability is your top priority.
The Optima also gives you a lot of vehicle for the money. It looks sharp, rides comfortably, and the feature content at most trim levels is generous for the price you’ll pay on the used market today.
More From the 2017 Autos Spotlight
Beyond the standout picks above, the 2017 model year produced some genuinely excellent vehicles across multiple categories. Toyota vehicles in particular had a banner year, with models like the Toyota Camry and Lexus lineup consistently earning top marks in owner satisfaction surveys. The Lexus brand as a whole finished near the top of almost every reliability ranking that year, which makes sense given that Lexus vehicles share Toyota’s engineering DNA with additional refinement built in.
The Toyota Avalon also deserves a mention here. It’s a large sedan that gets overlooked because it doesn’t have the cultural cachet of a European luxury car, but from a pure reliability standpoint, it’s hard to beat. Toyota built the Avalon with the same obsessive quality control applied to every vehicle in the lineup.
Highest Dependability Large Vehicles
Large sedans have fallen out of fashion, and that’s actually good news for used car buyers. Lower demand means better prices on vehicles that can still deliver exceptional reliability and genuine comfort. In 2017, a couple of large sedans stood out from the crowd.
Large Sedan: Chevrolet Impala
The 2017 Chevrolet Impala is one of the best-kept secrets in the used car market. It’s large, comfortable, well-equipped, and surprisingly reliable for a domestic full-size sedan. The 3.6-liter V6 is the engine to get, offering smooth power delivery and a decent track record for longevity when properly maintained.
Because nobody’s scrambling to buy Impalas in 2024, you can often find clean, low-mileage examples at prices that would make a comparable Toyota owner jealous. The Impala doesn’t top the reliability ranking in its segment, but it performs well enough to recommend with confidence, especially if you get a pre-purchase inspection done by an independent mechanic.
Small SUV: Subaru Forester
The 2017 Subaru Forester hits a lot of right notes for used car buyers who need all-wheel drive capability. Subaru’s reliability improved noticeably in this generation after earlier issues with head gaskets were addressed, and the 2017 Forester benefits from those lessons learned.
The 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine is the one to choose for long-term ownership. The turbocharged version is quicker but demands more careful maintenance. With the base engine, you get a vehicle that’s practical, genuinely capable in winter conditions, and reasonably affordable to keep running.
Midsized SUV: Toyota Highlander
If you need a three-row family vehicle and reliability is non-negotiable, the Toyota Highlander is the answer. The 2017 Highlander uses a proven 3.5-liter V6 paired with a smooth eight-speed automatic, and Toyota built this vehicle with the kind of durability that keeps families on the road for years without drama.
Toyota’s reputation isn’t accidental. The manufacturer has spent decades building quality control into every part of the production process, and the Highlander reflects that. Long-term owners regularly report crossing 200,000 miles with nothing beyond routine maintenance, which is exactly what you want from a family vehicle.
The hybrid version of the Highlander is worth considering too. Toyota’s hybrid technology is among the most proven on the market, and the fuel savings add up quickly in a vehicle this size. Check the NHTSA recalls database for any open recalls on the specific vehicle you’re considering before you sign anything.
Why So Many Reliable 2017 Cars Are Affordable Now
Here’s the honest answer to why these vehicles are cheap: depreciation. A seven-year-old car has already absorbed the steepest drop in value, and most buyers chase newer models even when the older ones are just as capable. That works in your favor.
A 2017 Toyota or Lexus with a strong reliability record and reasonable mileage can cost a fraction of a new equivalent. You’re not sacrificing much in terms of real-world usability. Modern safety features, fuel-efficient engines, and comfortable interiors were all standard on these vehicles at launch. The main thing you’re giving up is that new car smell, and that’s a trade most sensible buyers are happy to make.
Before you commit to any purchase, use our car loan calculator to make sure the total cost of ownership fits your budget. Factor in insurance, fuel, and a maintenance buffer alongside your monthly payment.
Whatever vehicle you land on from this list, get it inspected by an independent mechanic before you buy. Even the most reliable vehicles can have hidden issues from previous ownership, and a $100 inspection can save you thousands in unexpected repairs. That’s the smartest thing you can do with any used car purchase, full stop.
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