10 Most Reliable V6 Engines Ever (2024)

Throughout history, the V6 engine has often been overshadowed by screaming V8s and big, brawny V12s. The dedication to V8s in American muscle cars and V12 engines in European supercars was so fervent that most enthusiasts looked down on the V6 engine in the old days. However, tighter emission standards during the '70s gave the V6 engine a chance to shine and even outstrip its older and lackluster ancestors.

Combined with modern technologies like direct injection and forced induction, some of the best performance V6 engines are just as capable – if not better – than some of the best four-, eight-, and twelve-cylinder engines. The V6 shuns the lowly four-cylinder engines, and because of its smaller size compared to traditional V8s and V12s, many V6 engines achieve better fuel efficiency while still generating incredible power in sports cars, sports sedans, SUVs, and other mainstream cars. It is also less expensive to produce than the bigger engine blocks, making it the best engine design for budget-minded enthusiasts.

Today, there are many great modern V6 engines to choose from, but some are money pits as they will bankrupt you with maintenance and repair bills. To save you from the hassle, here are ten of the most reliable V6 engines ever.

10 Mitsubishi 3.5-Liter 6G74

Mitsubishi 6G74 Engine Specs

The Mitsubishi 6G74 Was The World's First Gasoline Direct Injection V6 Engine

The 3.5-liter 6G74 engine is a member of the Cyclone V6 family, arguably the most reliable six-cylinder engine from Mitsubishi. The Japanese automaker produced the Cyclone V6 family from 1986 to 2021, and stuffed them under the hoods of dependable models like the Montero, L200, and a certain hom*ologation special that everyone forgot about, the Pajero Evolution.

It's also the same engine in the 1999-2007 Hyundai Terracan, Santa Fe, and Kia Sorento, albeit tweaked and called the Hyundai-Kia G6CU. Producing between 186-280 hp and 226-246 lb-ft of torque, the 3.5-liter 6G74 V6 engine enjoys well-deserved affection from gearheads thanks to its reliability, ease of maintenance, decent performance, and efficiency.

Mitsubishi 6G74 Engine Reliability

Perhaps the most popular Mitsubishi vehicle to use the 6G74 engine in the American market is the Montero Sport. KBB users gave the 2002 Montero Sport a 4.8/5 reliability rating. Moreover, the 2004 Montero Sport has zero engine-related NHTSA recalls, even 20 years after it was released.

9 Ford 3.5-Liter EcoBoost

Ford EcoBoost 3.5-Liter V6 Engine Specs

The 3.5-Liter EcoBoost V6 Powers America's Best-Selling Pickup Truck

Ford's 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine came to life in 2007 under the TwinForce moniker. Since then, it has proved to be among the best and most highly reliable V6 power plants. While the first-generation (TwinForce) was a stout and reliable engine, the second-generation (EcoBoost) complemented it by adding extra power, torque, and other upgrades. The 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine produces 660 hp and 550 lb-ft of torque in its most powerful application, beating even some of Ford's best big-block crate engines.

Ford EcoBoost 3.5-Liter V6 Reliability

Even in its first year under the F-150's hood, the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine has already proven to be a durable powerplant. The 2011 F-150 received a respectable 80/100 quality and reliability rating from J.D. Power and an above-average 4.6/5 reliability score from KBB users. Moreover, out of the 6 NHTSA recalls for the 2011 F-150 during the past 13 years, none were related to the engine.

8 Mercedes-Benz 3.5-Liter M276 DE35

Mercedes-Benz M276 DE35 V6 Engine Specs

The MB M276 V6 Is More Powerful Yet More Fuel-Economical Than Its M272 Predecessor

Introduced in late 2010, Mercedes-Benz's M276 V6 engine has powered several modern models, including the C350, W204, E350, ML350, CLS350, S350, and many a driver's dream car, the Mercedes-Benz SLK. The naturally aspirated DE35 M276 utilized a high-pressure fuel system and direct injection: modern technologies that improved the engine's performance, emissions, and fuel efficiency. Depending on the application, the engine produces between 248-302 hp and 251-273 lb-ft of torque, which is impressive for a naturally aspirated engine.

Mercedes-Benz M276 V6 Reliability

One of the top engines with the best reliability, the M276 DE35 V6 is a stout motor that doesn't suffer from major problems or design problems. It also avoided major mass issues related to direct injection engines. For example, the 2011 C-Class received a "great" 85/100 quality and reliability rating from J.D. Power and a 4.7/5 reliability score from KBB users. Moreover, the 2011 C-Class does not have any engine-related NHTSA recall to date.

7 Nissan 3.8-Liter VR38DETT

Nissan VR38DETT V6 Engine Specs

The VR38DETT Twin-Turbo V6 Powers The Newest Godzilla

Nissan needed something special to succeed the bulletproof RB26DETT inline-six engine after discontinuing the iconic Skyline GT-R R34 in 2002. The answer came in the 2007 VR38DETT, shoehorned under the hood of the R35 GT-R.

The VR38DETT is the brainchild of five specially trained mechanics, popularly known as "Takumi Master Craftsmen." The hand-crafted power plant is one of the best V6 engines known for reliability, power, performance, and tuning. In stock form, the rock-solid engine produces between 480-710 hp, but tuners have found ways to squeeze over 1,000 hp from the engine.

Nissan VR38DETT V6 Reliability

The Nissan GT-R arrived in the US in 2009, and it proved its VR38DETT V6 engine's reliability immediately. The 2009 GT-R received a decent 4.3/5 reliability rating from KBB users, and even after 15 years, it still has no engine-related NHTSA recall.

6 Honda (Acura) C30A/C32B

Honda C30A/C32B Engine Specs

The C Series Was Honda's First Production V6 Engine Family

The '90s was the golden era of Japanese sports cars, but one of the biggest news around that time was the introduction of the Acura NSX in 1990. Unlike other supercars of the time, the NSX was affordable, practical, and incredibly reliable, thanks to the 3.0-liter C30A V6 engine lurking under its hood.

The C30A produced 252-272 hp and 210 lb-ft of torque, but performance upgrades in 1997 saw power increased to 290 hp and 224 lb-ft of torque in the bigger displacement 3.2-liter C32B V6 engine. The perfectly honed V6 engine proved to be one of the best V6 engines, earning the Acura NSX its legendary status in the automotive industry.

Honda C Series Engine Reliability

As a performance car, the Acura NSX's C32B V6 engine needs to be able to take on the red-lining habits of many of its owners. Despite all the punishments that it received, the 2005 Acura NSX still has no engine-related NHTSA recall – or any recall for that matter – to date. Moreover, the 2005 Acura NSX received a very impressive 4.9/5 reliability score from KBB users.

5 Toyota 3.0-Liter 1MZ-FE

Toyota 1MZ-FE V6 Engine Specs

The Toyota 1MZ-FE V6 Can Produce Up To 700 Horses With Aftermarket Mods

Replacing the 3VZ-FE engine, Toyota installed the 1993-2007 1MZ-FE engine in dependable models like the Highlander, Avalon, Camry, and some Lexus models. Producing between 194-242 hp and 183-242 lb-ft of torque, the 1MZ-FE V6 proved to be not only reliable but also an excellent tuning block.

The 1MZ-FE is a popular engine swap today for the Toyota MR2 – one of the last affordable Japanese sports cars. Some engine-swapped examples are capable of about 700 hp with aftermarket mods. On top of that, it is one of the smoothest Toyota engines, with a flat torque band that best suits freeway cruisers or daily commuters. This incredible engine can reach over 300,000 miles when properly maintained.

Toyota 1MZ-FE V6 Reliability

Frequent hard driving can cause many engine problems to surface, be they factory defects or user-induced. With this in mind, perhaps no other Toyota model that used the 1MZ-FE V6 engine was habitually driven with more fervor than the MR2. Despite this sports car's nature, the 2005 Toyota MR2 still has no engine-related NHTSA recalls to this day. Moreover, the 2005 Toyota MR2 also received a near-perfect 4.9/5 reliability rating from KBB users.

4 Nissan 3.5-Liter VQ35DE

Nissan VQ35DE V6 Engine Specs

The Nissan VQ35DE V6 Engine Has Been In Production For Over Two Decades Now

The VQ35DE is one of Nissan's best and most popular engines, having powered iconic cars like the Pathfinder, 350Z, Altima, Maxima, and G35 between 2001 and 2023. Part of the reasons why the VQ35DE has been Nissan's designated workhorse for over two decades is due to its incredible reliability, efficiency, and performance.

Producing between 228-300 hp and 246-274 lb-ft of torque, the VQ35DE V6 is also one of the best tuner-friendly Japanese engines with excellent aftermarket support. The long-lasting engine can easily clock over 200,000 miles with no major issues.

Nissan VQ35DE V6 Reliability

One of the most ubiquitous Nissans to use the VQ35DE V6 engine is the Altima. For the 2011 model year, the Nissan Altima received an 82/100 quality and reliability score from J.D. Power and a 4.6 reliability rating from KBB users. Furthermore, Consumer Reports gave the 2011 Altima a 4.5/5 average score based on four different engine reliability categories (engine major, minor, cooling, and electrical). Finally, the 2011 Altima still has no engine-related NHTSA recall to date.

3 Honda 3.5-Liter J35

Honda J35 V6 Engine Specs

Some Honda J35 V6 Engines Can Operate Either On Three Or Six Cylinders

Honda's J-series V6 engine, particularly the J35, powers some of the best 6-cylinder Japanese vehicles. Through several iterations, the J35 has helped the evolution of the Honda Accord, Ridgeline, Pilot, and Odyssey over the past decades.

Introduced in 1998, the 3.5-liter J35 gasoline engine produced between 205-310 hp and 229-275 lb-ft of torque. It underwent several updates in subsequent years, offering a solid all-around balance of fuel efficiency, power, and reliability. It proved to be one of the most dependable V6 engines throughout its 25-year production run. With proper maintenance, it's not uncommon for J35 V6-powered cars to go past 200,000 miles without major reliability issues.

Honda J35 V6 Reliability

Being one of America's favorite family sedans, the Honda Accord is possibly the best model to use as the basis for the Honda J35 V6 engine's dependability. The 2012 Accord, for instance, earned a "great" 86/100 quality and reliability score from J.D. Power and an above-average 4.5/5 reliability rating from KBB users. The 2012 Accord also earned a 4.5/5 average score from Consumer Reports' four engine reliability categories. Finally, the 2012 Accord still has no engine-related NHTSA recalls to date.

2 Toyota 4.0-Liter 1GR/2GR-FE

Toyota 1GR/2GR-FE Engine Specs

The Toyota GR V6 Engines Can Last Over 250,000 Miles

Toyota launched the 4.0-liter 1GR-FE V6 engine in 2002, replacing the MZ V6 engine. It powers some of Toyota's most reliable vehicles to buy used, including the 4Runner, Land Cruiser, Hilux, Fortuner, FJ Cruiser, Tundra, and some Lexus models.

Two years later, Toyota introduced another bulletproof GR V6 engine in the guise of the 2GR-FE. It was more powerful than the 1GR-FE, producing between 270-314 hp. A further decade of development saw power grow to 430 hp in the supercharged Lotus Evora 400. Today, many Toyota fans swear by the 4.0-liter V6 engine, thanks to its rock-solid reliability and a lifespan of over 250,000 miles under proper maintenance.

Toyota GR V6 Reliability

The 5th-generation Toyota 4Runner, which used the 4.0-liter 1GR-FE V6 engine from 2009 until 2024, is an ongoing testament to this six-cylinder powerplant's reliability. The 2011 4Runner, for example, received a "great" 86/100 quality and reliability rating from J.D. Power and an impressive 4.8/5 reliability score from KBB users. Furthermore, the 2011 4Runner had a 4.5/5 average score based on Consumer Reports's engine reliability categories. Finally, the 2011 4Runner did have two engine-related recalls, but both of them were due to the accessory exhaust tips that were too big and could cause accidental burns to people who touched them.

1 General Motors/Buick 3.8-Liter 3800

GM/Buick 3800 V6 Engine Specs

The GM 3800 V6 Is One Of America's Best Classic Car Engines

GM's 3800 V6 is one of the best, yet underrated, six-cylinder engines of all time. While eight-cylinders like Chrysler's Hemis or Chevy's Small-blocks are often considered America's greatest car engines, many forget about Buick's revered V6. Although less exciting in performance, it set new standards regarding reliability, ease of maintenance, and fuel efficiency.

Introduced in 1961, the iron block V6 proved so reliable that Buick dubbed it the Fireball and kept it in production for over three decades. The 1995 3800 Series II was arguably the best and most popular iteration, producing an incredible 205 hp, while the supercharged edition upped the ante to 240 hp. Thanks to beefy internals, the 3800 Series 2 V6 Engine still makes a very reliable and trouble-free engine today, racking over 200,000 miles under routine maintenance.

GM 3800 V6 Reliability

One of the most iconic cars to draw power from the GM 3800 V6 engine is the Chevrolet Camaro. The 2002 Camaro – the last model year of the nameplate's 4th generation – received a very respectable 4.7/5 reliability rating from KBB users. Moreover, the 2002 Camaro had no engine-related NHTSA recalls from its release until today.

External Sources: Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, J.D. Power, RepairPal, NHTSA, CarSurvey