The 20 Most Indestructible Cars Ever Made

Marauder by Paramount Group

For as long as television and movies have existed, so has the star-studded collection of seemingly immortal vehicles that could take anything. Stuntmen and women have made careers out of turning the toughest vehicles ever created into compressed tin cans that are no longer recognizable. While our list of the twenty most indestructible cars ever made starts off with a fictional indestructible vehicle, the remaining nineteen are the real deal as they’ve proven themselves in crash tests and documented evidence.

General Lee

20. General Lee (of Dukes of Hazard fame)

The infamous 1969 Dodge Charger that raced the television network from 1979 until 1985 went through a ridiculous amount of abuse as the brothers of a county-run by a bumbling group of law enforcers constantly found themselves on the wrong side of the law. The entire fabric of the series focused on high-speed chases and car-crushing jumps that always seemed like there was nothing that could stop the seemingly indestructible General Lee. While the 1969 Dodge Chargers themselves aren’t nearly as indestructible as the television series makes them out to be, the prize car they represented definitely makes the grade.

2020 Tata Motors' Range Rover Sentinel

19. 2020 Tata Motors’ Range Rover Sentinel

It’s armored, luxurious, and has been seen as part of political vehicle lineups, as well as even military. Although time has yet to determine how long the Rover can hold up, so far it has managed to meet, and sometimes even exceed, expectations. Since the Indian-based company, Tata Motors bought the branding rights of both Land Rover and Range Rover from Ford Motor in 2008 for $2.3 billion USD, big improvements have been made towards both models. The 2020 Range Rover Sentinel

1997-2000 BMW Land Rover M52 Defender

18. 1997-2000 BMW Land Rover M52 Defender

BMW only released approximately a thousand of these BMW Land Rover Defender models for the specific market of South Africa. Its features included a 2.5 BMW diesel engine, plus a variety of other retro-fits that came from BMW’s late 90’s lineup of Land Rover parts, in order to make this group of Defenders have the ability to take on some of South Africa’s most rugged terrain.

2019 Mercedes G-Class

17. 2019 Mercedes G-Class

The specs of the 2019 Mercedes G-Class are as follows:

  • Engine – 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8
  • Horsepower – 416
  • Torque – 450 lb-ft
  • Transmission – 9-speed automatic
  • Top Speed – 130 mph
  • Drivetrain -4WD
  • Curb Weight -5,349
  • Base price – $125,000 (as of 2018)

What makes them join the list of indestructible cars is their ability to handle the conditions of the hot desert. It can also handle the roughest road and off-road conditions, which it is precisely designed to do. Although time has yet to determine how well these vehicles hold up, so far the reviews of their durability and ability to take abuse has been favorable by even some of the world’s toughest car critics.

2020-2021 Land Rover Defender

16. 2020-2021 Land Rover Defender

The latest generation of the Land Rover Defender series is so far proving the blend of today’s technology and what originally made the Land Rover Defender series achieve legendary status as one of the toughest brands of vehicles ever made. Between the harshest tests and real-world collision stories, this breed of Land Rovers, which are now produced by Tata Motors out of India, has long-time fans of BMW’s Land Rover lineup reminisce about the “good old days.” These latest Defender models feature a D7x aluminum unibody platform, as well as an architecture that is three times more rigid than previous models.

Toyota Camry (1992-Current)

15. Toyota Camry (1992-Current)

When Toyota revamped the Camry in 1992, did they know from 1997 onward they developed what would become the most consistently favored sedan by the North American market? Built to last, the generation of Toyota Camry models from 1992 until even today have no trouble clocking over 300,000 miles of road travel in just about any given condition. For a car that’s designed for families, having something as reliable and durable as the Camry is essential.

Honda Accord

14. Honda Accord (1976-Present)

When it comes down to reliability, not only does Honda have a knack for building indestructible engines, but make their Accord lineup a family favorite that can last the test of time and even survive some abuse. Among the population who either can’t afford or simply prefer not to invest in a new car every few years, they tend to favor the Honda Accord due to its reputation of being able to stand the test of time, plus a few dents.

2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee

13. 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee

While the Jeep Cherokee and Jeep Grand Cherokee has an impressive track record in reliability and durability with most of their models, none receive as much critical acclaim as the 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Due to its heavier frame and impressive suspension system, this model is able to perform off-road hazards best of all. According to the critics such as Vehicle History, the 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee had the least amount of recalls.

Volvo 850

12. Volvo 850 (1992-1997)

With already a solid reputation producing construction machinery that is among the most sought after throughout the world, it stands to reason the Swedish-based company would know how to build solid cars too. Whether purchased as a sedan or a station wagon, the 1993 model was the first from Volvo to feature a front-wheel drive on the North American market. After its first release, a number of 850 variants made were produced from its first-generation between 1993 and 1994. This included a CNG-powered Bi-Fuel mode and a diesel-based 850 TDI engine.

There were two key versions between the 850 variants, namely the saloon and the estate, each providing the option between a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic. As the safety features improved with the second generation, which started in 1995, so did the technical upgrades to make the already impressive 850 models. According to most crash test experts, and long-time owners of the Volvo 850 models, there was very little this lineup of cars could take in the form of vehicular punishment.

Subaru Impreza WRX STI

11. Subaru Impreza WRX STI (2000-2007)

The second generation of Subaru’s Impreza lineup is the WRX STI series. From 2000 until 2007, these all-wheel-drive sedans were remarkably durable and still remain as a highly sought-after automobile, whether it be for parts or a restoration project. Subaru, which answers to General Motors, first introduced this 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder sub-compact car, made a vehicle that even critics today recommend as a top choice for interested buyers not wanting to spend more than $10,000 USD for a used vehicle. Many times over, when many knowledgeable car enthusiasts voice their opinion about what they consider to be an indestructible car, the Subaru Impreza WRX STI is also on their list.

Toyota 4Runner

10. Toyota 4Runner (2003-2009)

Consistently voted as one of the most rugged SUVs ever made, the Toyota 4Runner has a long-standing history of building pickup trucks and SUVs that are made to last. The best among the best not only can handle any kind of road condition and bad driver abuse but even treat the harshest off-road conditions as if it’s a cakewalk. From 2003 until 2009, the Toyota 4Runner has dubbed the Toyota Hilux Surf as it was built using the infamous Hilux platform. However, in 2005, Southeast Asia tweaked the Toyota 4Runner from the Surf design with the Fortuner design, which is still based on the Hilux platform.

Toyota Land Cruiser

9. Toyota Land Cruiser (1951-Present)

Toyota has a long-established track record of building seemingly indestructible SUVs known as the Land Cruiser. More consistent than any other SUVs on the market, the Land Cruisers have continually been among the longest-lasting. In addition to this impressive track record, so are the various insurance reports that show how well this lineup of SUVs can take a hit.

While there is no doubt today’s Land Cruiser is much more sophisticated than the first generation 1951 models, the very reason why the Land Cruiser started going into production, to begin with, is due to the demands of the Korean War in 1950. Toyota rose to the occasion, bringing forth military-grade land cruisers that were rightly named, Land Cruiser. Even today, there are still military-class Land Cruisers built by Toyota that can be found on military bases of more than just one country.

Chevy Silverado

8. Chevy Silverado (2007-2013)

The second generation of the Silverado series stands out as the most indestructible from Chevy’s pickup truck lineup. According to Vehicle History, this is the generation where Chevrolet did everything right where the Silverado is concerned. Between the least amount of recalls and good crash test scores, the Silverado has earned a solid enough reputation to find its place among the most indestructible vehicles on the market. A multitude of farms and construction companies prefer the Chevy Silverado more so than any other brand combined.

Toyota Tundra

7. Toyota Tundra (1999-Present)

Since hitting the road in 1999, the Toyota Tundra has established itself as one of the best trucks to have for any given environment. The amount of abuse the Tundra can take and still keep on trucking is nothing short of impressive. The first generation runs from 1999 until 2006 and many are still found on the road today. Many construction sites seem to favor the Tundra lineup, especially when there’s a need to drive into an area that is not travel-friendly.

Volvo 240

6. Volvo 240 (1974-1993)

For years, Volvo has been mocked, including the Volvo 240 since it first introduced itself to the road in 1974. While this lineup may not have won any beauty pageant awards, it certainly earned its merit as one of the toughest cars on the block. When car enthusiasts answer which vehicles they think can outlast anything, Volvo’s name comes up often, especially the 240 series. Incredibly easy to handle, as well as proving to be remarkably reliable and durable, this Swedish-made model rightfully earned its unofficial title as the automotive workhorse for the common man. Even in Hollywood, the Volvo seems to be the car of choice among movies and television series as the car to have for the poor, struggling working-class man or woman drive around the 240 models, regardless of what year it is.

2011 Ford F-150

5. 2011 Ford F-150

When the Ford Dealership in Dauphin, Manitoba, Canada suffered a fire on September 10, 2011, the perfect strip for a good Ford commercial showed a horribly mangled 2011 Ford F-150 pickup truck simply driving its way through the rubble.

1984 Jeep Cherokee

4. 1984 Jeep Cherokee

When encountering various forums and people asking about indestructible vehicles, the 1984 Jeep Cherokee comes up quite often and for good reason. This particular lineup served as the start of its generation that continued until 1991 as a 4WD. The curb weight averaged at 3,850 pounds and featured a cast-iron cylinder block. 102 horsepower at 3,000 rpm and torque 204 lb-ft at 1,650 rpm are what is typically found with these 1984 Jeep Cherokee models.

1983 Fiat Panda 4x4

3. 1983 Fiat Panda 4×4

They’re powered with a 963cc inline four-cylinder engine that produces 48 horsepower and the torque performance of 51 lb-ft, typically comes with a 5-speed manual transmission. There have been nearly eight million of these models made worldwide and have stood the test of time for nearly four decades, with the vast majority of its customer base residing within Europe. These boxy little hatchback cars can seat up to five people, which made it an ideal family vehicle in its time. The overall measurements of the Fiat Panda are 133.5 inches long, 58.5 inches wide, and 57.9 inches tall. Although they may not look like they can take a punch, the fact they’re still highly favored vehicles found on the rugged terrain that includes mountain hideaways and family farms speaks volumes. That particular customer base will not waste their money on a car that’s too fragile for their liking.

Toyota Hilux

2. Toyota Hilux (From 1984 to 1988)

If the Toyota Hilux was cast as a high-impact movie star in Hollywood, it wouldn’t need a stunt double. While it seems Top Gear doesn’t just limit the lineup of Toyota’s Hilux pickup trucks to 1988, it is the one referenced when describing how it went through an obscene amount of abuse that includes being roughly driven down a flight of stairs, sideswiped buildings, and even drowned it during high-tide at a sea shoreline. When the waters washed back and the truck was discovered mostly buried in the sand, the Top Gear team dug it out and was able to drive the truck away almost as if nothing happened. If this wasn’t enough, the team decided to put the truck on fire. After the smoke settled and the truck cooled, as horrible as it looked, the Hilux was still driveable.

Marauder by Paramount Group

1. Marauder by Paramount Group (as of 2007)

Originally intended for military use, Paramount Group’s Marauder has been deemed the toughest car. While Marauders are typically built for military service, there are some models that are road-safe for regular consumer use too. Technically speaking, the Marauder is built like a tank as was originally designed as an armored vehicle. While this may not be so commonly seen on the road, driven by the average Joe, it still counts. If you can afford $650,000 USD, then you can go get one.

  • Curb Weight – 9,000 to 12,000 pounds
  • Payload – up to 6,000 pounds
  • Ground Clearance – 420 mm (365 under differential)
  • Wheel Base – 3,100 – 3,550 (stretched)
  • Maximum Speed – 120 kph
  • Engine – 6-cylinder Turbo Diesel (165kW-221kW)
  • Transmission – Various manual and automatic options
  • Brakes – Air-operated disc or drum with ABS option

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