1. Chrysler Slant-Six/G-Engine
The Chrysler Slant-Six, also referred to as the G-Engine, stands out as an exceptional piece of automotive engineering. In production from 1959 to 2000, this inline-six engine produced a power range of 101 to 225 horsepower. Its reputation for durability and versatility is well-deserved, as it powered an impressive 31 different models over four decades.
This engine found its way into various Chrysler models, including the iconic Cordoba, LeBaron, and Fifth Avenue, as well as the Dodge Dart, Aspen, Challenger, and Charger. It also equipped numerous Plymouth vehicles like the Barracuda, Belvedere, Duster, and Gran Fury, showcasing its widespread applicability. Its ability to endure demanding performance settings further solidified its status as a reliable engine.
Available in three primary configurations—170, 198, and 225 cubic inches (2.8, 3.2, and 3.7 liters, respectively)—the Slant-Six featured various versions that included short or tall blocks and different main bearing counts. Regardless of the specific variation, the core engineering principles remained sound, ensuring efficient cooling and robust performance. The engine was constructed using both cast iron and aluminum blocks throughout its production run, maintaining its legacy as a long-lasting and dependable choice.
2. Ford 300 Straight-6
The Ford 300 Straight-6, produced from 1964 to 1996, has earned a reputation as one of the toughest engines ever manufactured. This inline-six engine delivered between 114 to 150 horsepower and became a favorite for both trucks and industrial applications, thanks to its near-indestructible nature.
The fourth-generation Ford 300 was introduced as a 300 cubic inch (4.9-liter) gasoline engine, first appearing in the 1965 F-Series pickup. Initially capable of producing 170 hp, the output was adjusted to 114 hp due to a change in power rating standards in 1978. Over the years, its performance improved, eventually reaching 150 hp by 1987, thanks to the implementation of fuel injection.
What set the Ford 300 apart was its remarkable versatility and durability. It was not only a workhorse for light-duty applications, but it also powered dump trucks weighing up to 20,000 pounds and various industrial machinery. Heavy-duty versions featured forged internals, making it a preferred choice for applications like tractors and water pumps.
Even in motorsports, the Ford 300 made its mark by winning the grueling Baja 1000 three times with driver Scott Donohue. Its reputation for minimal upkeep is widely recognized, with many owners recounting stories of engines that continued to run smoothly despite negligence. Although production officially ceased in 1996, the engine’s influence continues, with adaptations and improvements made in other regions.
3. Mercedes-Benz OM617
The Mercedes-Benz OM617, manufactured from 1974 to 1991, is a legendary five-cylinder diesel engine that produced between 79 to 227 horsepower. Its reputation for exceptional longevity, particularly in taxis and other commercial vehicles, is well-documented.
Stories of German taxis accumulating over 600,000 miles without any engine failure are not mere folklore; they are a testament to the OM617’s exceptional durability. This 3.0-liter diesel engine, featuring a cast iron block and head along with a chain-driven overhead camshaft, was designed with longevity at its core.
The OM617 helped solidify Mercedes-Benz’s reputation for reliability in the U.S. during the 1980s, offering a rare combination of usable power and dependability, which was not common in diesel engines of that era. Evolved from the OM616 four-cylinder, the OM617 debuted in 1974 on the W115 chassis, the early ancestor of the E-Class.
Initially, it produced 79 hp in naturally aspirated form, with a turbocharged variant introduced shortly thereafter, boosting power to 187 hp. The engine’s turbo-diesel version played a critical role in the world’s first turbo-diesel production sedan, the W116 300SD, sold exclusively in North America, further establishing Mercedes-Benz’s diesel legacy.
4. Toyota 1/2/3UZ-FE
The Toyota 1/2/3UZ-FE engine family, produced from 1989 to 2013, is known for its robust 90-degree V8 architecture, delivering between 256 and 500 horsepower. Renowned for its reliability, the UZ family is often considered one of Toyota’s finest engineering accomplishments.
While the GM LS may dominate the V8 landscape in the U.S., the rest of the world frequently turns to the Toyota UZ. This engine family debuted in the Lexus LS 400, a vehicle synonymous with luxury and reliability. The UZ engines powered an array of vehicles, from luxury sedans to rugged trucks and SUVs, including the Tundra and Land Cruiser.
The UZ lineup features several displacement options: the 1UZ at 4.0 liters, the 2UZ at 4.7 liters, and the 3UZ at 4.3 liters. Their remarkable dependability allowed them to be adapted for marine engines and high-performance racing applications, demonstrating their engineering prowess.
These engines are celebrated for being under-stressed and built to last, with extensive applications across various vehicles, making them a cornerstone of Toyota’s reputation for reliability.
5. BMW M50
The BMW M50, manufactured between 1990 and 1996, is an inline-six engine that generated between 148 and 189 horsepower, with the S50 performance variant producing 282 to 316 hp. This engine is iconic within BMW’s lineup, recognized for its smooth operation and balanced performance.
Replacing the M20 engine, the M50 made its debut in the E34 5 Series and was offered in displacements ranging from 2.0 to 2.5 liters. Notably, the M50 was BMW’s first engine to feature variable valve timing, which significantly enhanced performance. Its robust design laid the groundwork for future generations of BMW six-cylinder engines.
The M50 also served as the basis for the high-performance S50 engine found in the E36 M3, cementing its legacy in motorsports. Known for its durability, the M50 can withstand high boost levels, making it a favorite among enthusiasts looking to extract more performance through forced induction.
6. Toyota 1JZ/2JZ
The Toyota 1JZ and 2JZ engines, produced between 1990 and 2007, are revered inline-six motors that deliver 168 to 276 hp in the 1JZ and 212 to 320 hp in the 2JZ. Their legendary reliability and substantial tuning potential have made them favorites among car enthusiasts.
Typically, sports cars are not synonymous with long-lasting engines due to their performance-driven nature. However, the Mk IV Toyota Supra, equipped with the 2JZ engine, defied this stereotype, establishing a reputation for being virtually indestructible. Tuners have been able to extract nearly 1,000 horsepower from this engine while maintaining reliability—a remarkable feat.
The 1JZ, as the 2.5-liter variant in the JZ family, played a crucial role in extending the platform’s legacy throughout its production. Regardless of the output level, both the 1JZ and 2JZ engines are renowned for their robustness and reliability, affirming their status as some of the best inline-six engines ever produced.
7. Volkswagen ABF
The Volkswagen ABF, produced between 1992 and 1999, is an inline-four, 16-valve engine that delivered 148 hp. Although short-lived, it garnered a devoted following due to its reliability and swap-friendly design.
This 2.0-liter performance engine was featured in the Mk III Golf GTI and the fourth-generation Passat in various markets. Known for its high-revving nature, the ABF engine peaked at 6,000 rpm and offered 133 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. Its robust construction included a cast iron block and an aluminum head, coupled with hydraulic lifters and a fuel injection system.
While parts for the ABF can be hard to find and occasionally expensive, the engine itself has shown impressive endurance, often reaching 250,000 miles without major failures. Common issues typically stem from auxiliary components rather than the engine itself, showcasing the ABF’s reputation as a high-performance engine built to last.
8. GM LS V8
The GM LS V8, produced from 1997 to the present, is a small block V8 that provides a power range of 255 to 755 hp, becoming a cornerstone of American automotive engineering. General Motors has excelled at creating a reliable and high-performing small block V8 with the LS family.
Since its introduction in 1997, the LS engine has spanned multiple generations and has been utilized in a vast array of vehicles, from workhorse trucks like the Chevy Silverado to high-performance models like the Camaro. Its strength lies in its combination of reliability, simplicity, and impressive performance.
GM’s LS engines come in various displacements, starting at 4.8 liters and reaching up to 7.4 liters. The lineup includes 5.3-, 5.7-, 6.0-, 6.2-, 6.6-, and 7.0-liter versions, showcasing their versatility. The LS family has established a strong reputation for durability, with truck owners frequently reporting hundreds of thousands of miles with minimal issues, making it a preferred choice among tuners.
9. Honda K-Series
The Honda K-Series, introduced in 2001, is a DOHC inline-four engine known for its high-revving performance and exceptional reliability, producing between 150 and 320 hp. A Honda engine list would be incomplete without this remarkable entry, which has become a staple in the tuning community.
Ranging in displacement from 2.0 to 2.4 liters, the K-Series has powered a diverse lineup of vehicles, including the Civic Type R, Integra, Accord, and CR-V. Both naturally aspirated and turbocharged variants are available, making the K-Series a popular choice for performance enthusiasts.
Notable variants like the K20 and K24 are cherished for their durability and engaging performance, as well as their distinct sound profile, particularly in earlier models. True to Honda’s legacy, the K-Series engines also feature V-TEC, encapsulating the brand’s high-performance spirit.
10. Toyota 2GR
Rounding out the list is the Toyota 2GR, a 3.5-liter V6 engine produced from 2005 to the present, delivering between 237 and 316 hp depending on the application. This engine exemplifies Toyota’s ongoing commitment to reliability and performance.
The GR engine family, distinct from the GR models under Gazoo Racing, includes numerous variants, with the 2GR being the most acclaimed for its dependability. This engine has powered some of Toyota and Lexus’s most popular vehicles, including the Tacoma, Camry, Highlander, and Avalon, as well as the Lexus ES, GS, IS, and RX.
Notably, the 2GR-FSE variant has earned multiple accolades on Ward’s 10 Best Engines list, affirming its reputation for performance and long-lasting reliability. Constructed with a die-cast aluminum block and an aluminum head, the 2GR exemplifies a modern approach to engine design, balancing strength with lightweight efficiency.
Widely used across numerous markets, the 2GR has proven itself in various conditions, supported by a vast network of parts and service resources, making it a highly reliable choice within the Toyota lineup.