The V8 engine has been an indelible part of automotive history since its introduction in the early 1900s. After over a century of mechanical and technological advancement, the V8 engine has come in sizes, aspirations, and displacements. One of the most recognizable and iconic V8s is the American V8 engine. Known for its straight-line prowess, the American V8 revolutionized the market, sparking off the Mopar wars, the golden age of the muscle car, and the pony car segment.

Updated August 2023: We have updated this article with details of more reliable American V8 engines that can last for 500,000 miles with the right dose of maintenance.

Then came the superchargers, which added more power to these big bad V8 units. However, there have been many times when a V8 sure is powerful, but completely unreliable on other fronts. The sweet spot is hit when a V8 is big, bad, powerful, and, most importantly, so dependable that it gives the owner unparalleled peace of mind. In that vein, here are 12 American V8 engines that have been used in some very reliable cars that could run for 500,000 miles.

All engine spec and reliability-related data in this article have been obtained from sources like Carsurvey, CarEdge, J.D. Power, and official company press websites.

12 Ford 5.0-Liter Coyote V8

Engine Specs:

Ford's 'Coyote' engine is a big-displacement V8 that has powered some of the most iconic American vehicles, like the F-150 and the Mustang. Thanks to its simpler design, the Coyote V8 is far more reliable than any turbocharged inline-four-pots or V6 engines. Since its introduction in 2011, the Coyote V8 has also spawned legendary engines like the Voodoo V8 in the GT350 and the Predator V8 in the GT500.

Reliability

The 5.0-Liter Coyote V8 was first used in the 2011 Ford Mustang GT. In this form, it pumped out 412 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. Ford has evolved this V8 numerous times over the last decade. Currently, the most powerful street-legal Ford Mustang, the Dark Horse, is powered by a 500 hp Coyote V8. Overall, the Coyote is a mighty engine that is as reliable as it is powerful, and there have been examples of the engine reaching 300,000 miles with good maintenance.

• Problems Owners Report: Head gasket failure, Ignition coil failure, oil leaks, faulty electronic throttle
• Highest Mileage Reported On Carsurvey: 38,000 miles

11 Chrysler 6.4-Liter V8

Engine Specs:

Like the Ford Coyote, the Chrysler 6.4-liter HEMI V8 was also launched in 2011. Also known as the 392 motor, the 6.4 V8 is available in the SRT range of models from both Dodge and Jeep, powering American beasts like the Challenger and Charger SRT, along with the Grand Cherokee SRT and RAM models.

Reliability

Initial engine units did have problems, but today, those issues are no longer around, and the engine is still going strong in the SRT models on the market today. Despite being heavily performance-centric, these engines can easily munch up to 250,000 miles, and when taken excellent care of, the 500,000-mile mark, many years down the line, wouldn't be too improbable.

• Problems Owners Report: Transmission failure, engine misfires, engine ticking, faulty Multi-Displacement System (MDS)
• Highest Mileage Reported On Carsurvey: 24,897 miles

RELATED: The HEMI-Powered 2023 Chrysler 300C Is The Last Of Its Kind

10 Chevy LS3 6.2-Liter V8

Engine Specs:

Chevrolet first introduced the modern LS3 engine in the C6 Corvette. Ever since, this power mill has earned its place in the engine hall of fame, and deservedly so. Part of Chevrolet's modern small-block engine range since 2008, the LS3 engine is a fantastic motor we can't praise enough.

Impressively versatile, the LS3 is packed with American V8 power, which makes it a favorite for custom shops to swap into classic American cars. The simple push-rod design makes supercharging easy and keeps the engine running smoothly for hundreds of thousands of miles.

Reliability

The LS3 is considered to be the most reliable Chevy engine when it comes to refined performance. There are minor issues with the LS3 motor. But this is mostly due to the fact that it is over 15 years old now. There are many instances of LS3-equipped Chevys with over 150,000 miles out there. Improper maintenance is the cause of the few problems that befall this exciting V8.

• Problems Owners Report: Oil leaks, engine overheating due to water pump failure
• Highest Mileage Reported On Carsurvey: 70,000 miles

9 Chrysler 5.7-Liter HEMI V8

Engine Specs:

Chrysler 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine is a brute, delivering fantastic lower-range grunt that is music to gearheads' ears, great mid-range torque, and remarkable overall power. Cars like the Dodge Challenger, Charger, and the Chrysler 300C Hemi have housed the 5.7-liter V8, including the RAM 1500.

Reliability

A versatile motor, the Chrysler 5.7-liter HEMI can easily last beyond 250,000 miles, and if taken proper care with timely maintenance and replacement of a few small parts when needed, it could surely go the distance.

• Problems Owners Report: Rattling exhaust sound, engine misfires, camshaft issues, engine ticking sound
• Highest Mileage Reported On Carsurvey: 100,000 miles

RELATED: The Grandpa Of Hemi Engines Gets The Teardown Treatment

8 Chevy Small-Block Gen I/II

Engine Specs:

Made for fifty consecutive years, the Chevrolet small-block V8 engine is a legendary motor. It is the most widely produced V8 engine in all of automotive history, having sold over 100 million units in different forms since its inception in 1955. The 350 cu-in version of the Chevy small-block is perhaps the most popular American V8 ever.

Reliability

There is simply no doubting the reliability and bulletproof quality of the first and second-generation small-block Chevy V8. In 2008, a Wisconsin man stated that his classic C10 truck, running on the small-block motor, logged over a million miles without any major repairs to the engine!

• Problems Owners Report: Knocking sounds, overheating problems, fluid leaks, electrical malfunctioning
• Highest Mileage Reported On Carsurvey: 214,100 miles

7 Ford 4.6-Liter 2V Modular V8

Engine Specs:

In the early 1990s, Ford's new modular series of engines began replacing the iconic 5.0 Windsor V8. At the time, enthusiasts didn't take very kindly to it, but the modular V8 proved incredibly durable and reliable in its two-valve form.

This V8 motor debuted in the 1991 Lincoln Town Car and then found its way into most Ford V8 cars. This famed engine has also powered the Crown Victoria that law enforcement agencies use, along with taxi companies that form the lifeline of American cities. Produced in 2014, the 4.6L Modular V8 engine from Ford is one engine that can outlast several generations in your family.

Reliability

These engines can easily live over 300,000 miles, thanks to their modular nature. Apart from Ford, various other automakers have utilized the 2V version of Ford's modular V8, like the MG ZT 260 and the Rover 75 V8. Due to the simple nature of this particular 2-valve Ford modular V8, there are no complex issues if maintenance is done at regular intervals. And issues, if any, can be eradicated with easy replacement parts.

• Problems Owners Report: plastic intake manifold cracking, slipped spark plugs
• Highest Mileage Reported On Carsurvey: 178,500 miles

RELATED: Here's How The Modern-Day Crown Victoria Could Look With A Little Work

6 Chrysler 318/Magnum 5.2-Liter V8

Engine Specs:

The Chrysler 340 engine is widely known as the 'Giant Killer', but its smaller brother, the 318 or the Magnum 5.2-liter V8, is far more durable. Crafted as an under-stressed and smooth-running, economic V8, the 318 is one of the best small block engines for going long and strong.

Produced between 1968 and 2002, the engine was given a few interchangeable upgrades and was called the Magnum 5.2 in 1992, powering Chrysler trucks and passenger cars, along with several Jeep models when Chrysler acquired AMC in 1987.

Reliability

The fact that the Chrysler LA engine stayed steady for 35 years is a testimony of its reliability. There were a few niggles here and there. But this classic American V8 was devoid of any major issues. It had issues that were very common on all V8 engines with flat tappets during this era. With proper maintenance, this Chrysler V8 has the brawn to breach the 500,000-mile mark with ease.

• Problems Owners Report: vacuum leaks, Noisy or stuck lifters, worn-out camshafts, ignition, and timing issues.
• Highest Mileage Reported On Carsurvey: 220,000 miles

5 Ford 4.7-Liter Small Block V8

Engine Specs:

Ford's 4.6-liter small-block V8 is quite reputed for being a dependable motor. Used in various Ford vehicles from the mid-1990s to the late 2000s, the Ford 4.6 small-block has powered cars like the classic Mustang GT, the F-150, and the Police Interceptor as well.

Reliability

With proper maintenance and care, this long-lasting motor wouldn't break a sweat in taking you to over 250,000 miles easily and even more. The 289 is an impressively reliable engine. The Ford 4.7-Liter Small Block V8 is not wrong to be called the 2JZ of the 60s. It was built to churn out insane amounts of power.

• Problems Owners Report: Overheating due to failed water pumps and thermostats, starter, and other major electrical issues.
• Highest Mileage Reported On Carsurvey: 185,000 miles

RELATED: A Detailed Look Back At The Second Generation Ford Mustang SVT Cobra: The SN95 Small Block Cobra

4 Chevrolet 5.7-Liter LS1 V8

Engine Specs:

A heavily performance-focused V8 power mill might not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of maximum-mileage engines, but the C5 Corvette's 5.7-liter LS1 engine would pleasantly surprise you.

Undisputedly durable, the Chevrolet 5.7 LS1 engine can, and has, clocked over half a million miles. A quick trip to the Corvette Museum would show you Mark Blackwell's famed C5 Corvette, which he donated at a staggering 773,000 miles, with the original 5.7 LS1 motor intact!

Reliability

The LS1 sure was high on power. But it was famous for two other reasons. One was its impressively compact design which helped GM slide it into "compact" muscle cars and sports cars with ease. The other was its reliability and durability. The engine block did help this high-revving American V8 stand the test of time. The clever and precise use of computer wizardry helped Chevy play safe on pushing the LS1 to its limits.

• Problems Owners Report: Engine knocking, water pump failure, oil pump leakage
• Highest Mileage Reported On Carsurvey: 115,000 miles

3 Ford 6.2-Liter Triton V8

Engine Specs:

The Ford F-350 has always been the go-to choice for a super-duty pickup truck that can go anywhere and do anything without breaking a sweat. Thanks to its powerful engine, the 6.2-liter Triton V8, the F-350, and others like the Ford F-150 and the bigger F-250s have always been extremely reliable engines that could last decades.

Reliability

Built to withstand harsh conditions and usage without complaining, the 6.2-liter Triton V8 is truly 'built Ford tough'. And because it is a pickup truck engine, it sure is going to be a "workhorse". So, maintaining it at the right intervals is crucial. If done right, it can possibly come close to achieving 500,000 miles on the odometer.

• Problems Owners Report: Engine misfiring, inconsistent power delivery,
• Highest Mileage Reported On Carsurvey: N/A

2 GM's 6.6-Liter Duramax V8

Engine Specs:

The most reliable diesel engine in America was actually the result of a joint venture between General Motors and Isuzu. This robust engine started off with a cast iron block in 2001. It has now transitioned into a sophisticated aluminum-built workhorse heart. The first-ever vehicle that got the 6.6-Liter Duramax was the 2001 Chevy and GMC trucks.

Fast-forward 22 years, this diesel monster is the staple in various GM pickups. The most powerful Duramax diesel engine by Chevy is the L5P model, which was introduced in the 2019 Silverados. It churns out up to 500 hp and an insane 1,050 lb-ft of torque.

Reliability

The life expectancy of a Duramax diesel V8 is impressive. This is why there are tons of diesel-powered trucks from GM on the road today. It will go on for 200,000 miles without needing any major repairs. The first major one, if maintained rightfully, comes at 300,000 miles. So, if this diesel V8 engine is loved as it should be, GM's Duramax can easily be your companion for 500,000 miles and more.

• Problems Owners Report: Faulty glow plugs, water pump failure, engine overheating
• Highest Mileage Reported On Carsurvey: 40,000 miles

1 GM's 5.3-Liter EcoTec3 L84 V8

Engine Specs:

Yet another heavy-duty V8 from GM has been a staple in various pickup trucks and SUVs. This V8 is a derivation of GM's Gen V small block engines and is called "EcoTec3". This engine was first used in the 2019 Chevy Silverado 1500 and the GMC Sierra 1500. This V8 has become a staple in various new GM vehicles like the new Cadillac Escalade, the new Chevy Tahoe, and the GMC Yukon, to name a few.

Reliability

There are many GM SUVs and picks equipped with the 5.3-Liter EcoTec3 L84 V8 that has already surpassed the 200,000-mile mark without breaking a sweat. Using a clever fuel management system, robust internals, and a tried and tested formula, GM has managed to spawn yet another immortal V8 that can live on to see over 500,000 miles if maintained properly.

• Problems Owners Report: Fuel injector failure, fuel level sensor failure, rough idling, misfiring, excessive oil consumption
• Highest Mileage Reported On Carsurvey: 129,000 miles