Is Peugeot reliable?
Want to check the reliability of your Peugeot? Read our guide to find out more
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The rivalry between England and France goes right back to 1066 – but today’s not a history lesson.
Instead, we’re going to prove that French cars have moved on from the stigma that they’re all a little bit unreliable – like almost all cars were before 2000.
Now, everything is much different, and Peugeot – under the Stellantis umbrella – is strong and producing better cars than ever before.
Owning a used Peugeot today is the same as owning a used Volkswagen – it’s dependable, stylish, well-built and very reliable.
What makes a vehicle reliable?
Defining what makes a car reliable is easy.
It needs to be something you can trust, with minimal issues and an easy-going ownership experience.
If you're having to take in your car for regular repairs that aren’t the usual worn tyres and brakes, you may find your vehicle is unreliable.
A solid and reliable vehicle should not be breaking down regularly with many faults.
Another way to measure the overall build quality of your car is by checking its Euro NCAP ratings to gauge how safe it is. If said car is scoring a full five-star rating, then you have very little to be concerned about.
Another good sign you’ve bagged yourself a reliable car is when it offers good fuel efficiency. Cars that return high miles-per-gallon figures will always make for better cars to live with (and your wallet will thank you).
Are Peugeots reliable cars?
Like we alluded to above, French cars were always seen to have a questionable reputation for reliability – the same goes for British cars.
But as time went on and engineering improved, this got better, and now there’s not really such a thing as an unreliable car.
Peugeot has been making cars since 1896 and has since sold an incredible number of cars, so it’s clear it’s doing something right. In 2020 alone, Peugeot made almost a million units.
Now, it’s best known for making hatchbacks, saloons, estates and SUVs. Its top five models are the 208, 2008, 308, 3008 and 508 – but how reliable are they?
Peugeot 208 reliability
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The Peugeot 208 is a small yet mighty model in Peugeot’s lineup. It can be had as either a petrol, diesel or all-electric model, all of which offer strong reliability.
In its most recent Euro NCAP crash test, the 208 scored four out of five stars, offering high adult and child occupant safety. The older model scored the full five, but stricter testing has marked many cars down in recent years.
Its diesel engine is great too, returning up to 73.6mpg – great for those longer journeys.
Peugeot 2008 reliability
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The 2008 may have a similar name to the model above, but it’s vastly different. This practical and large SUV is an incredibly popular choice for families because of its 434-litre boot and strong reliability figures.
Euro NCAP awarded the standard 2008 four stars and the 2008 with the added safety pack a full five stars. This is thanks to its automatic emergency braking safety feature that now detects cyclists.
If you want the best miles-per-gallon figure, then the diesel engine with 65.7mpg is the one to have.
Peugeot 308 reliability
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The 308, Peugeot’s rival to the VW Golf, is a fine machine that’s fun to drive yet practical enough for most people too.
Following its most recent Euro NCAP test, the 308 scored four stars, offering particularly high safety to child occupants.
Unlike the two above, the 308 has a plug-in hybrid option with a claimed 281.1 combined mpg rating, making it great for city driving.
Peugeot 3008 reliability
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Sitting above the 2008 in terms of size is the 3008, which is quite easily the best budget SUV for hauling large families around in.
From its sleek design to its large 520-litre boot, this really isn’t a car you want to miss.
As far as safety is concerned, the 3008 scored a full five stars in its most recent test, which was in 2009 and has since expired.
It’s unknown when it will complete an up-to-date one, but if the above models are anything to go by, we’d say it will do well.
Being the large SUV that it is, the 3008 gets petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid options, with the latter offering up to 250mpg.
Peugeot 508 reliability
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If you want your Peugeot to be slick yet reliable, the 508 is the one to have. It looks good as either a saloon or an estate and is the most luxurious inside.
It's very safe too, scoring five stars on its most recent Euro NCAP crash test.
Engine options include petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid, with the latter offering up to 274.8mpg.
Which Peugeot model is best for you?
Peugeot sells so many different models that finding the right one for you may be tricky. So, to simplify it, we’d recommend the 208 and 308 for those who don’t need that much space and want a great runaround.
The 2008, 3008 and larger 5008 models are great options for families and those who need the extra boot space.
The 408 and 508 models will suit anyone who appreciates the finer things in life and wants to have fun when behind the wheel.