When a driver invests in a car, it's with the expectation that it will be around for the long haul. Proper maintenance is a critical component for any vehicle's longevity, but owners also expect manufacturers to produce a dependable vehicle. At a time when consumers have more choices — from auto manufacturers branching out into electric and hybrid vehicles to the ascension of ride-sharing platforms — dependable cars will be key to a brand's success. "Vehicle dependability continues to improve, but I wouldn't say that everything is rosy. Vehicles are more reliable than ever, but automakers are wrestling with problems such as voice recognition, transmission shifts and battery failures," Dave Sargent, vice president of global automotive at J.D. Power, said in a press release. "Flaw dependability is a determining factor in whether customers remain loyal to a brand, so manufacturers need to help customers who are currently experiencing vehicle problems and address these trouble spots on future models." Related: Self-driving cars may one day kill auto insurance as we know it

Brand loyalty in 2019

While brand loyalty will be put to the test with certain vehicles, others are enjoying a distinguished reputation, according to findings from the J.D. Power 2019 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study. The study measures the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles during the past 12 years by original owners of three-year-old model-year vehicles. The 2019 study measures problems in model year 2016 vehicles. A lower score reflects higher quality, and the study covers 177 specific problems grouped into eight major vehicle categories. Notably, the study found that overall dependability for three-year-old vehicles improved 4% from last year. With this in mind, here are 10 highest ranked brands from the J.D. Power 2019 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study. Related: Personal lines auto: The differentiator's dilemma