You might want to check out Consumer Reports magazine. They publish an annual book that lists reliable used cars and cars to avoid. Toyotas and Hondas are usually on the list but you should get the book to get specific years and models.

In the latest Roundel Magazine there is an article on the JD Powers dependability index.
The top 10 were Lexus, Infinity, Buick, Porsche, Acura, Toyota, Cadillac, Lincoln, Honda, and Mercury.

Unfortunately Volvo was on the bottom 10 Jeep, Volvo, Mitsubishi, Hyundai, Isuzu, VW, Suzuki, Daewoo, Land Rover, and the worst was Kia.

Surprisingly, Mercedes and Audi were among the bottom 20.