I am looking for a trouble free, reliable, durable outboard motor in around the 25hp range. I would like to see some recommendations. Thanks. 

Question is 2 stroke or 4 stroke???

 

Im a fan of 4 strokes, Mercury makes a good 4 stroke as a well as Nissan.  If I remember correctly Nissan makes all powerheads for Mercury engines up to 60hp and up to recently Yamaha was making Mercury powerheads from 75-115 till 2013 when Merc created the 2.1L

 

I have a 9.8 2 stroke Nissan kicker and its a great engine. It always starts

 

Either 2 or 4 stroke.

 

Any of the new major brands will be fine.  Mercury, Evinrude, Yamaha, Suzuki...doesn't really matter.  I'd go 4 stroke because I like them.

I"d base my decision more on the dealer than the brand.

Honda or Tohatsu 

Honda is the biggest 4-stroke at 33.7 cu. in.

Honda builds the Mercury, Tohatsu, & Suzuki

The Evinrude has a weak water pump & is prone to over heating when ran in shallow water & weeds.

I forgot Honda.  Another good one.

Honda, Yamaha, Merc, Tohatsu, Suziki, all good.