<TEX>$TiO_2,\;ZrO_2$</TEX>, and <TEX>$SiO_2$</TEX> were added in the concentration of 1 - 3 wt.% to improve long-term stability for the <TEX>$SnO2$</TEX> thick film gas sensor. Short-term sensor resistances up to 90 h were measured to investigate the stabilization time of initial resistance in air. Long-term resistance drifts in air and in gas to 5000 ppm methane for the sensors annealed at <TEX>$750^{\circ}C$</TEX> for 1 h and continuously heated at an operating temperature of <TEX>$400^{\circ}C$</TEX> were also measured up to 90 days at an interval of 1 day. The long-term drifts in methane sensitivity for the three metal oxide-doped <TEX>$SnO2$</TEX> sensors are closely related to methane sensitivity level, catalytic activity, and long-term drift in sensor resistance in air. Those stabilities are mainly discussed in terms of oxidation state and catalytic activity.