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Best & worst used cars

Great choices for all budgets—and cars to avoid

Published: April 2013

Are you shopping for a used car but overwhelmed by the choices? These pages might be the only cheat sheet you’ll need. Here, we highlight the best sedans, SUVs, and small cars available in four price ranges. Each performed well in our testing when new and had above-average reliability for the model years shown, based on our Annual Auto Survey. All of the models came standard with electronic stability control (ESC), a proven lifesaver, during the years indicated.

Less than $10,000

Small cars

Pontiac Vibe 2009

This sensible wagon’s 2009 redesign brought standard ESC and stronger, more fuel-efficient engines. A twin of the Toyota Matrix, it has a flat load floor. Pontiac’s 2011 demise means that you can find the Vibe at a cheap price, and parts and service remain available.

Sedans

Hyundai Sonata (4cyl.) 2008 and Acura TSX 2004

The economical and efficient Sonata has a decent ride, secure handling, and a responsive four-cylinder engine that returned 23 mpg overall. The Acura TSX is a more upscale and sportier alternative.

SUVs

Toyota RAV4 (4-cyl.) 2004

The RAV4 was redesigned in 2001, but it wasn’t until 2004 that it got standard antilock brakes and ESC. It has nimble handling, good brakes, easy cabin access, and a particularly strong engine. Fuel economy of 21 mpg is decent for an all-wheel-drive SUV.

$10,000-$15,000

Small cars

2011 Honda Fit and 2011 Mazda3

The Fit is an excellent choice among hatchbacks. It has amazing space utilization; responsive, agile handling; and a super-efficient four-cylinder engine that returns 30 mpg overall with an automatic transmission. For a bit more refinement, look for a Mazda3 hatchback or sedan.

Sedans

2006-07 Honda Accord (V6) and 2005-06 Acura TL

The Accord is an excellent choice among used cars. Its smooth V6 engine is economical and strong, the ride is comfortable and compliant, and reliability is excellent. The four-cylinder version is nice but didn’t get ESC until 2008. A more luxurious option is the Acura TL.

Small SUVs

2006-08 Toyota RAV4 (4-cyl.) and 2005-07 Honda CR-V

The 2006 RAV4 gained more interior room, a V6, and an optional third-row seat. The four-cylinder’s nimble handling, very good 23 mpg overall, and versatile cabin propelled it to the top of our small-SUV Ratings. The CR-V is a sportier, if somewhat noisier, alternative.

Midsized/large SUVs

2004-07 Toyota Highlander (V6) and 2003-04 Infiniti FX

The Highlander is quiet and comfortable. We got 19 mpg overall with the V6. The interior is roomy and the controls are easy to use. A third-row seat was optional and a hybrid version was added in 2006. The Infiniti FX is a sportier two-row alternative.

Annual Auto Issue Highlights

Visit our annual auto issue special section to find all of our new and updated articles, including Top Picks 2013, Who makes the best cars, Best & worst new cars, Best & worst used cars, Used car reliability, Connect with your car, and New car Ratings & road tests.


$15,000-$20,000

Small cars

2010-11 Toyota Prius and 2011-12 Hyundai Elantra (sedan)

At 44 mpg overall, the Prius delivers the best gas mileage of any non-plug-in, five-passenger vehicle. The 2010 redesign brought more room, better brakes, and sound but not agile handling. For a more enjoyable driving experience, look for a Hyundai Elantra sedan.

Sedans

2011-12 Toyota Camry (4-cyl.) and 2006-07 Infiniti M

Expect impressive 26 to 27 mpg overall with the four-cylinder Camry in addition to a roomy cabin and superb reliability. If a powerful engine and luxurious interior are your passion, opt for the Infiniti M with the V6.

SUVs

2007-08 Honda Pilot and 2009 Mazda CX-9

The Pilot combines a roomy cabin, good driving dynamics, seating for eight, and respectable fuel economy in a package that isn’t too big to fit in your garage. But road noise is a bit pronounced. The Mazda CX-9 is a more agile alternative with an even roomier third-row seat.

$20,000-$25,000

Sedans

2009 BMW 328i, 2009 Infiniti G, and 2010 Toyota Avalon

The 3 Series combines agile handling, a taut ride, good brakes, and powerful six-cylinder engines in a comfortable, if slightly snug, interior. The Infiniti G is a similarly sporty alternative. Look for the Toyota Avalon if you want a roomy interior and lots of comfort.

SUVs

2007-08 Acura MDX and 2008 Lexus RX

The Acura MDX is a well-rounded, family-friendly SUV. It has a strong and refined V6 powertrain that gets 17 mpg overall, a firm but pleasant ride, a well-appointed cabin, comfortable front seats, and a third-row seat. The Lexus RX is a smaller two-row option that’s quieter inside.

These used cars spell trouble

Kia Sorento

Steer clear. These 2003 through 2012 models, listed alphabetically, have had multiple years of much-worse-than-average overall reliability, according to our Annual Auto Survey. That’s based on at least three years of data for each model listed.

BMW 7 Series

Ford F-250 (diesel)

BMW X5 (6-cyl.)

GMC Acadia

Chevrolet Uplander

Jeep Wrangler (4-door)

Chrysler PT Cruiser

Kia Sorento (V6)

Chrysler Town & Country

Mercedes-Benz GL-Class

Dodge Caravan

Mini Cooper S

Dodge Grand Caravan

Nissan Armada

Dodge Journey

Saturn Outlook

Dodge Ram 2500 (diesel)

Saturn Relay

Ford Explorer (V6, 4WD)

Volkswagen Touareg

   

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