New car prices now average nearly a whopping $50,000. Maybe that sticker shock has you thinking long and hard about a used car. But navigating the used car market brings its own challenges. Consumer Reports is here to help with its first-ever brand ranking for used cars, helping you find the best, most reliable ride to fit your needs and budget.
While prices have come down over the past year, most people still end up paying around $30,000 for a used car. Buyers should know it’s important to make a choice that’ll last for the miles and years ahead.
Consumer Reports’ just released its first-ever brand ranking for used cars to help buyers reduce their risks of experiencing problems.
Consumer Report’s survey focused on vehicles from 2014 to 2019 model years, essentially five to 10-year-old vehicles, looking at data from 150,000 vehicles collected in our survey.
Lexus and Toyota top the list of 26 brands, with Mazda coming in third. All three brands have consistent average or better reliability ratings over the years. Acura and Honda rounded up the top five brands. At the bottom of the list are Tesla, Dodge, and Chrysler.
Even though some cars are known to withstand the test of time, not every model year from every brand–even a solid one–is created equal.
Brand reliability can direct your initial research, but as Consumer Report’s data consistently shows, it’s important for buyers to focus on the model and the year that you’re considering.
Used Car Top Picks
Under $10,000
Chevrolet Cruze Generation 2016-2019
2017 Chevrolet Cruze The second-generation Cruze was introduced for the 2016 model year, packaging virtues from the Malibu and Impala into a small, fuel-efficient sedan. In our tests, the Cruze shined for its comfortable ride, relatively roomy interior, and effortless power from a turbocharged four-cylinder. All told, it’s a competitive domestic entry in a class dominated by cars from import brands. Among the available conveniences at this price are Android Auto and Apple Carplay compatibility, heated seats, and keyless start. Our data shows that reliability improved in its second year, making the 2017 model year more attractive than the 2016 model year. The more recent 2018 and 2019s are also appealing, but being newer, they’ll probably cost a bit more, bumping their median price over $10,000.
Under $15,000
Hyundai Elantra Generation 2017-2020
2019 Hyundai Elantra With this generation, the Elantra became quite desirable due to its user-friendly controls, roomy interior with a spacious back seat, and impressive fuel efficiency. Plus, it improved over time, gaining features that make the newer versions more attractive. The 2019 was treated to midlife freshening that updated the exterior and cabin. By 2019 all trims, except the base SE, came equipped with forward collision warning (FCW), automatic emergency braking (AEB), lane departure warning (LDW), lane keeping assist (LKA), blind spot warning (BSW), and rear cross traffic warning (RCTW)—a large roster of safety features for the class. With a potentially higher price in today’s market, the 2020 benefits from improvements to engine noise, ride comfort, and transmission smoothness.
SUV Under $15,000
Honda HR-V Generation 2016-2022
2018 Honda HR-V Available in front- or all-wheel drive, this practical, urban-friendly model is the crossover compliment to the Fit hatchback. That lineage translates to a relatively roomy cabin with a rear seat that can flip and fold like magic and great fuel economy courtesy of a four-cylinder engine mated to a continuously variable transmission. Handling is responsive and secure, while the ride is admittedly a touch rough. If you look at the 2016-2018 HR-V, note that the base LX has a simpler and easier-to-use stereo, making it our choice. In 2019 the HR-V gained a midlevel Sport (fitting between the LX and EX) and fancier Touring trim. Plus, a new audio system brought Android Auto and Apple Carplay compatibility, along with more safety features. For these later years, we favor the EX for the added standard safety systems, like automatic emergency braking (AEB), lane keeping assist (LKA), and LaneWatch blind-spot cameras.
Hybrid Under $20,000
Toyota Corolla Hybrid Generation 2020-2024
2021 Toyota Corolla HybridThe Corolla sedan has a well-deserved reputation for its combination of frugal pricing, impressive fuel efficiency, solid reliability, and generous standard safety features. The value quotient is heightened with the hybrid; in our tests, it returned a stunning 48 mpg overall. The second year of this generation brought several enhancements that add appeal to the 2021 model year and the more recent ones. Android Auto was added to the existing Apple Carplay and Amazon Alexa compatibility, bringing a welcomed convenience for using a phone for calls, music, and navigation. Plus, it gained rear side airbags, bringing the airbag total to 10. Rear cross traffic warning (RCTW) and blind spot warning (BSW) were standard only on top trims and optional on lower trims.
Small SUV Under $20,000
Kia Sportage Generation 2017-2022
2021 Kia Sportage The uniquely styled Sportage is a competitive small SUV with a refined powertrain and handling that skews sporty for the class. Entry is easy, and once seated, you’ll find the cabin to be roomy and comfortable. But the design does limit outward visibility and fuel economy is just fair from the base four-cylinder. The last three years for this generation are the most desirable due to a significant update for 2020 and rising reliability. Beyond many freshened exterior details, those later years are worth targeting for the larger base infotainment screen and expanded roster of safety features that includes AEB and LKA. Even the base LX is a good choice; just look for ones equipped with powered front seats.
Hybrid Under $20,000
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Generation 2016-2018
2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Technically, the third-generation RAV4 started with the 2013 model year, but it was only with the midlife update in 2016 that the desirable hybrid was introduced. The entire RAV4 range was updated for 2016, with freshened styling, a quieter cabin, a smoother ride, added safety features, and the new hybrid version. That hybrid powertrain brought almost 20 more horsepower, resulting in punchier low-speed acceleration than the regular four-cylinder engine while delivering 8 more mpg in our tests. The 2017 and 2018 model years saw added features and trim levels, and reliability climbed from above average to well above average based on our member surveys. Any version from this half-generation is a smart choice, but those last two years are the ones to prioritize in your used-car hunting.
3-Row SUV Under $20,000
Mazda CX-9 Generation 2016-2023
2020 Mazda CX-9 The second-generation CX-9 was distinguished among its midsized SUV competitors by favoring the driving experience over a cavernous cabin. The handling, in particular, makes it relatively entertaining to command. There’s an uncommon precision to the steering aided by limited body roll that separates the CX-9′s performance from the family-hauler crowd. On paper, the CX-9 concedes horsepower bragging rights to its rivals, but from behind the wheel, the engine feels responsive on regular fuel. (Premium is recommended but not required.) Another advantage is that this Mazda offers a lot of vehicle for the money when bought used. Minor updates for 2020 brought the availability of second-row captain’s chairs and standard pedestrian detection. The infotainment system was updated for the 2021 model year, but we found its interface more difficult to use, making the 2020 model year our clear choice. Resist the temptation to buy a 2023 because, counter to trends, its reliability is well below average. If the CX-90 you’re considering has no Apple Carplay compatibility, it can be retrofitted by a Mazda dealer.
Luxury SUV Under $20,000
Buick Envision Generation 2016-2020
2020 Buick Envision The Envision is like using a cheat code to reveal a hidden luxury gem. This generation, frankly, was disappointing when it launched. But a significant overhaul for 2019 transformed this China-sourced SUV into an attractive alternative to pricier models from other premium brands. Beyond styling tweaks, myriad upgraded elements and added standard equipment made the Envision more livable, with improvements to the transmission, brakes, and seat heater, among many others. Our testers applauded its livability, with easy access, simple controls, and a good infotainment system. Slight concessions in driving dynamics are more than compensated by the value this small model delivers as a used vehicle, especially when you factor in that CR members rank the Buick brand as having some of the lowest maintenance and repair costs. A Teen Driver feature adds unique appeal for parents who would like to monitor their young driver’s activity behind the wheel.
Pickup Truck Under $20,000
Toyota Tacoma Generation 2005-2015
2015 Toyota Tacoma The 2015 Tacoma marked the end of the second-generation run. Yes, this iconic truck has some compromises, like clumsy handling and an odd driving position better suited for shorter drivers, but as a used vehicle, its capabilities and dependability shine. It’s especially competent off-road or towing when equipped with the trail-ready four-wheel drive and the punchy V6 engine. There are a few configurations available, including a four-cylinder engine, standard cab, and extended cab. Plus, there are several trims that layer in equipment and elevate skills, such as the TRD Off-Road configuration with its fortified suspension. All benefit from the practical, rustproof composite bed. The Tacoma was freshened in 2012, providing buyers with several similar model years to consider without looking to the more recent and more costly third generation.
Sports Car Under $20,000
Mazda MX-5 Miata Generation 2016-2024
2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata The fourth-generation Miata brings a delightful combination of precise steering, sublime back-road handling, impressive reliability, and admirable fuel economy that makes this small sports car uniquely rewarding. Commemorating the roadster’s 30th anniversary, it became even more desirable for 2019 with a significant performance boost, as the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine was thoroughly updated, increasing output from 155 to 181 horsepower. The manual cloth top is a cinch to raise and lower from within the cabin; a retractable hardtop, known as the RF, is also available. For 2020 the sport suspension was fitted to the Grand Touring with a manual transmission, and Android Auto/Apple Carplay became available. Older models could be retrofitted for Apple CarPlay by a Mazda dealer. Any year among this generation is desirable, but those later years with the power increase are the ones to covet.
What It Takes for a Used Car to Be CR Recommended
To earn our recommendation, used cars must have performed well in CR’s road tests when they were new, have consistently above-average reliability for multiple years, according to our surveys of CR members, and have standard electronic stability control (ESC) for the model year. (ESC became standard on all cars starting with the 2012 model year, but many models had it even earlier.)
Road Tests Every car we purchase new is put through a comprehensive program that includes tests for acceleration, braking, emergency handling, and fuel economy. We also evaluate usability, fit and finish, noise, ride, and safety systems. For electric vehicles, we consider factors such as charging speed and range. This exhaustive program informs our used-car recommendations and results in a vast archive of comprehensive road tests for car shoppers.
Reliability Comprehensive reliability ratings based on member surveys reveal how well a car holds up and specifically where problems may arise. Recommended used cars have above-average reliability compared with other cars of the same model year. The Used Car Top Picks have proven to have multiple years of strong reliability scores.
Safety To be recommended, used cars have electronic stability control (ESC) as standard equipment. In addition, many recommended models are available with safety features such as forward collision warning (FCW), automatic emergency braking (AEB), blind spot warning (BSW), lane departure warning (LDW), and/or lane keeping assistance (LKA).
Safety Term GlossaryAEB: automatic emergency braking. BSW: blind spot warning. LDW: lane departure warning. LKA: lane keeping assistance. RCTW: rear cross traffic warning.
