Used cars are becoming more attractive options as the price of a new vehicle reaches an all-time high. The average price of a new car in 2025 has hit $50,326, and this is outside of many people’s financial comfort range.
The top 5 second-hand cars have been rated by Consumer Reports and there are some familiar brands on the list that you won’t be surprised to see. Others, however, are models that most people may not have considered and as such, you may pick up a quality vehicle at a bargain if you know what you’re looking for.
The highest average price of a new vehicle is forcing drivers to consider used cars
The number of used cars sold in the United States in 2024 reached approximately 35 million, which was a 13% increase in the number sold the previous year. This is an even more significant number if one considers the supply challenges that dealers had to contend with.
It’s also an indication that Americans are feeling the pinch of inflation with less disposable income available and are opting for second-hand cars rather than newer, flashier, more technologically advanced options.
How did Consumer Reports judge the best used vehicles fairly?
Consumer Reports has been providing insightful, reliable reviews of all kinds of vehicles for decades (such as this review of cars with the safest ADAS systems), and now its data has been compiled to focus on the top choices of used vehicle models to consider in March 2025.
To make the list, the used cars had to:
- Excel in road tests when new
- Show above-average reliability for multiple years as indicated in member surveys
- Have standard electronic stability control (ESC)
Consumer Reports has a list of top 5 used cars you can rely on
Below are the top 5 models that Consumer Reports feels will be excellent choices in varied price ranges when shopping for a new vehicle.
2016 Mazda 6: Under $10,000
These are the highlights of the 2016 Mazda 6:
- Smooth four-cylinder engine
- Nimble handling
- Good fuel efficiency at 32 mpg
- Comfortable, supportive seats
- Reduced cabin noise in the updated model
- Safety features: Forward collision warning, blind spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, rear cross traffic alert
- Sporty aesthetics
2018 Toyota Corolla: Under $15,000
The Toyota Corolla has been a winner for decades, and the 2018 model is the best pick in this price range, according to Consumer Reports. Here are the features that make it a top choice:
- All around decent sedan performance
- Roomy back seat
- Smooth drive experience
- Sportier handling in the SE XSE models
- Safety features in the 2018 upgraded model: Forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic braking, lane keeping assist
- Reliable
- Efficient
2016 Honda CR-V: SUV under $15,000
The manufacturer delivered a strong showing in the fourth-generation Honda CR-V for these reasons:
- Improved space, power, and safety
- Fuel economy of 24 mpg overall
- Safety features: Forward collision warning, automatic braking, lane departure warning
- Adaptive cruise control
2019 Toyota Camry Hybrid: Hybrid under $20,000
Toyota’s second model on the list is the 2019 Camry Hybrid, which impressed consumers for these features:
- Fuel efficiency of 52 mpg and a range of 610 miles, which beats the Prius
- Nimble handling
- Comfortable ride
- Apple CarPlay in models from 2020 onwards
- Safety features: Forward collision warning, automatic braking, lane departure warning
- Adaptive cruise control
2021 Kia Sportage: Small SUV under $20,000
Consumer Reports named the Kia Sportage the best in its small SUV price range and this may come as a surprise to consumers considering the top brands available in this price range. It delivers these perks for drivers:
- Refined powertrain
- Sporty handling
- Spacious interior
- Improved infotainment system in the 2020 updated model
- Powered front seats with the LX trim
- Safety features: Automatic emergency braking and lane keeping assist in the updated model
This is not the only list that Consumer Reports has compiled, and a different one educates car buyers about the worst vehicles. More of its reliable data was put together to deliver a review of five SUVs to avoid buying in 2025.