Consumer Reports based these picks on road test results and long-term member reliability surveys, with a strategy of finding cars that have depreciated significantly - making them better values used than they were new.
Top Picks by Price Category:
🚗 Under $10,000: 2016 Mazda6
Priced $7,650-$10,075 (one of the most affordable on the list)
Smooth four-cylinder powertrain with 32 mpg overall in CR's road tests
Well-finished cabin with supportive seats, though rear seats are tight for the class.
The cabin is known for being louder than competitors until improvements came later, and the 2018 refresh further enhanced ride comfort and noise isolation.
Available safety tech: forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring
🚗 Around $10,000-15,000: 2020 Honda Fit
Priced $10,750-$15,425
CR praises this generation for being quicker, safer, and more fuel-efficient than its predecessor, with 33 mpg overall and modern connectivity
🚗 $16,000-20,000: 2021 Subaru Crosstrek
Priced $16,150-$20,475
Known for impressive ride comfort and handling
CR's Selection Philosophy:
The strategy emphasizes value within a price range, meaning featured models may not have scored highest when tested new - they're often cars that depreciated more, making them better used-car bargains.
We don’t mind pointing out other opinions we come across and Consumer Reports is a well-respected brand. However we always advocate that car buyers run a Car Inspection Score on whatever model they are hoping to purchase.
Thanks for reading everybody!
-Paul