Best used sedans overall
Check out CarMax's top-rated used sedans, including how we determine this list.
1. Toyota Avalon
CarMax owner rating
Pros
Lots of standard advanced driver aids Comfortable ride Quiet, roomy cabin
Cons
Limited headroom AWD is no longer available
2. Honda Accord
CarMax owner rating
3. Hyundai Elantra
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4. Toyota Camry
CarMax owner rating
Pros
Comfortable and spacious interior Smooth ride and quiet cabin User-friendly tech features
Cons
The base engine lacks excitement A plain, uninspiring interior Smaller cargo capacity than rivals
5. Hyundai Sonata
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6. Toyota Corolla
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7. Chevrolet Malibu
CarMax owner rating
Pros
Roomy cabin with plenty of headroom at the front No surprises for 2025; the Malibu is unchanged User-friendly touchscreen interface
Cons
Unexciting acceleration The interior cabin design is dated Obstructed outward visibility
8. Hyundai Azera
CarMax owner rating
Pros
Smooth, refined ride Upscale interior Equipped with convenience and technology features
Cons
Limited engine options No all-wheel drive option Exterior is not as stylish as other vehicles in its class
9. Honda Civic
CarMax owner rating
Pros
Appealing exterior design Multiple engine options to choose from Balanced handling
Cons
Noticeable road noise at higher speeds Somewhat unintuitive infotainment system Lackluster base engine
10. Nissan Altima
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11. Kia Optima
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Pros
Great looking sedan design Easy-to-use infotainment tech Solid cargo and small-item space
Cons
Rear roofline limits headroom for adults Standard engine isn't that powerful Largest engine only available in top trim
12. Nissan Sentra
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13. Mazda Mazda3
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14. Volkswagen Jetta
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Pros
Smooth ride Plenty of in-cabin storage and cargo room Digital instrument cluster feels high-tech
Cons
Sluggish acceleration Touchscreen controls could be more intuitive No hybrid engine option
15. Kia Forte
CarMax owner rating
Pros
Available turbocharged engine Standard smartphone integration High fuel economy
Cons
Limited rear legroom Firm ride Vague steering
16. Kia Cadenza
CarMax owner rating
Pros
Generously equipped Copious legroom Plenty of available driver aids
Cons
Ride lacks composure Small trunk compared to class rivals Uninspiring driver experience
17. Subaru Legacy
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18. Nissan Maxima
CarMax owner rating
Pros
Upscale cabin Quiet interior Sporty handling
Cons
Limited space in the back seat and trunk Compromised visibility Dated infotainment system
19. Chevrolet Impala
CarMax owner rating
Pros
Quiet and comfortable ride Spacious trunk offers plenty of cargo space Standard V6 engine is powerful
Cons
Lethargic handling Visibility is lacking due to thick roof pillars Low-quality plastics make the interior feel less than premium
20. Mazda Mazda6
CarMax owner rating
Pros
Stylish interior and exterior design Comfortable and supportive front seats Impressive handling Strong acceleration from available turbocharged engine
Cons
Slightly stiff ride All-wheel drive is not available
Ready to find your next sedan?
How we rated these vehicles
CarMax creates our ‘top-rated’ used car lists based upon make-models' rating in five criteria:
RepairPal Reliability Rating
Relative pricing against competitors
CarMax owner rating
EPA-estimated fuel economy (for 2021 or last available year sold)
NHTSA Overall safety rating (for 2021 or last available year sold)
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2006-2020 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features. RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings.
Pricing details are based on available CarMax retail inventory as of October 16, 2024.
Fuel economy figures are based on EPA estimates for when vehicle sold as new. Fuel economy may vary for reasons like driving conditions and vehicle history. Unless specified, figures are for vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission. See fueleconomy.gov.
Learn more about the NHTSA Overall Safety score and how NHTSA’s 5-Star Safety Ratings program evaluates the crash protection and rollover safety of new vehicles. Keep in mind that certain vehicles may have unrepaired safety recalls. Click here to look up a specific vehicle.
We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
Unless otherwise noted, information related to featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities. By clicking on any video links, you will be taken to a third-party site maintained by YouTube, Inc.
We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing.