Best used sedans overall
Check out CarMax's top-rated used sedans, including how we determine this list.
1. Toyota Avalon
CarMax owner rating
4.6
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
4.6
Pros
Fuel economy with hybrid engine Steering agility Cabin space
Cons
Higher base price than many competitors Hybrid variants are even more expensive No available all-wheel drive
3. Hyundai Elantra
CarMax owner rating
4.4
Pros
User-friendly tech features Performance with Elantra N Eye-catching design
Cons
Modest performance with base engine A few cheap-looking interior trim pieces Limited second-row headroom
4. Toyota Camry
CarMax owner rating
4.6
Pros
Good fuel economy Easy to drive Lots of driver aids come standard
Cons
So-so cargo space Road and engine noise can be irritating
5. Hyundai Sonata
CarMax owner rating
4.5
Pros
Roomy interior Many standard features Available all-wheel drive
Cons
Uncomfortable driving position Stiff ride on sports trim Lackluster handling
6. Toyota Corolla
CarMax owner rating
4.5
Pros
Great trim and feature options Plenty of standard driver aids Pleasant ride experience User-friendly infotainment interface
Cons
Intrusive exterior noise Underwhelming acceleration
7. Chevrolet Malibu
CarMax owner rating
4.3
Pros
Spacious interior with ample front-seat headroom Hybrid trim offers high fuel efficiency and brisk acceleration Easy-to-use touchscreen interface
Cons
Lackluster acceleration from base 1.5-liter engine Limited outward visibility The Interior looks dated compared to its rivals
8. Hyundai Azera
CarMax owner rating
4.6
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
4.5
Pros
Above-average fuel economy Better storage capacity than rivals Tech features are easy to use
Cons
Lots of road noise on the highway Seats can be uncomfortable on long drives
10. Nissan Altima
CarMax owner rating
4.5
Pros
Easy to drive Impressive driver-assist tech Appealing sedan design
Cons
Steering often feels slow to respond Disappointing interior feel No hybrid powertrain option
11. Kia Optima
CarMax owner rating
4.4
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
CarMax owner rating
4.2
Pros
Comfortable ride Appealing interior design Plenty of space for cargo
Cons
Sluggish acceleration Poor emergency braking performance Dated infotainment system
13. Mazda Mazda3
CarMax owner rating
4.5
Pros
Surprisingly premium interior Nimble handling Available in sedan or hatchback
Cons
Rear legroom isn't that great Rear visibility isn't either Turbo power is optional
14. Volkswagen Jetta
CarMax owner rating
4.4
Pros
Smooth, pleasant ride Plenty of interior storage Many driver aids come standard
Cons
Cabin materials feel chintzy Touch-sensitive steering wheel controls can be frustrating Lackluster exterior styling
15. Kia Forte
CarMax owner rating
4.4
Pros
Available turbocharged engine Standard smartphone integration High fuel economy
Cons
Limited rear legroom Firm ride Vague steering
16. Kia Cadenza
CarMax owner rating
4.5
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
CarMax owner rating
4.5
Pros
Exemplary ride and cabin comfort Standard all-wheel drive Fun turbocharged engine option
Cons
Disappointing base engine Touchscreen interface isn’t straightforward
18. Nissan Maxima
CarMax owner rating
4.5
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
4.5
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
4.5
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.