Smart Used Cars: Top 10 Used Family Sedans

When buying a used car for the family, more than any other factor, you want peace of mind. There is nothing worse than the fear of getting stuck with somebody else's problem, especially if it may result in your family being stranded on the side of the road some place. But in addition to trouble free, there is the cost of ownership, especially the cost at the pump. We've compiled a list of the most reliable and economical family sedans to get you on your way with confidence that you made the right choice.

By Vernon Heywood

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Engine: 2.0-liter inline-4 Fuel Type: Regular EPA fuel economy (city/highway): 24/32 (5-speed manual) Price range: $7,250-13,250 JD Power Dependability: 3 out of 5

Starting at around $7250, this is an inexpensive car to get into, and the savings continue at the pump with the highest highway mileage (32 mpg) of all the non-hybrids on our list. You can justify the Lancer as cool due to its direct roots to the Lancer Evo. However, what weighs the Lancer to the bottom of our list is the lower reliability rating, which could eat up any potential savings.

Photo credit: Mitsubishi

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Engine: 2.0-liter inline-4 Fuel Type: Regular EPA fuel economy (city/highway): 24/31 (5-speed manual) Price range: $9250-10,250 JD Power Dependability: 3 out of 5

The 2004-05 Hyundai Elantra was a solid entry level car when new and that still holds true as used. With a price of admission under $10K, and one of the lowest annual fuel costs on our list, this no frills family car will be a hit with anyone on a budget.

Photo credit: Hyundai

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Engine: 2.2-liter inline-4 Fuel Type: Regular EPA fuel economy (city/highway): 22/30 (5-speed manual) Price range: $7,250-$10,250 JD Power Dependability: 3.5 out of 5

Yeah, the L 100 is non-descript and forgettable (we had to look it up to remember what it looked like), but that's what makes it such a bargain. It's not a car that comes to mind for most people, so its value has not held up as well as some of the competition. Those who do buy an L Series looking for a roomy four-door sedan for family hauling and decent reliability will never forget it. 

Photo credit: Saturn

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Engine: 2.2-liter inline-4 Fuel Type: Regular EPA fuel economy (city/highway): 21/32 (4-speed automatic) Price range: $10,250-11,250 JD Power Dependability: 3.5 out of 5

These Malibus mark the beginning of General Motors return to making great family sedans. The Malibu still lagged behind Toyota and Honda in quality at this point, but it nailed the basics and is a solid contender against the rest of the pack. A 3.5 reliability rating and big comfortable interior will make the Malibu a hit with more than just the "Buy American" crowd.

Photo credit: Chevrolet

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Engine: 2.0-liter inline-4 Fuel Type: Regular EPA fuel economy (city/highway): 23/29 (5-speed manual) Price range: $6,250-$7,000 JD Power Dependability: 4 out of 5

If you're looking for reliability and bargain pricing, it's hard to do better than the Mazda 626. Average pricing ranging from $6,250 to $7,000 and with a reliability rating of 4, the minor difference in fuel economy isn't even an issue. Treat yourself to something nice with the money you'll save.

Photo credit: Mazda

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Engine: 3.0-liter V-6 Fuel Type: Regular EPA fuel economy (city/highway): 25/33 (5-speed automatic) Price range: $21,250-21,250 JD Power Dependability: 4.5 out of 5

There's already a picture of the Accord next to the word "reliable" in the dictionary, and when you throw in the hybrid factor this version of the Accord sounds pretty irresistible. So why only number 5? Despite the reliability, the minor improvement in mileage over the four-cylinder Accord doesn't justify the high price of admission.

Photo credit: Honda

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Engine: 1.5-liter inline-4 Fuel Type: Regular EPA fuel economy (city/highway): 48/45 (continuously variable transmission) Price range: $20,250-23,250 JD Power Dependability: 4 out of 5

How much? Sure it's as miserly as they come when it comes to using fuel, but it will be many years before it saves enough at the pump to make up that difference in price. But there is a hip factor and the knowledge that you are doing your part to make the earth a better place.

Photo credit: Toyota

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Engine: 2.4-liter inline-4 Fuel Type: Regular EPA fuel economy (city/highway): 23/31 (5-speed manual) Price range: $14,250-17,250 JD Power Dependability: 4.5 out of 5

If you're starting to recognize a pattern here it's because Honda has built a reputation on manufacturing well-engineered, reliable cars. The end result is they also maintain their value, hence the steeper price. To put it simply, you can practically buy the car and forget about it... just drive.

Photo credit: Honda

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Engine: 2.2-liter inline-4 Fuel Type: Regular EPA fuel economy (city/highway): 21/30 (5-speed manual) Price range: $11,250-16,250 JD Power Dependability: 4.5 out of 5

Renowned for its reliability, it's no surprise the Toyota Camry is the second highest priced non-hybrid vehicle on our list. While Ford and Chevy were trying to remember what made a great family sedan, Toyota was cranking out Camrys by the thousands, making them one of the most plentiful, as well as most sought-after models in the used market today.

Photo credit: Toyota

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Engine: 2.3-liter inline-4 Fuel Type: Regular EPA fuel economy (city/highway): 22/29 (5-speed manual) Price range: $9,750-11,250 JD Power Dependability: 5 out of 5

At the top we find yet another Accord. The only car on our list with a reliability rating of 5 combined with one of the lowest price ranges makes even a seven year old Honda hard to beat. Fuel consumption is only 2-3 mpg lower than most of the other competitors so the savings in the purchase will still keep you smiling at the pump.

Photo credit: Honda