#CONSUMER REPORTS BEST CARS

Consumer Reports Names Best Used Cars To help consumers choose the best used car for their money, Consumer Reports compiled a Best & Worst Used Cars list for model years 2003 through 2012. The full report, available in Consumer Reports April Annual Auto issue and at ConsumerReports.org, highlights the best sedans, SUVs, and small cars available in four price ranges: from $10,000 or less up to $25,000. Each performed well in CR's testing when new and had above-average reliability for the model years shown, based on CR's annual auto survey. And all models came standard with electronic stability control (ESC), a proven lifesaver during the years indicated. The Consumer Reports worst used cars list includes 2003 to 2012 models that have had multiple years of much-worse-than-average overall reliability, according to CR's survey. Among the 20 models that made that list are the BMW 7 Series, the Ford Explorer (V6, 4WD), the Kia Sorento (V6), and the Mini Cooper S. Most gas/electric hybrid cars have shown superior reliability in the past decade. However, the Honda Civic Hybrid is an exception, according to the survey. Almost one in five owners of the 2009 model year Civic Hybrid needed a replacement battery in CR's 12-month survey period.

CARS.COM PICKS BEST CAR DEALS

Latest News Cars.com Picks Best Deals The editors at Cars.com released their list of the top 10 used cars that they recommend for shoppers who are looking to spend around $10,000. With a used car market that is sparser than it used to be, car shoppers have fewer options to choose from and higher prices to pay, but the Cars.com experts compiled a list of 10 used cars that will help shoppers get the best bang for their buck around the $10,000 price point. The winners are: 2006 Ford Escape: Ford's first generation crossover had trucklike styling but car-based underpinnings, and the driving experience combined handling and ride comfort in a way that few car-based crossovers of the Escape's era could match. 2008 Ford Focus: The Focus comes with safety features like side curtain airbags and also Bluetooth and USB/iPod integration, both of which were ahead of the curve for 2008. The car's sharp handling distinguished it from many rivals, and it is offered in three body styles, providing an option for everyone. 2007 Ford Freestyle: This budget-friendly family hauler comes with spacious seating for seven passengers and impressive cargo storage. 2007 Ford Fusion: A responsive V-6 engine option and decent handling chops distinguished Ford's midsize family car. So did trunk room, which remains spacious even by today's family-car standards. 2006 Honda Civic: The beloved eighth-generation Civic's interior quality, fuel efficiency and overall drivability impressed so much that they still hold up today. 2006 Hyundai Azera: A full-size sedan with upscale features, a big engine and big backseats, the Azera packed a comfortable ride. 2007 Hyundai Sonata: A family sedan with roominess, safety features and value in spades. Years later, a used example should still suit any shopper well. Find one with the optional 3.3-liter V-6 for muscular passing power. 2008 Kia Optima: A cousin to the Hyundai Sonata, the Optima had more available luxury features, but less styling and a smaller engine. However, a roomy backseat and decent standard safety features round out a car whose successor won Cars.com's Best of 2011 award. 2008 Nissan Versa: Nissan's unexpectedly roomy Versa slips into tight city parking spots like any proper subcompact should. A responsive transmission combined with a larger four-cylinder engine than most competitors' provides impressive power. 2007 Scion tC: Strengths included rich cabin materials and a responsive four-cylinder engine; look for the available five-speed manual for more fun.