Top Ten $10K Cars

CHICAGO--March 18, 2014: Cars.com has released its annual list of the best used cars shoppers can buy for around $10,000. To make the cut, Cars.com editors first narrowed down the list to cars that passed crash tests and come with standard safety features. From those vehicles, Cars.com editors analyzed reliability, drivability and practicality of each car.

"The price gap between the average new and used car is right around $20,000," according to Joe Wiesenfelder, Cars.com's Executive Editor. "There are a lot of great used cars on the market, and with a significant price difference between new and used cars, we know that many shoppers choose to go the used route. We sifted through a lot of data, crunched a lot of numbers, and from a pool of more than 60 candidates, we chose the 10 best used cars that shoppers can find for around $10,000."

Listed alphabetically, the 10 best $10k cars according to Cars.com editors are:

2009 Ford Focus: Its nimble handling and smooth-revving four-cylinder are still appealing. The 2009 Focus is also offered as both a sedan and coupe. 2008 Ford Fusion: The first-generation Fusion sedan still hits a sweet spot between ride quality and handling, and family shoppers will appreciate its roomy trunk. 2008 Ford Taurus: In many ways it's a better car than today's Taurus, thanks to its mammoth backseat and trunk, and spot-on ride/handling balance. 2007 Honda Civic: It set the standard for commuter compacts in the late 2000s. Nimble handling, impressive cabin materials and good fuel efficiency make this Honda an excellent choice for compact-car shoppers. 2009 Hyundai Sonata: With a host of cabin and drivetrain updates for 2009, it remains a sound choice for first-time drivers and family-car shoppers alike thanks to its roomy cabin and long list of standard safety features. 2008 Kia Sportage: A small crossover whose new-car pricing translates to used-car affordability. The Sportage delivers better highway composure than its small size suggests. 2008 Mazda6: The first-gen Mazda6 remains a compelling choice for family-sedan shoppers who can sacrifice a little cabin room for sportiness. Sharp steering and handling distinguish the car among other sedans. 2007 Nissan Altima: Lead-footed sedan shoppers have their chariot in the Altima. Nissan even matched strong power with unexpected fuel efficiency in this model. 2008 Scion xB: There's a lot to love about Scion's boxy xB, whose current generation dates all the way back to '08. Safety features included six airbags and an electronic stability system, which makes the xB a natural choice for first-time drivers. 2007 Toyota Prius: Even by today's standards, Toyota's iconic second-gen Prius still gets excellent mileage (46 mpg) and given its efficiency, its drivability is impressive.

"The used car market is constantly changing, and prices may vary from one city to another," said Wiesenfelder. "We think these are all great, diverse options that pack a lot of value for every type of car shopper."