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
CarMax owner rating
4. Toyota Camry
CarMax owner rating
5. Hyundai Sonata
CarMax owner rating
6. Toyota Corolla
CarMax owner rating
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
10. Nissan Altima
CarMax owner rating
Pros
Available AWD
Ample storage
Comfortable interior and ride
Cons
Limited rear visibility
Loose steering and handling
Uninspired interior
11. Kia Optima
CarMax owner rating
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
Pros
Many driver-assist features
Spacious interior
Large trunk
Cons
Dated infotainment system
Lackluster acceleration
Weak braking response
13. Mazda Mazda3
CarMax owner rating
14. Volkswagen Jetta
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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
CarMax owner rating
Pros
Standard AWD
Plenty of power from the optional turbo engine
Comfortable cabin
Cons
Sluggish base engine
Distracting touchscreen interface
The stop-start system can be annoying
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.