Best used compact sedans
Explore CarMax's top-rated compact sedans and our approach to rating this list.
1. Hyundai Elantra
CarMax owner rating
2. Toyota Corolla
CarMax owner rating
3. Honda Civic
CarMax owner rating
4. Nissan Sentra
CarMax owner rating
Pros
Many driver-assist features
Spacious interior
Large trunk
Cons
Dated infotainment system
Lackluster acceleration
Weak braking response
5. Mazda Mazda3
CarMax owner rating
6. Volkswagen Jetta
CarMax owner rating
7. Kia Forte
CarMax owner rating
Pros
Available turbocharged engine
Standard smartphone integration
High fuel economy
Cons
Limited rear legroom
Firm ride
Vague steering
8. Chevrolet Cruze
CarMax owner rating
Pros
Choice of two thrifty engine options
Fun and dynamic handling
Impressive standard infotainment system
Cons
Sluggish acceleration
Noticeable jolt in the cabin when engine start-stop system engages
Front seats could be more comfortable
9. Dodge Dart
CarMax owner rating
Pros
Spirited ride handling
User-friendly touchscreen option
Spacious dimensions for a small sedan
Cons
Base engine is underwhelming
Automatic transmission shifts lack finesse
Trunk line inhibits rear visibility
10. Buick Verano
CarMax owner rating
Pros
Extensive list of standard features
Quiet interior regardless of the type of road surface
Comfortable, composed, and refined ride
Cons
Not a lot of space in the back seats
Slow-to-respond infotainment system
No turbo engine option
Ready to find your compact 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.