Top Brands for High-Quality Used Cars

In the ever-evolving world of automobiles, purchasing a used car has become an increasingly popular choice for savvy consumers. The key to making a smart investment lies in selecting a brand renowned for its reliability, value retention, and performance in the pre-owned market. Several brands stand out in this regard, offering a blend of high quality and affordability that appeal to budget-conscious buyers. To explore the leading contenders that consistently receive top marks and offer peace of mind in the used car market, delve further into our comprehensive list below.

Illustration of used cars

Best brands of used cars in 2025

Toyota

Toyota stands as a pinnacle of automotive excellence, particularly in the used car market, with its global market share of 10.7% in 2023, solidifying its position as the world's largest auto manufacturer. The brand's popularity is evident in the U.S., where models like the Camry, RAV4, and Corolla dominate sales, with the RAV4 being the top choice in 12 states in 2022. Toyota's used vehicles, such as those certified through the Toyota Certified Used Vehicles (TCUV) program, must pass a rigorous 160-point inspection and come with comprehensive warranty coverage. This ensures that used Toyota vehicles maintain their reliability and performance, with some models having average lifespans of 14 years or longer. The TCUV program also includes a 12-month/12,000 mile limited comprehensive warranty and a 7-year/100,000 mile limited powertrain warranty.

Honda

Honda remains a top-tier producer for used cars, with a strong presence in the U.S. market, accounting for approximately 8.5% of the U.S. auto market in 2023. Despite recent challenges, such as the global chip shortage and higher interest rates, Honda's sales have been resilient, with key models like the CR-V, Civic, and Accord driving its success. In the first quarter of its 2024 fiscal year, Honda's U.S. sales rose 45%, with the Honda brand sales increasing by 43% and Acura sales soaring by 63%. The brand's average transaction price has also seen notable changes, with a 2% increase to $38,765 in the first quarter of 2024. Honda's commitment to quality and its extensive inventory make it a reliable choice for used car buyers.

Subaru

Subaru is renowned as one of the best producers for used cars, particularly in the U.S. market, where it has experienced consistent growth in sales over the past few years. In 2022, Subaru of America sold 722,280 vehicles, and as of 2024, they have maintained a 5.5% increase in year-to-date sales compared to the same period in 2023, reaching 605,854 units. The brand's popularity is attributed to its all-wheel drive vehicles, reputation for reliability and safety, and models like the Outback and Forester, which are among the top-selling carlines. Subaru's commitment to quality and customer satisfaction is evident in its zero-landfill manufacturing process and extensive community support initiatives. This dedication has made Subaru a trusted choice for both new and used car buyers. For more detailed insights, visit their Subaru sales figures page.

Mazda

Mazda is renowned as one of the best producers of used cars, known for its excellent build quality, durability, and reliability. According to consumer reports, Mazda is the most dependable car manufacturer, with an overall model score of 83 for reliability, surpassing Toyota and Lexus. Mazda's vehicles, such as the CX-50 and CX-90, have seen significant sales increases, with the CX-50 achieving its best-ever September sales in 2024 with 6,603 vehicles sold. The brand's commitment to innovative technologies, like SKYACTIV engines and KODO design philosophy, enhances performance and fuel efficiency. Additionally, Mazda's resale value is reasonable, often ranking among the top ten in the industry. For further details on their sales achievements, visit the Mazda September Sales Report.

Ford

Ford is one of the leading producers of used cars, with the Ford F-150 holding the highest market share at 3.3% among used vehicles. This dominance is reflected in the used car statistics, where the Ford F-150, along with other Ford models like the Ford Explorer, contributes significantly to the market. By 2022, used car sales had increased to 38.6 million, and Ford's models were among the top sellers. The average used vehicle price has risen to $29.31k in 2023, with Ford's models maintaining a strong presence. Ford's reputation for durability and performance, as seen in its "Built Ford Tough" slogan, continues to attract buyers in the used car market. For more information about Ford's lineup, visit their official website.

Chevrolet

Chevrolet stands as a prominent player in the used car market, with models like the Chevrolet Equinox and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 holding significant market shares. The Chevrolet Equinox commands a 2.1% market share, while the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 holds a 2.6% share among used vehicles. In 2023, the average used vehicle price for Chevrolet models reflected the overall market trend, rising to around $29,310. Chevrolet's durability and performance contribute to its popularity, with sales figures indicating a strong presence in the US market, where Chevrolet sold over 1.4 million vehicles in 2021 despite market challenges. The brand's commitment to innovation, as seen in the launch of new models like the Chevrolet Bolt EV, further solidifies its position. For detailed sales figures and analysis, visit this comprehensive Chevrolet US sales report.

Hyundai

Hyundai has established itself as a leading producer of high-quality used cars, with its market share in the US retail market rising to 12% in 2022, making it the third-largest player behind Toyota and GM. The brand's success is attributed to the strong performance of its models, including the Tucson, Palisade, and Ioniq5 EV, with sales of the Hyundai brand exceeding 800,000 vehicles in 2023, an 11% increase from 2022. Hyundai's commitment to quality is further underscored by its comprehensive warranties and rigorous inspection processes for certified pre-owned vehicles. The brand's portfolio, which includes a range of SUVs, sedans, and electric vehicles, caters to diverse customer needs. Genesis, a part of the Hyundai Motor Group, also saw a 23% sales increase in 2023, contributing to the group's overall market share.

Kia

Kia has established itself as a top producer of reliable and versatile vehicles, including used cars, with a strong market presence in the US. In 2023, Kia achieved an all-time best annual sales record of 782,451 vehicles, a 12% increase over the previous record set in 2021, and saw a 41% growth in its electrified lineup. The brand's SUV and utility lineup accounted for 72% of its sales total, with models like the Sportage, Telluride, and Sorento being highly popular. Kia's commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction has driven its success, with the brand experiencing seven consecutive years of growth in retail sales excluding fleet transactions. The company's extensive dealer network and quality pre-owned inventory further enhance its appeal to consumers. For more information on their offerings, visit their website.

Nissan

Nissan is renowned for producing reliable and affordable used cars, with models like the Rogue, Altima, and Sentra being highly popular due to their durability and versatility. In 2022, the Rogue alone sold over 186,000 units, and the Altima saw sales of nearly 140,000 units, highlighting their mass appeal. The Sentra, introduced in 1982, remains a favorite for its fuel efficiency and safety features. Despite recent market share declines, Nissan's U.S. sales have hovered above the 1 million mark for the last eight years, with a market share of around 5% in recent years. Nissan's commitment to quality and customer satisfaction makes their used cars a great option for various needs. For insights into Nissan's most popular models, explore their highlights on Nissan's 6 most popular models.

Volkswagen

Volkswagen stands as one of the leading producers of reliable and popular used cars, with a global market share of 6% in 2023 and a significant presence in the Asia Pacific region, where consumers in China and Hong Kong purchase Volkswagen cars at a rate ten times higher than American cars. The brand's revenue reached EUR 322.3 billion (USD 353.5 billion) in FY 2023, with the Volkswagen Passenger Cars division contributing 26.8% to the company's revenue. Volkswagen's unit sales have been progressive, with 9.34 million vehicles sold in 2023, and the company aims to increase this to 8.5 million cars in 2024. The brand is also investing heavily in electric vehicles, delivering 771,100 electric vehicles in 2023, a 35% increase from 2022. Volkswagen's commitment to safety and innovation, such as being the first to introduce seatbelts in cars in 1975, further solidifies its reputation.