Chevy sold the third-generation of its full-size Silverado from 2014 to 2019 and gave the pickup an extensive facelift in 2016, which included new headlights and other changes. Like most pickups, it was available in several body styles, and bed sizes, with the four-door crew cab being one of the most popular.

A 4.3-liter V6 came standard, but we recommend the available V8s. They still get good gas mileage and offer considerably more muscle. In 2014, the Silverado was named the North American Truck of Year, and in 2015, Chevy combined its largest V8, a 6.2-liter, with a new eight-speed automatic transmission. It’s a wonderful combination of power, refinement, and efficiency. Off-road enthusiasts should check out the Z-71 models, which have a more rugged suspension.

Chevrolet

Silverado 1500

2015-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Chevy abandoned the mid-size pickup market for a few years, but it brought the Colorado name back on an all-new truck in 2015. It’s the same Colorado that Chevy still sells today, and it’s a comfortable truck with a surprising amount of interior space. It was available in three configurations: extended and crew cabs with a 6.2-foot long bed and a crew cab with a 5.2-foot bed. A 200-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine was standard, and it’s not very powerful. Instead, hold out for a truck with the 3.6-liter V6, which is stout with over 300 hp. A turbodiesel 2.8-liter became available a few years ago. It doesn’t provide the acceleration of the V6, but it does get better mileage.


Colorado

2015-2019 Chevrolet Colorado

These were controversial trucks when they debuted five years ago. The thirteenth generation of Ford’s F-150 was the first with an aluminum body and bed to save weight and the first with turbocharged engines. It was also the first pickup with adaptive cruise control. Buyers weren’t sure what to make of the new technology, but they quickly made peace with it. The F-150 kept its crown as the best selling full-size pickup in America. It has been the class sales leader since the 1970s. 

Crew cabs are popular, and in 2018, it was the only truck awarded a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety. Many engines were available, including two twin-turbo V6s, which are both excellent. The 2.7-liter is powerful enough for most buyers. 

Ford

F-150

2015-2018 Ford F-150

Because GMC is marketed as “Professional Grade” trucks, many think the Sierra is different than the Chevrolet Silverado. They think it’s built better, with thicker steel and more robust components. Don’t believe it. Both Chevy and GMC are part of General Motors, and the giant automaker builds the two trucks on the same assembly lines with the same parts. Aside from their grilles and badges, they’re mirror images of each other. Even their engines are the same. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Both are great trucks, you should just know what you’re buying. 


Sierra 3500HD

2016-2018 GMC Sierra

For light-duty hauling and everyday comfort, it’s hard to beat the Honda Ridgeline. It’s the only truck on the market without a full ladder-type frame and solid rear axle. Instead, it shares its platform and fully independent suspension with the Honda Pilot SUV, and the two feel very similar on the road. 

The second generation of the Ridgeline was introduced in 2017, and it’s still part of Honda’s lineup today. It offers several cool and unique features, including a dual-action tailgate that opens out as well as down, a lockable trunk within its bed, a dent-resistant bed, and an optional in-bed audio system, which makes the Honda a tailgater’s dream. Interior space is also a plus.

Honda

Ridgeline

2017-2018 Honda Ridgeline

Nissan introduced the second-generation of its full-size Titan pickup in 2017 and it still sells the truck today. It’s built in the United States, down in Mississippi, and has always come with a standard V8 engine, a very large 5.6-liter with double overhead cams, and 390 hp. It’s a stout truck, but it has never been a big seller, so there aren’t as many out there. However, they don’t hold their value very well, which makes them a great buy on the used truck market.

Nissan

Titan

2016-2018 Nissan Titan

Nissan’s smallest pickup hasn’t changed much in like forever. Its last full redesign was back in 2005 and its last facelift was about 10 years ago. This has hurt it in the new-truck market, but it also drives down the prices of used Frontiers, which is good news for anyone looking for a cheap nearly new truck. A handful of body styles and trims have been available, but most want a crew cab with the popular SV trim level and spunky 4.0-liter V6 engine. It makes nearly 300 hp. The base 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder gets better mileage but doesn’t pack much might. 

With some shopping, you can find used crew cab Frontier SV V6s for about $15,000. And they’re in great shape, with about 40,000 miles and many desirable options. 

Frontier

2017-2019 Nissan Frontier

Ram sold the fourth generation of its full-size pickup from 2009 until about five minutes ago. These are some of our favorite trucks. They’re timelessly attractive, spacious, powerful, and comfortable. The Ram has a unique coil-spring rear suspension, which gives it a superior ride over the trucks from Chevy, GMC, Ford, Nissan, and Toyota. Many body styles and bed sizes have been offered over the years, along with many trim levels, but as is the norm in this class, the four-door crew cab is extremely popular. 


1500

2015-2019 Ram 1500

Toyota’s Tacoma is the king of the mid-size truck market. They’re tough and they hold their value. The Taco, as its called by its loyalists, was last redesigned back in 2016 and has been available with two engines, a 159-hp 2.7-liter inline four-cylinder and a far more desirable 278-hp 3.5-liter V6. Some have manual transmissions, but the six-speed automatic, which isn’t exactly state of the art, is much more popular.


Toyota

Tacoma

2016-2018 Toyota Tacoma

Like the Nissan Titan, the Toyota Tundra is built in the United States. And like the Nissan, it has never sold as well as its rival trucks from GM, Ford, and Ram. But the Tundra has a lot to offer — including an excellent reputation for durability and reliability, which keeps the prices of used examples fairly high. Only models from 2015 to 2017 slide under our $25,000 maximum budget, and most of those are the lower SR and SR5 trim levels. Extended cab and crew cab models are available.


Tundra

2015-2017 Toyota Tundra

10 Best Used Pickup Trucks Under $35,000

There are many trucks to choose from, both two-wheel drive models and 4x4s, Chevys, Fords, Rams, Toyotas, and others ready to move on to their next owner. Here are our picks of the best used pickup trucks.

Best Used Trucks

Acura

Alfa Romeo

Aston Martin

Audi

Bentley

Buick

Cadillac

Chrysler

Dodge

Ferrari

FIAT

Genesis

Hyundai

INFINITI

Jaguar

Jeep

Karma

Lamborghini

Land Rover

Lexus

Lincoln

Lucid

Maserati

Maybach

Mazda

McLaren

Mercedes-Benz

MINI

Mitsubishi

Panoz

Polestar

Porsche

Rivian

Rolls-Royce

smart

Subaru

Tesla

Volkswagen

Volvo

10 Best Used Convertibles

10 Best Used Cars for Off-Roading

10 Best Used Cars for New College Graduates

10 Best Used Cars for Parents

10 Best Used Cars for Teens

Gas-electric hybrids cut your fuel bill, but sometimes they’re a little expensive. Fortunately, you can save money with one of these 10 best used hybrids. 

10 Best Used Hybrids

Best Used Electric Cars Under $30,000

Best Used Electric Cars Under $40,000

Best Used Electric Cars to Buy in 2023

Best Used Cars With Blind Spot Warning

Best Used Cars With Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) Under $25,000

The Best Used Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles

10 Best Used Hybrids and EVs Under $30,000 

10 Best Luxury SUVs Under 40K

10 Best Used Sports Cars for Teens

10 Best Used Sports Cars Under $10,000

Most Affordable Used Cars with Panoramic Sunroofs

10 Best Used Cars with Panoramic Sunroofs

Best Used Electric Cars Under $20K

Top 10 Special Bargain Used Cars 

The original definition of a muscle car was simple: It was a comparatively inexpensive car with the biggest, baddest engine the manufacturer could shoehorn into the engine bay. Luxury features and bling were not part of the equation.
People think of muscle cars as a 1960s phenomenon, but in fact today’s used muscle cars are better than ever. To prove it, here are 10 late-model muscle machines you can buy on the pre-owned market.


Top 10 Used American Muscle Cars

To get more truck and more off-road capability for their money, many consumers are buying used pickups and SUVs equipped with special off-road packages right from the factory. It’s a great way to get special off-road-tuned suspensions, beefy tires, increased ground clearance, skid plates, and locking differentials for a fraction of the cost compared to what you’ll find at the new car dealers. From Chevys to Fords, Toyotas to Nissans, there are dozens serious off-road-ready and highly capable pickups and SUVs out there to choose from. Here are the 10 best used trucks for off-road.

10 Best Used Vehicles for Off-Road

If you’d love to get behind the wheel of a sporty car but think that they’re probably a waste of money, then one of our 10 affordable used sports cars should be right up your alley. There are two main reasons to buy a used car: to get into something you would otherwise be unable to afford or to let someone else pay for the depreciation that comes from driving a new car off the dealership lot. Of course, a used vehicle is a bit of an unknown, which means that you do have to assume some risk, especially if you are buying a car that’s coming out of warranty. But if that tradeoff seems worth it, then the next few pages are for you.

10 Affordable Used Sports Cars

It’s summertime. The weather has improved, and when you’re driving you hanker for the open-top experience of a convertible. But when you think about for a bit, you might realize that buying a convertible is a big commitment — maybe bigger than you’d like. Well, just because you are turning your back on a convertible purchase doesn’t mean that you can’t gaze upward and see the sky over your head and/or feel the wind tickle your temples. The answer to your quest is a car with a panoramic roof. Such a roof will allow you to peer upward to see the heavens, and it will likely open up so that outside air can come breezin’ on in. Though they differ in their details, the typical panoramic roof is like a moonroof on steroids. It is bigger and it might feature more than one clear or tinted panel, one or more of which might open. If you’re in the market for a used car right now, why not look for one with a panoramic roof? Here are the 10 best suggestions.

10 Best Used Vehicles With Panoramic Roofs

Sharing the family car seems like a great idea when your teenager gets a driver’s license. That idea works out only until you all need to be in a different place at the same time. Too many drivers and not enough cars isn’t convenient, so often the best decision is to buy your teenager a car of their own. Teenagers don't need a fancy sports car. They just need something safe and reliable that can do the job of getting them around town and maybe see them off to college. Here are 10 safe used cars for teenage drivers who need a car of their own.

10 Safe Used Cars for Teenage Drivers

When they’re shopping, many people pay a lot of attention to the price of the cars they consider. It’s hard not to take that into consideration because most of us have to figure out how we can wedge a car payment into our monthly budget. So the price often is a key factor in deciding to choose one model versus another.
But there’s more to the cost of owning a car than its initial price. You will also have state and local fees, insurance, maintenance, and repairs to pay for. If you finance the car, you’ll have the loan cost (interest) to consider as well. A big cost that many people never even think about is depreciation: the car’s loss in value over time. All of these factors go into a car's cost of ownership, and cost of ownership is — all in — what you really pay for your car. Determining the cost of ownership for used cars is more difficult than for new cars because each used car is unique in the number of miles it has been driven and how it has been taken care of. But one thing is certain — smaller cars have the lowest cost of ownership. For this list, we looked most closely at 2016 model year vehicles, but the recommendations hold true for approximately 2014 to 2019. Here are the 10 used cars that cost the least to own.


10 Used Cars That Cost the Least to Own

Any car expert worthy of the label will tell you the best new cars make the best used cars. And the best used cars are durable, reliable, practical, fun-to-drive, and attractive, because no one wants to drive an ugly car. But some used cars are better than others, and some are great values. To help you narrow down your search, we’ve selected 10 of the best used cars that are great values — focusing on mainstream-brand sedans costing no more than $20,000.

10 Used Cars That Are Great Values

We conceived this list of the 10 used cars that cost the least to maintain after doing extensive research on the subject with well-regarded sources. The used cars we describe are 2016 models (four to five years old), but in general, the information applies to cars two to three years older and two to three years newer. Here are the 10 used cars that cost the least to maintain.

10 Used Cars That Cost the Least to Maintain

The average transaction price of a new car just keeps increasing. Even the global pandemic couldn’t stop the continued escalation of vehicle prices. Today’s new cars are well-built and are excellent values, but if you’d like to save yourself some money — or treat yourself to a luxury model you might not be able to afford new — a great alternative is a certified pre-owned car. Vehicles that have been certified by their manufacturers are relatively new, low-mileage cars that are extensively examined by trained technicians. In addition, they are backed by warranties that most often include lengthy powertrain coverage and might also include perks like roadside assistance. Here are the top values in CPO cars that you can buy for under $25,000.

10 Best CPO Cars Under $25,000

The great thing about buying a used car is that the lower prices of used cars versus new cars open up more possibilities. Where your budget might restrict you to a compact sedan from a mass-market brand if you purchased the car new, it might permit you to purchase a larger car from a luxury brand if you are willing to purchase a used model. Of course, buying a used car has its difficulties. Foremost among them is the fact you often buy a used car “as is.” That means you have very little recourse or protection if something goes haywire. The answer is buying a certified pre-owned (CPO) car. That enables you to take advantage of the rapid depreciation most cars experience during their first years while giving you a warranty from the manufacturer if something goes wrong. To demonstrate the logic of this approach to car-buying, we have gathered 10 cars from luxury brands that are available for less than $40,000.

10 Best CPO Cars Under $40,000

Today’s cars are the safest the auto industry has ever produced. Generally speaking, they provide superior protection should you be involved in a collision, and the latest models are also packed with sophisticated accident avoidance systems and driver aids that help you avoid an accident in the first place. To help you narrow down your search, we’ve created this list of 10 used cars under $25,000 with standard and optional accident avoidance systems and excellent crash test scores. Since most are just two to three years old, they can be found with low mileage and be purchased through a manufacturer’s certified pre-owned program.

10 Used Cars Under $25,000 With Accident Avoidance Systems

Buying a car for your teen driver typically involves a balancing act. On one side of the ledger, you want to choose a vehicle that is as safe as possible. On the other side, you have that old adversary called cost.
If cost were no object, choices would be far easier, but most of us face budgetary constraints every day, and it is no different when the time comes to obtain a vehicle for our teen drivers. Certainly, the purchase price of the vehicle is one constraint, but another very important variable is the cost of insurance. Over time, insurance costs will constitute a significant outlay. And that is why we decided to compile this list of the 10 most affordable vehicles to insure for your teen.

10 Most Affordable Vehicles to Insure for Your Teen

It's a lot of fun to get a new car. Obtaining a brand new, pristine amalgam of shiny steel, crystalline glass, and jet-black rubber is good for the ego. Of course, having some money in the bank can be a lot of fun, too. It might not be as exciting as the visceral thrill of a new car, but it can certainly be satisfying. And if you're looking for that kind of quiet satisfaction, you have come to the right place. Financial experts are nearly unanimous on the idea that to maximize the effectiveness of your transportation dollar, you should buy a used car and then keep it for as long as you possibly can. Why is the right used car a financial boon? First, a used car will be much expensive to buy than a new car of a similar size. Second, a used car that is several years old will typically lose its value at a lower rate than a new car. Yes, you might have to forego the ego stroke of getting a brand-new car, but you can bask in the knowledge you are creating a better financial future. To assemble this list that identifies the 10 best high-mileage used cars, we examined cars that are about five years old and chose the most reliable. We believe these are the cars most likely to comfortably exceed 100,000 miles.

Best High-Mileage Used Cars

There are cars you buy for fun, cars you buy to boost your ego, and cars you buy for a particular task — like commuting, for instance. The auto industry knows this, and it has created more than 350 models designed to cater to your every whim. Then there are cars you buy because you want and need transportation.

Impressing the people across the street becomes far less important than having an inexpensive vehicle that will get you back and forth to your job every day. And that is where reliable 10-year old cars come in. Compared with a new vehicle and even compared to a late-model used vehicle, 10-year-old cars are cheap. But unless you like standing by the side of the road waiting for the tow truck to arrive, you want something more than just the average 10-year-old car. You want one of the most reliable 10 year-old-cars on the market. Here are our well-researched and well-considered picks.

Most Reliable 10-Year-Old Cars

Yes, we live in an SUV era, but there is something extremely useful about a good hatchback. The typical hatchback is economical to purchase, costs little to operate and insure, and can haul a surprising amount of stuff. Additionally, hatchbacks are typically more fun to drive than the typical small SUV, which tends to have a higher center of gravity and be skewed completely in favor of hauling people and stuff instead of hauling down canyon roads. Because hatchbacks are relatively inexpensive to purchase new, they are even better values as used cars. One sweet spot revolves around models that are just a few years old. Many of them are of the same generation as the 2021 model, which means they typically have similar levels of safety equipment and creature comforts — but someone else has paid for their first few years of depreciation. Here are 10 good used hatchbacks that should provide you with excellent service for years to come.

10 Good Used Hatchbacks

10 Best Used Pickup Trucks

10 Best Used Small Trucks

Trucks have become the new everyday vehicle for millions of people because modern pickups deliver a unique mix of ultimate utility and comfort that few other vehicles can. Automakers have responded by adding more luxury, better tech, and a load of clever options that make trucks more useful, desirable, and expensive. Buying used can save you thousands of dollars over new, and certified pre-owned (CPO) is even better.
Vehicle manufacturers must authorize dealers before they can certify vehicles. The process involves a rigorous inspection, and only vehicles within a certain age and mileage range qualify. While CPO vehicles can be a little more expensive than other used models, they typically come with long manufacturer warranties that cover a large portion of vehicle systems. That peace of mind is worth the extra cost, and you'll typically end up with a much nicer vehicle overall, as CPOs are held to a higher standard.
Which certified pre-owned pickup truck is right for you? There are so many great choices that it's hard to go wrong. We've gathered a list of our favorite recent model-year CPO trucks. Let's get started. 

10 Best CPO Pickup Trucks

10 Most Reliable Used SUVs

A two-row SUV adds the additional cargo capacity and roomier interior of an SUV while still keeping dimensions manageable for those who live in more urban areas. They also get better fuel economy so they're easier on your budget. Here are the 10 best used two-row SUVs.

10 Best Used Two-Row SUVs

10 Best Used Electric SUVs

There is a wide range of eight-passenger SUVs on the market, but it can be a challenge finding one you can afford. Large SUVs that easily accommodate the kids and their friends are often more expensive than smaller ones, which makes them tough to fit into the family budget. A used eight-passenger SUV is a more affordable option.

Buying used will not only save you money and keep you on budget, but it may also let you get into a higher trim level or more luxurious vehicle than you could afford if you were buying new. Here are the 10 best used eight-passenger SUVs perfect for families.

10 Best Used 8-Passenger SUVs

There is no getting around the fact that the American public loves SUVs. For this model year, many predict that U.S. car buyers will purchase twice as many SUVs and trucks as passenger cars. The reason? Consumers appreciate the elevated driving position and the people- and cargo-carrying versatility that SUVs bring to the party.

10 Used SUVs That Are Great Values

Americans love SUVs. This is as true as the sky is blue. Americans love their looks, their versatility, and the aura they project. You don’t hear people who have inactive, sedentary lifestyles talking about their SUVs. The people who drive SUVs are pictured as adventurers who might just head off into the wilderness on an overlanding expedition on a moment's notice.

If there is a problem attached to SUVs and their popularity, it is their expense. For cheap transport, a small sedan, hatchback, or coupe will typically be much less expensive than an SUV. Sure, you can buy a used SUV, but with no warranty, you are out in the cold if something goes wrong. The solution is a certified pre-owned SUV backed by the manufacturer. If you shop and bargain, it will be much less expensive than the same model purchased new, but it will be covered by a comprehensive manufacturer warranty. Problem solved. Here are the 10 best CPO SUVs under $25,000.

10 Best CPO SUVs Under $25,000

We’re not surprised that you are interested in buying an SUV. You are certainly not alone. They used to say that the 1990s was the decade of the sport-utility vehicle, but the argument could be successfully made that this is the SUV decade. We don’t have to tell you why, either. Pretty much everybody is aware of how useful and versatile most SUVs are. For those who have people to transport or stuff to carry, an SUV will get the job done for them. If the SUV has an Achilles’ heel, it is cost. SUVs are typically expensive vehicles. Some of the vehicles on this list had suggested retail prices well over $60,000 when they were new. No matter how you slice it, that’s a lot of money for a vehicle. The answer to that is buying a certified pre-owned SUV, because that can drop the price by thousands of dollars while still offering you new-car-like warranty protection. Here are the 10 best CPO SUVs under $40,000.

10 Best CPO SUVs Under $40,000

Most Americans equate a vehicle’s size and weight to its ability to protect them in a collision. And there is some truth to that. It’s one of the reasons crossovers and SUVs have become so popular. They make you feel safer when you’re behind the wheel. But some SUVs are safer than others. Although modern-day crossovers are the safest the auto industry has ever produced, some models perform better in crash tests than others, or offer more sophisticated accident avoidance systems and driver aids that can help you avoid an accident in the first place.

For millions of Americans shopping for a good used SUV, safety is also a high priority, and you don’t have to compromise on safety to find an affordable SUV. There are many used models out there with the same desirable safety technology and excellent crash performance as the new 2020 models. To help you narrow down your search, we’ve created this list of 10 used SUVs under $40,000 with available accident avoidance systems and excellent crash test scores. Since most are just two to three years old, they can be found with low mileage and they can be purchased through manufacturers certified pre-owned programs.

Used SUVs Under $40,000 With Accident Avoidance Systems

While sedans are waning in popularity, SUVs and crossovers are more popular than ever. That means there are lots of choices for those who want a new SUV for the family. The challenge with buying an SUV is that it can be expensive. Used SUVs are a great way to stay on budget while still getting the car you need.

Since SUVs are often full of people, including lots of kids, safety is a priority. Here are the 10 safest used SUVs you can buy based on Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash test ratings. All received the highest Top Safety Pick+ rating for the year listed.

10 Safest Used SUVs

Graduate, find a mate, procreate, and buy a crossover with three rows of seats. For millions, it’s the American dream: space for the entire family and then some. SUVs with the ability to carry up to seven passengers are more popular than ever. They’ve become the must-have for dads and moms from Newport, Rhode Island, to Newport Beach, California.

And why not? Little Billy Jr. shouldn’t be forced to share a row with his sister. She’s icky. And sister Jane deserves her own row of seats as well. There you go, girl. Stretch out and dream of someday owning your own three-row family truckster. Yes, we can stop for ice cream. But with dozens of used 3-row SUVs out there, which is best for your family? Well, we’ve done the research for you and narrowed it down to the 10 we think are the best. We’ve also limited the selection to crossovers. We’ll cover big-daddy SUVs like the Chevrolet Tahoe and Ford Expedition separately. Here are our favorites.

Best Used 3-Row SUVs

SUVs are everywhere these days, and it seems like most American drivers want one. In 2020, sales of SUVs topped the 50% level in the light-vehicle market for the first time, and the trend shows no sign of abating. SUVs are versatile, are easy to get in and out of, and can be a lot of fun to drive. It’s also nice to have a driving position that looks down on traffic, not up at it. The only trouble with SUVs is they are, on average, more expensive than their conventional sedan and hatchback counterparts.

The answer to that potential issue is to purchase a used SUV. Studies have shown quite clearly that vehicles that have been manufactured during the past few years have very long useful lives, perhaps the longest in history. That’s why this list of the five SUVs that cost the least to insure can be so valuable.

5 Used SUVs That Cost Less to Insure

When it comes to transportation, most people want comfort. Because of that, SUVs are everywhere. And if you have to ride in the second row of an SUV, there is no more comfortable place than in a captain’s chair. That is why SUVs with captain’s chairs are so popular. People like the elevated driving position and the people-carrying versatility that SUVs are so well-known for. And they love the people-hauling ability of vehicles that offer captain’s chairs in the second row. Not only are the captain’s chairs typically more comfortable than a spot on a bench seat, but the gap between the two captain’s chairs makes it easy to get into and out of the third row. That's a win-win. Of course, when purchased new, three-row SUVs with captain’s chairs are typically expensive. A great way around that is to buy a recent-vintage used version. Here is our list of the 10 best used SUVs with captain’s chairs.


10 Best Used SUVs With Captain’s Chairs

When you’re heading off to college, an SUV makes a lot of sense. It has the spaciousness you’ll need to move your furniture from dorm rooms to apartments, and to carry you and your friends on unforgettable road trips. And it often has all-wheel drive for that time snow fails to postpone that crucial exam or job interview. 

But a new SUV is often tough on a college budget. That’s why we’ve rounded up the 10 best used SUVs for college. Most of these models are small, easy to drive, and relatively affordable, yet also roomy enough to be useful. For variety, we also included a couple of higher-end models — two vehicles with third-row seating and one from a luxury brand. We focused on the 2016 model year to keep things relatively affordable, yet avoiding SUVs that may be too old to reliably get you through college. 

10 Best Used Pickup Trucks Under $35,000

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