The Mazda CX-5 compact crossover last graced our 2021 10Best list, wrapping up a streak of four consecutive awards. Since that's our cutoff, we'll focus on used 2021 Mazda CX-5s up through used 2025 Mazda CX-5s. (A new CX-5 arrived for 2026, but it has yet to be subjected to 10Best testing.)

This is easily one of our favorite Mazdas that's not an MX-5 Miata, as it wraps the automaker's trademark driver-focused chassis tuning in a near-luxury, everyday-usable package that's plenty of car for most people. The least expensive versions pack an adequate 187-horsepower four-cylinder, while the ritzier trims get you a truly satisfying turbo four with right around 250 horses. Prices start around $16,000 on the C/D Marketplace.

SHOP MAZDA CX-5

The current-generation Honda Civic, available as a sedan or a hatchback, made its first appearance on our 2023 10Best list. It's been there ever since.

The Civic is perennial proof that good things come in small packages. Not only is this small car good fun to toss around, but it's super comfortable and has the fuel-economy ratings to stand up to even long commutes. (If you need a little more space, the 10Best-winningest Honda Accord of similar vintage is only a few thousand more.)

This generation spans from used 2022 Honda Civics to the present. Even the most basic LX trim has enough creature comforts and tech to keep you happy, and you can find one now for as little as about $15,000.

SHOP HONDA CIVIC

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The Chevy Trax is one of the least expensive new vehicles on the market today, and it just so happens to be a great little crossover. A 10Best-winner since 2024, the Trax continues to wow us with its adult styling, solid handling, quiet interior, and generous cargo hold.

A recent 40,000-mile long-term test of a 2024 Trax kept us reminded of why this Chevy keeps winning—it may not be perfect, but for the price, or even a little more, no one beats this complete package.

Speaking of pricing, you can pick up a pre-loved model—meaning used 2024 Chevy Trax models and newer—starting at around $15,000. Not bad for a two-year-old car.

SHOP CHEVROLET TRAX

Get a Pre-Purchase Inspection

The best thing you can do before purchasing a used vehicle is to have a pre-purchase inspection (PPI) done. It's a simple process: find and pay a local mechanic to give the vehicle you're considering a lookover to ensure there are no hidden issues. It's a small price to pay for peace of mind.

Get a Vehicle History Report

The second-best thing you can do before purchasing a used vehicle is to get its history report. Make sure there are no mileage discrepancies or major car accidents on record that could jeopardize the vehicle's value or safety. Be sure to get under any used car if possible. You'll want to make sure there's no sign of rust setting in. Be sure to look and feel under the wheel wells, too.

Ever since David was a wee Car and Driver intern, he has kept a spreadsheet listing all the vehicles he’s driven and tested. David really likes spreadsheets. He can parallel-park a school bus and once drove a Lincoln Town Car 63 mph in reverse. After taking a break from journalism to work on autonomous vehicles, he’s back writing for this and other automotive publications. When David’s not searching for the perfect used car, you can find him sampling the latest in gimmicky, limited-edition foodstuffs.

Extracted and lightly reformatted for readability. · Source: pt