Best Used Cars and SUVs for Less Than $5,000
These models have strong reliability and performed well in CR’s tests.
Small Cars
Toyota Corolla 2001, 2004 to 2005
2005 Toyota Corolla
Price Range:$4,375 – $4,800
OWNER REPORTED MPG:30 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner satisfaction
The practical Corolla delivers decent performance and admirable fuel economy. Expect 29 mpg overall. While ride quality is absorbent and unobtrusive, handling is uninspiring. The cabin offers good access and a decent rear seat, but the driving position is a bit compromised because the steering wheel is too far away. Although ESC was first offered in 2005, it and curtain airbags were rare options before 2009.
Toyota Prius 2004 to 2005
2005 Toyota Prius
Price Range:$4,775
OWNER REPORTED MPG:43 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner satisfaction
The Prius is ideal for anyone purely interested in low running costs and practicality. It gets 44 mpg overall and can drive at low speeds on electric power alone. The ride is firm but compliant enough, although road noise and engine drone are noticeable. Handling is secure. Some controls are complicated, and the interior feels basic. ESC was available starting in 2005.
Midsized and Large Sedans
Aura TL, 2004
2004 Acura TL
Price Range:$3,950
OWNER REPORTED MPG:22 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner satisfaction
The third-generation TL was a big improvement, effectively blending comfort, convenience, and sportiness. Motivation comes from a 270-hp, 3.2-liter V6 that returns 23 mpg on premium fuel. We found the communicative and quick steering, along with the well-contained body lean, make the TL enjoyable to drive. Steady and well controlled, the ride provides good isolation from bumps, and the cabin is quiet inside. Controls are simple to use, including the optional touchscreen navigation system. The front seats are supportive and the rear seats are roomy. Minor gripes include a large turning circle and a rear seatback that doesn’t fold to expand trunk space. Comprehensive standard equipment includes ESC, leather, and a sunroof.
Honda Accord 2004 to 2005
2004 Honda Accord
Price Range:$3,550 – $4,650
OWNER REPORTED MPG:25 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner satisfaction
The Accord is a roomy and reliable car. Most will have a four-cylinder engine that together with the automatic makes for a smooth, unobtrusive powertrain. High-end versions have a V6 engine that’s quiet, slick, and powerful. Handling is quite nimble, the ride is steady and controlled, and switches and gauges are intuitive. If you can, focus on a 2005 model because those came with standard curtain airbags that provide more crash protection.
2003 Lexus ES
Price Range:$4,650
OWNER REPORTED MPG:23 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner satisfaction
Solidly embodying the traditional Lexus values, the ES 300 is a comfortable cruiser. It’s a well-rounded package with a nicely furnished, quiet, and accommodating cabin and very few flaws. The V6 provides powerful acceleration, the transmission shifts flawlessly, and the ride is isolated and composed. While handling is far from sporty, it’s ultimately secure. The front seats are supportive and the rear seat is comfortable for two passengers; three adults will find it snug. Fit and finish are well executed, and luxuries abound. ESC was not available on this generation of the ES.
Toyota Avalon 2000 to 2004
2004 Toyota Avalon
Price Range:$4,550 – $4,800
OWNER REPORTED MPG:24 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner satisfaction
The Avalon is essentially a stretched Camry with more upscale features. With its quiet interior, smooth powertrain, and overall refinement, the Avalon could pass for a Lexus. The rear seat is one of the most comfortable you’ll find. High points include a silky-smooth powertrain and impressive fit and finish. It’s easy to get in and out of the cabin, and visibility is aided by huge windows. Ride quality is smooth, though handling is considerably less than athletic. Look for a Touring model, which handles better, if spirited driving is important to you. ESC became optional in 2005, so try to buy an Avalon that was built with the system.
Toyota Camry 2000 to 2004
2004 Toyota Camry
Price Range:$4,575 – $5,075
OWNER REPORTED MPG:25 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner satisfaction
The refined Camry has long been one of our top choices among family sedans. Predictable handling, good brakes, a smooth, quiet ride, and excellent reliability remain Camry hallmarks. It’s an easy-to-drive car with smooth powertrains. Most versions have a four-cylinder engine, which is quite sufficient and returned 24 mpg overall in our tests. High-end models have a V6 engine, which is slick and powerful but sacrifices some fuel economy, at 21 mpg in our tests. Look for models built after the 2002 redesign with the optional curtain airbags if you can. Without them, this generation of the Camry received a poor rating in the IIHS side-crash test.
Minivans
Toyota Sienna 2000, 2004
2004 Toyota Sienna
Price Range:$4,300 – $5,125
OWNER REPORTED MPG:20 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner satisfaction
The 2001 Sienna was one of the quietest and most comfortable minivans available, but it’s also one of the smallest in terms of interior room. With a smooth, refined, and responsive powertrain that returned 18 mpg overall in our tests, this generation of the Sienna is still an excellent choice. Redesigned for the 2004 model year, there’s a lot to like about this version of the Sienna. Attributes include a refined, fuel-efficient powertrain, secure handling, a roomy interior, and a split folding third-row seat. The class leader in terms of comfort, refinement, and safety, it offered almost every major feature available in the minivan class during its time. We got 21 mpg overall from the 3.3-liter V6 in our test of a FWD Sienna. All-wheel drive was optional. Our only major complaint concerned the Sienna’s relatively lengthy stopping distance.
SUVs
Honda CR-V 2000
2000 Honda CR-V
Price Range:$3,075 – $3,325
OWNER REPORTED MPG:25 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner satisfaction
The first-generation of the Civic-based CR-V had a compliant and carlike ride, but handling was just okay. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine was fairly noisy, and acceleration was less than sizzling. Paired with a four-speed automatic transmission, our all-wheel-drive CR-V got 22 mpg overall. While the seats were comfortable, the stretched-out driving position could become tiring.
Honda Pilot 2005
2005 Honda Pilot
Price Range:$4,550 – $5,225
OWNER REPORTED MPG:18 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner satisfaction
The Pilot combines the best virtues of a wagon, an SUV, and a minivan. Its slick V6 delivers punchy performance and respectable fuel economy of 17 mpg. We found the ride to be comfortable and the handling secure, with little body roll. Road noise is pronounced, however. The standard split third-row seat folds neatly into the floor to create more cargo room, but there’s little cargo room with the third row up. The interior is simple but well put together and offers lots of cubbies and bins. ESC was optional in 2005.
