15 Best-Selling Used Cars That Drive Like Brand New

Buying a reliable used car — especially one that has a high resale value — is one of the smart money moves for car owners.

Although cars are considered a depreciating asset, some models are in higher demand. According to iSeeCars, these are the most popular — and best-selling — used cars that are 5 years old or less.

The rankings come from an iSeeCars analysis of more than 9 million used car sales, and each figure below reflects that model's share of all 1- to 5-year-old used cars sold. Popular models also tend to be easier to find, service, and resell, since parts and mechanics familiar with them are widely available.

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Percentage of used car sales: 2.8%

The Ford F-150 is a midsize truck that combines all the capabilities you want in a half-ton truck while also being passenger-friendly.

Buyers are attracted to the F-150 due to Ford's strong reputation, along with the wide range of styles and bed lengths it offers. It has been America's best-selling used vehicle for decades, so shoppers can choose from a huge supply of trims, engines, and price points. 

Newer model years offer a PowerBoost hybrid option that improves fuel economy and can power tools or campsite gear from the bed. One drawback: Ford was the most recalled brand in a 2026 iSeeCars study, so check any F-150's VIN for open recalls before you buy. 

The F-150 is best for buyers who tow or haul regularly but still want a comfortable daily driver.

Percentage of used car sales: 2.5%

The Chevy Silverado is a workhorse of a truck that is made to haul whatever you need.

Depending on the model, drivers can enjoy a maximum towing capacity of up to 13,300 pounds — the weight of an adult male African elephant.

That top rating requires the right setup, such as the 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine and the Max Trailering Package, so check a used truck's equipment before assuming it can tow that much. 

Engine choices range from a turbocharged four-cylinder to V8s and the diesel, giving buyers flexibility on power and fuel costs. A roomy crew cab also makes the Silverado a practical family hauler. 

Shoppers who want similar capability with a more upscale feel can compare it with its sibling, the GMC Sierra 1500.

Percentage of used car sales: 1.8%

Drivers who want a midsize truck with a smooth ride may find that the Ram 1500 fits the bill.

Certain models offer air spring suspensions, which make for a better ride than you'll find in most trucks. Drivers enjoy a comfortable ride with powerful brakes and easy steering.

The Ram also uses coil springs at the rear instead of the leaf springs found on most rivals, which helps smooth out bumps even on models without air suspension. 

Higher trims add upscale cabins with large touchscreens and premium materials, making the Ram a strong pick for buyers who spend long hours behind the wheel. 

The trade-off is that the best-equipped versions command higher used prices, and air suspension can be costly to repair once the warranty ends.

Percentage of used car sales: 1.8%

The Chevrolet Equinox is a crossover with plenty of interior space for passengers in both the front and back seats.

This model is great for long road trips thanks to its responsive handling and numerous cupholders.

It is the best-selling used vehicle in America that isn't a pickup, according to iSeeCars, so finding one in the trim and color you want is usually easy. 

Most models from this period use a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers solid fuel economy for a compact SUV, and all-wheel drive is available for snowy climates. 

The Equinox suits small families and commuters who want SUV practicality at a reasonable price, though its cargo area and acceleration trail some rivals.

Percentage of used car sales: 1.7%

The Nissan Rogue checks all the boxes for most drivers. This crossover offers a roomy interior cabin and plenty of cargo space.

You'll also find a lot of nice options, such as in-car entertainment and driver assistance.

Many trims offer Nissan's ProPilot Assist, which can help with steering, braking, and acceleration on the highway. The Rogue climbed to fifth place in the latest iSeeCars ranking, ahead of the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. 

Buyers should know that it uses a continuously variable transmission, which some drivers find less responsive than a traditional automatic, and Nissan CVTs have drawn reliability complaints in past years. 

A pre-purchase inspection and service records showing regular maintenance can help reduce that risk.

Percentage of used car sales: 1.7%

The Toyota Camry is an economical sedan that is ideal for daily driving. Even for a sedan, this car drives well and feels substantial when navigating turns.

Taller drivers and passengers will find plenty of legroom, which is unusual in a sedan.

Its reputation for reliability helps the Camry hold its value, and routine maintenance costs tend to be low. 

The hybrid version tops 50 mpg combined in its most efficient trims, making it a smart pick for high-mileage commuters. The Camry was also the most popular used car in California in the latest iSeeCars study. 

The main drawbacks are that it offers less cargo flexibility than an SUV, and strong demand means used Camrys rarely sell at bargain prices.

Percentage of used car sales: 1.5%

Looking for a comfortable SUV with enough space for passengers and their stuff? The Ford Explorer has three rows of seats.

This is a vehicle that is great for families with kids or drivers who often haul gear.

When properly equipped, models from 2020 on can tow up to 5,600 pounds, enough for a small camper or boat, and all-wheel drive is widely available. The third row works best for kids, since adult legroom back there is tight. Before buying, check the vehicle's recall history. 

The redesigned 2020 Explorer launched with several recalls, and Ford was the most recalled brand in a 2026 iSeeCars study. Ask the seller for proof that recall repairs were completed.

Percentage of used car sales: 1.5%

The Chevrolet Malibu is a midsize sedan with a comfortable ride, a roomy back seat, and a large trunk. It jumped from 29th to eighth in the latest iSeeCars ranking, likely because rental companies sold off fleet cars after Chevrolet discontinued the model.

That wave of supply can make a used Malibu one of the better values among midsize sedans. Most versions use a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers good fuel economy for daily commuting. 

The downside is that many of these cars spent their early years as rentals, so review the vehicle history report and service records carefully. 

The Malibu is a solid pick for budget-minded commuters who want a lot of car for the money.

Percentage of used car sales: 1.5%

The Toyota Corolla is an affordable sedan that's packed with standard active safety features.

The vehicle has a roomy back seat that doesn't sacrifice cargo space. This car is Ideal for those wanting a reliable, safe ride.

Those features come through Toyota Safety Sense, which includes automatic emergency braking and lane departure alerts. A hybrid version earns about 50 mpg combined, keeping fuel costs low. 

Toyota also led iSeeCars' 2026 ranking of the longest-lasting car brands, a good sign for owners who plan to keep their car for years. The main drawback is modest acceleration, especially on base models. 

The Corolla is a strong fit for students, first-time buyers, and commuters.

Percentage of used car sales: 1.5%

Toyota Tacoma owners tend to be loyalists. Drivers love this truck because it doubles as a work truck and off-road vehicle.

It gets decent gas mileage with an estimated 23 mpg on the highway. It also offers a rugged suspension that can hold up when kicking around the dirt and mud.

The Tacoma was redesigned for 2024, when a turbocharged four-cylinder engine replaced the previous V6 and a hybrid option arrived. Its reputation for durability helps it hold value, so expect to pay more than you would for many midsize rivals. 

Older models have a low seating position and a cramped back seat. The Tacoma suits buyers who want a manageable truck for work and weekend adventures.

Percentage of used car sales: 1.5%

The Toyota RAV4 is an affordable crossover with a high resale value.

Like many Toyota models, the RAV4 is not the flashiest car. However, drivers like it because it's comfortable, reliable, and practical.

The RAV4 Hybrid earns about 40 mpg combined and comes standard with all-wheel drive, making it one of the most efficient SUVs in its class. Cargo space is generous for a compact SUV, with enough room for strollers, sports gear, or luggage. 

Its strong resale value cuts both ways, though, since used prices are often higher than those of rivals. Some drivers also find the engine noisy under hard acceleration. 

The RAV4 is ideal for families and commuters who want low running costs.

Percentage of used car sales: 1.4%

The GMC Sierra 1500 is a full-size pickup that shares its frame and engine lineup with the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, so buyers get similar towing and hauling ability with a more premium look and feel.

Many trims offer the MultiPro tailgate, which can fold into a step or workstation, while the upscale Denali adds leather and advanced tech. The off-road-oriented AT4 adds a lifted suspension and skid plates. The Sierra climbed four spots in the latest iSeeCars ranking. 

The trade-off is price, since Sierras typically cost more than comparably equipped Silverados, and fuel costs are similar to those of other full-size trucks. It suits truck buyers who want comfort as much as capability.

Percentage of used car sales: 1.3%

The Nissan Altima is a no-fuss family sedan with surprisingly comfortable seats and a nice interior.

This midsize sedan offers great gas mileage too. Even the base model gets 28 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway.

Those figures apply to front-wheel-drive models through 2022, while 2023 and newer base models are rated at 27 mpg city and 39 mpg highway. The Altima is also one of the few midsize sedans offered with all-wheel drive, a plus in snowy states. 

Like the Rogue, it uses a continuously variable transmission, so service records and a pre-purchase inspection are worth the effort. It's a good fit for commuters who want low fuel costs.

Percentage of used car sales: 1.3%

You can get a Honda Civic in either a hatchback or sedan body style. Both styles offer a comfortable interior with a reasonable price tag, making the Civic popular among drivers.

Honda redesigned the Civic for 2022, giving it a more upscale cabin and standard Honda Sensing driver-assistance features. Most versions earn well over 30 mpg combined, and a hybrid model arrived for 2025. Hondas also tend to have low maintenance costs and strong resale value. 

Sporty Si and Type R versions appeal to enthusiasts, though they sell at a premium. The Civic is a smart choice for commuters and first-time buyers, but families may find the back seat and cargo space limiting.

Percentage of used car sales: 1.1%

The Honda CR-V offers an easy driving experience and an impressive fuel economy of 27 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.

Even though most models only seat five passengers, there is plenty of cargo and interior space in this car.

Those mpg figures apply to 2020 to 2023 models with all-wheel drive. The redesigned 2023 CR-V added a hybrid version rated at up to 40 mpg in the city with all-wheel drive. Newer models offer 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, enough for a family road trip. 

Honda's track record for reliability helps keep ownership costs low, making the CR-V a smart pick for small families and commuters.

When shopping for a used car, it helps to choose a model that will continue to save you money for years to come.

For example, if you want to save money on car insurance, you should consider purchasing a used car with a higher safety rating. Cars with better safety ratings usually are tied to fewer insurance claims, which can result in discounts from your insurance company.

More safety features can also help you stay protected on the road.