Consumer Reports Under $25K Used Midsized Sedans with the Best Fuel Economy

Fuel Efficiency, Reliability, and Price

Used sedans known for their fuel efficiency, reliability, and current pricing for depreciated 5-year-old sedans, was the focus of a recent Consumer Reports recommendation for smart sedan shoppers.

According to CR analysts their choices are based on vehicles that “…were also designed and built recently enough that their performance in our tests—such as those for acceleration, braking, and fuel economy—is still on a par with brand-new cars. But they can be had for much less than new versions.”

And while performance, fuel efficiency, and cost are important, arguably the most important selling point regardless of the vehicle type is that of reliability; Especially, to ensure that the new vehicle owner does not wind up stranded on the road, pay exorbitant repair costs, and be without wheels for two weeks or more waiting on parts and repairs.

Related article: New Vehicles That Cost the Most to Fuel and Used Vehicles That are the Most Fuel Efficient

That said, here is a summary of their list of the most reliable midsized sedans they recommend assisting you in finding the model you need today. The summary includes the added numbers used car shoppers are looking for regarding not just price, but also reliability, recalls, and customer satisfaction scores as well. Scores of 3/5 or lower will include a brief description of problem areas to look for.

Please note that owner satisfaction ratings “…are determined by the percentage of those who answered, "definitely yes" to the question asked by the Consumer Reports Annual Auto Survey "Considering all factors (price, performance, reliability, comfort, enjoyment, etc.), would you get this car if you had to do it all over again?"”

Used Midsized Sedans Under $25,000 With the Best Fuel Economy

1. 2018 Toyota Camry
Price Range: $18,200 - $23,675
Owner Reported MPG: 31 mpg
Reliability Score: 5/5
Number of recalls: 7
Owner Satisfaction Score 3/5: 66% of owners responded that they would buy this model again

2. 2018 Honda Accord
Price Range: $19,225 - $24,200
Owner Reported MPG: 30 mpg
Reliability Score: 3/5: Climate control problems and some engine-related issues affected this score
Number of recalls: 3
Owner Satisfaction Score 3/5: 67% of owners responded that they would buy this model again

3. 2018 Nissan Altima
Price Range: $14,725 - $16,425
Owner Reported MPG: 30 mpg
Reliability Score: 4/5:
Number of recalls: 2
Owner Satisfaction Score 1/5: Only 49% of owners responded that they would buy this model again

4. 2018 Mazda 6
Price Range: $15,950 - $23,925
Owner Reported MPG: 27 mpg
Reliability Score: 5/5
Number of recalls: 2
Owner Satisfaction Score 4/5

5. 2018 Subaru Legacy
Price Range: $17,800 - $22,850
Owner Reported MPG: 27 mpg
Reliability Score: 3/5: The electrical system and in-car electronics were identified trouble spots
Number of recalls: 3
Owner Satisfaction Score 3/5: “…would you get this car if you had to do it all over again?" data not provided by CR analysts

6. 2018 Ford Fusion
Price Range: $15,275 - $23,825
Owner Reported MPG: 26 mpg
Reliability Score: 3/5: Major transmission and minor engine issues affected this scoring.
Number of recalls: 1
Owner Satisfaction Score 3/5: 68% of owners responded that they would buy this model again

For a more detailed breakdown of the data please visit the CR website. Note that while access to some information requires a CR membership, the potential savings make it negligible in comparison when looking for the latest information to aid your car buying research.

And finally…

For additional CR-related new and used sedan recommendations, here are a few from this past year for your consideration and comparison shopping:

• Consumer Reports Recommends These Midsized Sedans Under $20,000 with the Best Fuel Economy

• Used Cars That Cost the Most to Maintain Say Consumer Reports

• Consumer Reports Analysts Rate These Used Cars as The Best for Uber and Lyft Drivers

COMING UP NEXT: Best Hybrid SUVs for Less Than $35,000 From Consumer Reports' Tests

Timothy Boyer is a Torque News automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites for daily new and used vehicle news.

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