The Most Satisfying 10-Year-Old Sedans

CR identifies the reliable, fuel-efficient used cars you’ll love

2012 Acura TSX

By Benjamin Preston

Used cars are expensive right now, but deals can be found—especially if you’re looking among older models. Although the price of a 1-, 2-, or even 3-year-old used car can be close to (or in some cases more than) what it cost new, models in the 6- to 10-year-old range tend to have more competitive pricing. Be sure to look beyond just the price, though, and consider a model with a track record for reliability and proven safety performance. And take your research a step further to emphasize models that are likely to make you happy, based on the experiences of CR members.

Because most buyers today prefer SUVs, you’re more likely to score a deal on a less-sought-after sedan. There are advantages to owning a sedan, among them better fuel economy for a given size of vehicle, lower purchase price, and in many cases, a more comfortable ride and more responsive handling. It’s important to note that most older models didn’t offer active safety features like forward collision warning (FCW) and automatic emergency braking (AEB) like newer models do; you’ll need to confirm that the specific car you’re considering is equipped with the safety features you want.

All of the models listed here come standard with side-impact airbags. See how the model you’re interested in buying performed in crash tests performed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration when it was new by checking the vehicle’s model page at CR.org/cars.

There are many sedans to choose from. To help guide members in their selection, we balance our own extensive testing with surveys in which we ask members to share their experiences with their cars. Many cars beguile when new, but will they hold that charm after several years of ownership? Reliability, comfort, and ease of use of the controls play a big role in how someone regards a car over time.

We combed through our data to find the 2012 models most people said they would buy again, including models in the small, midsized, and large sedan and SUV categories. We picked models known for strong reliability and fuel economy—models that are the most likely to provide years of relatively trouble-free service.

Some of these models carry our Green Choice designation, which highlights the vehicles with the cleanest emissions.

If you’re a Consumer Reports member, the list below is available to you. CR members also have full access to the results of our Annual Auto Surveys; first-drive reviews of the newest cars, SUVs, and trucks; our full road-test results; and exclusive ratings for each vehicle we buy and test.

If you’re not a CR member, click below to become one for access to this list and all our exclusive ratings and reviews for each vehicle we buy and test. Joining also gives you full access to exclusive ratings for the other products our experts evaluate in several categories, including electronics and home appliances.

Compact Sedans

2012 Acura TSX

The TSX may be fuel efficient and practical, but it’s also fairly sporty. Agile handling, responsive brakes, and sprightly performance from the 201-hp four-cylinder and optional 280-hp V6 combine for an engaging driving experience. The front seats are roomy and comfortable, and the TSX has standard dual-zone climate control.

2012 Toyota Corolla

Corollas of any vintage are known as pragmatic, fuel-sipping transportation, and the ones that rolled off the assembly line a decade ago are no exception. This version boasts a relatively quiet interior, a smooth ride, responsive handling, and a decent-sized rear seat.

2012 Infiniti G

There are two versions of the G—the G25 and the quicker, more expensive G35. CR’s testers found both versions fun to drive, with taut, agile handling. The G25, which has a smaller V6, got better fuel economy in our testing. Rear-wheel drive is standard, but there are all-wheel-drive models out there, too. The front seats are well-padded and supportive.

Midsized and Large Sedans

2012 Toyota Avalon

The Avalon could easily pass for a much more expensive luxury car. Loaded with standard comfort and convenience features, it is also smooth-riding, with a spacious, comfortable interior. It also turned in strong fuel economy numbers in our testing. Brake assist—a system that applies extra force to the brakes during hard braking—is standard.

2012 Lexus ES

With its smooth ride, quiet interior, and lavish amenities, the ES provides a big luxury car feel and refinement in a manageably sized package. The ES is a quick car but is thrifty with fuel. The interior is finished nicely with polished wood surfaces and soft leather, and both front and rear seats are supportive and comfortable. Knee protection airbags are standard, as are seat belt pretensioners that pull occupants into their seats during a crash.

2012 Toyota Camry

The Camry sedan is reliable, with a plush ride and a spacious, comfortable interior. It also has a large trunk, and when equipped with the hybrid powertrain, gets impressive fuel economy. Standard features include a power driver’s seat, as well as knee airbags. A backup camera is available on higher trims.

2012 Mazda 6

The Mazda6 has a quiet, roomy interior and a large trunk. With its snappy acceleration and nimble handling, it’s one of the most fun-to-drive cars among the midsized sedan cohort. Seat belt pretensioners are standard.

2012 Buick LaCrosse

The LaCrosse may be smooth-riding, comfortable, and luxurious like Buicks of the past, but the similarities end there. It’s much more athletic than its forebears, thanks to responsive handling and strong braking performance. Side-impact and curtain airbags are standard, and FCW, lane departure warning (LDW), and rear cross traffic assist (RCTA) are optional.

2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Comfortable seats, a plush ride, and a quiet, nicely finished interior are all hallmarks of the E-Class, a standard-setter in midsized luxury. It’s not sporty, per se, but the E-Class does boast agility and strong acceleration. The diesel version isn’t as quick, but it gets outstanding fuel economy and has an 800-mile-plus range. Unlike most cars of this era, some trims come standard with several active safety features, including FCW, braking assist, a driver attention monitoring system, and a seat belt pretensioner that pulls occupants into their seats in the event of a rollover.

2012 Acura TL

The TL offers quick acceleration, decent fuel economy, comfortable front seats, and an upscale interior. It also has adequate interior storage and a decent-sized trunk.

2012 Honda Accord

With its roomy interior, comfortable seats, smooth ride, and strong reliability, the Accord’s popularity makes sense. It also has responsive handling, as well as good outward visibility and simple controls.

2012 Subaru Legacy

Standard all-wheel drive sets the Legacy apart from most sedans, and despite the extra pair of driven wheels, it is also relatively fuel efficient. It has a roomy interior, comfortable seats, a smooth ride, and responsive handling. Some models can be found with the softer leather-upholstered seats.

More from Consumer Reports:
Top pick tires for 2016
Best used cars for $25,000 and less
7 best mattresses for couples

Consumer Reports is an independent, nonprofit organization that works side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. CR does not endorse products or services, and does not accept advertising. Copyright © 2022, Consumer Reports, Inc.