2007 Used Car Best Bets

Compact Sedan: 2001-2005 Hyundai Elantra

2005 Hyundai Elantra

A complete redesign in 2001 earned the Hyundai Elantra our respect, which was bolstered further by a tough tour of duty in our long-term fleet. In addition to peppy performance and a smooth ride, the Elantra offers solid build quality, reliability and operating economy. The GT version came in a useful hatchback body style that provided added cargo capacity in addition to standard leather seating, a moonroof and a sport-tuned suspension that improved the car's handling. Impressive crash test scores are another feather in the Elantra's cap.

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Midsize Sedan: 2000-2005 Toyota Camry 2005 Toyota Camry Fine build quality, legendary reliability and a hushed ride characterize the Camry. Though the arch rival Honda Accord may offer a more sporting drive, we picked the Camry based on its more serene cabin and compliant ride, qualities that are typically more appreciated in a family midsize car than apex-strafing ability. The Camry was redesigned in 1997 and this generation lasted through the 2001 model year, meaning all of these years are equally strong picks. An all-new Camry bowed for 2002, offering even more refinement and better driving dynamics.

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Large Sedan: 2000-2005 Ford Crown Victoria/Mercury Grand Marquis 2005 Ford Crown Victoria Ever wonder why police departments and taxi companies use these "old-tech" V8, rear-wheel-drive sedans? Because they're basically bullet-proof. Really, could a car have a tougher job than serving cab duty in New York City? Or cruiser duty in Los Angeles? Not only that, but these traditional American full-sizers are also very comfortable to ride in, have plenty of luggage capacity and are cheap to keep in light of their low maintenance requirements and commendable fuel efficiency (highway ratings are as high as 25 mpg). They also have very good crash test scores.

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Coupe: 2000-2005 BMW 3 Series 2005 BMW 3 Series The BMW 3 Series embodies everything a coupe should be: sporty, stylish and with a level of practicality closer to that of a sedan than a dedicated sports car. Even if you go with the entry-level 323Ci (which has the smaller engine), there's still plenty of performance to be had from the smooth inline-6. Communicative steering coupled to an athletic chassis provides a very satisfying drive and validates why these cars remain highly popular with enthusiasts.

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Convertible: 2000-2005 Mazda Miata 2005 Mazda Miata Anyone who wonders how car enthusiasts can be so passionate about driving need only take a spin in a Miata. With its ultraresponsive and communicative steering, an exuberant engine and a manual transmission with short, precise throws, Mazda's little two-seater wins over even those who don't know a camshaft from a half shaft. Nothing within the average Joe's means represents affordable all-around automotive athleticism better than a Miata. Factor in great reliability, frugal fuel usage and plenty of aftermarket accessories and it's easy to see why so many Miata owners love their car as much as (maybe even more than) their significant other. Find Mazda Listings 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005

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Wagon: 2003-2005 Pontiac Vibe 2005 Pontiac Vibe With more than a touch of style, impressive space-efficiency, compact dimensions and a smooth, reliable powertrain courtesy of Toyota, the Vibe makes for a very practical choice. Although it shares its mechanical components with the Toyota Matrix, the Vibe is arguably more attractive. In addition, it will likely be a better value, as chances are you can get this Pontiac for less money than a comparable Matrix due to the high resale prices the Toyota name commands.

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Compact SUV/Crossover: 2003-2005 Honda Element 2005 Honda Element Tall and boxy, yet shorter than a Civic, the Honda Element offers a lot of room within its small footprint. Ideal for active people, the Element's four-passenger cabin allows easy stowage of mountain bikes and quick cleanup thanks to water-resistant seats and a urethane floor covering. Honda's strong reputation for reliability and longevity seals the deal.

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Midsize SUV/Crossover: 2004-2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor After winning an Edmunds' comparison test, the Endeavor won us over again as a reliable and comfortable addition to our long-term fleet. Peppy performance, carlike ride and handling, solid build quality and good crash test scores make the Endeavor a fine choice for a family vehicle. Though some shoppers may bemoan the lack of a third-row seat option, there is no denying its value proposition for families of four or five, as the Endeavor is typically thousands less than the more popular picks in this category. Find Mitsubishi Listings 2004 | 2005

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Large SUV/Crossover: 2000-2005 Chevrolet Tahoe 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe Strong performance, a comfortable ride and attractive styling are a few of the Tahoe's assets. Others include a roomy cabin that can seat up to nine and fairly nimble handling for such a bulky vehicle. A Tahoe equipped with the torque-rich 5.3-liter V8 is a good choice for towing duty. Find Chevrolet Listings 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005

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Minivan/Van: 2000-2005 Honda Odyssey 2005 Honda Odyssey Before 1999, the Odyssey couldn't compete with the more powerful V6-powered minivans from Dodge and Toyota. A four-cylinder engine, no matter how refined, isn't going to cut it when the van is loaded up with seven passengers and their belongings. That all changed when Honda brought out the completely revamped Odyssey in 1999. Boasting the most powerful V6 in the segment, along with a huge interior, hide-away third-row seat, top safety scores and Honda's solid reputation for quality and reliability, the Odyssey quickly jumped to the head of the class. You'll probably have to lay out a few more greenbacks for one of these vans, even in the used market, but consider it money well spent. Find Honda Listings 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005

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Compact Truck: 2000-2005 Toyota Tacoma 2005 Toyota Tacoma In addition to the well-known strengths of impressive overall quality and a rock-solid reliability record, the Tacoma offers a pickup for most any need or personality. There's even the PreRunner edition which offers the suspension, ride height and aggressive tires of a 4WD truck without the added complexity and fuel appetite. Whether you're looking for a sporty street truck, an aggressive off-roader or a crew-cab family truck, we're willing to bet that the Tacoma lineup has something with your name on it. Find Toyota Listings 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005

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Large Truck: 2000-2005 Ford F-150
2005 Ford F-150	There must be a very good reason that the Ford F-150 has been the top-selling vehicle in America for the last two decades. We can think of many: a huge variety of cab styles and trim levels, a comfortable interior with sound ergonomics, a compliant ride, communicative and precise steering, smooth power plants and best-in-class brakes.