The annual Used Car Best Bet Awards are based on the following criteria: reliability, safety and availability. Eligibility is limited to Used Cars from 1999 to 2004. (About Used Car Best Bets)
Economy Car | Midsize Car | Large Car | Luxury Car | Sporty Car
Mini-SUV | SUV | Minivan | Small Pickup | Large Pickup
2004 Honda Civic
For years, it's been the Civic and Toyota's Corolla fighting for the title of best economy car. Both are wise choices from a strictly utilitarian point of view; they're frugal with fuel, require minimal maintenance and are reliable. That said, the Civic gets our vote because it offers a few things that the Corolla line lacks: a sportier driving feel, a coupe body style in addition to a sedan and, in 1999, 2000 and 2004, an Si version of the coupe that boasts a sizzling 160-horsepower inline four and a taut handling-biased suspension.
2004 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 serenein 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.
2004 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 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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Ford Crown Victoria:
1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004
Mercury Grand Marquis:
1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004
2004 Infiniti G35
With rear-wheel drive, a ripping V6 and sporty suspension tuning, the G35 is Infiniti's answer to the BMW 3 Series. As compared to that German benchmark, the G's much roomierin and lower acquisition and maintenance costs make the Infiniti a smart choice for savvy enthusiasts. While the sedan will make the most sense for most folks, the rakish coupe offers Nissan 350Z (the G35's platform mate) intenders more practicality with virtually identical performance.
2004 Mazda Miata
Anyone who wonders how car enthusiasts can be so pasionate about driving need only take a spin in a Miata. With its ultraresponsive and communicative steering, an exuberant engine and a manual transmision 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.
2004 Honda CR-V
It seems that everybody wants an SUV. The reasons for their overwhelming popularity include massive cargo capacity, the ability to traverse rugged and/or slippery terrain and a high seating position that affords a better view of the road ahead. Trouble is, most people who buy them will never come close to using a truck-based, gas-guzzling SUV's off-road capability. For those people who are more practical and less image-conscious, there is a better choice: the Honda CR-V. Combining the most practical attributes of an SUV (such as plenty of luggage capacity and all-wheel-drive tractoin for dealing with messy weather) with superior ride and handling characteristics, plenty of passenger room, excellent fuel economy and Honda's stout reliability history, the CR-V stands head and shoulders above most other SUVs, be they big or small. And in 2002, a roomier and more powerful CR-V debuted, cementing Honda's place in this segment.
2004 Ford Explorer
The complete redesign of the Explorer in 2002 brought a wealth of improvements in the areas of passenger accommodations, safety, comfort and utility. An independent rear suspension provides a smoother ride as well as room for a third-row seat that can accommodate a pair of adults. Factor in smooth performance, a roomyin, plenty of luxury features and commendable crash test scores and the Explorer makes for a solid pick in the family-oriented midsize SUV segment.
2004 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.
2004 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 family truck, we're willing to bet that the Tacoma lineup has something with your name on it.
2004 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 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.
1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004