The Honda Civic is the top-selling used car in Los Angeles and the Bay area. Its combination of safety, efficiency and value has long made it a favorite for families. It’s also fun to drive in its Si and Type R versions.
The Toyota Prius is the gold standard for fuel economy. It’s also the top-rated car for reliability and owner satisfaction.
1. Ford F-150
The F-150’s latest generation debuted for 2021 and features an impressive range of drivetrain options, high payload and towing capacities, and comfortable modern interior. It also has one of the best driving experiences among pickups thanks to an intuitive infotainment system that runs on both the 8- and 12-inch touchscreens, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
Its standard safety equipment includes advanced systems like automatic emergency braking, forward collision warnings, and lane departure warnings.
2. Honda CR-V
Honda redesigned its best-selling SUV last year. Its spacious cabin and impressive cargo space make it one of the most family-friendly crossovers in this crowded class.
The CR-V also has some of the highest safety ratings and fuel economy numbers. It has a sleek exterior design and refined interior with plenty of standard features and popular tech options. Smooth ride and responsive drive help it hold its own against more sporty competitors.
3. Toyota Camry
With a spacious interior, impressive fuel economy and an affordable price tag, the Toyota Camry is the perfect sedan for those who prioritize efficiency. Its standard safety features include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking and lane-departure alert.
The new 2023 Camry is a far better driver’s car than past generations, thanks to more composed handling and surprisingly responsive steering. The XSE and SE models deliver even more excitement with track-tuned suspension components.
4. GMC Sierra
The GMC Sierra is a no-excuses premium full-size pickup that offers plenty of capability and luxury features. Its 2022 redesign brought it a new look and improved capabilities, including a more powerful engine and a useful MultiPro tailgate.
The Sierra’s cabin is comfortable and spacious, with ample head- and legroom. The upscale Denali and AT4X trims add more luxury with open-pore wood accents, extended leather, and more.
5. Subaru Forester
Standout features include top safety ratings and a wealth of driver assistance systems. The 2024 Forester’s upright design with big windows and low pillars delivers outstanding visibility and easy rear-seat access.
Its standard all-wheel drive and class-leading ground clearance further enhance its off-road credentials. The Forester’s function-first interior design is spruced up with pleasant colors and materials.
6. Toyota Tacoma
Toyota’s small pickup is a reliable workhorse and a capable off-roader. With a range of models from the trail-oriented TRD Sport to the ultra-rugged TRD Pro, it’s easy to find a Tacoma that can take you anywhere on and off the beaten path.
For 2024, the Tacoma uses the new TNGA-F global truck platform shared with Tundra and Sequoia, which adds features off-roaders will appreciate. Double Cab models feature a multi-link coil rear suspension for a smoother ride.
7. Tesla Model Y
The Model Y is fun to drive, but the EV-curious have more attractive options now that competitors like Audi and Rivian are entering the market. It also lacks a head-up display to put driving information directly into the driver’s line of sight.
The Model Y is loaded with advanced technology, and its ludicrous acceleration makes for a satisfying ride. But its stiff suspension makes it feel clumsy on squiggly roads.
8. Toyota Highlander
The Highlander’s four-cylinder engine delivers decent acceleration for a midsize three-row SUV. A hybrid model with a dedicated electric motor for the rear wheels can go even farther on fuel.
The Highlander’s upscale interior and good driving dynamics make it a solid choice for a family hauler. It also scores well in resale value rankings. But the Highlander faces competition from rivals like the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade that offer better luxury and third-row room.
9. Honda CR-V Hybrid
The 2024 CR-V Hybrid is packed with advanced features, including an intuitive suite of standard driver assist functions. Honda Sensing is impressive, mitigating collisions and reducing strain on the driver by lowering speed limits, steering assistance, lane departure warning and traffic sign recognition.
The e:PHEV is expensive in cash terms, though it comes with loads of equipment to offset that. However, it’s also heavier than rivals, which makes the ride less comfortable on longer journeys.
10. Nissan Supra
Nostalgia is a powerful thing, especially among car enthusiasts. Toyota tapped into this with its rebirth of the Supra, a sports car that made many a garage queen cry tears of joy.
Contemporary testers lauded its nimble handling, responsive powertrain and comfortable occupant space. Its BMW roots, however, meant it preferred nipping apexes over long highway slogs. That makes it more suitable as a daily driver.
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