Top 10 Cars of the Decade: A Comprehensive Guide

Dive deep into their prices, pros, and cons to find your perfect ride.

2014-2016 Mazda CX-5

Price Range: $6,499 - $23,999 (Used)

The Mazda CX-5 is a reliable, efficient, and fun-to-drive crossover. It is known for its spacious and comfortable interior, agile handling, and excellent fuel economy.

Pros:

  • + Spacious and comfortable interior with supportive seats
  • + Agile handling and a smooth ride
  • + Excellent fuel economy

Cons:

  • - The base engine can feel underpowered when fully loaded
  • - Infotainment system can be slow to respond
  • - Limited cargo space

Reliability: 3.5 out of 5 (U.S. News & World Report)

Possible Configurations

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Configuration Name Features Engine Price (the price is for a new model)
Sport Air conditioning, power windows, power locks, cruise control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a 60/40-split folding rear seat, and a four-speaker sound system with a CD player, auxiliary audio jack and an iPod / USB interface. 2.0L (early 2014 models) or 2.5L engine $21,990
Touring All features from the Sport model, plus a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a six-way power driver seat, a 40/20/40-split folding rear seat, a rearview camera, a blind-spot warning system, a six-speaker sound system, a 5.8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, and HD radio. 2.5L engine $25,610
Grand Touring All Touring features, plus 19-inch wheels, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, heated mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, satellite radio, eight-way power driver seat 2.5L $28,220

2010-2014 Chevrolet Tahoe

Price Range: $15,000 - $31,998 (Used)

The Chevy Tahoe is a large, reliable SUV with a solid small-block V8 engine. It offers good towing capacity and comfortable seating for up to nine.

Pros:

  • + Powerful engine
  • + Good towing capacity
  • + Comfortable ride

Cons:

  • - Lower fuel economy
  • - Some interior quality concerns

Reliability: The Tahoe has a good reputation for reliability, but check the interior for any squeaks and rattles.

Possible Configurations

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Configuration Name Features Engine Price (the price is for a new model)
LS Air conditioning, power windows, power locks, cruise control, tilt-adjustable steering wheel, 60/40-split folding rear seat, six-speaker sound system with CD player, satellite radio, and an auxiliary audio input. 5.3L V8 engine $38,570
LT All features from the LS model, plus front heated seats, automatic tri-zone climate control, a rearview camera, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, six-way power driver seat, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, and adjustable pedals. 5.3L V8 engine $43,195
LTZ All LT features, plus 20-inch wheels, automatic headlights, heated and cooled front seats, heated second-row seats, heated steering wheel, power liftgate, eight-speaker Bose sound system, and a navigation system with real-time traffic. 5.3L V8 engine $52,455

2016-2019 Chevrolet Volt

Price Range: $24,104 to $27,211 (Used)

This second-generation Volt offers improved electric range and a more efficient overall package.

Pros:

  • + Long electric range for a plug-in hybrid
  • + Sporty handling
  • + High-quality cabin

Cons:

  • - Small rear seat
  • - Limited cargo space

Reliability: The Volt has a good reliability rating for its class.

Possible Configurations

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Configuration Name Features Engine Price (the price is for a new model)
LT Automatic climate control, keyless entry and ignition, remote start, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, 60/40-split folding rear seats, a rearview camera, Chevrolet MyLink with an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and a six-speaker sound system with satellite radio and two USB ports. 1.5L gas/electric hybrid engine $33,520
LTZ / Premier All features from the LT model, plus leather upholstery, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, wireless device charging, a navigation system, and an upgraded Bose audio system with eight speakers. 1.5L gas/electric hybrid engine $37,570

2015-2018 Toyota Prius

Price Range: $13,700 to $20,400 (Used)

The fourth-generation Prius is a refined package with excellent efficiency and expected reliability.

Pros:

  • + Outstanding fuel economy
  • + Ample cargo space
  • + Smooth ride

Cons:

  • - Uninspiring performance
  • - Plain interior design

Reliability: The Prius is one of the most reliable cars in its class.

Possible Configurations

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Configuration Name Features Engine Price (the price is for a new model)
Two Keyless ignition and entry, automatic climate control, a height-adjustable driver seat, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a rearview camera, a 6.1-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a six-speaker sound system with a CD player, an auxiliary audio jack and a USB/iPod interface. 1.8L 4-cylinder hybrid engine $24,200
Three All features from the Two model, plus a navigation system, voice controls, satellite radio, HD radio, and the Toyota Entune system, which includes real-time information (traffic, weather, fuel prices, sports scores) and app-based services like Pandora radio and OpenTable. 1.8L 4-cylinder hybrid engine $26,250
Four All Three features, plus automatic headlights, an eight-way power driver seat, heated front seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a JBL sound system with eight GreenEdge speakers. 1.8L 4-cylinder hybrid engine $28,230
Five All Four features, plus 17-inch alloy wheels, foglights, LED headlights, and a head-up display. 1.8L 4-cylinder hybrid engine $30,005

2017-2018 Honda CR-V

Price Range: $16,468 - $31,295 (Used)

The Honda CR-V is a popular compact SUV that balances efficiency, comfort, and advanced safety features.

Pros:

  • + Generous cargo space
  • + Fuel-efficient turbocharged engine
  • + Comfortable ride

Cons:

  • - Touchy infotainment system
  • - Limited engine power

Reliability: The CR-V has above-average reliability and is known for its long-term durability.

Possible Configurations

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Configuration Name Features Engine Price (the price is for a new model)
LX Automatic climate control, cruise control, a driver information display, a height-adjustable driver seat, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a 60/40-split folding and reclining rear seat, Bluetooth phone and streaming audio, a 5-inch display screen, and a four-speaker audio system with a USB port. 2.4L 4-cylinder engine $24,045
EX All features from the LX model, plus heated mirrors, keyless entry and start, remote ignition, a sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power driver seat with two-way power lumbar, heated front seats, a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and satellite radio. 1.5L Turbo 4-cylinder engine $26,695
EX-L All EX features, plus a programmable-height power liftgate, a power passenger seat, driver-seat memory settings, leather upholstery, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and an eight-speaker audio system with HD radio. 1.5L Turbo 4-cylinder engine $29,195
Touring All EX-L features, plus LED headlights, roof rails, dual chrome exhaust tips, a hands-free tailgate, ambient interior lighting, a navigation system, and a premium nine-speaker audio system. 1.5L Turbo 4-cylinder engine $32,395

2016-2017 Mazda CX-9

Price Range: $20020 to $42900 (Used)

This three-row SUV is fun to drive and offers a refined interior and good fuel economy.

Pros:

  • + Sharp steering and handling
  • + Upscale interior
  • + Good fuel economy

Cons:

  • - Tight third-row seating
  • - Less cargo space than some rivals

Reliability: The Mazda CX-9 has a solid reliability rating for its class.

Possible Configurations

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Configuration Name Features Engine Price (the price is for a new model)
Sport Three-zone automatic climate control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, cruise control, a rearview camera, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a 7-inch touchscreen interface and a six-speaker sound system with HD radio, auxiliary audio input and two USB ports. 2.5L Turbo 4-cylinder engine $31,520
Touring All features from the Sport model, plus automatic headlights, automatic wipers, heated mirrors, keyless ignition and entry, a power liftgate, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a universal garage door opener, leather upholstery, an eight-way power-adjustable driver seat with lumbar adjustment, and an 8-inch touchscreen interface. 2.5L Turbo 4-cylinder engine $35,970
Grand Touring All Touring features, plus 20-inch wheels, adaptive headlights, LED foglights, a sunroof, front and rear parking sensors, a head-up display with traffic sign recognition, driver-seat memory functions, a heated steering wheel, heated second-row seats, and a navigation system. 2.5L Turbo 4-cylinder engine $40,470
Signature All Grand Touring features, plus exterior LED accent lighting, premium leather upholstery, unique interior trim, and a rosewood center console. 2.5L Turbo 4-cylinder engine $44,015

2019-2022 Mazda 3

Price Range: $14410 to $37070 (Used)

The Mazda3 offers a blend of practicality and driving enjoyment with its up-to-date safety tech and reliability.

Pros:

  • + Exceptional handling
  • + Upscale interior
  • + Comfortable seats

Cons:

  • - Smaller cargo space in the hatchback model
  • - Ride can be firm

Reliability: The Mazda3 is known for its excellent reliability and build quality.

Possible Configurations

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Configuration Name Features Engine Price (the price is for a new model)
Base (Sedan) Keyless ignition, cloth upholstery, a rearview camera, Bluetooth, an 8.8-inch central display, an eight-speaker audio system, two USB ports, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, and the i-Activsense suite of safety features including forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. 2.5L 4-cylinder engine $21,000
Select (Sedan) All Base features, plus keyless entry, simulated leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. 2.5L 4-cylinder engine $22,600
Preferred All Select features, plus a sunroof, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat with memory settings, heated front seats, and a 12-speaker Bose sound system. 2.5L 4-cylinder engine $24,350
Premium All Preferred features, plus leather upholstery, a head-up display, adaptive headlights, and a navigation system. 2.5L 4-cylinder engine $26,500

2020-2022 Toyota Corolla Hybrid

Price Range: $14,880 to $33,151 (Used)

The Corolla Hybrid brings Toyota’s proven hybrid technology to a more compact package.

Pros:

  • + Outstanding fuel economy
  • + Plenty of standard safety features
  • + Comfortable ride

Cons:

  • - Slow acceleration
  • - Uninspiring handling

Reliability: The Corolla Hybrid has excellent predicted reliability.

Possible Configurations

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Configuration Name Features Engine Price (the price is for a new model)
LE Hybrid Automatic climate control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, adaptive cruise control, a 60/40-split folding rear seat, a 7-inch driver information display, an 8-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, two USB ports, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a six-speaker audio system. Standard safety features include a rearview camera, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, automatic high-beam headlights, traffic sign recognition, and a pre-collision system. 1.8L 4-cylinder hybrid engine $23,400

2010-2016 Toyota 4Runner

Price Range: ‎$20,800 to ‎$30,915 (Used)

The Toyota 4Runner is a traditional SUV known for its durability and off-road capabilities.

Pros:

  • + Excellent off-road ability
  • + Spacious cargo area
  • + Strong V6 engine

Cons:

  • - Firm ride
  • - Low fuel economy
  • - Dated interior design

Reliability: The 4Runner has a strong reputation for reliability.

Possible Configurations

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Configuration Name Features Engine Price (the price is for a new model)
SR5 Foglights, heated exterior mirrors, rear privacy glass, a power-lowering liftgate window, a windshield wiper de-icer, keyless entry, cruise control, air-conditioning with rear ventilation, cloth upholstery, a six-way power driver seat with power lumbar adjustment, a leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, and an eight-speaker sound system with a CD player, satellite radio, an auxiliary audio jack and a USB/iPod interface. 4.0L V6 engine $30,305
Trail All SR5 features, plus mud guards, a hood scoop, a locking rear differential, selectable terrain modes, crawl control, a power outlet in the cargo space, water-resistant cloth upholstery, a sliding rear cargo floor and an upgraded version of the Entune smartphone integration system. 4.0L V6 engine $36,555
Limited All Trail features, plus 20-inch alloy wheels, adaptive roll-reducing dampers (X-REAS), automatic headlights, keyless entry and ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a power front passenger seat and an upgraded JBL sound system with 15 speakers. 4.0L V6 engine $41,365

2018-2020 Toyota RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid

Price Range: $23,991 to $40,991 (Used)

The RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid are compact SUVs known for their good ride quality, solid handling, and impressive fuel efficiency (especially the Hybrid).

Pros:

  • + Good gas mileage
  • + High cargo capacity
  • + Smooth ride

Cons:

  • - Engine can be loud under heavy acceleration
  • - Uninspiring interior quality

Reliability: The RAV4 has a good reputation for reliability and longevity.

Possible Configurations

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Configuration Name Features Engine Price (the price is for a new model)
LE Rearview camera, cloth upholstery, a 7-inch touch screen, a USB port, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and the Toyota Safety Sense P suite of driver assistance features. 2.5L 4-cylinder engine $25,650
XLE All LE features, plus a moonroof, push-button start, a proximity key, five USB ports, and additional safety features. 2.5L 4-cylinder engine $27,450
Limited All XLE features, plus a larger 8-inch touch screen, navigation, a digital rearview mirror, and a JBL premium stereo. 2.5L 4-cylinder engine $33,650
LE Hybrid Rearview camera, cloth upholstery, a 7-inch touch screen, a USB port, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and the Toyota Safety Sense P suite of driver assistance features. 2.5L 4-cylinder hybrid engine $28,350
XLE Hybrid All LE Hybrid features, plus a moonroof, push-button start, a proximity key, five USB ports, and additional safety features. 2.5L 4-cylinder hybrid engine $29,650
Limited Hybrid All XLE Hybrid features, plus a larger 8-inch touch screen, navigation, a digital rearview mirror, and a JBL premium stereo. 2.5L 4-cylinder hybrid engine $36,880