10 Used And Affordable Family Cars That Have 5-Star Safety Ratings

Summary

• High safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS make these used cars a compelling choice for those seeking reliability and value.
• The fair pricing of these models, coupled with their safety features, make them hidden gems in the used car market.
• Versatile options like sedans, hatchbacks, and coupes provide the perfect blend of safety, affordability, and performance for buyers.

While not every used car is a winner, there are a few with high ratings that deserve a second look. In particular, those with high accolades from the NHTSA and IIHS, as these are some of the safest vehicles of their respective model years. These include sedans, hatchbacks, and coupes that are sure to compel those in the market for a safe vehicle.

Another shining feature of these selected models is their fair price ranges. When you pair leading safety and low price, you’re bound to get a few used models that are hidden gems, which is what we’re here to explore. Let’s take a look!

In order to give you the most accurate and up-to-date vehicle safety information possible, we’ve relied on data sourced from the NHTSA and IIHS. New model pricing information has been sourced from various automakers and used vehicle pricing has been sourced from Kelley Blue Book. The models shown in this list have been ranked by their average used price range from cheapest to most expensive.

10 2014 Ford Focus

NHTSA Overall Safety Rating: 5/5

NHTSA Crash Ratings

The Focus is a long-time member of the sporty sedan movement and always makes time to relive its sports car heritage. This includes an aggressive hatchback option and multiple powertrains, each with its own slew of benefits from horsepower to fuel efficiency. Interior-wise, the focus offers added cargo and storage configurations, thanks in part to its five-door hatchback variation.

Pricing

Even in modern form, the Focus retains the economical price point, which is a key factor in its ongoing success, along with the versatile, and peppy, attitude it displays. The Focus was redesigned in 2012 for the third generation and with that, it received an updated chassis with tougher components and strategic architecture that protects occupants in the event of a collision.

Crash Test Video

9 2013 Hyundai Elantra

NHTSA Overall Safety Rating: 5/5

NHTSA Crash Ratings

The Elantra is one of the most economical vehicle choices and has been since its inception. Competing with the venerated Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, the Hyundai Elantra offers many sought-after features that make it a compelling choice. Chief among them is the manual transmission.

• Recalls: 4 (including one urgent “fire risk when parked”)
• NHTSA investigations: 4 (including engine fires)
• Awards:IIHS 2013 “Top Safety Pick”

Pricing

To say the 2013 Hyundai Elantra is versatile would be the understatement of the century, as it includes the options of a sedan, hatchback, and coupe, while offering a manual and automatic transmission. It’s clear Hyundai wanted to stick it to the enthusiast models by covering all their bases with a “Swiss army knife” model. That said, all 2013 Elantras are powered by a 1.8-liter inline four-cylinder that pumps out 148 hard-working horses.

Crash Test Video

8 2013 Chevrolet Malibu

NHTSA Overall Safety Rating: 5/5

NHTSA Crash Ratings

The Chevy Malibu is a popular choice for bargain hunters looking for a reliable and consistent sedan to do daily tasks. The 2013 Malibu features a remarkably quiet cabin and an efficient powertrain option, making it an ideal choice for commuters and car-poolers. The interior and exterior design also received a refresh for the 2013 model year, which includes refined driving manners, refreshed interior layout and amenities, and a modern exterior design.

• Recalls: 11 (including electrical miscommunication)
• NHTSA investigations: 2 (including Hybrid system fire)
• Awards:IIHS 2013 “Top Safety Pick”

Pricing

Interior-wise, the 2013 Malibu features the Chevy MyLink infotainment system, which allows wireless smartphone connectivity and Bluetooth entertainment capability. These features shine in the Malibu’s quiet cabin, increasing occupant immersion.

Crash Test Video

7 2014 Toyota Camry

NHTSA Overall Safety Rating: 5/5

NHTSA Crash Ratings

The Camry is a reliable and popular model known for its exceptional balance of practicality, comfort, and value. Even today, the Camry remains a top choice thanks to its ever-advancing design and features, as well as its low price point and user-friendliness. It also remains a beacon of affordable, safe transport, and continues to garner accolades for its safety, as it did in 2014.

Pricing

While not the edgiest of the sedan offerings, the humble Camry is able to match, and exceed in some cases, the potential and ability of its peers thanks to sound design and bulletproof components. This includes fuel economy, longevity, safety, and comfort. Overall, the Camry is the definition of a “safe buy”, as it offers most of the popular features and functions as other mainstream models do, and is historically cheaper than them. Plus, reliability speaks for itself.

Crash Test Video

6 2015 Toyota Corolla

NHTSA Overall Safety Rating: 5/5

NHTSA Crash Ratings

What can be said about the humble Corolla that hasn’t already been said? It’s among the most popular vehicles in history, with one of the best track records for reliability. Not to mention, the Corolla is historically affordable, making it an obvious choice for new drivers and those looking for a reliable commuter. The 2015 Corolla made a splash with its updated, mature exterior and interior design. Toyota also granted the 2015 Corolla some spicy tech upgrades that, at the time, made its competitors seem dated.

• Recalls: 1
• NHTSA investigations: 2

Pricing

While not the most adrenaline-pumping model in its class, the Corolla makes up for its lack of performance with comfort and economy. As mentioned before, the interior took a leap forward for the 2015 model year, bringing with it a slew of tech and amenities that put it on many buyers’ radars. The standard 1.8-liter four-cylinder produces a mere 132 horsepower in base form, though a higher-tuned version of that same engine is available and produces, wait for it, 140 horses. Before you begin to bash the humble commuter, remember this: the 2015 Corolla offered a six-speed manual transmission, a four-speed auto, and a CVTi-S. Food for thought.

Crash Test Video

5 2017 Volkswagen Golf

NHTSA Overall Safety Rating: 5/5

NHTSA Crash Ratings

The VW Golf’s design has remained very consistent through the generations, though its performance has taken a leap toward the sporty side, only increasing in potential as the years progress. The 2017 Golf is a prime example of modern VW sporting potential, as it features a standard turbocharged engine and impressive driving dynamics. The 170 horsepower 1.8-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder delivers peppy torque delivery and harmonious exhaust notes, unafraid to shroud its attitude.

Pricing

The 2017 Golf displays refined and nimble handling, thanks in part to standard stability and traction control, which increases its grip. Its powertrain pairs well with either the five-speed manual transmission or the six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission, and responds well to both options. The interior is rather posh, with a driver-centric layout that caters to the driving enthusiasts in us all, though the sport-bolstered seating may become a bit uncomfortable on long drives.

Crash Test Video

4 2017 Honda Fit

NHTSA Overall Safety Rating: 5/5

NHTSA Crash Ratings

The Honda Fit has all but abandoned conventional standards in favor of a more heart-pounding approach. This translates to a peppy powertrain, nimble handling, and responsive torque delivery wrapped up in a rather oblong-looking hatch. Much like the VW Golf, the Fit hatchback is a sleeper in hatchback sedan clothes, which makes for some very entertaining highway driving and winding road navigation. The 2017 Honda Fit offers both a six-speed manual transmission and a CVT, ensuring there’s a Fit that’s fit for you!

• Recalls: 0
• NHTSA investigations: 1

Pricing

The interior features of the Fit include a color infotainment screen and bolstered seating for sporting support. While not of premium material, the layout is highly user-friendly and stylish with what it provides. Utility and cargo space are also a plus, as the little Fit makes expert use of every cubic inch while maintaining a compact footprint.

Crash Test Video

3 2020 Nissan Altima

NHTSA Overall Safety Rating: 5/5

NHTSA Crash Ratings

The Altima is an all-time favorite for families and long commutes due to its spacious cabin and comfortable quality of ride. The 2020 Altima features many standard safety features and amenities, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, rear seat reminder, and NissanConnect infotainment system. Higher trims added more safety and assist features to the suite, many of which are standard on today’s vehicles.

• Recalls: 5 (including “over cured tire failure)
• NHTSA investigations: 2 (including “complete loss of power”)
• Awards:IIHS 2020 “Top Safety Pick”

Pricing

The 2020 Altima features two engine options, the first being the standard 188 horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder and the more rowdy 248 horsepower turbo 2.0-liter four-pot. Both engines display respectable power capability and fuel economy, making them ideal commuters or carpool champions. Available intelligent all-wheel drive also appealed to those living in environments that experience rough weather or tough road conditions due to its superb traction capability.

Crash Test Video

2 2020 Ford Fusion

NHTSA Overall Safety Rating: 5/5

NHTSA Crash Ratings

The Fusion has been compared to its foreign competition, including the Civic and Elantra, as it compares more to a sleek, small cruiser than an American sedan. The 2020 Ford Fusion features four engine options, those being the 173 horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder, the 181 horsepower Ecoboost 1.5-liter four-cylinder, the 245 horsepower Ecoboost 2.0-liter, and the 188 horsepower hybrid 2.0-liter four-cylinder. All powertrains except for the hybrid connect to a six-speed automatic transmission and feature both FWD and AWD. The hybrid powertrain connects to a CVT.

• Recalls: 1
• NHTSA investigations: 0

Pricing

The 2020 Fusion includes the standard Ford CoPilot safety suite, which includes lane-keep assist, blind spot monitor, and automatic emergency braking, to name a few. Higher trims include dual-zone climate control and heated front seats, for those looking to increase occupant comfort. All in all, the humble Fusion offers a plethora of options to suit your driving style and requirements.

Crash Test Video

1 2020 Mazda Mazda3

NHTSA Overall Safety Rating: 5/5

NHTSA Crash Ratings

The 2020 Mazda3 is a sporty sedan that comes in both sedan and hatchback form. While the Mazda3 isn’t a high-performance vehicle, it does display respectable agility and responsive ride quality. Not to mention, the layout and quality are a notch more premium than its rivals, the Civic and Corolla.

Pricing

The 2020 Mazda3 expands its safety and driver assist suite to include adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane keep assist. The i-Acticesence suite also includes many more functions that make daily driving safer and more consistent. The biggest selling point to many driving enthusiasts is the optional manual transmission. However, if you want that manual trans, you’ll have to opt for the RWD Hatchback, as the sedan and AWD models come with standard auto transmission.

Crash Test Video