In 2024, many Americans simply don’t feel comfortable or even able to buy a new car. As a response, leases are becoming the preferred way to drive new vehicles over years-long financing. To add to the story, Consumer Reports says that 40% of car shoppers are looking exclusively for a used car. As such, the group decided to release its annual “10 Top Picks” list for preowned models as well. The chosen 10 feature a mix of reliable, highly-rated used cars, SUVs, and a truck. The helpful kicker to buyers: they all average under $20,000 in 2024. In fact, there’s even a sedan on the list that averages below $10K…and it’s American.

In order to land in a Consumer Reports “Top Picks” spot, vehicles must have performed well on a CR road test when new. They also need to be highly rated for reliability by owners for several years running. Finally, they must include Electronic Stability Control (ESC) as a standard safety feature.

Consumer Reports recommends the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze as its used car under $10K Top Pick

The 2017 Chevrolet Cruze is a compact sedan with five available trims, including a turbo diesel engine option. The Cruze is also available as a hatchback with two trims, the LT or the Premier.

Gas-powered trims come with a 1.4L four-cylinder turbo engine making 153 hp. Consumer Reports says that on its road test, the Cruze expressed “effortless power,” a spacious interior, and an overall pleasant ride. Chevrolet apparently made improvements in the gen’s second year, as CR data reflects the 2016 as slightly less reliable than the 2017.

All told, CR likes the entire second-gen Chevy Cruze, which ran from 2016 to 2019. However, some of these used cars, like the 2018 or 2019, could cross over the $10,000 sticker price.

Considering the 2017 Cruze has other highly rated, same-class competitors like the Honda Civic and the Toyota Corolla, its placement as the used car under $10,000 “Top Pick” is fairly impressive.