DETROIT -

As gas prices have become more manageable, the popularity of SUVs — which contracted in the fuel-cost spike of 2008 — has returned to strong levels; however this comes with a caveat: Consumers are heading to the used side of the SUV market, shared Chris Shunk of AOL Autos.

With this in mind, AOL Autos released of list of the “Top Deals On SUVs Under $5,000.”

“When gas prices went through the roof back in 2008, Americans swore off SUVs. Then the price of gas dropped back below $3 per gallon,” Shunk wrote. “As it turns out, some of us had our fingers crossed. SUVs are again a hot item at car dealerships, but Americans are no longer looking for something new.

“Instead, car buyers are scoping out used utility vehicles like they’re going out of style. Or, like they’re once again in vogue,” he added.

The following are the vehicles on AOL Autos’ list:

2001 Ford Explorer
Price: $4,494
Price when new: $25,210
Mileage: 107,586
Engine: 5.0 liter V8 215-horsepower
J.D. Power and Associates quality ranking: 3

2001 Dodge Durango
Price: $4,999
Price when new: $26,650
Mileage: 128,408
Engine: 4.7-liter V8 235-horsepower
J.D. Power quality ranking: 3

2001 Oldsmobile Bravada
Price: $3,999
Price when new: $31,720
Mileage: 104,506
Engine: 4.3 liter V6 190-horsepower
J.D. Power Quality Ranking: 3

2000 Nissan Xterra
Price: $4,995
Price when new: $17,599
Mileage: 163,407
Engine: 3.3-liter V6 170-horsepower
J.D. Power Quality Ranking: NA

2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer
Price: $3,477
Price when new: $25,885
Mileage: 151,340
Engine: 4.2-liter inline six-cylinder 270-horsepower
J.D. Power Quality Ranking: 2.5

1999 Mitsubishi Montero
Price: $4,995
Price when new: $31,270
Mileage: 123,042
Engine: 3.0 liter V6 200-horsepower
J.D. Power Quality Ranking: NA

2000 Ford Expedition
Price: $4,992
Price when new: $29,845
Mileage: 190,775
Engine: 5.4 liter V8 260-horsepower
J.D. Power Quality Ranking: NA

2000 Toyota 4RunnerPrice: $4,990
Price when new: $22,288
Mileage: 183,907
Engine: 3.4-liter V6 183-horsepower
JD Power Quality Ranking: NA

2000 Chevrolet TahoePrice: $4,999
Price when new: $24,929
Mileage: 177,015
Engine: 5.7 liter V8 275-horsepower
JD Power Quality Ranking: NA

To read the article in full, visit http://autos.aol.com/gallery/used-suvs-5000/