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CHICAGO — For families that need to watch where every household budget penny goes, Cars.com editors assembled a Top 10 list of used vehicles they think provide the best value for $10,000.

The compilation includes vehicles from the 2005 model year and newer with typical mileage for their age and a retail value around $10,000. Editors reviewed models' reliability and crash-test scores, considered standard and optional safety features as well as how easy it is to find a unit with those options.

Cars.com officials also put their own personal spin on reviews, adding their assessments of ride comfort, roominess and driving enjoyment.

The criteria left the site picking three vehicles made by Ford, two by Hyundai and one apiece from Honda, Kia, Mitsubishi, Nissan and Toyota.

"There are a lot of great cars available for buyers on a budget," explained Cars.com editor in chief Patrick Olsen.

"However, it is important for car buyers to consider the entire package when choosing a wallet-friendly model," Olsen went on to say. "Our best $10,000 cars help buyers find cost-friendly options that still deliver features like safety and gas mileage."

Cars.com editors offered extended commentary about each of the units they picked for this list.

2009-2010 Nissan Versa

"The Nissan Versa sedan is the only new car in this list, but it's here for more than just its low price," editors declared. "It's roomy for its class, has a comfortable ride and is powered by a choice of efficient four-cylinder drivetrains that will help you save money at the gas pump. Expect to pay more if you want the hatchback."

2007 Kia Optima

"Kia's approach is to load its cars with lots of features and then sell them affordably," Cars.com noted. "Unlike most sedans of its era, the Optima made a stability system optional on its base model, so a used Optima LX might be found with the feature. Roughly half of Kia's powertrain warranty — five years/60,000 miles — transfers to the next buyer, providing the car has been properly maintained."

2006 Ford Freestar

"Having children is definitely a reason to re-evaluate your choice of car, and if you have kids, you know they don't care if you drive new or used," editors pointed out. "Their messes are the same regardless. For those who need a minivan, the Freestar offers the bare necessities, but it can take on soccer equipment and crumbs just as well as a brand-new van."

2006 Ford Fusion

"Based on the Mazda6 platform, the Fusion packs nimble handling, an adult-friendly backseat and a large trunk without its Mazda cohort's spotty reliability," Cars.com highlighted. "The four-cylinder is capable, and V-6 models employ a responsive, high-tech six-speed automatic. All trims come reasonably well-equipped, and the Fusion's sleek styling has aged well. For $10,000, this is a lot of sedan."

2006 Hyundai Sonata

"The 2006 Sonata was a turning point for Hyundai," editors stressed. "The sedan offered an eye-pleasing exterior design with comfortable accommodations for a family of four. It was also at the forefront of a trend that's become the norm: making important safety features standard. Even though it's a few years old, there should still be a lot of life left in a well-kept model."

2006 Mitsubishi Galant

"While the Galant may be louder on the road and ride rougher when compared with some of its competition, it's a rather sporty, large sedan with a modern interior that hasn't aged as poorly as others of its vintage," Cars.com stated. "In fact, a brand-new Galant isn't much different than this older version. Call it timeless, if that makes your decision any easier."

2005 Ford Five Hundred

"The Five Hundred doesn't get much respect," editors asserted. "It isn't stylish like its successor, the 2010 Ford Taurus, and its interior quality wasn't great, even back in 2005. But it has remarkable interior space, some of which the redesigned Taurus sacrificed in the name of appearance. The backseat is cavernous, and the trunk can hold eight golf bags. All this in a car that's not very long. All-wheel drive is optional."

2005 Honda Accord Sedan

"A longtime best-seller, the Accord sedan now faces stronger competition than ever from all directions, including the U.S. and Korea," Cars.com noted. "In 2005, though, the Accord held a strong lead in many ways such as mileage and overall refinement. If you're going back five years in search of a midsize sedan, the Accord is a good place to start."

2005 Hyundai Tucson

"Introduced in 2005, Hyundai's pint-sized crossover was soon leapfrogged by its peers in terms of overall refinement, but its safety features remain competitive to this day," editors explained. "The optional V-6 is thirsty on gas, but it hustles along when pushed. The Kia Sportage is a related sibling, but it's slightly pricier – and less reliable. If you need a cheap crossover SUV, the Tucson is a solid bet."

2005-2006 Toyota Corolla

"There's a reason the Toyota Corolla is so common on American roads: It's reliable and fuel-efficient — two things that are especially important when shopping for a car with a limited budget," Cars.com declared. "There's no question there are snazzier cars available for $10,000, but it's hard to think of one that's more sensible."