Over the past few decades, we’ve seen commuters switch their allegiance from sleek sedans to taller crossovers and SUVs. People like their larger cargo areas and better view of the world around them. While there aren’t nearly as many sedans available today as there used to be, there are many great used examples out there. They typically have better fuel economy and are more maneuverable than SUVs, which can be useful for commuting. Falling out of favor with the masses means you can also get a good deal on one for an affordable price, which makes them well worth considering when shopping for used cars for sale.
Let’s look at a few examples of what you can find out there. From sporty to economical and everything in between, despite their limited selection in recent years, there’s a sedan out there for everybody.
Volkswagen Jetta
This brand’s name, which literally translates to “people’s car,” indicates the designs it has built for the past several decades. Volkswagens have plenty of performance under the hood and exceptional fuel economy, making them a great choice for driving enthusiasts. Behind the wheel are plenty of luxury-appointed amenities and tech-savvy items, all for an affordable price.
The 2023 VW Jetta encapsulates that ideal mix of performance and fuel economy that many commuters love. Base trims came with a turbocharged 1.5L I-4 engine that produced 158 hp. Drivers could opt for an eight-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission, a rare find in any sedan these days. Depending on their preference, fuel economy was more than exceptional. Automatic models achieved 31 MPG in the city and 41 MPG on the highway for a combined 35 MPG, while manuals did slightly better on the highway and worse in the city.
Some drivers prefer having a little more kick in their commute. The Jetta GLI was the performance version of VW’s humble sedan. It got upgraded to a turbocharged 2.0L engine, giving drivers increased performance with 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. It, too, was available with a six-speed manual transmission, but the automatic option was a seven-speed DCT for crisper, more precise shifts. Despite the increase in acceleration, the more powerful engine still boasts plenty of economy, with 26 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway for a combined 30 MPG with the DCT. The manual got 37 MPG on the highway.
Chevy Malibu
Chances are, if you’re looking for a used sedan to tackle the daily commute, your priority is to be pragmatic and practical. The Chevy Malibu is a practical used sedan and one that you can rely on through thick and thin. It was also the first GM vehicle with the brand’s Teen Driver program, whose virtual report card function allows parents to monitor the younger generation’s driving habits. The ideal year for Chevy’s sole commuter sedan was 2022. It was the final year that Chevy offered two powertrains, one built for economy and the other for performance. Like the Volkswagen Jetta, either engine could give commuters what they always wanted in a sedan.
Drivers who wanted to travel further between fill-ups could opt for a turbocharged 1.5L I-4 engine that achieved 29 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway for a combined 32 MPG. The engine is paired with a CVT, which is ideal for the stop-and-go traffic patterns accompanying city driving.
If performance is more your flair, 2022 was the final year that the Malibu had an available 2.0L engine. The powertrain, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, offered 250 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. The Malibu has always been affordable, and it’s easy to find a used one for a low price.
Honda Accord
It’s impossible to discuss sedans without mentioning the Honda Accord. Many commuters have trusted the Accord for decades to offer them performance, safety, and fuel economy. The sedan, which became an ideal alternative to many consumers during the energy crisis of the 1970s, remains a popular choice among many drivers.
Unlike the Jetta and Malibu, the Honda Accord offers a hybrid powertrain that balances performance and fuel economy. The 2022 Accord’s hybrid versions had a 2.0L I-4 engine paired with an electric motor to produce 212 hp and 232 lb-ft of torque. The Accord Hybrid’s remarkable performance was equally matched by its fuel economy, offering 48 MPG in the city and 47 MPG on the highway, for a combined 47 MPG.
There’s much more to a used Accord Hybrid than a remarkable powertrain. The sedan has always exhibited unique exterior styling drivers love and plenty of standard safety features. Since 2023, the Accord has had a 12.3-inch infotainment screen that keeps drivers connected to their favorite apps. The Honda Accord has always been consistent in its advantages in a vehicle class that varies with the available makes and models.
Toyota Prius
Some of you might have expected the Corolla or Camry when discussing a used commuter sedan built by Toyota, but the Prius is one of the best vehicles the brand has ever made. While stylish and packed with items that all commuters look for, the Prius is a paradigm-shifting game changer. It helped change the way we look at hybrid vehicles and made them more accessible to the public at large.
The Prius’s distinctive style sets it apart from other vehicles in its class. However, its greatest attributes pertain to what it carries under the hood. The Prius has hybrid and PHEV variations that maximize performance and fuel economy. The 2023 Prius came equipped with a 2.0L I-4 engine that enabled drivers to achieve a combined 57 MPG. All-wheel drive is an available option as well.
The PHEV variation, called the Prius Prime, was even more impressive. Performance consisted of the same engine as the hybrid with a 13.6 kWh battery that produced 220 hp. Fuel economy surpassed the expectations of many, with 127 MPGe and 45 miles of electric-only driving. The vehicle received a 12.3-inch infotainment screen the same year to ensure connectivity.
Four Great Sedans
Choosing the ideal used commuter sedan is always a subjective matter. The Volkswagen Jetta is ideal for the commuter who enjoys the refinement of German engineering but also loves affordability. The Jetta can save you money at the pump, and its available manual transmission makes it fun to drive.
Meanwhile, the Chevy Malibu is the ideal commuter car for those who enjoy practicality. Its fuel-efficient powertrain and affordable price make it great for first-time buyers. In addition to its mechanical advantages, including GM’s Teen Driver program, it makes it the perfect choice for younger drivers to learn safe driving habits.
The Honda Accord and Toyota Prius use their powertrains to help you go farther between fill-ups. A Honda Accord hybrid gives you cutting-edge performance that coincides with its ability to help you save on fuel costs. The Prius is a great high-mileage choice for commuters, especially the Prius Prime PHEV. These used sedans can give you the edge you need in your commute. Whether you prefer performance or economy, each has distinctive advantages that make it too enticing to ignore.
