The second generation Saturn Vue compact SUV was an almost-exact copy of GM of Europe's Opel Antara. "Serious reliability concerns have been few, though it's unclear how it will fare in the long term," says Contributing Editor, Chris Chase.

"The Caliber wouldn't be my first choice for a used compact, but it seems to be holding up pretty well through its first few years," says Contributing Editor, Chris Chase. "The availability of all-wheel drive is a bonus."

The 2005-2009 Hyundai Tucson was a "nicely-built vehicle for its price," says Contributing Editor Chris Chase, who recommends them as used vehicles "without reservation." Minor problems when they were new should be easily avoided with maintenance, he says.

Not many used cars can boast this much style and power in such an affordable package, says Contributing Editor, Chris Chase. But as some of its electronic components tend to be troublesome, he advises choosing a relatively basic car.

The Sonata gets my recommendation as a used vehicle buy, says Contributing Editor, Chris Chase. "Its reliability isn't perfect, but it is very good; that, plus used values that make it a downright bargain," he says.

Rated “average” for reliability by Consumer Reports, the fifth-generation BMW 5 Series models have had some engine and transmission issues but the majority of problems were with its electronics, reports Contributing Editor, Chris Chase.

The Saab 900 sedan and convertible were renamed the 9-3 in 1999. Consumer Reports rates reliability as well below-average, but low resale values make this Swedish premium car a bargain, if you do your homework, says Contributing Editor, Chris Chase.

A body-on-frame SUV that is unique among car-based mid-sized SUVs, the Kia Sorento is recommended “if you plan to use its off-road abilities.” Contributing Editor, Chris Chase also recommends 2007-or-newer Sorentos with the 3.8- or 3.3-litre V6 engine.

Smaller than most minivans, the Mazda MPV is more fun to drive, says Contributing Editor, Chris Chase. But despite Mazda’s generally good reputation for dependability, the MPV is “decidedly average in the reliability department,” he says.

A lack of accurate reliability information makes it tough to judge what this car would be like for the long term, says Contributing Editor, Chris Chase. “For the price, however, the Galant is a lot of car,” he says.

The short-lived Saturn Aura sedan has been fairly reliable so far, but it’s a bit early to predict long-term reliability, says Contributing Editor Chris Chase who reveals a few problems mentioned by owners in online communities.

While the Saab 9-3's dependability is iffy, especially where the car's electronics are concerned, a newer model with some of the factory warranty left “happens to be a screaming-good used-car deal at the moment,” says Contributing Editor, Chris Chase.

Basically a re-badged Opel, the Saturn Astra was available for only two years before GM killed the Saturn brand. “There aren't too many serious issues to look out for,” says Contributing Editor, Chris Chase, “but it's early yet...”

GM’s mid-size SUVs, the Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier, Oldsmobile Bravada, and Saab 9-7X, had strong, reliable powertrains but numerous problems with their four-wheel drive, electrical, fuel delivery and climate control systems, reports Contributing Editor, Chris Chase.

Given the Titan’s list of problems with its brakes, differentials, rear suspension and exhaust system, Contributing Editor Chris Chase is reluctant to recommend one as a used vehicle purchase.