Value-minded consumers know that buying a reliable used car is often the best choice but that finding one takes research. Here we identify the proven Best of the Best in nine categories. They're vehicles with multiple years of above-average reliability, covering 1999 through 2008, that scored well in our tests when new.

Toyota and Honda vehicles dominated the majority of the nine categories, demonstrating consistent reliability and performance. But some recent domestic models are also worthy choices, including the Buick Lucerne (V8), Ford Fusion, and Mercury Milan.

Reliability data are derived from our Annual Auto Survey, which generated responses about more than 1.4 million new and used vehicles. The Best of the best and Worst of the worst are based on our larger lists of Reliable used cars and Used cars to avoid (both available to subscribers). These comprehensive lists give you a rundown of all the models that were found, from our data, to be above or below average in reliability. Owners reported on any serious problems they had had with their cars, minivans, SUVs, and pickup trucks in the previous year. For advice on shopping for a used car, see our used car buying guide.

To minimize the risks, look for vehicles that have proved to be reliable. The following lists of models from 1999 through 2008 will steer you to the gems (and away from the duds) among the thousands of used vehicles on the market.