(February 1, 2013) IRVINE, Calif. — Shoppers in the market for an affordable used car should check out the list of 10 Best Used Cars Under $8,000 compiled by the editors of Kelley Blue Book kbb.com. With Americans looking to stretch their hard-earned dollars as far as they can go, many people find themselves checking out the used-car market instead of shopping new.

Car shoppers in the market for a used vehicle in 2013 are in luck: New cars have never been so reliable, which means used-car buyers have never had it so good.

"To come up with this handy list of top used cars, first we compiled all the used cars from 2003 and newer with a Kelley Blue Book Suggested Retail Value of less than $8,000 as of January 2013," said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director for Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com. "Then we went through the list and handpicked the 10 standouts with the most appealing mixes of reliability and desirability. The vehicles on our short list offer incredible value for today's budget-conscious car shopper."

KBB.com's 2013 List of the 10 Best Used Cars Under $8,000

2005 Honda Civic

The Honda Civic is a prime example of a "bulletproof" used car. The 2005 model offers a thrifty 1.7-liter 4-cylinder engine, and its overall build quality is legendary. The Civic sedan is roomy enough for four adults, and its light curb weight helps deliver 34 mpg on the highway and some degree of fun-to-drive.

Kelley Blue Book Retail Value as of Jan. 29, 2013: $7,392

2003 Acura TL
Well-equipped and priced lower than the competition, today's Acura TL is one of our favorite premium-brand bargains.  The TL has also developed an outstanding reputation for reliability, and that's how it earned its way onto this year's list of the 10 Best Used Cars Under $8,000.

Kelley Blue Book Suggested Retail Value as of Jan. 29, 2013: $6,768

2004 Ford Mustang GT
While many low-cost used cars are for transportation only, the 2004 Mustang can fulfill your point-a-to-point-b needs and deliver a serious level of driving enjoyment. The GT trim version offers a 260-horsepower V8 engine and a 5-speed manual transmission while still undercutting our $8,000 price bogey.

Kelley Blue Book Retail Value as of Jan. 29, 2013: $7,328

2004 Honda Odyssey
Here's one of the true bargains on this list. The 2004 Honda Odyssey minivan doesn't play sexy, but it does offer tons of room for stuff and people — including a fold-flat third-row seat — as well as first-tier safety ratings and a standard V6 engine with buckets of power.

Kelley Blue Book Suggested Retail Value as of Jan. 29, 2013: $6,816

2005 Mazda MAZDA3
Still looking fresh after all these years, the 2005 Mazda3 enjoys an enthusiast reputation for good power combined with decent fuel economy, hoot-to-drive handling, and one of the most stylish small-car interiors available. Our quoted price is for the noble Mazda3 sedan, but our hearts lean toward the hatchback.

Kelley Blue Book Retail Value as of Jan. 29, 2013: $7,743

2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Regular Cab
It is a truth universally acknowledged, that at some point every driver in possession of modest means must be in want of a truck.  If your truck time has come at last, we recommend the hardworking delights of a rear-drive 2007 Chevy Silverado, boasting a new-for-2007 platform and a torquey V6.

Kelley Blue Book Suggested Retail Value as of Jan. 29, 2013: $7,997

2004 Honda Element
Honda stopped making the Element after the 2011 model year, but it sure was fun while it lasted. With a clamshell tailgate, side cargo doors, water-resistant seat fabric and an easy-clean urethane floor, the cavernous Element is purpose-built for gear and action.

Kelley Blue Book Retail Value as of Jan. 29, 2013: $6,882

2005 Volvo S60
Substantial size combined with better-than-expected fuel economy make the 2005 Volvo S60 a good choice for those looking for a long-legged midsize sedan.  For the price of many non-luxury sedans of similar vintage, the S60 offers all their practicality, including an enormous trunk, plus a dose of European luxury and driving fun.

Kelley Blue Book Suggested Retail Value as of Jan. 29, 2013: $7,390

2004 Toyota Camry
Clean looks, quiet operation, a smooth ride and a reputation for quality from a time when Toyota's reputation for quality was still unassailable, the 2004 Camry sedan had it all. It ain't quick, even by 2004 standards, but it sure was comfy. Still is.

Kelley Blue Book Retail Value as of Jan. 29, 2013: $7,321

2011 Hyundai Accent
The newest vehicle on our used-car list by a big margin, the Hyundai Accent is a well-built, value-filled subcompact that has fared very well in our KBB.com consumer reviews.  And unless the previous owner spent more time driving than sleeping, a used 2011 Accent will have plenty of coverage remaining with Hyundai's 5-year/60,000-mile warranty.

Kelley Blue Book Suggested Retail Value as of Jan. 29, 2013: $7,717