There has been growing competition among automakers to earn praise for their certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles, and that was on display recently at the 2012 IntelliChoice CPO awards in Las Vegas. The annual event highlights the best used cars in the market and in its 13 years has helped consumers drive away in more reliable vehicles, according to the Los Angeles Times.

The manufacturers themselves can benefit from coming out on top at the IntelliChoice awards, but some analysts say that it is drivers who come out as winners. Thanks to the increased competition among automakers, anybody shopping for a used car in the last several years has likely seen a growth in quality.

"We continue to see marginal year-over-year improvements in CPO program features across all makes, indicating that consumers can benefit from the ever-increasing competition in this market segment," Tyler Schulze, vice president and general manager of IntelliChoice told the Times.

Of course, there are some brands that stand out among the rest. One of the big surprises at the IntelliChoice awards recently was Hyundai. The manufacturer placed first in the "Popular Division," marking a vast improvement in its performance over the last several years. The big reason for its success is a 10-year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty that has resonated well with consumers. Other names in the top five included Volkswagen, Honda, Mini and Toyota.

Whether you're looking for a Hyundai or a used Ford, New Jersey State Auto Auction is the place to go. With a wide variety of makes and models at affordable prices, there is something for everyone, and every car is CARFAX certified so you know you're getting a reliable vehicle in the process.