Horsepower is the first thing that some drivers look at when shopping for a used car, but all the power in the world won’t matter if the entire car is vibrating as it climbs up to top speed. Beyond simple performance measurements, a vehicle should more than anything be comfortable and enjoyable to drive and ride in.

There are several factors that go into this – suspension, the platform, even what the seat is made of and the reclining options. Yet not all of them will be readily apparent on one test drive.

That’s why Kelley Blue Book, the company responsible for listing used car values, recently looked at some top choices in ride quality. Since luxury vehicles frequently focus on smoother rides, an upper limit of $30,000 was established so that the list wasn’t dominated by more expensive vehicles. Here are some of their choices.

Two cars from Toyota made the list, and one was the company’s flagship Camry Sedan. Kelley singled out the car’s plush seats as particularly enjoyable. Under the hood, the company found the car’s “soft yet supple” suspension as more than adequate for providing a great ride. In addition, creature comforts like dual zone climate control are great for long road trips or stretches of traffic. The retail price on the base Camry is $22,225, but 2009 and 2010 models with limited mileage can be found for under $20,000.

Drivers who want an even more comfortable ride can step up to the Camry’s larger brandmate, the Toyota Avalon. The model comes in at around $28,000 for the 2010 model, although if a driver opts for a used Toyota Avalon from 2005 or 2006 they can likely get below $20,000. Yet the increase in price is well worth it, according to Kelley, as the Avalon delivers “Lexus-like comfort on a Toyota budget.” Passengers will appreciate the spacious interior and amenities like reclining rear seats, which comes standard. And while in the past drivers may have had to sacrifice handling in order to get a larger vehicle, advances in suspension technology makes the Avalon maneuverable while still providing comfort.

Another larger sedan that made the list was the Ford Taurus, which will slot in between the Avalon and Camry at about $25,000 when bought new. As one of the few sedans that can comfortably seat five, the Taurus is a great choice for families. The presence of Ford’s Sync system makes driving less of a hassle, as drivers can control all their portable devices hands-free. Still, the Taurus delivers sporty performance and styling while providing a quiet and gentle ride.

Drivers should know that although Kelley’s upper limit of $30,000 meant that many luxury cars didn’t find their way onto the list, it’s likely that car buyers can find used BMWs or used Mercedes – two brands known for their ride quality – for under $30,000 on the used car market.

It’s back-to-school time, and while most teenagers will likely stamp around the house upon hearing the word, their temperament is likely to be tamed when Mom and Dad hand them the keys to a brand new car.

Well, maybe not brand new. Many families opt to purchase used cars for their children when the time comes, as they are less expensive than newer models and will likely only be driven for a few years at most. However, that doesn’t mean the car doesn’t have to be nice, and parents should carefully consider a student’s needs when it comes time to choose.

Kelley Blue Book, the company that sets most used car values, recently revealed their picks for back-to-school cars. While some of the picks were new, half of them were older models that parents can likely easily find at their local used car dealer or auto auction. Here’s a few that made the grade.

Coming in at number 8 was the used Ford Crown Victoria from 2006. While Kelley acknowledges that the Crown Vic isn’t the first car that comes to mind when one thinks of the youth demographic, it defends the decision, citing the Crown Vic’s utility (it is the top choice of cab drivers and police officers) and roomy interior compared to many budget compact cars. Safety, another big concern for parents, generally improves with larger cars, and the Crown Vic’s long wheelbase and wide body offer that in spades.

In the fourth spot was the 2008 Pontiac Vibe. Kelley recommended this hatchback for students involved in lots of extracurricular activities, as the extra trunk space allows students to transport sports equipment and band instruments. It also helps for students that it looks sleek and stylish. Parents should be aware that the Vibe was co-developed by Toyota and GM, and drivers will find almost the exact same features on a used Toyota Matrix.

But the top spot was reserved for a perennial best seller, a used Honda Civic from 2006. Kelley called the model “the smartest car purchase you can make,” reasoning that the Civic has everything a student wants – affordability, reliability, space for cargo and books, stylish while also being extremely easy to sell once the kid heads off to college (yet it’ll still be around to hand down to younger siblings).