The internet was a game-changer in terms of auto sales, as it allowed consumers access to a wealth of information about cars that was previously scattered in a million different places. In the past, an interested car buyer might have been able to check a review in the local newspaper, but now shoppers can find thousands of opinions across the web at the click of a button.

That's changed, and before a driver goes to buy a car, they'll be able to read as many reviews of the vehicle as they like to get a well-rounded view of a vehicle's flaws and weaknesses. Yet the nature of reviewing means that most writers are usually giving their first impressions of a vehicle after driving it for a short time. There's simply no way that an automotive journalist could know how a vehicle will perform five or even ten years down the road. Almost every new car drives with no problems when it rolls off the showroom floor, but anyone who's owned a car knows that problems will crop up over time.

Another tricky idea to pin down is value. A car may represent a steal at its MSRP, but quickly lose most of its value as soon as it's driven off the lot. Car reviews also don't help once a driver begins searching for a used car, as every individual unit has a different service and drive history.

With that in mind, there are several factors that go into making a used car a great car to own. Reliability is key, as is the cost to repair and maintain the car should problems arise. The same is true of resale value, which will eventually determine what the driver gets in cash when he's looking to sell. Lastly, general satisfaction with a vehicle is something that many reviewers will not be able to predict, but is cataloged in numerous surveys over the lifespan of a car.

MSN factored in all of these variables when coming up with its picks for the best used cars to own in each class. These cars are not only great to drive, but also prove to be of value over many years based on statistical data.

Sedans are the most popular vehicle, and the news source highlighted three used cars in each size: the Hyundai Elantra for compacts, Honda Accord for mid-size and Mercury Montego for larger sedans.

The Elantra was praised for its value, as a used version will likely cost a driver less than $8,000. The Accord was no surprise in the mid-size slot, as it has posted dependable sales numbers year-in and year-out and holds its resale value remarkably well. Although the Montego and the Ford Five-Hundred are essentially the exact same car, drivers will end up paying more for the Ford simply because of the name, since the Mercury brand has lost a bit of prestige due to its discontinuation.

Those who like larger vehicles probably won't be surprised to find the Ford F-150 on the list, which has been a top seller for its entire 33-year lifespan. The news source recommends the models between 2004 and 2008 as a great range to target in order to get good value. That applies to the Toyota Highlander SUV as well, which had a number of additions in its 2004 facelift, like third-row seating and electronic stability control, that sets it apart from its earlier versions.