When you're in the market for a used car, you might feel overwhelmed with all of your options and wonder how you can possibly weed through years' worth of makes and models to find the right vehicle for your budget. Thankfully industry experts often compile lists of the best vehicles for certain criteria, and Consumer Reports recently released its picks for the Best & Worst Used Cars for model years 2003 through 2012. This list can help drivers see which cars, trucks and SUVs are worth considering and which might be better to avoid.

"With so many choices, shopping for a used car can be overwhelming," said Rik Paul, automotive editor for Consumer Reports. "Our report provides a much-needed cheat sheet that Americans can refer to for help getting the best and most reliable used car that fits their budget."

Drivers who are looking to spend less than $20,000 on their next vehicles can check out models like the 2009 Mazda CX-9 and the 2007 and 2008 Honda Pilot. These choices offer ample seating, legroom and storage space, making them good choices for big families. Those on the lookout for fuel efficient vehicles can find hybrid models that are reliable and affordable, such as the 2010 and 2011 Toyota Prius, which Consumer Reports indicates has the best mileage of any used, non-plug-in, five-passenger model.

Models drivers may want to avoid include the Kia Sorento with a V6 engine, Mini Cooper S and Ford Explorer with a V6 and four-wheel drive. These and other models on Consumer Reports' "Worst" list rated poorly due to continued reliability ratings that fell well below the average.

Lists like this can help vehicle shoppers pare down their options in the search for used cars. Once they've eliminated all but a few options, drivers can head to New Jersey State Auto Auction to see some of the possibilities firsthand and take them for test drives before making a final decision.