Safety is a primary concern for drivers, and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety puts all new models of vehicles through rigorous crash tests to measure their level of safety. The newest test to be added to the roster is the small overlap crash test, which replicates incidents when the front corner of a vehicle collides with an object like a tree or another car. Each car being tested is sent toward a 5-foot barrier, traveling at 40 miles per hour, and 25 percent of the vehicle's front end strikes this rigid object.

The IIHS recently released the results for 29 near-luxury and luxury midsize sedans from the 2013 model year, and the former group turned out much better results overall. The near-luxury group included the top performing Honda Accord and Suzuki Kizashi as well as 11 models that received "acceptable" ratings. Among the 11 luxury midsize cars, only three models earned "good" or "acceptable" ratings.

"It's remarkable that this group of midsize family cars did so much better than the midsize luxury car group," said IIHS President Adrian Lund. "The difference is stunning. Thirteen of these midsize cars offer better crash protection than all but three of their luxury counterparts, and at a price that's easier on the wallet."

Since the IIHS conducts these safety crash tests every year, drivers in the market for used cars can research tests from years past to learn more about the models they're interested in. When they have narrowed down their choices, car shoppers can head to New Jersey State Auto Auction to test drive a variety of cars, trucks and SUVs. Every vehicle on the lot is CARFAX certified, allowing motorists to get behind the wheel of a safe and reliable ride.