Sifting through all of the available information about potential car purchases can cause a major headache for drivers. With so many statistics and reviews targeted at the general public, you can find yourself mired among dozens of complicated write-ups that make it difficult to compare similar models. That's why Cars.com set out to translate all of this information into an easy ranking system to see which midsize sedan really offered the best value. 

The final list was created by combining the average price of the automobile with the estimated five-year cost of fuel. This way, each selection was ranked based on its fuel efficiency and cost of ownership as well as upfront expenses. 

At the end of the day, the Kia Optima – with a Convenience Plus Package – landed at the top of the list. It was followed by the Nissan Altima SV, the Honda Accord Sport and the Mazda6 Touring. 

"The midsize sedan remains one of the most popular segments in the U.S.," said Patrick Olsen, the editor-in-chief of Cars.com. "They serve as great cars for families, commuters, road trippers and more. Because of this, carmakers offer a dizzying amount of styles and options, but with differing content that can make it hard for shoppers to compare apples to apples. That's why we've put this list together, so that shoppers can understand where the most value is before they head to the dealer." 

Once you've done your research and narrowed down your options, you can make your way to an auction lot like New Jersey State Auto Auction. There, you can find a wide selection of CARFAX-certified sedans, trucks and vans that offer great value for your next purchase.