In recent times, many consumers have gravitated toward the used-car market as an alternative to buying new.

And while the current supply shortage may limit what a dealership can carry on its lot, there are certain used models that stand out from their peers when it comes to dependability and other aspects that shoppers find important.

To shed some light on these standout models, Forbes.com recently released what it believes to be “The Best Used Cars” on the market.

Forbes determined its list of 14 used units mostly by considering the latest J.D. Power & Associates U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study, which included 43,700 owners of three-year-old units (model-year 2008) that were asked about any problems with their respective rides in the previous year, explained Jim Gorzelany in his blog report on Forbes.com.

“All of the models in our list were rated as being ‘among the best’ in overall reliability and in particular got top scores in powertrain dependability, which affects key components like the engine, transmission, steering and suspension,” he wrote.

“We fine-tuned our final list of choices according to their current resale values, how well they performed when new and how they fare against their brand-new 2012 equivalents in terms of styling and features,” Gorzelany wrote.

Toyota and Ford fared the best, as each had four models make the list.

From Toyota were the Scion xB, Lexus RX 350, Toyota Sienna and Toyota Tundra. Ford vehicles receiving top billing were the Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln MKZ midsize sedans as well as the Ford Edge.

General Motors and Honda each were represented by two models on the list, while Mazda, Mercedes-Benz and General Motors each claimed one spot.

“The 14 models we’ve selected run the gamut in terms of size, performance and accommodations, from the pint-sized and perky subcompact Honda Fit that rewards a commuter with stellar fuel economy, to the purposeful Chevrolet Tahoe full-size SUV that’s big and powerful enough to transport a large family and their belongings to the lake house and tow a sizeable boat in the process,” Gorzelany wrote.

The complete list is as follows:

Chevrolet Tahoe / GMC Yukon
Ford Fusion/Mercury Milan/Lincoln MKZ
Ford Edge
Honda CR-V
Honda Fit
Lexus RX 350
Mazda MX-5 Miata
Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
Scion xB
Toyota Sienna
Toyota Tundra

To read the blog, visit http://blogs.forbes.com/jimgorzelany/2011/06/30/the-best-used-cars.