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These are good, safe, reliable models with the lowest transaction prices
The cheapest cars in America can be found by looking at transaction prices—what people are actually paying—rather than just looking at the window stickers. That’s because in this roller-coaster car market, it’s common to see lower-priced models selling for more than their sticker price.
In fact, as we analyze data each month to identify the best car deals, we often see that car buyers are paying a premium that adds hundreds of dollars to the manufacturer’s suggested retail price for even the least expensive models. (The most expensive cars, meanwhile, are often being discounted.) With car loan interest rates now averaging 7.3 percent, according to Edmunds, this can mean significant long-term costs.
To help members find the best car at the lowest cost, we analyzed the average transaction price for new cars using national data from TrueCar, a CR partner, and sorted all models based on their selling price. These 10 models all meet our stringent standards for road-test performance, owner satisfaction, reliability, and safety to be CR Recommended.
Below, you’ll find those models ranked based on the transaction price—not the MSRP—starting with the cheapest model, at $20,754. Because we’re citing actual figures, we list the specific configuration. Other versions of the featured models often carry relatively similar pricing, with the same percentage above or below the MSRP.
This month, eight of the 10 featured models—from Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Nissan, and Toyota—are selling for more than their sticker prices.
Detailed pricing information and complete ratings are available for all current vehicles on their respective model pages, linked in the ratings boxes below.
Of course, local supply and demand will influence how much a dealer is willing to bend on price.
The list of the cheapest cars that Consumer Reports recommends is available to CR members. If you haven’t joined yet, you can access the list by clicking below and becoming a member.
Looking to save money on great cars? Check out our 10 Used Car Top Picks of the month.
See our tips below on where to find the good deals.
In addition to research and reviews, Consumer Reports offers members access to the Build & Buy Car Buying Service at no additional cost. Through this service, members can compare in-stock vehicles, see what others paid for the car they want, and customize their payments online. Once they find the vehicle they’re interested in, members can get up-front price offers online from local certified dealers. On top of national incentives, Consumer Reports members are eligible for additional incentive offers from select manufacturers through the Build & Buy Car Buying Service. Plus, members can get an instant trade-in value for their current vehicle to use toward their next car purchase.
Below, CR’s auto experts offer advice to help you snag a great new vehicle at a really low price, no matter what size and style you’re looking for.
Target the less pricey models, but keep your options open. You can save money by being flexible with both the size and type of car you buy. For example, small sedans tend to be less expensive than small SUVs. So if the small SUV you want has limited availability or the price is too high due to increased demand, pivot to a second choice, such as a compact hatchback, referring to CR’s reviews and ratings to find alternatives in the same vehicle category and price range.
You can also broaden your search area. Websites like TrueCar or CarGurus help you search by geographical area and enable you to widen your search radius to include low-priced cars that are farther afield but still close enough to see in person. Call ahead to make sure the car you want is still on the lot and will be there when you arrive.
Consider the options you need vs. the ones you want. You may want the convenience and comfort of a power driver’s seat, a heated steering wheel, or all-wheel drive, but those features are often available only as part of a package of other options, or in a higher trim level that can increase the price by thousands of dollars. Most of the inexpensive models CR recommends have standard active safety features, such as automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and all of them have power windows, locks, and mirrors. Search for lower trim levels without extra options if you want to save money.
Place a factory order. Although this approach often requires months of lead time, it may enable you to afford the model you want by avoiding the expensive options packages commonly found in cars on dealership lots. Just be sure you’ll be happy with a model lacking these features.
Learn more about buying a new or used car.
• Who Makes the Most Reliable New Cars?
• Which Car Brands Make the Best Vehicles?
• Most and Least Loved Car Brands
• Which Brands Make the Best Used Cars?
• Which Car Brands Have the Highest Road-Test Scores?
• Who Owns Which Car Brands?
• Car Brands Ranked by Maintenance and Repair
Jeff S. Bartlett
Jeff S. Bartlett is the managing editor for the autos team at Consumer Reports. He has been with CR since 2005. Previously, Jeff served as the online editorial director of Motor Trend for 11 years. Throughout his career, Jeff has driven thousands of cars, many on racetracks around the globe. Follow him on X: @JeffSBartlett
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