Best Sedans under $40,000

Car and Driver's model ranking is based on the results of extensive instrument testing of hundreds of vehicles every year, as well as the subjective feelings accumulated by the editorial team during actual driving. When selecting the best car, we referred to approximately 200 data points, covering aspects such as acceleration, handling, comfort, trunk space, fuel economy, cost performance and driving pleasure. We are strict about rankings because we want you to have a comprehensive understanding of the models you are interested in.

Car and Driver's ranking stems from our extensive instrument testing of hundreds of vehicle models every year, as well as the subjective feelings accumulated by editorial experts in real road driving. Based on about 200 data points, we selected the best car under US$40,000 based on factors such as acceleration performance, handling performance, comfort, storage space, fuel economy, cost performance and driving pleasure. We treat rankings very strictly and the purpose is to give you a comprehensive understanding of the models you are interested in. If you are looking for greater practicality, some of the sedans listed here are also available in hatchback versions.