Most Affordable Cars

Car and Driver's ranking is based on the results of comprehensive instrument testing of hundreds of vehicle models we conduct every year, as well as the subjective feelings accumulated by professional editors during daily road driving. When selecting the best car, we referred to approximately 200 data points, covering acceleration performance, handling, comfort, storage space, fuel economy, cost performance and driving pleasure. We treat rankings very strictly because we want to give you a comprehensive understanding of the vehicles you are interested in.

Here are the cheapest new cars you can currently buy, ranked from low to high based selling price. Car and Driver's ranking is based on detailed instrument test results conducted on hundreds of vehicles each year, as well as the subjective feelings our professional editors develop during actual driving. We ranked the cheapest models based on each manufacturer's recommended retail price (MSRP) and scored each vehicle based on approximately 200 data points covering acceleration, handling, comfort, luggage space, fuel efficiency, value for money and driving pleasure. All of these cars and hatchbacks start at less than $30,000.