You don't need to spend a fortune to get a good, reliable, safe vehicle and
many models can be bought for under $20,000. Most of the models on this list are
small cars, which are the best in their class, but cannot necessarily be
compared to the best in other vehicle categories.
Each model here is a good all-around choice that meets our requirements for being recommended. Prices include destination charges and features like air conditioning; antilock brakes; power windows, locks, and mirrors; automatic transmission (unless otherwise noted); CD player; and cruise control. Prices do not reflect rebates or incentives, which can further reduce the cost.
Each model here is a good all-around choice that meets our requirements for being recommended. Prices include destination charges and features like air conditioning; antilock brakes; power windows, locks, and mirrors; automatic transmission (unless otherwise noted); CD player; and cruise control. Prices do not reflect rebates or incentives, which can further reduce the cost.
Hyundai Elantra GLS | $19,220 | 80
The Elantra
sedan is one of our top-rated small sedans. It combines nimble and secure
handling with a fairly comfortable, well-controlled ride. The 1.8-liter
four-cylinder and six-speed automatic deliver solid performance and a very good
29 mpg overall. The car is well equipped for the price, the interior is nicely
laid out, and rear-seat room is decent. Our two major gripes are the low-mounted
dash vents and pronounced road and engine noise.
Honda Fit (base) | $16,915 | 76
The subcompact Fit
four-door hatchback offers easy cabin access and very good visibility. It has an
amazing amount of interior room and various seat-folding arrangements. While the
Fit is not overly powerful, it feels responsive, with a smooth and willing
engine, and agile handling. Fuel economy is an excellent 33 mpg overall for the
manual and 30 mpg for the automatic. The ride is a bit choppy, and elevated road
noise contributes to the din.
Toyota Corolla LE | $18,975 | 71
The Corolla
is a good small sedan, although it is rather bland. The 1.8-liter engine is
relatively quiet and responsive. We got a very impressive 32 mpg overall in our
test with both automatic and manual transmissions, making it one of the most
frugal among nonhybrids or nondiesel sedans. By the standards of the small-car
class, the Corolla has a comfortable ride. Handling is sound and secure. The
interior is put together well, although hard plastic panels and trim are
abundant.
Scion xB | $18,612 | 68
The xB
has a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine that delivers good performance but returns
only 23 mpg overall. The ride is compliant, and handling is responsive. The
quiet cabin isn't perfect. The gauges mounted in the center of the dash are
annoying, and the radio controls are a bit confusing. The rear seat is enormous,
and cabin access is very easy with a generous cargo area. However, low windows
and thick roof pillars make the cabin dark and impair visibility.
Kia Soul Plus | $18,475 | 66
The Soul
is particularly roomy considering its small footprint. Its 164-hp, 2.0-liter
four-cylinder and six-speed automatic transmission deliver decent acceleration
and returned 26 mpg overall in our tests. However, stopping distances were quite
long. Cabin access is easy, with abundant head room and a spacious rear seat.
Controls are simple, but interior fit and finish is basic. Expect a noisy
interior and a stiff ride, but handling is fairly nimble and secure. Forward
visibility is good, but thick rear roof pillars create rear blind zones.
Chevrolet Sonic LT (1.8) | $17,455 | 65
The Sonic
is powered by a standard 1.8-liter four-cylinder. Handling is fairly nimble, and
the ride is relatively civilized for this class, with excellent braking
performance. The sedan has a relatively large trunk and a good view out, with a
relatively quiet cabin, but the rear seats are cramped. Options such as heated
seats, a sunroof, and remote start are usually not found in this class.
Hyundai Accent GLS | $16,320 | 65
Hyundai's Accent
entry-level model is a basic-yet-sensible subcompact. It has a very smooth and
responsive automatic transmission. The sedan with an automatic attained 31 mpg
overall in our tests. Though the front cabin is roomy enough, the rear is a bit
cramped, which is on par for this class. Handling is fairly responsive, but the
ride is rather jittery. Noise levels are elevated but not offensive.
Kia Rio EX (sedan) | $17,545 | 63
The Rio
is powered by a 138-horsepower, 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 30 mpg for
fuel economy. It uses direct-injection technology and has a six-speed automatic,
an unusual feature for the subcompact class. The Rio feels solid when compared
with some other subcompacts; the stiff ride and noisy cabin are normal among
small cars. Higher trim models offer amenities such as heated seats and a
rear-view camera, but they get pricey for this class.
Mazda Mazda2 Touring | $17,845 | 60
The Mazda2
is a subcompact hatchback about the size of the Honda
Fit or Toyota
Yaris. Power comes from a 100-hp, 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The
standard manual transmission shifted slickly, but the optional four-speed
automatic saps some zip. Handling is quite nimble, and the ride is tolerable,
but the cabin lets in too much road and engine noise. Rear-seat room is
relatively good. It is related to the Ford
Fiesta, but in exchange for a lower price the Mazda2 gives up some
refinement and comfort.
Scion xD | $16,900 | 60
The xD
is a boxier version of the previous-generation Toyota
Yaris hatchback. The ride suffers from short, jumpy motions, and it feels
jittery on the highway. Its 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine delivers adequate
performance and is miserly with fuel, averaging 29 mpg overall with the
automatic transmission and 34 with the manual. The cabin is noisy, and the
driving position is awkward. The front seats are comfortable enough for some
people, but taller drivers found the bottom cushion too short. The rear has
plenty of room for a small car, and cabin access is easy.
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