Here are 10 of the cheapest new cars you can buy in the US

It’s no coincidence that Honda’s Accord rhymes with “afford” and… well, actually, it is. Regardless, it’s still fitting, seeing as how this dutiful four-door starts from around $28,000. The Accord’s all-business looks and decent handling make it an easy pick for anyone shopping for a serious daily driver that doesn’t break the bank.

Toyota’s Camry has been a cheap car champion for ages, and is still so now, even if it’s no longer as affordable as others. Still, with its starting price being under $30k, the Camry remains an affordable, competent ride that provides substantial bang for each buck. Along with a big upgrade to the looks, the interior’s also seen a big boost in quality. Is it luxurious? No, but it comes awfully close.

While the Sonata’s long been a keystone of Hyundai’s lineup, it’s currently on an upswing, particularly in the style department. Thanks to a mid-cycle refresh, the current Sonata sheds the “sad clown” fascia for something more elegant and aggressive. On the whole, it’s quite good, delivering decent power and convenience. lastly, with a sub $28k starting price, you can get one without going… baroque?

The Civic is so prolific, it wouldn’t be a stretch to think that its name suggested that they were state-issued. Even before it became a tuner-crowd sweetheart, the Honda cemented itself as a reliable daily driver that covered all the bases on a budget. It currently starts at $25,345 which is a lot by old Civic standards, but is a reasonable price these days. Don’t hate the player, hate the game.

The Hyundai Elantra is similar to the Toyota Camry in that it’s currently better looking and engaging than it has much right to be. Where it differs is that it’s more affordable. At $23,000, the Elantra serves sleekness and makes daily commutes a breeze. It’s even somewhat engaging if the spirited driver inside you bubbles up to the surface, and there’s even a sport model to tickle that particular fancy.

The Corolla doesn’t seem like a car people would buy, they would just mysteriously acquire one like clothes hangars. Still, a great many people must be buying them given how many there are out on the roads. If you’re such a person, we have good news: it starts at a mere $22,050. We also have bad news: it certainly feels like the budget car that it is. The Corolla is far from horrible, but don’t let the sharp new looks trick you into thinking it’s fun.

Students! Need a 'Car'? If you answered 'yes' and that’s as far as you got into the decision process, congrats, you just got a Jetta. This VW four-door has been a go-to for anyone nonplussed about what they’re driving, so long as they can do so on the cheap. At $21,995, the Jetta fits that bill, though not much else. Look at it this way, getting a Jetta means less time thinking about driving, just like how wearing the same sweater every day saves you from thinking about clothes.

The Forte’s the kind of old-school car we think about when we talk about an affordable vehicle: it’s wallet-friendly, it’s compact and it’s got a manual transmission. Classic budget car. Thankfully, this is the only manner in which the Kia feels like a throwback. The Forte’s got modern style and amenities, so while it might remind us of the knock-around cars of old, it’s decidedly better than they ever were.

Your eyes aren’t deceiving you, that’s a brand-new Mitsubishi. With a lack of Lancers or Eclipses to keep the brand’s name fresh in everyone’s mind, it’s easy to forget it’s still a car manufacturer selling vehicles in the states. Three! That’s way more than Chrysler! The Mirage G4 is a dirt cheap car compared to contemporaries, and it definitely feels like it. It looks like a knock-off portable dishwasher and by all accounts drives like one, too. Affordable, sure, but probably not the financial oasis you thought it would be.

For the asking price, the Nissan Versa’s a bit of alright. It looks half-decent, drives okay, and gets you from point to point in relative safety and comfort. What more could you ask for? Well, plenty, but this is a great starting point. At well under $17k, the Versa brings the basics on the table without feeling too much like a compromise. There are no thrills to be found here, but there is some charm instead.