10 Cheap Cars That CR Recommends - Consumer Reports

10 Cheap Cars That CR Recommends - Consumer Reports: CR analyzed new car transactions to identify good, cheap new cars that we recommend based on their performance, reliability, and safety.

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10 Cheap Cars That CR Recommends

Jeff S. Bartlett

6–8 minutes

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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 $1,000 or more to the MSRP of the least expensive models. (The most expensive cars, meanwhile, are often being discounted.) With car loan interest rates now averaging over 6 percent, this can mean significant long-term costs.

To help members find the best car at the lowest cost, we have analyzed the average transaction price for new cars using data from TrueCar, a CR partner, and sorted all models based on their selling price. We then selected the models recommended by CR that meet CR’s stringent standards for road-test performance, owner satisfaction, reliability, and safety from the list.

Below, you’ll find those models ranked based on transaction price—not MSRP—starting with the cheapest model, at $21,000. Because we are citing actual figures, we list the specific configuration. Similar versions of the featured models often carry similar pricing, such as the percentage above or below MSRP. 

This month, nine of the 10 featured models—from Buick, Chevrolet, Ford, Kia, Mazda, Subaru, Toyota, and Volkswagen—are selling for more than MSRP.

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.

If you’re a CR member, the list of the cheapest cars Consumer Reports recommends is already available to you. If you haven’t signed up yet, be sure to click below and become a member to access this information and all our exclusive ratings and reviews for each car we buy and test. Joining also gives you full access to exclusive ratings for the other products our experts evaluate in several categories, including electronics and home appliances.

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 upfront 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.

Quick Take

Price Range:  $20,655 - $28,385

CR MPG:  Overall 34 / City 21 / Hwy 54 mpg

#7 of 12  Small sedans

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Predicted owner satisfaction

2023 Volkswagen Jetta S manual
Average transaction price: $21,121
Average spent over MSRP: $466
MSRP: $20,655

Quick Take

Price Range:  $19,795 - $27,395

CR MPG:  Overall 30 / City 21 / Hwy 41 mpg

#3 of 12  Small sedans

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Predicted owner satisfaction

2023 Subaru Impreza manual
Average transaction price: $21,836
Average spent over MSRP: $2,041
MSRP: $19,795

Quick Take

Price Range:  $19,890 - $24,190

CR MPG:  Overall 28 / City 21 / Hwy 35 mpg

#2 of 10  Small hatchbacks

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Predicted owner satisfaction

2023 Kia Soul LX IVT
Average transaction price: $22,114
Average spent over MSRP: $2,224
MSRP: $19,890

Quick Take

Price Range:  $20,590 - $23,150

CR MPG:  Overall 32 / City 24 / Hwy 40 mpg

#4 of 10  Small hatchbacks

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Predicted owner satisfaction

2023 Nissan Kicks S
Average transaction price: $23,562
Average spent over MSRP: $2,972
MSRP: $20,590

Quick Take

Price Range:  $22,100 - $27,700

CR MPG:  Overall 27 / City 19 / Hwy 37 mpg

#5 of 15  Subcompact SUVs

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Predicted owner satisfaction

2023 Chevrolet TrailBlazer LS
Average transaction price: $23,655
Average spent over MSRP: $1,555
MSRP: $22,100

Quick Take

Price Range:  $22,550 - $35,300

CR MPG:  Overall 30 / City 20 / Hwy 44 mpg

#5 of 12  Small sedans

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Predicted owner satisfaction

2023 Mazda3 2.5 S
Average transaction price: $24,448
Average spent over MSRP: $1,898
MSRP: $22,550

Quick Take

Price Range:  $21,700 - $27,425

CR MPG:  Overall 48 / City 37 / Hwy 59 mpg

#1 of 12  Small sedans

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Predicted owner satisfaction

2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid LE
Average transaction price: $24,549
Average spent over MSRP: $1,499
MSRP: $23,050

Quick Take

Price Range:  $23,155 - $26,580

CR MPG:  Overall 36 / City 24 / Hwy 51 mpg

#3 of 10  Small hatchbacks

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Predicted owner satisfaction

2023 Toyota Corolla Hatchback SE CVT
Average transaction price: $24,618
Average spent over MSRP: $1,463
MSRP: $23,155

Quick Take

Price Range:  $22,595 - $28,355

CR MPG:  Overall 23 / City 16 / Hwy 32 mpg

#2 of 3  Small pickup trucks

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Predicted owner satisfaction

2023 Ford Maverick XL FWD
Average transaction price: $24,663
Average spent over MSRP: $2,068
MSRP: $22,595

Quick Take

Price Range:  $25,900 - $32,100

CR MPG:  Overall 26 / City 18 / Hwy 33 mpg

#7 of 12  Luxury entry-level SUVs

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Predicted owner satisfaction

2023 Buick Encore GX Preferred
Average transaction price: $25,205
Average spent under MSRP: $695
MSRP: $25,900

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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 Twitter @JeffSBartlett.

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