Best Cars Under $30,000
Paying a fair price for the car you want is important, and these cars should fill the bill. For more results, see Luxury Cars Under $30,000 and Best SUVs Under $30,000.
Top Rated Expert Ratings
$0 - $30,000
Hatchback
$28,371
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
3.8
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2018 Honda Civic Type R is the most powerful Civic ever, and the turbocharged, wildly styled answer to many enthusiasts’ prayers.
Van/Minivan
$11,707
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.2
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The stylish 2018 Chrysler Pacifica is a game changer in the minivan world and even features a hybrid model.
Hatchback
$12,864
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.4
Consumer
36 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
With new safety tech and a retuned suspension, the 2018 Honda Fit is a fun, fuel-efficient subcompact with class-leading versatility.
SUV
$13,620
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.1
Consumer
31 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Honda’s 2018 HR-V compact-crossover SUV is a sales success, offering a roomy interior, great gas mileage and a youthful appearance.
Sedan
$14,024
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.0
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
With its sub-$35K price tag, the 2018 Audi A3 may seem entry level, but it’s loaded with an abundance of Audi style and performance.
SUV
$14,639
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.4
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
All-new styling, great new features and more power distinguish the 2018 Buick Enclave crossover SUV.
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Van/Minivan
$16,146
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.0
Consumer
33 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The stylish 2018 Chrysler Pacifica is a game changer in the minivan world and even features a hybrid model.
Sedan
$16,628
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.5
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA proves that a car doesn’t have to be hyper-expensive to be a "real" Mercedes-Benz.
SUV
$16,747
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.0
Consumer
19 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The Volvo XC90 is the flagship SUV of the Swedish automaker, and a flagship in general for safety, technology and driver assistance.
Convertible
$16,837
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.6
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Coupe or convertible, the new 2018 Ford Mustang is a sophisticated modern muscle car that delivers affordable power, style and performance.
Coupe
$17,202
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
3.9
Consumer
27 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Toyota’s only real performance car, the 2018 Toyota 86 is a small, lightweight coupe that thrills with 205 horsepower and rear-wheel drive.
Coupe
$17,914
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.6
Consumer
24 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
A lightweight rear-wheel-drive sports coupe, the 2018 Subaru BRZ is beloved by young driving enthusiasts looking for affordable thrills.
Coupe
$18,269
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.9
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The all-new 2018 Audi RS 3 offers a powerful turbocharged engine, all-wheel drive and razor-sharp handling, making it a driver’s delight.
Sedan
$18,352
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.6
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2018 Audi A6 sedan may not be as well-known as the BMW 5 Series, but it packs a stellar combination of luxury, performance and tech.
Sedan
$19,100
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.4
Consumer
27 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2018 BMW 5 Series still sets the pace for those seeking a smart, sophisticated executive sedan with a performance edge.
SUV
$19,356
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.3
Consumer
24 MPG | 56 MPGe
Combined
The 2018 BMW X5 midsize-luxury SUV stands out with its athletic manners and variety of powertrains that include diesel and a plug-in hybrid.
Wagon
$20,637
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.5
Consumer
16 Miles
Estimated EV Range
With its sub-$35K price tag, the 2018 Audi A3 may seem entry level, but it’s loaded with an abundance of Audi style and performance.
Sedan
$21,099
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.5
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
With its sub-$35K price tag, the 2018 Audi A3 may seem entry level, but it’s loaded with an abundance of Audi style and performance.
SUV
$22,693
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
3.9
Consumer
20 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The Mercedes-AMG versions of the GLC up the ante with more power and better handling, but without sacrificing any family-friendly utility.
SUV
$23,144
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
3.8
Consumer
19 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
A popular full-size SUV that seats up to nine, the 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe offers big space, features and V8 towing power for active families.
SUV
$24,676
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.1
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Comfortable, luxurious and reliable, the 2018 Lexus RX 350 and RX 450h hybrid continue to dominate a competitive midsize-luxury-SUV market.
Sedan
$26,490
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.8
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2018 Audi A7 and Audi S7 are two brilliant sports sedans that excel in both luxury and performance.
Sedan
$28,266
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.7
Consumer
18 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2018 Audi A6 sedan may not be as well-known as the BMW 5 Series, but it packs a stellar combination of luxury, performance and tech.
Sedan
$29,968
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.5
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Small, fast, and relatively inexpensive, the 2018 Mercedes-AMG CLA45 is the easiest way to experience the high-performance AMG brand.
SUV
$9,313
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.0
Consumer
33 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2018 Nissan Kicks is a brand-new subcompact SUV that is stylish, efficient and practical. Starting under $19,000, it is big on value.
Sedan
$9,751
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.0
Consumer
33 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Though the Elantra received a major redesign for 2017, Hyundai has added substantial fun and feature choices within the 2018 model lineup.
Hatchback
$10,488
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.1
Consumer
151 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2018 Nissan Leaf electric car pulls out all the stops. It boasts new looks, new tech, more power, a longer range and a lower price tag.
SUV
$10,800
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
3.8
Consumer
27 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2018 Hyundai Kona enters the fast-growing, small-crossover-SUV market with unique styling, plenty of features, and a competitive price.
Hatchback
$11,211
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.0
Consumer
27 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Though the Elantra received a major redesign for 2017, Hyundai has added substantial fun and feature choices within the 2018 model lineup.
SUV
$11,275
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.3
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
With seating for up to eight people and tons of cargo space, even with the third row up, the Chevrolet Traverse deserves a spot on every family car shopper’s list.
Hatchback
$12,508
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.7
Consumer
118 MPGe
Combined Fuel Economy
Sporty, quick and quirky the technically advanced 2018 BMW i3 and new i3s are offered as electrics or as plug-in hybrids for extended range.
SUV
$13,368
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.2
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Although small, BMW’s 2018 X1 SAV offers all the driving expertise of its bigger siblings but in a more affordable package.
Convertible
$13,728
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.9
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2018 Fiat 124 Spider is a sleek Italian roadster with a turbocharged engine and cush cabin, yet its price is remarkably affordable.
Sedan
$14,302
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.6
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Comfortable, spacious and fuel-efficient, the 2018 Chevrolet Impala is a full-size family sedan with a starting price below $30,000.
Sedan
$14,727
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.5
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
BMW’s 3 Series sedan for 2018 delivers the perfect blend of luxury, comfort, performance and driving excitement at price that won’t shock.
SUV
$15,323
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.9
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The stylish 2018 Audi Q3 is the luxury brand’s smallest and least expensive SUV. It’s a compelling entry in the compact-luxury-SUV segment.
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