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.
SUV
$18,214
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.9
Consumer
16 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Combining Italian styling and performance with SUV practicality, the 2018 Maserati Levante is ready to roll with Europe’s best.
Sedan
$19,566
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.5
Consumer
24 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2018 Cadillac CTS gets a modest handful of upgrades, keeping this luxury sedan on pace with its German and Japanese rivals.
Sedan
$20,271
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.2
Consumer
31 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2018 Cadillac CT6 sedan takes aim at world-class flagship luxury sedans from Europe and Japan, and hits a bulls-eye.
SUV
$20,967
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.7
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
A small SUV with big horsepower and athletic handling, the 2018 Porsche Macan offers families an impressive mix of utility and performance.
Pickup
$22,452
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.6
Consumer
N/A
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2018 Chevrolet Silverado HD offers power, durability and comfort in a big truck that doesn’t mess around.
Pickup
$23,949
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.6
Consumer
N/A
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2018 Chevrolet Silverado HD offers power, durability and comfort in a big truck that doesn’t mess around.
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Pickup
$24,532
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.2
Consumer
N/A
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2018 Chevrolet Silverado HD offers power, durability and comfort in a big truck that doesn’t mess around.
Pickup
$24,946
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.6
Consumer
N/A
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2018 Chevrolet Silverado HD offers power, durability and comfort in a big truck that doesn’t mess around.
Pickup
$25,416
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.2
Consumer
N/A
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2018 Chevrolet Silverado HD offers power, durability and comfort in a big truck that doesn’t mess around.
Pickup
$26,073
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.2
Consumer
N/A
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2018 Chevrolet Silverado HD offers power, durability and comfort in a big truck that doesn’t mess around.
Sedan
$6,548
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
3.6
Consumer
32 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
A roomy compact sedan, the fuel-efficient 2018 Nissan Sentra is perennially popular with first-time car buyers and budget-minded consumers.
Sedan
Save
$6,728
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
3.6
Consumer
115 Miles
Estimated EV Range
A best-seller in the compact class, the 2018 Ford Focus is a fun-to-drive sedan or hatchback with high-tech features and high fuel economy.
Sedan
$7,344
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.4
Consumer
32 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Stylish, fuel-efficient and fun to drive, the 2018 Volkswagen Jetta is a sporty turbocharged compact sedan with as much as 210 horsepower.
SUV
Save
$7,930
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.3
Consumer
24 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2018 Ford Escape is a competent, popular player in the crowded compact-SUV class. Updates like CarPlay integration keep it fresh.
SUV
$10,030
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
3.9
Consumer
24 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Comfortable on-road as well as off-road rugged, the aggressively styled 2018 Jeep Renegade is the brand’s smallest and most affordable SUV.
Sedan
Save
$10,100
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.5
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2018 Ford Fusion marches on with few changes after last year’s thorough revision, which included a twin-turbo V6 Sport model.
Sedan
$10,786
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.5
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Volkswagen’s largest and most powerful sedan, the 2018 VW Passat is a spacious and fun-to-drive midsize with high safety and mpg ratings.
Sedan
$11,244
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
3.9
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
With its sleek styling and fantastic features, the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu looks to run circles around all comers both foreign and domestic.
SUV
$11,298
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.6
Consumer
24 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Jaguar’s first compact-crossover SUV, the sexy, powerful and all-wheel-drive F-Pace, has quickly become the brand’s most popular model.
SUV
$11,371
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.9
Consumer
24 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The all-new 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio enters the compact-luxury SUV fray with potent power, stylish looks and made-in-Italy flair.
Sedan
$11,864
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.4
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
In addition to its standard all-wheel drive, the 2018 Subaru Legacy midsize sedan is a standout for its long-term value and feature set.
Hatchback
$12,180
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.3
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
One of our favorites, the fun-to-drive 2018 Volkswagen Golf 4-door hatchback offerings include turbocharging and all-electric power.
SUV
Save
$12,285
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.5
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
A luxurious and turbocharged compact SUV, the stylish 2018 Lincoln MKC packs big comfort, features and performance in a small package.
Hatchback
$12,803
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.7
Consumer
46 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Toyota’s smallest and most affordable hybrid, the 2018 Toyota Prius C is a comfortable and sporty 4-door hatchback that gets over 45 mpg.
SUV
Save
$12,894
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.5
Consumer
24 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
With sleek styling and sports-sedan-like handling, the 2018 Mazda CX-9 is no ordinary 7-passenger family SUV.
SUV
$12,910
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.6
Consumer
24 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Whether as a coupe, convertible or 5-door liftback, the 2018 Audi A5 has an excellent blend of driving dynamics, technology and safety aids.
Sedan
$14,869
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.6
Consumer
42 MPG | 97 MPGe
Combined
The 2018 Ford Fusion marches on with few changes after last year’s thorough revision, which included a twin-turbo V6 Sport model.
Convertible
$14,899
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.7
Consumer
24 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
A stylish 4-passenger convertible, the 2018 Buick Cascada is a sporty and luxurious ride for sun-worshipers looking for some fresh air.
Wagon
$15,101
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.6
Consumer
24 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
With available all-wheel drive, the fuel-efficient 2018 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen is perfect for young families and first-time buyers.
Sedan
Save
$15,462
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.6
Consumer
21 Miles
Estimated EV Range
A sophisticated midsize luxury sedan, the 2018 Volvo S90 enjoys a long wheelbase and generous rear-seat legroom.
Sedan
$15,677
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.8
Consumer
27 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
A sexy and sophisticated sports sedan, Alfa Romeo’s 2018 Giulia is an Italian alternative to popular German sedans like the BMW 3 Series.
Hatchback
$15,808
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.6
Consumer
27 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
One of our favorites, the fun-to-drive 2018 Volkswagen Golf 4-door hatchback offerings include turbocharging and all-electric power.
SUV
$15,907
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.3
Consumer
16 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The luxurious 2018 Nissan Armada is perfect for families looking for a full-size SUV that seats eight and can tow up to 8,500 pounds.
Coupe
$15,933
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.7
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2018 Dodge Challenger offers muscle-car flavors ranging from the V6 model available with AWD to the all-conquering Hellcat and Demon.
Sedan
$16,514
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.7
Consumer
27 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Offered as a coupe, hardtop convertible or 4-door Gran Coupe, the 2018 BMW 4 Series boasts excellent driving manners and premium amenities.
Hatchback
$22,341
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.9
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
One of our favorites, the fun-to-drive 2018 Volkswagen Golf 4-door hatchback offerings include turbocharging and all-electric power.