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.
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Sedan
$14,400
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.7
Consumer
34 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
As a sedan, coupe or hatchback, the popular 2018 Honda Civic is a roomy and fuel-efficient compact with as much as 306 horsepower.
SUV
$14,450
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.4
Consumer
27 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2018 Mazda CX-5 looks and handles like a luxury import, but its features and price sit directly in the compact-crossover-SUV sweet spot.
Sedan
$14,650
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.5
Consumer
48 Miles
Estimated EV Range
With the Plug-in Hybrid joining the hydrogen fuel-cell and pure EV variants, the 2018 Honda Clarity has a mainstream eco winner.
Sedan
$14,650
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.4
Consumer
9 Miles
Estimated EV Range
Whether as a sedan, coupe or convertible, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class punches above its weight in style, sophistication and elegance.
SUV
$14,750
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.3
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2018 Audi Q7 SUV packs technology, prestige and dynamic driving manners, though not as much room as other 3-row luxury-crossover SUVs.
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SUV
$15,400
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
3.6
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Reliability, safety and comfort go hand-in-hand with value, versatility and style in the 8-passenger 2018 Honda Pilot SUV.
SUV
$15,550
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
3.9
Consumer
24 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Luxurious and family-friendly, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC is a turbocharged midsize 5-passenger SUV available in two attractive body styles.
Van/Minivan
$15,600
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
3.6
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Easy to drive, nicely appointed and boasting a long list of clever new features and tech, the all-new Odyssey is the best family car ever.
Sedan
$16,200
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
3.9
Consumer
32 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2018 Toyota Camry is reborn with vivacious styling, newfound athletic nature, and a suite of advanced safety features and driving aids.
Hatchback
$16,700
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.8
Consumer
54 MPG | 133 MPGe
Combined
A plug-in hybrid version of the very popular Prius hybrid, the new 2018 Toyota Prius Prime can be driven over 25 miles on electricity alone.
Sedan
$17,200
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
3.9
Consumer
52 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2018 Toyota Camry is reborn with vivacious styling, newfound athletic nature, and a suite of advanced safety features and driving aids.
SUV
$17,250
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
3.9
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Popular with active families, the new 2018 Acura MDX is a fun-to-drive luxury SUV with seating for seven and the highest safety ratings.
Convertible
$17,450
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.7
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Offered as a roadster or a coupe with a retractable roof panel, the 2018 Mazda MX-5 Miata is a 2-seat sports car that’s pure joy to drive.
Sedan
$18,250
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.2
Consumer
24 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Available as a sedan, wagon, coupe or convertible, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class blends innovation and prestige like few others can.
Convertible
$20,800
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.7
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Offered as a roadster or a coupe with a retractable roof panel, the 2018 Mazda MX-5 Miata is a 2-seat sports car that’s pure joy to drive.
SUV
$21,500
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
3.9
Consumer
27 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Popular with active families, the new 2018 Acura MDX is a fun-to-drive luxury SUV with seating for seven and the highest safety ratings.
Sedan
$21,900
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
5.0
Consumer
24 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2018 Audi S4 sedan looks almost identical to its A4 sibling, but packs significantly more performance while retaining plenty of brains.
SUV
$22,900
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
3.9
Consumer
24 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 Coupe puts an emphasis on form rather than function, with a sleek roofline giving it a sporty appearance.
Coupe
$24,700
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.4
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The Mercedes-AMG C-Class has the style, sophistication and amenities of the standard models but adds ample doses of power and performance.
Sedan
$26,300
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.2
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2018 Mercedes-AMG E-Class brings the tech, style and safety of its luxury sedan and wagon siblings, and adds a whole lot of performance.
Hatchback
$29,500
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.
SUV
$30,000
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
3.9
Consumer
20 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Offering even more power, the Mercedes-AMG GLC43 and GLC63 Coupes up the ante on the sportiest versions of the Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV.
Van/Minivan
$11,350
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.1
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
$12,450
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.
Sedan
Save
$12,600
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
$14,100
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.
Sedan
$15,100
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.4
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
$15,400
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.
SUV
$15,650
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
3.9
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.
Wagon
$15,700
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
$15,750
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.4
Consumer
29 MPG | 72 MPGe
Combined
The 2018 BMW 5 Series still sets the pace for those seeking a smart, sophisticated executive sedan with a performance edge.
Sedan
$15,750
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.
SUV
$16,100
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.
Van/Minivan
$16,350
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.1
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.
Coupe
$16,450
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.