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
$9,100
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
$9,500
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.
SUV
Save
$9,850
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.
Sedan
$10,250
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.
Sedan
$10,400
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.
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Sedan
$11,350
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.
Convertible
$11,750
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.
Sedan
$11,850
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.
Wagon
$11,900
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.6
Consumer
28 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.
SUV
$12,250
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
3.8
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.
Hatchback
$12,850
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
$13,050
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.6
Consumer
29 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
$13,150
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.8
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.
Hatchback
$13,150
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
$13,600
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.
SUV
$13,650
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
$13,900
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.
SUV
Save
$13,900
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.
Hatchback
$14,600
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
$14,850
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.2
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.
Sedan
$16,350
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.
Coupe
$17,450
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
Save
$18,200
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
$23,200
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.7
Consumer
335 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2018 Tesla Model S is the fastest production-luxury sedan in the world, yet this electric marvel is priced just under $75,000.
Hatchback
$24,100
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.
Coupe
Save
$26,200
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.5
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
With aggressive styling, available all-wheel drive and up to 467 horsepower, the 2018 Lexus RC is a standout in the luxury-coupe class.
Sedan
Save
$9,550
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.6
Consumer
36 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The newest, smallest and least expensive model from the British luxury brand, the sophisticated 2018 Jaguar XE is a real-deal sports sedan.
Sedan
$10,650
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.1
Consumer
31 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
A popular family sedan, the comfortable, sporty and sophisticated 2018 Nissan Altima is improved with new safety technology and features.
SUV
$11,200
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.0
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Among small compact-crossover SUVs, the 2018 Buick Encore stands out, thanks to its plush interior and high-tech features.
SUV
$12,650
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.2
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
A popular 7-passenger SUV, the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe offers families plenty of space, impressive standard features and a 290-horsepower V6.
Sedan
$13,650
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.7
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The new 2018 Chrysler 300 is a luxurious, full-size American sedan with a standard 292-horsepower engine and optional all-wheel drive.
Wagon
Save
$13,900
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.0
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2018 Volvo V60 wraps functionality and safety in a sleek wagon body paired to a set of powerful engine options.
Coupe
$14,050
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.3
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2018 Cadillac ATS compact-luxury sedan and coupe are packed with style and value to take on more popular rivals like the BMW 3 Series.
Sedan
$14,350
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.9
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Kia’s 2018 Cadenza straddles the line between luxury and basic family sedan, but its high price and weak resale may dissuade some buyers.
Pickup
$14,850
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.2
Consumer
20 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
From standard work truck to plush powerboat hauler, the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 pickup is a capable alternative to the Ford F-150 and Ram 1500.