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.
Sedan
$9,592
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.0
Consumer
27 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Starting at about $30,000, the 2016 Audi A3 is the least expensive Audi you can buy. But don’t call it cheap.
Hatchback
$10,162
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.4
Consumer
35 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
If you’re looking for a car that’s roomy, fuel-efficient, fun-to-drive and actually affordable, the 2016 Honda Fit is just what you need.
SUV
$10,251
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.6
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Amid a sea of compact SUVs, the 2016 Mazda CX-5 stands apart from rivals like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 with its sporty manners.
Sedan
$11,063
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.5
Consumer
27 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
At under $33,000, the 2016 CLA-Class is the least expensive Mercedes-Benz sedan, but it packs plenty of features and serious badge appeal.
Coupe
$11,980
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.4
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Reliable, safe, comfortable and fun to drive, the 2016 Honda Accord is one of the best mainstream-brand cars money can buy.
SUV
$12,026
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.1
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Slotting between the CR-V and Fit, the new Honda HR-V is poised to be a leader among the fresh crop of subcompact-crossover SUVs.
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SUV
$12,435
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.0
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
A feature-rich, 7-seat SUV, the 2016 Volvo XC90 offers style, comfort and all-wheel drive with conventional or plug-in hybrid power.
SUV
$12,761
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.3
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
BMW’s premium X5 SUV for 2016 continues to set new benchmarks, adding a new plug-in hybrid for the well-off eco-conscious set.
Wagon
$13,139
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.5
Consumer
35 MPG | 83 MPGe
Combined
Starting at about $30,000, the 2016 Audi A3 is the least expensive Audi you can buy. But don’t call it cheap.
Coupe
$13,222
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.6
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
With interior updates, including a new audio system and a rearview camera, the 2016 Scion FR-S remains as fun as always.
Convertible
$13,535
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.6
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
After the debut of an all-new model last year, the 2016 Ford Mustang carries on with three new option packages and a new Shelby GT350.
Coupe
$14,170
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.6
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
One of the very few true sports cars, the 2016 Subaru BRZ is a rare connection with driving involvement. To experience is to understand.
Sedan
$15,232
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.5
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Starting at about $30,000, the 2016 Audi A3 is the least expensive Audi you can buy. But don’t call it cheap.
Sedan
$17,607
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.8
Consumer
24 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2016 Audi A7 blends style, function and tech as deftly as it does power and refinement. Just know that its qualities do not come cheap.
SUV
$18,054
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
3.8
Consumer
18 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe sets new standards for safety, luxury and power, but there is a price to pay for its perfection.
SUV
$21,267
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.2
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Behind its bold design, the all-new 2016 Lexus RX crossover SUV retains its plush ride manners and high levels of comfort and practicality.
Sedan
$21,655
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.8
Consumer
20 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2016 Audi A7 blends style, function and tech as deftly as it does power and refinement. Just know that its qualities do not come cheap.
Sedan
$24,518
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.5
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
At under $33,000, the 2016 CLA-Class is the least expensive Mercedes-Benz sedan, but it packs plenty of features and serious badge appeal.
SUV
Save
$24,588
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
Consumer (N/A)
16 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
BMW’s premium X5 SUV for 2016 continues to set new benchmarks, adding a new plug-in hybrid for the well-off eco-conscious set.
Hatchback
$7,761
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.7
Consumer
72 Miles
Estimated EV Range
BMW’s eco-friendly 2016 i3 electric car adds Bavarian style and driving fun to a segment rarely known for either.
SUV
$9,609
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.2
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
All-new for 2016, the BMW X1 crossover SUV loses some verve but gains new safety features and enhances interior room and exterior presence.
Sedan
$9,963
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.5
Consumer
14 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2016 BMW 3 Series boasts lively manners, enviable badge appeal and a wide lineup, but rivals are right on its tail or ahead of its nose.
Sedan
$10,837
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.6
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2016 Chevrolet Impala combines full-size comfort with a slick exterior and a boatload of must-have entertainment technologies.
SUV
$11,139
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.9
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Going head-to-head with rivals from Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Lexus, the 2016 Audi Q3 is a compelling entry in the compact-luxury SUV segment.
Pickup
$11,888
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.5
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2016 Ford F-150 combines ruggedness and durability in a 21st-century design big on technology, efficiency and capability.
Van/Minivan
$11,922
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.2
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
For big families with big needs, there is still no more valuable vehicle than the 2016 Honda Odyssey minivan.
Pickup
$12,678
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.5
Consumer
19 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2016 Ford F-150 combines ruggedness and durability in a 21st-century design big on technology, efficiency and capability.
Coupe
$13,497
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.9
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2016 BMW 2 Series hearkens back to the days when BMWs were small, nimble and relatively affordable.
SUV
$14,853
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.4
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2016 Acura RDX gets a Jewel Eye headlight face lift, an upgraded V6 engine, AcuraWatch driver-assist suite, and a new top-trim level.
SUV
$15,340
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.5
Consumer
12 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE is a well-rounded midsize-luxury SUV. Formerly known as the M-Class, it offers myriad options and powertrains.
Pickup
$15,804
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.5
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2016 Ford F-150 combines ruggedness and durability in a 21st-century design big on technology, efficiency and capability.
Sedan
Save
$16,582
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.4
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The Lexus IS: Style, technology, performance, prestige and proven quality in a formidable entry-level luxury sedan. You can’t go wrong.
SUV
$24,797
Starting Price
4.6
Expert
4.5
Consumer
15 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE is a well-rounded midsize-luxury SUV. Formerly known as the M-Class, it offers myriad options and powertrains.
Sedan
$7,200
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.3
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2016 Hyundai Accent is an inexpensive and reliable mode of transport with lots of standard features and a great warranty.
Sedan
$7,505
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.2
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2016 Hyundai Sonata adds a new hybrid, new plug-in hybrid, plus upgraded suspension and other features across the board.
Sedan
$7,620
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.1
Consumer
38 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The face is familiar, but the 2016 Kia Optima is all-new, with more refinement and features, and a markedly improved driving experience.
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