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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SUV
$19,600
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
3.7
Consumer
17 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Cadillac’s 2017 Escalade dominates the full-size luxury SUV field with dynamic styling, enviable power and luxurious trappings.
Sedan
Save
$20,700
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
4.7
Consumer
24 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
A luxury-sedan favorite, the 2017 Lexus ES pampers its owners with a smooth ride, high-tech features and a low cost of ownership.
SUV
$21,800
Starting Price
4.0
Expert
3.7
Consumer
17 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Cadillac’s 2017 Escalade dominates the full-size luxury SUV field with dynamic styling, enviable power and luxurious trappings.
SUV
$13,050
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
3.6
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2016 Honda Pilot adds refinement, high-tech features, a more powerful engine and new transmission choices under sleek new styling.
Sedan
$13,050
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
4.7
Consumer
35 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Honda’s value-packed sporty compact is all-new for 2016, with more powerful, more efficient engines, stunning looks, and new body styles.
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Sedan
$13,350
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
4.4
Consumer
11 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class has eye-popping style and performance, moving from the realm of safe styling to that of trendsetter.
SUV
$13,700
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
3.9
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
With luxury, dependability, style, fuel efficiency and safety, the 7-passenger 2016 Acura MDX SUV may be the best vehicle Acura makes.
SUV
$13,900
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
4.1
Consumer
27 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
With an excellent reputation for reliability, economy and strong resale, the 2016 Honda CR-V sets the standard for all others to match.
Convertible
$17,350
Starting Price
4.8
Expert
4.7
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2016 Mazda MX-5 is the fourth generation of Mazda’s 2-seat roadster, and it’s as fun and affordable as it has ever been.
Sedan
$10,450
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.
Wagon
$11,300
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.
Hatchback
$11,800
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.4
Consumer
36 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
$12,100
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
3.9
Consumer
14 Miles
Estimated EV Range
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
$12,350
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.
Coupe
$12,550
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
$12,600
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.
Sedan
$13,350
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.4
Consumer
30 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
$13,650
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.1
Consumer
31 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.
SUV
$13,800
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.
Coupe
$15,250
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.6
Consumer
25 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
$15,600
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.
Coupe
$16,200
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
$17,050
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
$17,200
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.4
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.
Sedan
$17,300
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
$21,200
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.1
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
$23,200
Starting Price
4.7
Expert
4.9
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.
SUV
$23,300
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
$7,200
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.
Sedan
$9,950
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.
Sedan
$10,950
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.
Van/Minivan
$11,150
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.
SUV
$11,900
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.
SUV
$12,100
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.
Coupe
$12,250
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.