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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Pickup
$22,400
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.6
Consumer
N/A
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2016 Chevrolet Silverado HD is the truck for Chevy lovers who need significantly more muscle than what the standard Silverado offers.
Sedan
$24,400
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.9
Consumer
16 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
A potent V8 engine, rear-drive layout and a dialed-in suspension make the 2016 Chevrolet SS the enthusiast’s sleeper sedan of choice.
Sedan
Save
$6,375
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
3.6
Consumer
76 Miles
Estimated EV Range
For 2016, the Ford Focus lineup includes an affordable sedan and hatchback, an electric model and two high-performance sports variants.
Van/Minivan
$7,175
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.5
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2016 Nissan Quest has a lower starting price than rival minivans but offers less seating capacity and potentially polarizing styling.
Sedan
$7,475
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
3.9
Consumer
31 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The sleek, powerful, modern and roomy 2016 Chevrolet Malibu has one mission: Make you forget last year’s model ever existed.
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Hatchback
$8,325
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.1
Consumer
27 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2016 Hyundai Elantra sedan remains a bargain leader, although the remade 5-door Elantra GT may just steal some of the sedan’s thunder.
Sedan
$8,325
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.5
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Buick luxury and style come together in an affordable luxury compact to create the 2016 Buick Verano.
Sedan
$8,350
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.4
Consumer
32 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Volkswagen’s 2016 Jetta is the least expensive European sports sedan on the market. It’s also frugal, fun and family-friendly.
Sedan
$8,525
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.1
Consumer
32 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2016 Hyundai Elantra sedan remains a bargain leader, although the remade 5-door Elantra GT may just steal some of the sedan’s thunder.
SUV
Save
$8,850
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.2
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
From its zippy manners to its polarizing looks, the Nissan Juke crossover SUV zigs where others zag. At around $21,000, it packs value, too.
Hatchback
$8,975
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
5.0
Consumer
83 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2016 Volkswagen Golf continues to be the economy hatchback that thinks it’s a German luxury-performance car.
Sedan
Save
$9,175
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.4
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2016 Ford Fusion sees only minor changes compared to last year, with a new appearance package available for the base model.
Sedan
$9,250
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.5
Consumer
29 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Updated for 2016 with new style and tech, the Volkswagen Passat boasts excellent driving manners and exceptional roominess.
Sedan
$9,550
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.6
Consumer
20 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2016 Ford Fusion sees only minor changes compared to last year, with a new appearance package available for the base model.
Hatchback
$9,675
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.3
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2016 Volkswagen Golf continues to be the economy hatchback that thinks it’s a German luxury-performance car.
Convertible
$9,775
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.7
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Buick’s first droptop in 25 years, the new Cascada is a stylish, solid and well-appointed 2+2 compact with surprisingly sporty character.
SUV
Save
$10,000
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.4
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2016 Volvo XC60 SUV travels along virtually unchanged, offering family-oriented safety features, with Volvo’s characteristic style.
SUV
Save
$10,050
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.5
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The Lincoln MKC is the compact-luxury SUV with big American styling and European-inspired moves.
SUV
$10,300
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
3.8
Consumer
24 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2016 Jeep Renegade may be the smallest vehicle to wear the iconic Jeep name, but it’s big on personality, value and capability.
Hatchback
$10,500
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.6
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2016 Volkswagen Golf continues to be the economy hatchback that thinks it’s a German luxury-performance car.
Wagon
$10,650
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.7
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Volvo’s 2016 XC70 wraps safety, comfort and technology into a family-friendly wagon with SUV-like capabilities.
SUV
Save
$10,750
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.5
Consumer
24 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
All-new for 2016, the Mazda CX-9 3-row SUV remains an athlete while gaining premium appeal to take on best-sellers like the Honda Pilot.
Sedan
$11,000
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.4
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2016 Subaru Legacy has all the features midsize-sedan shoppers crave, plus the added benefit of standard all-wheel drive.
Hatchback
$11,350
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.7
Consumer
50 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2016 Toyota Prius C delivers class-leading fuel economy in an inexpensive 5-door hybrid that is both cute and functional.
SUV
$11,600
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.6
Consumer
24 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Nissan’s 2016 Murano is the stylish SUV for fashion-conscious adults: outside, an art-center exterior; inside, a sleek private lounge.
Coupe
$13,250
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.7
Consumer
27 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Whether a coupe, convertible or versatile 4-door Gran Coupe, the 2016 BMW 4 Series boasts excellent manners and a variety of powertrains.
Coupe
$14,000
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.7
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Whether you choose the 4-cylinder Audi A5 2.0T or the S5 and its supercharged V6 engine, the Audi A5 and S5 are beautiful cars to drive.
Coupe
$16,100
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.7
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2016 Dodge Challenger line includes the 707-horsepower SRT Hellcat, the quickest, fastest, most powerful muscle car ever. ‘Nuf said?
Convertible
Save
$19,600
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.8
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Whether you choose the 4-cylinder Audi A5 2.0T or the S5 and its supercharged V6 engine, the Audi A5 and S5 are beautiful cars to drive.
Hatchback
$20,600
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.9
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2016 Volkswagen Golf continues to be the economy hatchback that thinks it’s a German luxury-performance car.
Coupe
Save
$26,100
Starting Price
4.2
Expert
4.5
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
New last year, the 2016 Lexus RC gets two new engines, sharpening its edge against rival sports coupes like the BMW 4 Series.
Sedan
$8,350
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.1
Consumer
31 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
With its significant update, the 2016 Nissan Altima midsize sedan remains competitive with stalwarts like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry.
Hatchback
$8,500
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
3.0
Consumer
87 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz B-Class offers emissions-free driving, a luxury nameplate and a surprisingly affordable price tag.
Convertible
$9,800
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.4
Consumer
25 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2016 Volkswagen Eos gets an extended lease on life, with a limited run of discounted models. But hurry. When they’re gone, they’re gone.
SUV
$9,875
Starting Price
4.1
Expert
4.3
Consumer
24 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2016 Kia Sportage is the stylish compact-crossover SUV that mixes athleticism with economy and affordability.