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
$10,100
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.5
Consumer
30 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2015 Mazda Mazda6 is a sleek sedan whose flare seems in complete contradiction to its $22K starting price and class-leading 40 mpg.
SUV
$10,200
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.3
Consumer
20 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee gets more refined thanks to additions to the Summit trim, and the SRT gets more powerful.
Sedan
$11,050
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.7
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2015 Hyundai Genesis is a midsize luxury sedan that legitimately competes with Lexus, BMW, Mercedes and Audi at a lower starting price.
Pickup
$11,700
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.6
Consumer
17 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Think a full-size, torque-happy pickup truck can’t deliver power and fuel economy in one package? The 2015 Ram 1500 says otherwise.
Pickup
$13,800
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.6
Consumer
17 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Think a full-size, torque-happy pickup truck can’t deliver power and fuel economy in one package? The 2015 Ram 1500 says otherwise.
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Pickup
$15,050
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.6
Consumer
17 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Think a full-size, torque-happy pickup truck can’t deliver power and fuel economy in one package? The 2015 Ram 1500 says otherwise.
Pickup
$15,200
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.7
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Of all the compact pickups for 2015, none can match the Toyota Tacoma’s combination of value, dependability, resale, quality and popularity.
SUV
Save
$16,800
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
3.9
Consumer
18 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The all-new 2015 GMC Yukon and longer Yukon XL feel modern, high-tech, and will likely continue dominating the full-size SUV segment.
Pickup
$20,300
Starting Price
4.5
Expert
4.7
Consumer
19 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Of all the compact pickups for 2015, none can match the Toyota Tacoma’s combination of value, dependability, resale, quality and popularity.
Hatchback
Save
$6,525
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.2
Consumer
31 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Available as a sedan or hatchback, the 2015 Kia Rio has style, value and practicality, if not the best fuel economy among subcompacts.
Sedan
Save
$6,950
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.2
Consumer
31 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2015 Kia Forte is a full line of sedans, coupes, and hatchbacks, all with a sporty demeanor and luxury-like features throughout.
Coupe
$7,275
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.2
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2015 Kia Forte is a full line of sedans, coupes, and hatchbacks, all with a sporty demeanor and luxury-like features throughout.
Wagon
Save
$7,525
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.2
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2015 Kia Soul stands out for all the right reasons with style, practicality and value. New to the lineup is an all-electric version.
Hatchback
Save
$7,650
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.2
Consumer
24 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2015 Kia Forte is a full line of sedans, coupes, and hatchbacks, all with a sporty demeanor and luxury-like features throughout.
SUV
$7,800
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.1
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Fresh off a revamp, the 2015 Nissan Rogue has a premium feel and laudable fuel economy but only modest performance among compact SUVs.
Wagon
Save
$8,575
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.9
Consumer
93 Miles
Estimated EV Range
The 2015 Kia Soul stands out for all the right reasons with style, practicality and value. New to the lineup is an all-electric version.
Pickup
$10,700
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.4
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
With its new look, new engines and refinement, the 2015 GMC Canyon is set to revitalize the compact/midsize truck segment.
SUV
$11,050
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.4
Consumer
28 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2015 Subaru Outback crossover SUV is a little bigger, a lot nicer looking, and even better at tackling dirt and paved roads.
Pickup
$13,500
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.4
Consumer
21 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
With its new look, new engines and refinement, the 2015 GMC Canyon is set to revitalize the compact/midsize truck segment.
SUV
$14,300
Starting Price
4.4
Expert
4.2
Consumer
18 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The biggest Chevy SUV is all new, and ready to take on the suburbs with fresh styling, a great interior and more flexible seats.
Sedan
Save
$5,100
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
3.6
Consumer
76 Miles
Estimated EV Range
Available as a sedan or hatchback and with a variety of engines, the Ford Focus offers variety and practicality if not the lowest price.
Van/Minivan
$6,775
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.4
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Taking a page from the Infiniti luxury playbook makes the 2015 Nissan Quest a comfortable, quiet and surprisingly luxurious minivan.
Sedan
$7,625
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.1
Consumer
38 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Priced within reach of the average buyer, but looking like an exotic prototype, the 2015 Kia Optima is no ordinary family sedan.
SUV
Save
$7,675
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.2
Consumer
20 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2015 Kia Sorento is big on value, technology and comfort, offering a choice of 2- or 3-row seating and a very attractive price.
Sedan
$7,900
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.6
Consumer
38 MPG | 88 MPGe
Combined
The 2015 Ford Fusion makes all-wheel drive available to midrange SE models this year, while the rest of the lineup remains the same.
Sedan
Save
$8,000
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.4
Consumer
42 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2015 Ford Fusion makes all-wheel drive available to midrange SE models this year, while the rest of the lineup remains the same.
Sedan
$8,075
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.1
Consumer
32 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2015 Hyundai Elantra adds new option packages, but otherwise is the same cool and clever compact car family from last year.
SUV
$8,075
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
3.9
Consumer
23 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Once a rugged SUV, the latest Nissan Pathfinder has morphed into a comfortable 3-row crossover SUV offering great style and fuel economy.
Sedan
Save
$8,300
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.6
Consumer
27 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Priced within reach of the average buyer, but looking like an exotic prototype, the 2015 Kia Optima is no ordinary family sedan.
Hatchback
$8,525
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.1
Consumer
27 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2015 Hyundai Elantra adds new option packages, but otherwise is the same cool and clever compact car family from last year.
Pickup
$10,250
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.2
Consumer
22 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
With a new look, new engines and more refinement, the 2015 Chevrolet Colorado is set to revitalize the compact/midsize truck segment.
Sedan
$10,350
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.3
Consumer
31 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2015 Toyota Corolla competes with the best compact sedans without sacrificing affordability or dependability.
Pickup
$10,650
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.3
Consumer
20 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2015 Chevy Silverado full-size truck aims to stand apart from rivals like the Ford F-150 with clever utility and a quiet cabin.
Hatchback
$11,500
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
3.6
Consumer
26 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
Available as a sedan or hatchback and with a variety of engines, the Ford Focus offers variety and practicality if not the lowest price.
Pickup
$11,800
Starting Price
4.3
Expert
4.3
Consumer
20 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy
The 2015 Chevy Silverado full-size truck aims to stand apart from rivals like the Ford F-150 with clever utility and a quiet cabin.