These Affordable Car Brands Still Give You That Luxury Feel

The beginning of Donald Trump’s second presidential term has been defined by a burgeoning trade war between America and allies like Canada and Mexico. The name of trade trade war? Tariffs — and there’s a lot of them. The 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imported in to the United States are going to have profound implications for the automotive industry. Car parts — and, therefore, cars themselves — are about to get much more expensive. Accordng to Kamran Mohammad Syed, general manager at Perry Ford of National City, who was quoted in an article by Fox 5 San Diego, metal tariffs could increase vehicle costs by anywhere from a few thousand dollars to upwards of $13,000. Many consumers who are ready to purchase a new car are rushing out to shops to avoid the hefty prices. As it stands now, the scope of the impact is unclear, but car manufacturers and buyers should expect slightly higher prices for an indefinite period into the future. 

Of course, not every manufacturer is affected the same way — and if you want a cheap car, you can always look for a Tesla, whose prices have dropped significantly following the many recent controversies of Elon Musk. That being said, there are some tried-and-true cars that will still bring you a ton of value for relatively affordable prices. If you’re looking for a luxury car feel with maximum reliability, try shooting for a car made by Ford (F) or Mazda. Maybe these brands don’t have the same luxurious, expensive reputation as a Rolls-Royce, Mercedes-Benz, or Ferrari. But that doesn’t mean they’re not worth your money. Here, 24/7 Wall St. set out to determine the most reliable “cheap” car brands. To do so, we looked up average car prices from sources like U.S. News and World Report, Car and Driver, and brand-specific websites; we also explored forums like Reddit to understand what values — from reliability to features — drew people to the brand. The cars are listed from most to least expensive. It is important to note that car prices vary between sources; while the average is an approximation, it should be relatively accurate across all brand models. (I always dreamed of purchasing a Mercedes-Benz, but these 10 red flags changed my mind.)

This previously published article was updated on March 13, 2025 to reflect changes in the automotive industry caused by the soon-to-be-applied tariffs implemented by U.S. President Donald Trump. 

Buying Cars: What You Need to Know

In a way, cars have always been a sign of status. We drive our cars to work, to school, to see family and friends. We choose a nice car when traveling; we search for great gas mileage, an attractive color, and a roomy feel. But buying luxury no longer means having to spend nearly $100,000 for a vehicle. Despite Donald Trump placing a one-month hold for U.S. automakers on metals tariffs, many people are concerned that they need to buy a car now — or they’re going to miss out.

We can’t concretely tell you whether this is true or not, but we can say that once tariffs are enforced, consumers probably will face a price hike. If you’re looking for a new car now, especially if you’re searching for an inexpensive car on a tight budget, the vehicles on this list should be highly consdered. Not only do these cars have lower costs upfront, but they have minimal unexpected repair expenses and less need for specialized repair services than “fancier” cars. That means you’ll save more money in the long run. 

In the market for a new car? Buy one of these car brands for reliability without the excessive price tag: 

8. Ford: The Perfect Pickup

• Average car price: $38,000 – $45,000
• Bestsellers: F-150, Mustang, Explorer, Escape
• Cheapest car: Maverick (from $26,995)

Once upon a time, Ford suffered from a negative reputation regarding its reliability — or lack thereof. However, Ford has become increasingly reliable over the years and earned back consumer trust. The Ford F-150 was even the best-selling pickup truck in America for 47 years before being replaced by the Toyota RAV4. While the cost of Ford varies based on the model, trim, and features, the Ford Maverick and Escape offer some of the best value around. The Maverick, which typically starts in the low $20,000s, offers plenty of towing and cargo capacity. Its fuel efficiency and maneuverability make this car well worth buying. 

7. Toyota: A Reliable Brand

• Average car price: $38,198
• Bestsellers: Highlander, Corolla, Camry
• Cheapest car: Corolla (from $23,310) 

If you look up “reliability” in the dictionary, you’d probably see a photo of a Toyota. Drivers love the Toyota brand for its reliability — and Toyota is often at the top of many car lists as the brand with the best combination of affordability and dependability. Toyotas are dependable and long-lasting, so if you want a car that can withstand the test of time, consider a Toyota Corolla or a Highlander. You’ll get strong initial and resale value, unmatched safety features, and a comfortable interior. Plus, if you get one of Toyota’s premium maintenance packages, there’s no need to pay for service appointments for four to five years.

6. Kia: Bang for Your Buck

• Average car price: $36,936
• Bestsellers: Forte, Telluride, Sportage
• Cheapest car: Rio (discontinued); Seltos (from $24,690)

When Kia still sold its Rio, the price started around an unbelievable $16,750. Despite its strong reliability scores and low maintenance requirements, the Rio was a poor seller — though you can still find models for under $20,000 on car sale sites like Carvana. Today, Kia’s cheap offering is its Kia Seltos, a compact SUV with a great warranty and relatively low MSRP at $24,690. There are other higher-priced Kia cars available (hence the higher average car price), but you’re getting something outstanding with the Kia Maintenance Plan. This plan covers your vehicle for up to six years, including two annual service appointments — so even buying a higher-priced Kia model saves you money on maintenance over the years. Sure, the Seltos won’t be mistaken for a sports car or a technologically advanced vehicle. But you can’t deny that Kia offers great bang for your buck. 

5. Honda: A Champion in Durability

• Average car price: $35,886
• Bestsellers: Civic, HR-V, Accord
• Cheapest car: Civic (from $24,250)

The Honda Civic might be the most popular cheap car on this list. There’s a reason why Honda is mentioned in nearly every discussion about reliability. Honda has long prided itself on its cars’ durability. While this may have come at the expense of the latest tech features, Honda has been steadily improving on its vehicle tech and is looking to set itself up as the best all-around cheap car brand, both nationally and internationally. Honda’s cheapest car, the Civic, is fuel-efficient and fun to drive, but still practical enough for every day use. 

4. Mazda: Have Some Fun

• Average car price: $33,850
• Bestsellers: Mazda3, Mazda CX9, CX-30
• Cheapest car: Mazda3 (from $23,950) 

Want an inexpensive car that’s fun to drive? If you haven’t considered it yet, check out a Mazda. Known for its joyful handling and “Zoom-Zoom” tagline, Mazda has differentiated itself from other brands by designing its cars to look and feel sporty while driving. We all know the price of gas is about to go up to — but Mazda’s got your back. The Mazda3 is not only incredibly affordable, but one of the most fuel-efficient cars on the market today. 

3. Subaru: We’re Impreza-d

• Average car price: $31,840
• Bestsellers: Impreza, Impreza wagon, Legacy
• Cheapest car: Impreza (from $23,610)

Over the past few years, Subaru has struggled to maintain a consistent reputation. The company has been known as excellent, and questionable, but luckily it has still maintained a fan base. It’s especially hard to resist the call of the Subaru Impreza. Subaru has been making the Impreza since 1992. This fun and sport hatchback has a comfortable interior, improved infotainment experience with its 11.6-inch touchscreen, and unique accents. It’s no wonder Subaru claims that the 2025 Impreza is “built to thrill.” While other Subaru models will run you more money, the Impreza is an easy winner and its features far justify its price tag. 

2. Buick: Envista in This Car

• Average car price: $29,648
• Bestsellers: Envista, Encore, Envision 
• Cheapest car: Envista (from $23,800)

If you’re looking for a cheap car brand that offers some of the best five-year value you can find today, it’s the Buick. Rest assured, this is not your grandparent’s Buick. The brand has done a complete 180 on its designs, moving toward a sportier, trendier-looking body that offers the latest technology features. The days of Buick being old and slow are gone, and now the brand provides excellent reliability with a value price tag. Expect a smooth ride in the Envista, a compact crossover with a roomy interior that gets up to 32 highway miles per gallon. 

1. Hyundai: Outstanding Warranty

• Average car price: $29,117.50
• Bestsellers: Venue, Elantra, Kona
• Cheapest car: Accent (discontinued); Venue (from $20,200)

No matter which Hyundai model you choose, you’re typically looking at $42,000 or less out of your pocket. The Hyundai Accent, which was discontinued in 2023, can still be found and purchased at prices around $16,645. But if you’re searching for a cheap car that Hyundai is still focusing on developing, consider the Hyundai Venue. This compact SUV offers plenty of room for you and whatever cargo you need to tote around. You may not get the flashiest design around, but your Hyundai will keep you safe on the road. Buying a Hyundai, you should also take advantage of the 10-year, 100,000-mile Powertrain warranty. So long as you treat and value the Hyundai properly, you will see the value of this budget-friendly car brand. 

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