These Are The Cheap Cars Consumer Reports Thinks You Should Buy

The fearsome 2024 Toyota Camry LE is one of those do-it-all cars that you absolutely know you can count on. According to CR, its MSRP is $26,420, but average transaction prices usually run around $25,325 — which is a savings of $1,095.

Toyota Camry Pros:

• High overall satisfaction score, per Consumer Reports
• Comfortable, enjoyable to drive
• Its closest competition? The Camry Hybrid.

Toyota Camry Cons:

• A more expensive option in the affordable car realm
• Unpleasant engine sound
• Rough transmission
• Mediocre value

As a Mazda2 owner myself, I have a soft spot for the number-named Japanese models. While MSRP for the 2024 Mazda3 2.5 S Select Sport is about $24,690, Consumer Reports notes that you can usually expect to pay about $381 more than asking — but that still makes for a fairly cheap transaction price of $25,071.

Mazda3 Pros:

• High-quality fit and finish
• Great braking
• Shockingly quiet for its class

Mazda3 Cons:

• Tight rear seats
• Confusing controls
• Less interesting drive compared to previous model years

If you’re in the market for a cheap hatchback-y car that hasn’t quite committed to the hatchback life, look no further than the 2024 Subaru Impreza Sport. You can expect to spend about $170 under an MSRP of $24,995, for an average transaction price of $24,825.

Subaru Impreza Pros:

• Redesigned for a contemporary feel
• Strong fuel economy
• Hatchback provides rear versatility and room
• AWD is standard
• Great handling

Subaru Impreza Cons:

• Slow acceleration
• Mediocre power

You’re going to have to spend about $964 over MSRP ($23,575) for an average transaction price of $24,539 — but that still makes the 2024 Hyundai Elantra SEL a damn good deal.

Hyundai Elantra Pros:

• Great fuel economy
• Easy-to-use and intuitive controls
• Sharp, efficient braking
• Enjoyable handling

Hyundai Elantra Cons:

• Loud engine noise in the cabin
• Challenging to access for people with mobility concerns
• Rough ride

The 2024 Toyota Corolla Hatchback SE CVT will definitely require you to spend a little over MSRP — an additional $737 tacked onto a $23,505 asking price — but that still leaves you with a vehicle that costs $24,242. For a hatchback? That’s a dream.

Toyota Corolla Hatchback Pros:

• Hatchback versatility
• Great fuel economy
• Intuitive controls
• Toyota reliability and handling

Toyota Corolla Hatchback Cons:

• Tight rear seat
• Lots of engine noise in cabin
• Rough ride

While I haven’t driven one of these in a while, I can’t say I was a big fan of the Nissan Kicks. The 2024 Kicks SV will also require you to spend $1,088 over asking ($22,910) for an average transaction price of $23,998. Still a pretty damn good deal for a new vehicle!

Nissan Kicks Pros:

• Intuitive and simple controls
• Good gas mileage
• Excellent visibility

Nissan Kicks Cons:

• Feels cheap inside
• As agile as a giant tortoise
• Mediocre acceleration
• Lack of front-seat comfort

The 2024 Toyota Corolla Hybrid LE is one of the better deals on this list. You’re getting an overall 48 MPG for a vehicle that costs you an average of $23,692. That’s only $192 over the $23,500 MSRP.

Toyota Corolla Hybrid Pros:

• Stellar fuel economy
• Smooth ride
• Intuitive controls
• Toyota’s legendary reliability

Toyota Corolla Hybrid Cons:

• Slow acceleration
• Long stopping distance
• Difficult access for folks with mobility issues
• Tight rear seat

If you’re not digging the “hybrid” thing yet, or you just want to save a little more money, the 2024 Toyota Corolla LE is still a great bet. The average transaction price ($22,322) is $272 over asking ($22,050), but that’s still a steal for a vehicle you know you can rely on.

Toyota Corolla Pros:

• Great fuel economy
• Comfortable ride
• Intuitive controls
• Toyota reliability

Toyota Corolla Cons:

• Sluggish acceleration
• Limited access for people with mobility concerns
• Tight rear seat

Another good bet on the sedan market is the 2024 Nissan Sentra SV CVT. You’ll probably have to spend $118 over asking ($21,820) for an average transaction price of $21,938, but that’s still a steal in today’s market.

Nissan Sentra Pros:

• Smooth ride with responsive handling and efficient braking
• Spacious rear seat
• Impressive fuel economy
• Intuitive controls

Nissan Sentra Cons:

• Weak headlights
• Lack of lower-back support in front seats
• Parking brake is still foot operated

The cheapest car that Consumer Reports recommends is the humble 2024 Kia Forte LXS IVT. MSRP stands at $20,490, but you’ll still have to spend about $878 over asking to get one off the lot. All things considered, though, that’s not too bad, and it makes for an average transaction price of $21,368.

Kia Forte Pros:

• Intuitive controls
• Good fuel economy
• Reasonable price

Kia Forte Cons:

• Cheap fit and finish
• Uncomfortable seats
• Noisy cabin
• Uncomfortable, rough ride