A good, new car needn’t cost an arm and a leg. Consumer Reports has a list of recommended vehicles that cost less than $25,000 when typically equipped. To be recommended, cars must have performed well in Consumer Reports' battery of more than 50 tests; have average or better reliability based on its extensive owner surveys; and if crash-tested, provide good overall safety.
Manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) listed includes destination charges and typical features such as air conditioning; antilock brakes; power windows, locks, and mirrors; cruise control; and automatic transmission (unless otherwise noted). Rebates or other incentives could make some of these recommended cars even better deals.
Here are the five least expensive vehicles Consumer Reports recommends:
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1. Honda Fit (base) - $15,385
2. Mazda 3i Sport (sedan) - $17,205
3. Hyundai Elantra SE - $17,945
4. Volkswagen Jetta S - $19,865
5. Hyundai Sonata GLS (4-cyl.) - $20,095
Below is the full list of Consumer Reports' recommended vehicles priced under $25,000 when typically equipped.
CARS MSRP ($)
Ford Fusion SE (4-cyl.)
21,330
Honda Accord LX-P
22,795
Honda Civic EX 20,145
Honda Civic Hybrid
23,235
Honda Fit (base) 15,385
Hyundai Elantra SE 17,945
Hyundai Sonata GLS (4-cyl.) 20,095
Hyundai Sonata SE (V6)
23,545
Kia Optima EX (4-cyl.)
22,335
Kia Optima EX (V6) 23,340
Mazda3i Sport (sedan) 17,205
Mazda6i Sport VE (4- cyl.) 21,985
Mercury Milan (base, 4-cyl.) 21,530
Nissan Altima 2.5 S 22,385
Toyota Camry LE (4-cyl.) 23,355
Toyota Prius 23,710
Volkswagen Jetta S 19,865
WAGONS & HATCHBACKS MSRP ($)
Mazda3s Grand Touring 22,815
Mazda5 Touring 21,245
Scion xB 17,609
SPORTY CARS
All have manual transmissions. MSRP ($)
Honda Civic Si (coupe) 21,745
Scion tC
17,620
Mazda MX-5 Miata Sport 23,275
SMALL SUVS MRSP ($)
Honda CR-V EX 24,785
Hyundai Tucson SE (V6) 24,595
Subaru Forester 2.5 X 24,140
Toyota RAV4 (base, 4-cyl.)
23,855