Here are 10 of the cheapest new cars you can buy in the US

Toyota’s Camry has been a cheap car champion for ages, and is still so now, even if it’s no longer as affordable as others. Still, with its starting price being under $30k, the Camry remains an affordable, competent ride that provides substantial bang for each buck. Along with a big upgrade to the looks, the interior’s also seen a big boost in quality. Is it luxurious? No, but it comes awfully close.

It’s no coincidence that Honda’s Accord rhymes with “afford” and… well, actually, you might be able to, because this dutiful four-door starts from around $29,000. The Accord’s all-business looks and decent handling make it an easy pick for anyone shopping for a serious daily driver that doesn’t break the bank.

While the Sonata’s long been a keystone of Hyundai’s lineup, it’s currently on an upswing, particularly in the style department. Thanks to a mid-cycle refresh, the current Sonata sheds the “sad clown” fascia for something more elegant and aggressive. On the whole, it’s quite good, delivering decent power and convenience. With a sub $28k starting price, you can get one without going… baroque?

The Civic is so prolific, it wouldn’t be a stretch to think it was state-issued. Even before it became a tuner-crowd sweetheart, the Honda cemented itself as a reliable daily driver that covered all the bases on a budget. It currently starts at $25,400 which is a lot by old Civic standards, but is a reasonable price these days. Don’t hate the player, hate the game.

The name 'Impreza' might stir up memories of late Nineties EDM-fuelled horseplay but the current iteration of the nameplate is more sensible these days. Its starter trim rocks a 2.0-liter boxer engine capable of 152hp and 145lb ft of torque, which is plenty for this 'just fine' five door to putt around town. Want more? The RS comes with a bigger 2.5-liter engine with more grunt but not much else in the way of sporty upgrades. All still barely under $30k if you go down that road.

The Corolla doesn’t seem like a car people would buy, but a car they'd mysteriously acquire like clothes hangars. Still, a great many people must be buying them given how many are out on the roads. If you’re such a person, we have good news: it starts at a mere $23,460. We also have bad news: it certainly feels like the budget car that it is. The Corolla is far from horrible, but don’t let the sharp new looks trick you into thinking it’s fun.

Hey students! Need a 'Car'? If you answered 'yes' and that’s as far as you got into the decision process, congrats, you just got a Jetta. This VW four-door has long been a go-to for anyone nonplussed about what they’re driving, so long as they can do so on the cheap. At $23,220, the Jetta fits that bill, though not much else. Look at it this way, getting a Jetta means less time thinking about driving, just like how wearing the same sweater every day saves you from thinking about clothes.

With the old Forte sent to the farm upstate, we’re left with the K4, a sedan that covers all the bases in terms of commuting convenience. The base-model LX comes in at around $23,165 which nets shoppers a 2.0-liter turbo four engine that runs 147hp through a CVT transmission to the front wheels. Sounds familiar? It should, it’s the typical budget layout. You could pay more for the GT-Line Turbo trim, but there’s very little return on that investment. At least the Forte had a manual. Ah well.

The Hyundai Elantra is similar to the Toyota Camry in that it’s currently better looking and engaging than it has much right to be. Where it differs is that it’s more affordable. At $23k, the Elantra serves sleekness and makes daily commutes a breeze. It’s somewhat engaging if the spirited driver inside you bubbles up to the surface, and there’s even a sport model to tickle that particular fancy.

For the asking price, the Nissan Versa’s a bit of alright. It looks half-decent, drives okay, and gets you from point to point in relative safety and comfort. What more could you ask for? Well, plenty, but this is a great starting point. At a slice over $18k, the Versa brings the basics on the table without feeling too much like a compromise. There are no thrills to be found here, but there is some charm instead.