Browse $10,000 - $20,000 - Best Cars & Trucks - U.S. News Rankings and Reviews

MSRP: $17,000 - $17,800
Invoice: $16,150 - $16,910
Avg. Paid: $17,728 - $18,524
MPG: 20 City / 27 Hwy

Scion tC

Small and sporty, the tC is an affordable coupe with pleasing performance and plenty of customization possibilities.

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U.S.News Scores
Overall:	7.8
Performance:	7.8
Exterior:	8.0
Interior:	7.1
Safety:	9.3
Reliability:	4.0

How we calc scores

MSRP: $15,750 - $16,700
Invoice: $14,962 - $15,865
Avg. Paid: $16,515 - $17,463
MPG: 22 City / 28 Hwy

Scion xB

#12 in Affordable Small Cars

The xB is still square, safe and affordable, but isn't your best option for cabin comfort and gas mileage.

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U.S.News Scores
Overall:	7.8
Performance:	7.8
Exterior:	8.2
Interior:	7.7
Safety:	8.6
Reliability:	6.0

How we calc scores

MSRP: $14,800 - $15,600
Invoice: $14,060 - $14,820
Avg. Paid: $15,568 - $16,367
MPG: 26 City / 32 Hwy

Scion xD

#23 in Affordable Small Cars

Reviewers appreciate the xD for its around-town cruising capabilities and long list of customization options, but most say that it lacks the comfort and utility of other small cars or hatchbacks.

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U.S.News Scores
Overall:	7.5
Performance:	7.2
Exterior:	7.7
Interior:	7.2
Safety:	NA
Reliability:	6.0

How we calc scores

MSRP: $11,990 - $16,990
Invoice: $11,151 - $15,801
Avg. Paid: $12,925 - $17,854
MPG: 33 City / 41 Hwy

Smart ForTwo

#32 in Affordable Small Cars

The Fortwo's cute frame and nimble handling make it a very tempting choice for city driving, but its sluggish power is impractical for the highway.

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U.S.News Scores
Overall:	6.9
Performance:	6.4
Exterior:	8.2
Interior:	8.4
Safety:	8.5
Reliability:	4.0

How we calc scores

MSRP: $17,495 - $26,995
Invoice: $16,734 - $25,510
Avg. Paid: $17,448 - $26,463
MPG: 20 City / 26 Hwy

If you live in an area where winter weather can make driving difficult, the Subaru Impreza may be exactly what you’re looking for. With standard All-Wheel Drive and a host of safety features, it’s ...

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U.S.News Scores
Overall:	7.7
Performance:	7.8
Exterior:	6.6
Interior:	7.2
Safety:	9.6
Reliability:	6.0

How we calc scores

MSRP: $19,995 - $29,995
Invoice: $18,926 - $28,061
Avg. Paid: $19,152 - $28,305
MPG: 19 City / 27 Hwy

Subaru Legacy

#11 in Affordable Midsize Cars

No longer just a quirky option with all-wheel drive, the redesigned Subaru Legacy now one of the most spacious cars in its class. It's a fun-to-drive sedan that makes a unique styling statement no ...

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U.S.News Scores
Overall:	8.3
Performance:	8.5
Exterior:	7.9
Interior:	7.6
Safety:	10.0
Reliability:	6.0

How we calc scores

MSRP: $17,220 - $30,600
Invoice: $16,531 - $29,376
Avg. Paid: $17,086 - $29,818
MPG: 19 City / 23 Hwy

Suzuki Equator

#4 in Compact Pickup Trucks

The Suzuki Equator is Suzuki's first entry into the world of pickup trucks. Based on the Nissan Frontier, the Equator is meant to be a capable hauler for Suzuki's ATVs, boats and jet skis.

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U.S.News Scores
Overall:	7.3
Performance:	7.3
Exterior:	8.0
Interior:	7.0
Safety:	NA
Reliability:	5.0

How we calc scores

MSRP: $19,395 - $29,045
Invoice: $17,938 - $26,138
Avg. Paid: $18,856 - $27,945
MPG: 21 City / 31 Hwy

Toyota Camry

#8 in Affordable Midsize Cars

The Toyota Camry remains one of the best values in the automotive world. The 2009 edition won U.S. News' 2009 Best Car for the Money award in the midsize car class with its combination ...

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U.S.News Scores
Overall:	8.7
Performance:	7.7
Exterior:	8.0
Interior:	8.6
Safety:	8.7
Reliability:	10.0

How we calc scores

MSRP: $15,350 - $20,050
Invoice: $14,352 - $18,345
Avg. Paid: $15,357 - $19,862
MPG: 26 City / 35 Hwy

Toyota Corolla

#12 in Affordable Small Cars

The Corolla is still a great option for those who want dependability, comfort and a great value. But it doesn't have the versatility, style or power of the top-scoring cars in the class.

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U.S.News Scores
Overall:	7.8
Performance:	7.6
Exterior:	7.1
Interior:	7.6
Safety:	9.3
Reliability:	8.0

How we calc scores

MSRP: $16,550 - $21,960
Invoice: $15,474 - $20,092
Avg. Paid: $16,803 - $22,012
MPG: 26 City / 32 Hwy

Toyota Matrix

#26 in Affordable Small Cars

The Matrix is fuel efficient and practical. But nit-picking reviewers note the car's unimpressive cabin materials and forgettable performance.

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U.S.News Scores
Overall:	7.4
Performance:	7.0
Exterior:	7.3
Interior:	7.6
Safety:	9.6
Reliability:	8.0

How we calc scores

MSRP: $15,170 - $27,075
Invoice: $14,210 - $24,810
Avg. Paid: $15,528 - $27,142
MPG: 20 City / 26 Hwy

Toyota Tacoma

#1 in Compact Pickup Trucks

With its car-like interior and robust capabilities, the Toyota Tundra is one of the best choices in the compact pickup class.

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U.S.News Scores
Overall:	9.0
Performance:	8.6
Exterior:	8.1
Interior:	8.1
Safety:	9.9
Reliability:	8.0

How we calc scores

MSRP: $12,355 - $13,915
Invoice: $11,737 - $13,219
Avg. Paid: $12,660 - $14,419
MPG: 29 (2009) City / 35 (2009) Hwy

Toyota Yaris

#26 in Affordable Small Cars

From its excellent fuel economy and eccentric appearance to its comprehensive package of safety features, the 2010 Toyota Yaris is a good value. Nonetheless, with a painfully bare cabin and an awkward driving position, ...

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U.S.News Scores
Overall:	7.4
Performance:	7.2
Exterior:	7.9
Interior:	7.4
Safety:	8.0
Reliability:	7.0

How we calc scores

MSRP: $17,515 - $23,540
Invoice: $16,863 - $22,263
Avg. Paid: $17,059 - $22,607
MPG: 21 City / 30 Hwy

Volkswagen Jetta

#7 in Affordable Small Cars

The Jetta has good power, great safety features and comfortable seating, plus a brand new diesel trim that's earning positive attention for its smooth performance and high gas mileage.

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U.S.News Scores
Overall:	8.3
Performance:	8.4
Exterior:	7.8
Interior:	8.4
Safety:	9.4
Reliability:	5.0

How we calc scores

MSRP: $19,075 - $27,165
Invoice: $18,400 - $25,392
Avg. Paid: $19,016 - $26,724
MPG: 21 City / 30 Hwy

Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen

#2 in Affordable Compact Wagons

The 2009 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen offers a lot of usable space and one of the most refined driving experiences available in a compact wagon, all available for under $20,000. With a dearth of affordable ...

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U.S.News Scores
Overall:	8.6
Performance:	8.7
Exterior:	7.5
Interior:	7.7
Safety:	9.4
Reliability:	5.0

How we calc scores

MSRP: $18,290 - $25,990
Invoice: $17,371 - $24,686
Avg. Paid: $18,250 - $25,359
MPG: 20 City / 28 Hwy

Volkswagen New Beetle

#32 in Affordable Small Cars

If you like standing out in a crowd and have a soft spot for nostalgia, you'll appreciate the fun driving dynamics and playful appearance of the 2009 Volkswagen New Beetle.