Small Cars $10,000 - $20,000
- MSRP: $11,965 - $15,365
- Invoice: $11,486 - $14,750
- Avg. Paid: $12,624 - $15,998
- MPG: 27 City / 35 Hwy
Chevrolet Aveo
#34 in Affordable Small Cars
The Chevy Aveo is notable for its low sticker price more than for anything else. It is among the least expensive cars on the road, and with solid fuel economy, it's cheap to operate ...
- Get Chevrolet Aveo price quotes from local dealers.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 6.7 |
| Performance: | 6.7 |
| Exterior: | 7.7 |
| Interior: | 7.3 |
| Safety: | 8.4 |
| Reliability: | 4.0 |
- MSRP: $14,990 - $24,535
- Invoice: $14,390 - $23,554
- Avg. Paid: $14,979 - $24,903
- MPG: 25 City / 37 Hwy
Chevrolet Cobalt
#21 in Affordable Small Cars
The Chevy Cobalt is surprisingly fun to drive for an inexpensive car, boasts solid fuel economy, and is available with one of the nicest stereo systems found in this price range. But its seats ...
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| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.6 |
| Performance: | 7.9 |
| Exterior: | 7.5 |
| Interior: | 6.7 |
| Safety: | 8.7 |
| Reliability: | 7.0 |
- MSRP: $16,460 - $24,840
- Invoice: $15,498 - $23,208
- Avg. Paid: $16,417 - $24,384
- MPG: 24 City / 30 Hwy
Dodge Caliber
#36 in Affordable Small Cars
The Caliber's aggressive styling and spacious trunk are assets for anyone shopping for a hatchback -- but reviewers say the car's underwhelming powertrain and less than stellar build might make you think twice. Consider the ...
- Get Dodge Caliber price quotes from local dealers.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 6.6 |
| Performance: | 6.4 |
| Exterior: | 7.5 |
| Interior: | 7.1 |
| Safety: | 8.1 |
| Reliability: | 5.0 |
- MSRP: $15,995 - $18,485
- Invoice: $15,071 - $17,177
- Avg. Paid: $16,250 - $18,656
- MPG: 24 City / 35 Hwy
Ford Focus
#26 in Affordable Small Cars
The 2010 Ford Focus is worth a look for its comfortable front seats, entertainment features and innovative MyKey system. That said, if you’re looking for performance or cargo capacity, there are better options available.
- Get Ford Focus price quotes from local dealers.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.4 |
| Performance: | 7.6 |
| Exterior: | 7.1 |
| Interior: | 7.8 |
| Safety: | 8.3 |
| Reliability: | 7.0 |
- MSRP: $15,455 - $24,455
- Invoice: $14,250 - $22,505
- Avg. Paid: $15,651 - $24,140
- MPG: 25 City / 36 Hwy
Honda Civic
#1 in Affordable Small Cars
Reviewers agree that the 2010 Honda Civic is a winning combination of substance and style that has deservedly staked its claim as a class leader. It is one of the most reliable, fuel efficient ...
- Get Honda Civic price quotes from local dealers.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 9.0 |
| Performance: | 8.3 |
| Exterior: | 8.2 |
| Interior: | 8.2 |
| Safety: | 9.6 |
| Reliability: | 8.0 |
- MSRP: $14,900 - $19,110
- Invoice: $14,380 - $18,421
- Avg. Paid: $16,054 - $20,321
- MPG: 28 City / 35 Hwy
Honda Fit
#1 in Affordable Small Cars
The 2010 Honda Fit is a winner is almost every respect. Beloved by the automotive press for its innovative storage options, its extensive list of available features and its zippy ride, the Fit is ...
- Get Honda Fit price quotes from local dealers.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 9.0 |
| Performance: | 8.2 |
| Exterior: | 7.3 |
| Interior: | 8.7 |
| Safety: | 9.6 |
| Reliability: | 8.0 |
- MSRP: $9,970 - $16,995
- Invoice: $9,872 - $16,480
- Avg. Paid: $10,484 - $17,378
- MPG: 27 (Est) City / 36 (Est) Hwy
Hyundai Accent
#16 in Affordable Small Cars
The 2010 Hyundai Accent is a good choice for those looking for value in an inexpensive car. It falls well short of competitors, however, because of its Spartan cabin and few available safety features.
- Get Hyundai Accent price quotes from local dealers.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.7 |
| Performance: | 6.7 |
| Exterior: | 7.8 |
| Interior: | 7.5 |
| Safety: | 9.0 |
| Reliability: | NA |
- MSRP: $14,145 - $17,845
- Invoice: $13,758 - $17,113
- Avg. Paid: $14,226 - $17,761
- MPG: 25 City / 33 Hwy
Hyundai Elantra
#3 in Affordable Small Cars
Offering one of the most comfortable and spacious cabins in the Affordable Small Car class, the Elantra is well worth a look for those who want a little extra comfort while getting from point ...
- Get Hyundai Elantra price quotes from local dealers.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.5 |
| Performance: | 7.6 |
| Exterior: | 7.7 |
| Interior: | 8.3 |
| Safety: | NA |
| Reliability: | 9.0 |
- MSRP: $13,695 - $18,695
- Invoice: $13,430 - $17,810
- Avg. Paid: $14,197 - $19,449
- MPG: 25 (Est) City / 34 (Est) Hwy
Kia Forte
#3 in Affordable Small Cars
The automotive press is heaping praise on the trendy and feature-laden 2010 Kia Forte. While the Forte's predecessor, the Spectra, was a disappointment to most reviewers, the all-new Forte delivers on style, performance ...
- Get Kia Forte price quotes from local dealers.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.5 |
| Performance: | 8.0 |
| Exterior: | 9.0 |
| Interior: | 8.5 |
| Safety: | 9.3 |
| Reliability: | 5.0 |
- MSRP: $11,495 - $14,875
- Invoice: $11,045 - $14,120
- Avg. Paid: $11,916 - $15,208
- MPG: 27 City / 32 Hwy
Kia Rio
#23 in Affordable Small Cars
The Rio is a competent affordable small car with plenty of safety features and an appealing powertrain warranty, but it doesn't have the amenities, utility or comfort that others in its class provide.
- Get Kia Rio price quotes from local dealers.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.5 |
| Performance: | 7.0 |
| Exterior: | 8.4 |
| Interior: | 7.3 |
| Safety: | 6.0 |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
- MSRP: $13,325 - $15,125
- Invoice: $12,640 - $14,355
- Avg. Paid: $13,700 - $15,452
- MPG: 27 City / 32 Hwy
Kia Rio5
#12 in Affordable Small Cars
The Rio5 offers one of the best safety packages in its class, as well as an outstanding warranty and good cargo capacity. But it also has very few standard cabin amenities, and there are ...
- Get Kia Rio5 price quotes from local dealers.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.8 |
| Performance: | 7.6 |
| Exterior: | 8.3 |
| Interior: | 7.3 |
| Safety: | 8.4 |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
- MSRP: $13,300 - $17,900
- Invoice: $12,755 - $16,775
- Avg. Paid: $13,955 - $18,506
- MPG: - TBD - City / - TBD - Hwy
Kia Soul
#10 in Affordable Small Cars
The Soul is Kia's brand-new car-based hatchback, though it does sport some SUV-like styling. It's about the same length as the Kia Rio compact and competes with other small hatchbacks including the Scion xB. ...
- Get Kia Soul price quotes from local dealers.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.0 |
| Performance: | 7.1 |
| Exterior: | 8.6 |
| Interior: | 8.6 |
| Safety: | 9.8 |
| Reliability: | 5.0 |
- MSRP: $13,550 - $17,450
- Invoice: $12,965 - $16,310
- Avg. Paid: $13,787 - $17,533
- MPG: 23 City / 30 Hwy
Kia Spectra
#26 in Affordable Small Cars
The Spectra is practical and spacious with a high-quality cabin. In addition, it has one of the lowest MSRPs in its class. But many say the Spectra's handling is soft compared to the sportiest compacts, and its front-row is not ...
- Get Kia Spectra price quotes from local dealers.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.4 |
| Performance: | 7.3 |
| Exterior: | 8.1 |
| Interior: | 7.5 |
| Safety: | 7.9 |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
- MSRP: $16,695 - $17,695
- Invoice: $15,610 - $16,540
- Avg. Paid: $16,809 - $17,768
- MPG: 23 City / 30 Hwy
Kia Spectra5
#23 in Affordable Small Cars
The Spectra5 is nimble on highways and easy on the wallet, but is not the best vehicle for impressive power, and most reviewers say you won't be comfortable in the cabin for too long.
- Get Kia Spectra5 price quotes from local dealers.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.5 |
| Performance: | 7.3 |
| Exterior: | 8.0 |
| Interior: | 7.0 |
| Safety: | 9.3 |
| Reliability: | 5.0 |
- MSRP: $15,295 - $22,800
- Invoice: $14,341 - $21,345
- Avg. Paid: $15,337 - $22,440
- MPG: 25 (Est) City / 33 (Est) Hwy
Mazda MAZDA3
#7 in Affordable Small Cars
The redesigned Mazda3's aggressively sporty performance is notable among affordable small cars, but its once-sleek exterior is now described as goofy-looking by some auto writers.
- Get Mazda MAZDA3 price quotes from local dealers.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.3 |
| Performance: | 8.7 |
| Exterior: | 5.6 |
| Interior: | 8.4 |
| Safety: | 9.8 |
| Reliability: | 5.0 |
- MSRP: $14,790 - $27,590
- Invoice: $14,090 - $26,285
- Avg. Paid: $15,426 - $28,093
- MPG: 22 City / 30 Hwy
Mitsubishi Lancer
#21 in Affordable Small Cars
While the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer is a favorite in the automotive press for its aggressive exterior styling, decent handling and comfortable front seats, it has some drawbacks. The Lancer's reluctant engine and low-quality interior ...
- Get Mitsubishi Lancer price quotes from local dealers.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.6 |
| Performance: | 7.7 |
| Exterior: | 9.1 |
| Interior: | 7.0 |
| Safety: | NA |
| Reliability: | 5.0 |
- MSRP: $15,420 - $20,080
- Invoice: $14,794 - $18,725
- Avg. Paid: $15,650 - $20,133
- MPG: 26 City / 34 Hwy
Nissan Sentra
#31 in Affordable Small Cars
For 2010 Nissan has reworked its pricing structure so that all six trims of the new Sentra are offered with more features at a lower starting price, which means a savings ranging from a ...
- Get Nissan Sentra price quotes from local dealers.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.2 |
| Performance: | 6.8 |
| Exterior: | 6.9 |
| Interior: | 7.9 |
| Safety: | 9.6 |
| Reliability: | 7.0 |
- MSRP: $9,900 - $16,530
- Invoice: $9,759 - $15,942
- Avg. Paid: $10,160 - $16,924
- MPG: 26 (2009) City / 34 (2009) Hwy
Nissan Versa
#16 in Affordable Small Cars
Considering that it is one of the least expensive cars in its class, the Nissan Versa is a good choice for its spacious cabin and excellent handling dynamics. That said, it falls far short ...
- Get Nissan Versa price quotes from local dealers.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.7 |
| Performance: | 7.2 |
| Exterior: | 7.1 |
| Interior: | 8.6 |
| Safety: | 9.2 |
| Reliability: | 5.0 |
- MSRP: $14,335 - $14,335
- Invoice: $13,690 - $13,690
- Avg. Paid: $13,557 - $13,557
- MPG: 27 City / 34 Hwy
Pontiac G3
Not Yet Ranked
Daewoo calls it the Kalos, and Chevy named it the Aveo, but Pontiac has opted to call this five-door hatchback the G3. With the Pontiac brand being phased out, the G3 has one of the ...
- Get Pontiac G3 price quotes from local dealers.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | NA |
| Performance: | NA |
| Exterior: | NA |
| Interior: | NA |
| Safety: | NA |
| Reliability: | NA |
- MSRP: $16,980 - $20,280
- Invoice: $16,216 - $19,367
- Avg. Paid: $16,067 - $19,076
- MPG: 23 City / 32 Hwy
Pontiac G5
#34 in Affordable Small Cars
The G5 trails the majority of the small car class when it comes to comfort, quality and performance. Take the Mazda3 for a test drive if you're looking for the sportiness previously associated with ...
- Get Pontiac G5 price quotes from local dealers.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 6.7 |
| Performance: | 6.8 |
| Exterior: | 7.7 |
| Interior: | 6.3 |
| Safety: | 8.7 |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |