Browse Small Cars $10,000 - $20,000 - Best Cars & Trucks

MSRP: $16,100 - $20,875
Invoice: $15,376 - $19,936
Avg. Paid: $16,169 - $20,778
MPG: 26 City / 32 Hwy

Pontiac Vibe

The Vibe has cargo space to rival larger crossovers, but its unexciting drive doesn't compare well to newer hatchbacks.

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U.S.News Scores
Overall:	7.7
Performance:	7.1
Exterior:	7.8
Interior:	7.5
Safety:	9.6
Reliability:	8.0

How we calc scores

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

Scion tC

#12 in Affordable Small Cars

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: $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: $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: $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.