- New
- Used
Small Cars $20,000 - $30,000
- MSRP: $29,310 - $37,950
- Invoice: $26,959 - $34,882
- Avg. Paid: $28,831 - $37,118
- MPG: 20 City / 28 Hwy
Acura TSX
#4 in Upscale Small Cars
The TSX is a fun-to-drive vehicle at an affordable price. Reviewers especially praise its high-quality cabin and long list of standard features.
- Get Acura TSX price quotes from local dealers.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.0 |
| Performance: | 7.4 |
| Exterior: | 7.2 |
| Interior: | 8.2 |
| Safety: | 10.0 |
| Reliability: | 7.0 |
- MSRP: $26,920 - $36,975
- Invoice: $25,035 - $34,387
- Avg. Paid: $26,359 - $36,015
- MPG: 21 City / 30 Hwy
Audi A3
#2 in Upscale Small Cars
The A3 has sports car-like performance in the body of a sleek hatchback, but it's expensive compared to other entry-level luxury cars.
- Get Audi A3 price quotes from local dealers.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.4 |
| Performance: | 8.8 |
| Exterior: | 8.4 |
| Interior: | 7.8 |
| Safety: | 10.0 |
| Reliability: | 5.0 |
- MSRP: $29,000 - $40,150
- Invoice: $26,680 - $36,940
- Avg. Paid: $30,171 - $41,180
- MPG: 18 (2009) City / 28 (2009) Hwy
BMW 1-Series
#3 in Upscale Small Cars
Reviewers have mixed feelings about the 2010 BMW 1-Series. On the plus side, the 1-Series is precise on the road and refined on the inside. On the other hand, many criticize its cramped rear seat ...
- Get BMW 1-Series price quotes from local dealers.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.2 |
| Performance: | 9.0 |
| Exterior: | 7.3 |
| Interior: | 6.8 |
| Safety: | NA |
| Reliability: | 7.0 |
- 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 ...
- Get Chevrolet Cobalt price quotes from local dealers.
| 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: $15,455 - $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: $23,800 - $27,000
- Invoice: $21,904 - $24,839
- Avg. Paid: $24,229 - $27,269
- MPG: 40 City / 45 Hwy
Honda Civic Hybrid
#5 in Affordable Small Cars
The 2010 Honda Civic Hybrid offers a satisfying combination of high quality design and class-leading fuel economy in a relatively affordable price. Still, if you're looking to go green but want a car with ...
- Get Honda Civic Hybrid price quotes from local dealers.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.4 |
| Performance: | 7.3 |
| Exterior: | 8.2 |
| Interior: | 7.9 |
| Safety: | 9.6 |
| Reliability: | 8.0 |
- 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: $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 |
- MSRP: $16,100 - $20,875
- Invoice: $15,376 - $19,936
- Avg. Paid: $16,169 - $20,778
- MPG: 26 City / 32 Hwy
Pontiac Vibe
#16 in Affordable Small Cars
The Vibe has cargo space to rival larger crossovers, but its unexciting drive doesn't compare well to newer hatchbacks.
- Get Pontiac Vibe price quotes from local dealers.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.7 |
| Performance: | 7.1 |
| Exterior: | 7.8 |
| Interior: | 7.5 |
| Safety: | 9.6 |
| Reliability: | 8.0 |
- MSRP: $17,495 - $26,995
- Invoice: $16,734 - $25,510
- Avg. Paid: $17,448 - $26,463
- MPG: 20 City / 26 Hwy
Subaru Impreza
#16 in Affordable Small Cars
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 ...
- Get Subaru Impreza price quotes from local dealers.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.7 |
| Performance: | 7.8 |
| Exterior: | 6.6 |
| Interior: | 7.2 |
| Safety: | 9.6 |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
- 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.
- Get Toyota Corolla price quotes from local dealers.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.8 |
| Performance: | 7.6 |
| Exterior: | 7.1 |
| Interior: | 7.6 |
| Safety: | 9.3 |
| Reliability: | 8.0 |
- 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.
- Get Toyota Matrix price quotes from local dealers.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.4 |
| Performance: | 7.0 |
| Exterior: | 7.3 |
| Interior: | 7.6 |
| Safety: | 9.6 |
| Reliability: | 8.0 |
- MSRP: $23,230 - $24,930
- Invoice: $21,656 - $23,310
- Avg. Paid: $22,331 - $23,944
- MPG: 21 City / 31 Hwy
Volkswagen GTI
#1 in Upscale Small Cars
The GTI has strong performance, handling and braking, along with a well-designed cabin. But the GTI has some confusing and outdated entertainment features, and VW purists are indecisive over the hatch's more modern appearance.
- Get Volkswagen GTI price quotes from local dealers.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.5 |
| Performance: | 8.9 |
| Exterior: | 7.8 |
| Interior: | 8.5 |
| Safety: | 8.6 |
| Reliability: | 5.0 |
- 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.
- Get Volkswagen Jetta price quotes from local dealers.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.3 |
| Performance: | 8.4 |
| Exterior: | 7.8 |
| Interior: | 8.4 |
| Safety: | 9.4 |
| Reliability: | 5.0 |
- 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.
- Get Volkswagen New Beetle price quotes from local dealers.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 6.9 |
| Performance: | 7.4 |
| Exterior: | 7.9 |
| Interior: | 6.5 |
| Safety: | 7.8 |
| Reliability: | 5.0 |
- MSRP: $24,100 - $26,300
- Invoice: $22,654 - $24,722
- Avg. Paid: $22,251 - $24,430
- MPG: 21 City / 29 Hwy
Volvo C30
#7 in Upscale Small Cars
The Volvo C30's distinctive look and extensive list of safety features will attract many buyers, but reviewers say its performance doesn't live up to what its stylish exterior seems to promise, and it is ...
- Get Volvo C30 price quotes from local dealers.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.8 |
| Performance: | 7.9 |
| Exterior: | 9.0 |
| Interior: | 8.0 |
| Safety: | NA |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
- MSRP: $26,200 - $31,350
- Invoice: $24,628 - $29,469
- Avg. Paid: $24,175 - $28,848
- MPG: 21 City / 29 Hwy
Volvo S40
#6 in Upscale Small Cars
The 2010 Volvo S40 boasts a classy exterior and tasteful interior, and a long list of safety features. It is kept out of the top of its class, however, by lackluster performance.
- Get Volvo S40 price quotes from local dealers.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.9 |
| Performance: | 7.6 |
| Exterior: | 8.3 |
| Interior: | 7.7 |
| Safety: | 9.3 |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |