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Small Cars $20,000 - $30,000

20 cars match your search criteria. You can use the filters above to narrow the results.
Acura TSX Image
  • 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.

U.S.News Scores
Overall:8.0
Performance:7.4
Exterior:7.2
Interior:8.2
Safety:10.0
Reliability:7.0
Audi A3 Image
  • 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.

U.S.News Scores
Overall:8.4
Performance:8.8
Exterior:8.4
Interior:7.8
Safety:10.0
Reliability:5.0
BMW 1-Series Image
  • 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 ...

U.S.News Scores
Overall:8.2
Performance:9.0
Exterior:7.3
Interior:6.8
Safety:NA
Reliability:7.0
Chevrolet Cobalt Image
  • 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 ...

U.S.News Scores
Overall:7.6
Performance:7.9
Exterior:7.5
Interior:6.7
Safety:8.7
Reliability:7.0
Dodge Caliber Image
  • 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 ...

U.S.News Scores
Overall:6.6
Performance:6.4
Exterior:7.5
Interior:7.1
Safety:8.1
Reliability:5.0
Honda Civic Image
  • 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 ...

U.S.News Scores
Overall:9.0
Performance:8.3
Exterior:8.2
Interior:8.2
Safety:9.6
Reliability:8.0
Honda Civic Hybrid Image
  • 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 ...

U.S.News Scores
Overall:8.4
Performance:7.3
Exterior:8.2
Interior:7.9
Safety:9.6
Reliability:8.0
Mazda MAZDA3 Image
  • 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.

U.S.News Scores
Overall:8.3
Performance:8.7
Exterior:5.6
Interior:8.4
Safety:9.8
Reliability:5.0
Mitsubishi Lancer Image
  • 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 ...

U.S.News Scores
Overall:7.6
Performance:7.7
Exterior:9.1
Interior:7.0
Safety:NA
Reliability:5.0
Nissan Sentra Image
  • 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 ...

U.S.News Scores
Overall:7.2
Performance:6.8
Exterior:6.9
Interior:7.9
Safety:9.6
Reliability:7.0
Pontiac G5 Image
  • 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 ...

U.S.News Scores
Overall:6.7
Performance:6.8
Exterior:7.7
Interior:6.3
Safety:8.7
Reliability:6.0
Pontiac Vibe Image
  • 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.

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

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

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

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

U.S.News Scores
Overall:8.5
Performance:8.9
Exterior:7.8
Interior:8.5
Safety:8.6
Reliability:5.0
Volkswagen Jetta Image
  • 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.

U.S.News Scores
Overall:8.3
Performance:8.4
Exterior:7.8
Interior:8.4
Safety:9.4
Reliability:5.0
Volkswagen New Beetle Image
  • 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.

U.S.News Scores
Overall:6.9
Performance:7.4
Exterior:7.9
Interior:6.5
Safety:7.8
Reliability:5.0
Volvo C30 Image
  • 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 ...

U.S.News Scores
Overall:7.8
Performance:7.9
Exterior:9.0
Interior:8.0
Safety:NA
Reliability:6.0
Volvo S40 Image
  • 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.

U.S.News Scores
Overall:7.9
Performance:7.6
Exterior:8.3
Interior:7.7
Safety:9.3
Reliability:6.0