Buying a car can be a considerable investment, but not everyone can afford to buy a new car or sometimes even a used car with today's economy. Between down payments, financing monthly payments, and then car insurance, it is sometimes impossible to make monthly payments on a vehicle no matter how much you want. Taking public transportation is good but can be very inconvenient between managing your time and the weather. Another issue is if you need to get somewhere, public transit does not go where you need to be sometimes. In rural areas, it might not be available at all.
Updated March 2022: Cheap cars will be famous for budget-friendly price ranges. The cheap materials, low power, and bland looks usually pair well with gas mileage and insurance costs. That being said, we've updated this list to include some more of the cheapest cars (trucks and SUVs) ever to be released to the public.
A variety of car manufacturers have tried to develop solutions to meet people's everyday needs. Some people might question themselves about buying a cheap car, thinking that they won't get a good car. That is not always true. With some time and effort, you can find good cars. There are many makes and models of different sizes and colors available to choose from. There are many cars under $20,000 available for consumers. Here is a list of the top 15 cheap cars on the market to make it easier for you to look at and possibly buy.
23 Ford Maverick ($19,995)
A truck for less than $20,000? It can't be done. Actually, it can and has. The Ford Maverick starts at $20,000 and is the cheapest pickup on the market. The Maverick is an entry-level pickup for those who can't decide if a truck is really what they need.
The Maverick sits below the Ranger, completing the size spectrum of trucks for Ford.
Ford has transitioned away from sedans to focus on their trucks, and the Maverick is the most recent addition. At the most entry-level price point, a 2.0L four-cylinder engine that produces 191 horsepower. Not too bad from the small truck.
22 Hyundai Venue ($19,935)
Entering SUV territory is the Hyundai Venue. It isn't overly large, but the crossover can seat five comfortably. Additionally, it has solid cargo space meaning adventure can come cheaper than ever before.
The Venue is more suited for the streets than off-road, though. It has ample safety settings to help keep drivers aware of their surroundings.
The Venue has a 1.6L four-cylinder engine that puts out 122 horsepower. Despite the modest performance, this small crossover has decent MPG ratings with up to 33 on the highway. The almost $20,000 price tag may scare some, but it's a steal nowadays!
21 Chevrolet Sonic LS ($17,370)
The next car to make a list is the Chevrolet Sonic LS. This car comes with an Ecotec 1.8l I4 DOHC VVT engine. The 6-Speed transmission comes in both standard and automatic transmission with front-wheel drive and can reach 60 mph. This car also comes in a 4-door hatchback or sedan, giving room for traveling and shopping.
According to Consumer Reports, this car is very comfortable for a subcompact model.
The Chevrolet Sonic LS has ten different colors for both the exterior and interior of this car so that you can pick out your favorite color. If you're looking for a reasonable price cheaper car, then give it a try and take it on a test drive.
20 Scion iQ ($16,688)
Toyota began manufacturing the Scion iQ in 2003. It was sold with a pure price guarantee. The Pure Price offer meant that no matter what the sticker price said or how much it was advertised for this car, that was that price. The iQ came equipped with a 1.3l 4-cylinder engine and a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.
This car can hold four people; there are two seats in the front and one in the back. According to Toyota Driver, the Scion iQ received four stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for rollover and crash tests.
19 Kia Rio S ($16,100)
According to U.S. News has rated the Kia Rio S #2 for subcompact cars. With a four-cylinder engine and 130 horsepower and has no issues climbing up hills. The Kia Rio helps save on fuel costs. In addition to 28 MPG in the city and 37 MPG on the highway, this car comes with four-wheel disc brakes cruise control, a 60/40-split-folding back seat, Apple CarPlay, and power windows.
The interior is roomy, with ample front seats and lots of legroom despite its small size. This car has an attractive body design giving it a sleek look, as the more expensive cars on the market. The Kia Rio is a nice car and enables the owner to do anything a regular car can do.
18 Fiat 500 ($15,985)
This is a nice car. The Fiat 500 Pop not only looks nice but is pleasant to drive. It has a 1.4l turbo four-cylinder engine and 135-horsepower. This is not a family car; it is basically only for the driver and sometimes a passenger.
This car is not the greatest for long-distance driving, so don't think that you can take it on really long road trips. It is a perfect car for local driving, like zipping to work and school. According to Car Buyer, this car comes with electric front windows, a CD/MP3 player, and electric door mirrors.
17 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 ES ($15,595)
Mitsubishi Motors is so confident in the Mirage G4 ES that they have given it a 10- year/100,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty, a 7-year/100,000-mile Anti-Corrosion/Perforation Limited Warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile warranty on the restraint system,5-years/unlimited miles Roadside Assistance and aa 5-year/60,000-mile fully transferable New Vehicle Basic Limited Warranty.
According to Edmunds, the Mitsubishi Mirage G4 ES has a lot to offer for the price.
It has the a1.2l 3-cylinder engine and a 5-speed manual or automatic transmission. This car will allow you to zip around in the city to work or school.
16 Mazda 2 ($15,528)
The Mazda 2 four-door hatchback is a subcompact car with a 1.5l 4-cylinder engine. According to Edmunds, the Mazda 2 has excellent handling and drives nicely. Car.com also reported that it's comfortable but a tight fit. If you're interested in this car, you will have to get used to it. This might not be the car for you if you are tall.
Comfort while driving is essential, and you will have to see for yourself and decide. It is a decent-looking car and looks sleek. It is a car worth checking out if you have the opportunity.
15 Smart Fortwo ($15,400)
The Smart Fortwo was introduced in 1998 and continued to 2017. It was engineered with Mercedes-Benz. This electric cart is in their third generation of vehicles. This cheaper and smaller car has grown in popularity worldwide since it made its debut with over 1.7 million manufactured.
This car is great for meeting your needs for local or long-distance driving. This car has an electric motor and 1- speed transmission Safety features with the Smart Fortwo include Crosswind Assist, anti-lock brakes, a Tridion safety cell made of steel to minimize impact in case of an accident, front-seat airbags, and front knee airbags. According to Edmunds, Smart Fortwo is only 8 feet, 10 inches long, and is the smallest car available in North America.
14 Hyundai Accent ($14,745)
The Hyundai Accent is an excellent car with a 1.6l 4-cylinder and a 6- speed automatic and standard transmission. Hyundai added many technological features in this car.
Some of those features include a rearview camera system, 7-inch infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth, which make driving a pleasure. According to Autoblog, Hyundai also equipped the Accent with many safety features, including front airbags, overhead airbags, side-impact airbags, anti-whiplash head restraints, and anti-lock brakes. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has given this car a four-star rating.
13 Toyota Yaris CE ($14,650)
Next up on the list is the Toyota Yaris. This subcompact car comes in either two- or four-door hatchback style. The car has a 1.5l four-cylinder engine and has 106 horsepower. It features air-conditioning, four-way-adjustable front seats, remote keyless entry, USB/ iPod connectivity, and satellite radio making things convenient for the driver.
Another feature of this car is the Toyota Safety Sense, which helps avoid collisions, lane departure alert, and cameras to keep the driver and passengers as safe as possible. Toyota reports that this is a fun car to drive, as all cars should be.
12 Kia Soul 4DR ($14,534)
Kia made this list again with the Kia Soul. This car might be small, but it can hold up to five people. Kia has also provided a few warranties. Warranties include a 10 Years / 100,000 Miles warranty on the drivetrain, roadside five years/ 60,000 miles warranty, and a 5 Years / 100,000 Miles warranty on rust besides the five years / 60,000 Mile basic warranty.
This car also comes with advanced safety features for the driver and passengers. Items like rear child safety door locks, a panic alarm, blind spot sensor, traction control and front, all-wheel drive, and side airbags. According to Kelley Blue Book, this is a great-looking car. That it's great on gas and some do come all-electric. It is worth looking at if you are interested in a lower-priced car.
11 Nissan Versa Sedan ($14,130)
The Nissan Versa Sedan S Plus is an excellent car for the price. According to Auto Guide, this car, for the price, has the same comfort and room as a full sedan and is excellent on fuel usage. Edmunds also reported that this car received four stars out of five in government crash testing. The Institute for Highway Safety has also given the Nissan Versa Sedan high ratings.
This car has a 1.6l 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual, and 4- speed automatic transmission; the inside is also comfortable with a 6-way adjustable driver's seat, keyless entry ignition, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, and variable-speed windshield wipers.
10 Ford Fiesta S ($13,660)
The Ford Fiesta S comes equipped with a 1.6l Ti - VCT l- 4 engine with 112 horsepower this car makes it fun to drive. The Fiesta has great power and handling making you able to drive pretty much anywhere. To make driving easier this car comes with a front-wheel drive, four-wheel anti-lock brake system, electric steering, hill start assist, and independent MacPherson-strut front suspension giving it a smooth ride. According to Consumer Reports, this car is a treat to be able to drive. If you're looking for a cheaper car the Ford Fiesta S might be the one for you.
9 Chevrolet Spark ($13,220)
The Chevrolet Spark is a cute little car at a great price. The Spark has a 1.4l 4-cylinder engine and a continuously variable transmission. This car might be smaller, but it does have roomy front and back seats allowing plenty of legroom.
According to Chevrolet, this car is great for traveling and does have a lot of safety features included. Chevy has included, StabiliTrak stability control with Brake Assist, anti-lock brakes with brake assistants, 10 airbags, traction control, hill-start assist, and 10 airbags. Chevy gave the Spark a few different warranties for your protection, so you really don't have to worry about this car.
8 Dacia Logan ($9,477)
Now for cars less than $10,000. The Renault Dacia Logan made the list. Auto Express reports this is a great family car. This care is available with three different types of engines 1.0l, 0.9l, and a 1.5-l diesel to choose from. The interior is pretty basic but very roomy.
With a price this low, the company doesn't haggle prices. The Renault Dacia Logan does come with a three-year/60,000-mile warranty that can be extended up to seven years for a small price. This car also comes with a three years’ breakdown recovery service which should make the purchase of this car more comfortable buying this car.
7 Fiat Palio ($9,242)
The Fiat Palio is considered a supermini car that was produced between 1996- 2017. This car might be little, but it does give a lot of legroom for the driver and passengers. This car comes with 3 engines and 2 gearboxes to choose from. This car on the list is not available in the domestic market, but it is a popular vehicle in many countries.
According to Fiat Group World in 2017 it is only being sold in Brazil. Depending on what part of the world you are in and if you plan to travel or go on vacation have some fun and take this out for a test drive, so you can check it out.
6 Hyundai I10 ($9,096)
The Hyundai i10 first made its debut New Delhi, India, and has 1.25 MPi engine. This car is not available in America. This car equipped with a 1.2l, dual VTVT Kappa engine in 4 Speed automatic transmission. This car does have some safety features and comes with an immobilizer and a driver-side airbag. The Hyundai i10 is good for driving around the city and with its size finding a parking spot should be easier.
According to Autoblog, this car is considered too small for American standards at this point in time. Former Hyundai America VP John Krafcik said, ‘’earlier that the i10 is unlikely to be sold in the States.”
5 Chery A1 ($7,340)
The Chery A1 is manufactured by Chery Automobile in China between 2007 and 2015. This is the first global car for the company and has a 1.3l Acteco SQR473F engine and a 5AMT transmission. This car doesn't look bad. SG CarMart reported that this car doesn't have a lot of legroom for the driver or passengers and at first reported that the seats were not that comfortable at first.
As for safety ratings and information of the Chery A1 isn't available. This is one of those cars in the world that you would have to check out yourself. If you are in certain countries you will be able to check it out, it certainly isn't available in North America and won't be. This is a car that you have to take a gamble with if you need a cheap car.
4 Geely MR ($5,500)
The Geely MR is another car on the list manufactured in China. Geely Auto which is owned by Volvo makes this car. This car as a standard 1.3l, 4-cylinder engine and 86 horsepower. This is another car that doesn't have a lot of information on this car, but there are sales. According to Car Sale Base, between 2003 - 2009 there were 169,967 Geely MR’s sold.
Geely cars are used around the world and are being used for taxi service in London and Melbourne according to Car Advice. This car does get around, and usually taxi services do invest in good cars that run to avoid a lot of mechanical repairs.