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    10 Cheap Cars That CR Recommends

    These are good, safe, reliable models with the lowest transaction price

    2022 Volkswagen Jetta driving in autumn
    Volkswagen Jetta
    Photo: Volkswagen

    In this roller-coaster car market, it’s common to see lower-priced models selling for more than their sticker price. In fact, as we analyze data each month to identify the best car deals, we often see that car buyers are paying a premium that adds $1,000 or more to the MSRP of the least expensive models. (The most expensive cars, meanwhile, are often being discounted.) With car loan interest rates now averaging over 6 percent, this can mean significant long-term costs.

    more on car deals

    To help members find the best car at the lowest cost, we have analyzed the average transaction price for new cars using data from TrueCar, a CR partner, and sorted all models based on their selling price. We then selected the models recommended by CR that meet CR’s stringent standards for road-test performance, owner satisfaction, reliability, and safety from the list.

    Below, you’ll find those models ranked based on transaction price—not MSRP—starting with the cheapest model, at $21,000. Because we are citing actual figures, we list the specific configuration. Similar versions of the featured models often carry similar pricing, such as the percentage above or below MSRP. 

    This month, nine of the 10 featured models—from Buick, Chevrolet, Ford, Kia, Mazda, Subaru, Toyota, and Volkswagen—are selling for more than MSRP.

    Detailed pricing information and complete ratings are available for all current vehicles on their respective model pages, linked in the ratings boxes below.

    Of course, local supply and demand will influence how much a dealer is willing to bend on price.

    If you’re a CR member, the list of the cheapest cars Consumer Reports recommends is already available to you. If you haven’t signed up yet, be sure to click below and become a member to access this information and all our exclusive ratings and reviews for each car we buy and test. Joining also gives you full access to exclusive ratings for the other products our experts evaluate in several categories, including electronics and home appliances.

    CR's Build & Buy Car Buying Service

    In addition to research and reviews, Consumer Reports offers members access to the Build & Buy Car Buying Service at no additional cost. Through this service, members can compare in-stock vehicles, see what others paid for the car they want, and customize their payments online. Once they find the vehicle they’re interested in, members can get upfront price offers online from local certified dealers. On top of national incentives, Consumer Reports members are eligible for additional incentive offers from select manufacturers through the Build & Buy Car Buying Service. Plus, members can get an instant trade-in value for their current vehicle to use toward their next car purchase.

    Become a member to read the full article and get access to digital ratings.

    We investigate, research, and test so you can choose with confidence.