2018 Fiat 124 Spider
$24,995 | U.S. News Score: 8.6/10
The 2018 Fiat 124 Spider is a two-seat roadster with enough power to be fun, excellent fuel economy, and crisp handling. It features an easy-to-use manually operated soft-top that can be opened and closed in a few seconds with a flick of your wrist. Even the top-of-the-line Abarth model has a base price below $30K.
In our ranking of sports cars, the Fiat 124 earns a spot in the middle of the pack. It rides on the same platform as the 2018 Mazda MX-5 Miata but has a unique selection of engines and a suspension setup that is slightly more tuned to touring than the Miata’s sporty disposition.
2018 Volkswagen Golf
$20,910 | U.S. News Score: 8.6/10
Three members of the 2018 Volkswagen Golf family have the blend of low price and high U.S. News Best Cars scores to earn a spot on this list. The 2018 Golf, Golf SportWagen, and VW GTI siblings all feature sporty driving dynamics and energetic engine options.
Of the three, the 2018 Volkswagen GTI is the quickest. It features a 220-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine and either a slick-shifting six-speed manual transmission or six-speed dual-clutch automatic. In our ranking of compact cars, it earns a spot near the top.
The 2018 Volkswagen Golf is the family’s value leader, with a base price of $20,910. In addition to a spacious, upscale interior, the Golf’s hatchback design allows it to swallow more than 53 cubic feet of cargo.
If you need more space than is found in the Golf hatchback, the 2018 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen makes an excellent choice without breaking the bank or moving to an SUV. It's available with either front- or all-wheel drive.
2018 Chevrolet Colorado
$20,200 | U.S. News Score: 8.6/10
The 2018 Chevrolet Colorado helped lead a renaissance in the compact pickup truck market, though some might argue whether the Colorado really is “compact.” It is available in extended cab models that seat between two and five or crew cab models with seating for five.
It has one of the lowest starting prices in the segment and earns a spot near the top of our ranking of compact trucks. The heart of the Colorado lineup is the $27,100 LT trim level, which comes with an upgraded infotainment system and keyless entry.
The Colorado also comes with Chevy’s Teen Driver system, which allows parents to keep tabs on their kids’ driving and set limits on what the truck can do while the kids are behind the wheel.
2018 Hyundai Sonata
$22,050 | U.S. News Score: 8.6/10
The 2018 Hyundai Sonata is the first of five midsize sedans to make this list. It’s a comfortable car that seats five and has a larger trunk than many segment rivals. It earned a 2018 Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), which is the highest rating they award.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the Sonata an five-star overall crash test rating.
The Sonata also has a great warranty with bumper-to-bumper coverage for five years or 60,000 miles. Its powertrain is covered for 10 years or 100,000 miles.
In our ranking of midsize cars, the Sonata earns a spot in the top quarter of the list. It was a finalist for our 2018 Best Midsize Car for the Money award.
2018 Kia Sorento
$25,900 | U.S. News Score: 8.6/10
Most entries in the midsize SUV segment have base prices well above $30,000. The 2018 Kia Sorento is an exception. It has a low starting price while doing exceptionally well in our ranking of midsize SUVs, where it earns a spot just behind the segment leader.
Its low price and high ranking helped it earn our 2018 Best 3-Row SUV for the Money award. Kia offers a choice of three engines for the Sorento, with the two four-cylinder options providing above-average fuel economy ratings. It has a predicted reliability rating that tops most rivals and one of the best powertrain warranties in the segment.
2018 Ford Fusion
$22,215 | U.S. News Score: 8.6/10
The 2018 Ford Fusion is an excellent sedan in a class that demands perfection to rise to the top echelon of models. It holds a spot just below the class leaders in our ranking of midsize cars. The Fusion provides a roomy cabin and a larger trunk than many rival sedans.
For the best bang for the buck, buyers should upgrade to the $23,490 SE trim level, where they can add an optional EcoBoost turbocharged engine. The base engine is rather weak, but the turbos are much more pleasant to drive and get as good or better fuel economy.
The Fusion is one of a handful of models in the midsize sedan segment that is available with all-wheel drive.
2018 Kia Sportage
$23,600 | U.S. News Score: 8.6/10
The 2018 Kia Sportage is a two-row, five-passenger compact SUV with a great warranty, an agile driving demeanor, and an interior that’s better than most rivals in both design and quality. Its predicted reliability rating of 4.5 out of five stars puts it well above most competitors. Our ranking of compact SUVs has the Sportage scored near the top of the class.
Buyers looking for a lot of equipment for the dollars they spend should consider the Sportage LX with both the Popular and Technology packages. For just over $26,000, it comes with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus automatic emergency braking, rear cross traffic alert, and dual-zone automatic climate control.
2018 Mazda CX-5
$24,150 | U.S. News Score: 8.7/10
You don’t often hear great handling used in the description of an SUV, but the 2018 Mazda CX-5 earns that distinction with its sporty road manners. Add impressive cabin materials and comfortable seats, and you’ll see why the CX-5 holds a spot near the top of our compact SUV ranking. The CX-5 was also a finalist for our 2018 Best Compact SUV for the Money award.
The 2018 Mazda CX-5 comes standard with several safety features that are optional on competitors, including low-speed automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross traffic alert. It earned a Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for its crash test results.
2018 Ram 1500
$27,095 | U.S. News Score: 8.7/10
Ram sells a few versions of its full-size 1500 pickup with prices below $30,000. The regular cab 2018 Ram 1500 Tradesman is pretty bare-bones in terms of features, but it comes standard with a 305-horsepower V6 under the hood. You can even get a V8-equipped Tradesman and stay below $30,000.
The Ram 1500 features one of the nicer cabs in the full-size truck segment, with even lower-trim models fitted with high-quality materials. The regular cab can seat three with a bench seat or two with captain’s chairs.
There’s a new Ram arriving in dealerships for the 2019 model year, so now is a great time to get a deal on the outgoing models. Take a look at the best Ram deals on our new car deals page.
2018 Chevrolet Camaro
$25,905 | U.S. News Score: 8.7/10
The base model of the 2018 Chevrolet Camaro is a good deal with a price tag of about $26,000. It comes standard with a 275-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which is just powerful enough to give you a bit of fun. For more fun, upgrade to the 335-horsepower V6 for only $1,495.
In our sports car ranking, the Camaro holds a spot in the upper half of the list. While the Camaro was once thought of as a muscle car with a fear of corners, the latest generation has veered into sports car territory with excellent handling and precise steering. Every Camaro comes standard with support for a Wi-Fi hot spot, a 4G high-speed data connection, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay.
2018 Chrysler 300
$28,995 | U.S. News Score: 8.7/10
The 2018 Chrysler 300 is the only large sedan with a price below $30,000 and a high enough score to make this list. Though it’s about the oldest model in its class, the 300 has been updated with features such as a UConnect infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Passengers will love the 300’s interior space, whether they’re up front or in back. They’re treated to a quiet cabin that is lined with such high-quality materials they won’t believe the car costs less than $30K. In our ranking of large cars, the 300 holds a spot in the top third of the list.
The standard engine is a 292-horsepower V6 that sends its power to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission.
2018 Ford Focus
$17,950 | U.S. News Score: 8.7/10
With a sporty edge, potent engine options, and an above-average predicted reliability rating, the 2018 Ford Focus belongs on your shopping list if you’re looking for an inexpensive car that’s built for the long haul. It is available in sedan and hatchback styles, with seating for five. The Focus scores a spot in the top quarter of our ranking of compact cars.
Opting for the Focus SEL trim, which sells for just under $22,000, gets you Ford’s excellent SYNC 3 infotainment system with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus dual-zone automatic climate control, a moonroof, and a 10-speaker Sony audio system.
2018 Ford Escape
$23,940 | U.S. News Score: 8.7/10
The acronym SUV stands for sport utility vehicle. The 2018 Ford Escape hits both the sport and utility marks with excellent handling, an array of potent engines, and above-average cargo room. Add a well-appointed interior with intuitive cabin tech, and the Escape earns your consideration. It also earns a spot just below the segment leader in our ranking of compact SUVs.
New for 2018 is the $28,000 Escape SEL trim level, which comes standard with leather upholstery, the intuitive SYNC 3 infotainment system, and a power liftgate. You can even add all-wheel drive to the SEL and stay under $30,000.
2018 Toyota Yaris iA
$15,950 | U.S. News Score: 8.7/10
The 2018 Toyota Yaris iA started its life in Toyota’s Scion division, moving over to the Toyota brand in 2017. It has an excellent predicted reliability rating of four and a half out of five, good fuel economy, and some standard safety tech not found on rivals.
Every Yaris iA comes with a low-speed (18 mph or less) automatic emergency braking system that helps prevent accidents by sensing objects ahead of the car and applying the brakes if you don’t stop in time.
In our ranking of subcompact cars, the Yaris iA scores a spot just below the segment leader. The iA was jointly developed with Mazda and picked up some of Mazda’s impressive handling along the way. It was a finalist for our 2018 Best Subcompact Car for the Money award.
2018 Chevrolet Sonic
$15,295 | U.S. News Score: 8.7/10
Looking for a subcompact car that’s fun to drive, with nimble handling, exuberant engine options, and top-notch connectivity features? The 2018 Chevrolet Sonic comes with all that and a price of just over $15,000. Even the top-trim Sonic Premier has a base price below $20,000.
While the Sonic’s base engine is fine for romping around town, you’ll want to upgrade to the livelier 1.4-liter turbo if you plan to carry a lot of stuff or spend most of your time on the highway. The Sonic is available in sedan and hatchback models.
The Chevy Sonic holds a spot just below the segment leader in our ranking of subcompact cars.
2018 Kia Rio
$13,900 | U.S. News Score: 8.7/10
Kia redesigned the subcompact Rio sedan and hatchback for 2018, creating a nimble performer with a peppy engine and an excellent predicted reliability score. It has one of the lowest starting prices in the segment. The 2018 Kia Rio starts at $13,900, and its top trim is just $18,400.
Our ranking of subcompact cars has the Rio scored near the top of the list.
The top-trim Kia Rio EX comes with a 7-inch touch-screen infotainment system, automatic emergency braking, plus support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Even the base model comes with a 5-inch touch screen, air conditioning, power door locks, and a USB port.
2018 Honda CR-V
$24,250 | U.S. News Score: 8.8/10
The 2018 Honda CR-V does almost everything that compact SUV buyers need a vehicle to do. It’s roomy for passengers and has a huge, easy-to-access cargo area for their stuff. It drives with confidence and is peppy when equipped with the optional turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
In the U.S. News Best Cars ranking of compact SUVs, the CR-V holds the top spot. It’s the winner of both our 2018 Best Compact SUV for the Money and Best Compact SUV for Families awards.
With EPA-estimated fuel economy of up to 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway, driving the CR-V won’t break the bank. All but the base model include automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist.
2018 Honda Civic
$18,940 | U.S. News Score: 8.8/10
Three body styles are available for the 2018 Honda Civic. Whether you choose the sedan, coupe, or four-door hatchback, you’ll get a car that handles great, has a roomy interior, and is fuel-efficient. All members of the Civic family, except for the high-performance Civic Type R, come with price tags below $30,000.
The 2018 Civic scores a spot near the top of our ranking of compact cars. It was a finalist for our 2018 Best Compact Car for the Money award.
Depending on the model you choose, you’ll get mileage as high as an EPA-estimated 32 mpg in the city and 42 mpg on the highway. The Honda Sensing suite of driver assistance and active safety features is a $1,000 option on most trims and included on the top Touring models.
2018 Honda Ridgeline
$29,990 | U.S. News Score: 8.8/10
In the compact pickup truck segment, the 2018 Honda Ridgeline is a bit of an anomaly. It’s built on a more car-like platform than most pickups, giving it the ride, comfort, and handling prowess of a crossover with the utility of a compact truck.
The Ridgeline is only available in five-passenger crew cab models with a V6 engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. Unlike rivals, the Ridgeline is front-wheel drive unless you opt for the available all-wheel drive system. The cargo bed features a unique trunk underneath its deck.
If you are trying to stay within a $30,000 budget, you have to opt for the $29,990 Ridgeline RT base model, as it is the only trim available for under $30K.
2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
$28,300 | U.S. News Score: 8.8/10
The 2018 Chevrolet Silverado has proven itself to be a reliable work truck over the five years that the current generation has been on the road. It has a predicted reliability rating of 4.5 out of five, which is well above average for the class.
In our ranking of full-size pickup trucks, the 2018 Silverado scores in the middle of the pack. There's a redesigned model on the way for 2019.
You can get a V6-powered regular cab model of the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 pickup with either a 6-foot-6-inch or 8-foot bed for under $30,000. Opting for four-wheel drive or a larger cab configuration will push you over $30K.
2018 Ford F-150
$27,705 | U.S. News Score: 8.9/10
The most popular vehicle sold in America arrived for 2018 with a significant midcycle styling and feature update. The 2018 Ford F-150 holds a spot near the top of our ranking of full-size trucks. It comes standard with a 290-horsepower V6 that sends power to the rear wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission.
For under $30,000, you can get a Ford F-150 XL with a 6-foot-6-inch or an 8-foot box, rear-wheel drive, and a 3.3-liter V6 engine. Also standard are air conditioning, cruise control, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, and a rearview camera with Dynamic Hitch Assist to help you connect to a trailer.
An F-150 with the base engine gets some of the better EPA-estimated mileage marks in the segment. Much of the truck's body is constructed of aluminum to reduce weight and increase fuel economy.
2018 Chrysler Pacifica
$26,995 | U.S. News Score: 8.9/10
Minivans are great for hauling lots of people and their stuff, but many models can get rather spendy as you add features. The 2018 Chrysler Pacifica, however, has a starting price well below $30,000, and you can equip it with Chrysler's innovative Stow ‘n Go middle-row seats without busting your budget.
The Pacifica holds as spot just below the segment leader in our ranking of minivans. It is equipped with a 287-horsepower V6 engine that provides plenty of power, even when the minivan is loaded. It is EPA-rated to achieve fuel economy of 18 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. The Pacifica comes standard with a 7-inch touch-screen UConnect infotainment system that supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
2018 Honda Fit
$16,190 | U.S. News Score: 8.9/10
The 2018 Honda Fit is an excellent choice in the subcompact car class, with plenty of room for passengers and a flexible cargo area that can be configured for carrying different-shaped items. It’s the top-rated model in our ranking of subcompact cars.
It is also the winner of the U.S. News 2018 Best Subcompact Car for the Money award. Pricing starts in the mid-teens and tops out at just over $20,000.
Upper-trim models come with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and Honda’s LaneWatch. The LaneWatch system uses a camera located in the passenger-side mirror to display the view of the Fit’s blind spot on the car’s infotainment screen. Most trim levels now include support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration.
2018 Toyota Tacoma
$25,200 | U.S. News Score: 8.9/10
With excellent capability both on and off the road, a well-above-average predicted reliability score of 4.5 out of five, and a higher payload than most rivals, the 2018 Toyota Tacoma should be on your shopping list if you are looking for a compact pickup. In our ranking of compact trucks, the Tacoma holds a top spot.
It is available in extended (Access) and crew (Double) cab models with seating for up to five. Depending on the model you choose, you’ll either get a 5- or 6-foot bed. There are a few models of the Tacoma that you’ll find for under $30,000, including an SR trim level with the extended cab and four-wheel drive.
2018 Ford Mustang
$25,680 | U.S. News Score: 9.0/10
Ford refreshed the Mustang for 2018, but you can still get the powerful sports coupe for less than $30K. The base engine in the 2018 Ford Mustang is a turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 310 horsepower. Though it might not have the growl of a big V8, its power is plentiful. It sends power to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission. For 2018 a 10-speed automatic is available.
The 2018 Mustang has a great predicted reliability score of four out of five, an interior that mixes retro and modern with high-quality materials, and seating for four. If you are trying to stay within a $30,000 budget, you’ll be limited to the $25,680 base model. For $2,000 above the base price, you can add a package that includes Ford’s excellent SYNC 3 infotainment system, 18-inch wheels, and a nine-speaker audio system.
In our ranking of sports cars, the Mustang holds a top spot.
2018 Honda Odyssey
$29,990 | U.S. News Score: 9.1/10
The redesigned 2018 Honda Odyssey is not only the top-rated van in our ranking of minivans, but it is also the winner of both our 2018 Best Minivan for the Money and Best Minivan for Families awards. It’s loaded with features that will put a smile on both the driver’s and passengers’ faces.
A potent 280-horsepower V6 propels the 2018 Odyssey. Its suspension and responsive steering are set up to handle the power with aplomb, with little of the body sway found in older minivans.
To stay under $30,000, you’ll be limited to the Odyssey LX trim, but even it comes with a generous number of features, including spill-resistant fabric seating surfaces, push-button start, a pair of USB ports, an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and a 5-inch infotainment display.
2018 Mazda Miata
$25,295 | U.S. News Score: 9.1/10
About the only thing better than touring in a lightweight, nimble roadster is not breaking the bank when you buy it. The 2018 Mazda MX-5 Miata carries on the brand’s tradition of providing exceptional value alongside ample performance and phenomenal handling. It's available in soft-top and retractable hardtop designs (though the hardtop is above $30,000).
For less than $30,000, you can get either a base Miata Sport or a Miata Club. The Miata is one of the top-scored models in our ranking of sports cars.
The Miata is powered by a 155-horsepower four-cylinder engine that provides enough power for fun while also achieving EPA-estimated fuel economy of up to 26 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.
2018 Honda Accord
$23,570 | U.S. News Score: 9.1/10
The redesigned 2018 Honda Accord represents some of the most significant changes that the brand has made to their popular midsize sedan in years. They’ve replaced their traditional engines with a pair of turbocharged engine options that are powerful, yet efficient. A composed ride remains part of the new model’s personality.
The smaller of the two is capable of getting 30 mpg in the city and 38 on the highway, according to the EPA. It holds a spot near the top of our ranking of midsize cars.
Now standard on all Accord models is Honda Sensing, which is a suite of advanced features that includes adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and traffic sign recognition.
2018 Kia Soul
$16,200 | U.S. News Score: 9.1/10
The boxy 2018 Kia Soul has a lot more going for it than just great passenger and cargo room. It has a top-notch predicted reliability score of five out of five and comes with one of the best warranties you can get on any car.
Even the top-of-the-line Soul Exclaim (!) can be had for far less than $30,000. Though the engine in the base Soul isn’t terribly powerful, the Exclaim model has a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder which gives you the most power and the highest fuel economy ratings.
The Soul is the top-rated vehicle in our highly competitive ranking of compact cars. It is also the winner of our 2018 Best Compact Car for the Money award. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has also awarded the Soul their coveted 2018 Top Safety Pick+ honor for its performance in crash and crash prevention tests.
2018 Toyota Camry
$23,495 | U.S. News Score: 9.3/10
The 2018 Toyota Camry is completely redesigned for the new model year. It takes on a sportier persona than ever and comes standard with a host of safety tech that still costs thousands on some rivals. It’s the top-rated vehicle in our ranking of midsize sedans, and one of the highest-rated vehicles on our site.
It is the winner of both U.S. News & World Report’s 2018 Best Midsize Car for the Money and Best Midsize Car for Families awards. It has top-notch marks for safety and a predicted reliability score that's well above average.
When equipped with its base engine, the 2018 Camry earns EPA fuel efficiency estimates of 28 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway. You can get even better mileage if you opt for the 2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid. Its base model is rated at 51 mpg in the city and 53 mpg on the highway.
Pricing for the Camry Hybrid starts at $27,800. It holds a spot near the top of our midsize car ranking.
More Shopping Tools From U.S. News & World Report
To learn more about these and hundreds of other models, explore our new car rankings and reviews. There, you can see how every model stacks up against its competition based on the factors consumers tell us are essential to their buying and leasing decisions.
Before you head to the dealer, you should decide how you are going to pay for your new ride. Reading our article on auto financing can teach you the ins and outs of the process.
There are many ways to save money when you buy or lease. Our new car deals page shows the best manufacturer-sponsored cash back and low-interest financing offers. Our lease deals page will help you find a lease offer with low monthly payments, a small amount due at signing, or both.
The U.S. News Best Price Program saves buyers an average of $3,106 off sticker price. We work with local dealers that will provide you guaranteed savings. The program works to save money for both lease and purchase customers.
30 Best Cars Under $30,000 in 2018
- 2018 Fiat 124 Spider | $24,995 | U.S. News Score: 8.6/10
- 2018 Volkswagen Golf | $20,910 | U.S. News Score: 8.6/10
- 2018 Chevrolet Colorado | $20,200 | U.S. News Score: 8.6/10
- 2018 Hyundai Sonata | $22,050 | U.S. News Score: 8.6/10
- 2018 Kia Sorento | $25,900 | U.S. News Score: 8.6/10
- 2018 Ford Fusion | $22,215 | U.S. News Score: 8.6/10
- 2018 Kia Sportage | $23,600 | U.S. News Score: 8.6/10
- 2018 Mazda CX-5 | $24,150 | U.S. News Score: 8.7/10
- 2018 Ram 1500 | $27,095 | U.S. News Score: 8.7/10
- 2018 Chevrolet Camaro | $25,905 | U.S. News Score: 8.7/10
- 2018 Chrysler 300 | $28,995 | U.S. News Score: 8.7/10
- 2018 Ford Focus | $17,950 | U.S. News Score: 8.7/10
- 2018 Ford Escape | $23,940 | U.S. News Score: 8.7/10
- 2018 Toyota Yaris iA | $15,950 | U.S. News Score: 8.7/10
- 2018 Chevrolet Sonic | $15,295 | U.S. News Score: 8.7/10
- 2018 Kia Rio | $13,900 | U.S. News Score: 8.7/10
- 2018 Honda CR-V | $24,250 | U.S. News Score: 8.8/10
- 2018 Honda Civic | $18,940 | U.S. News Score: 8.8/10
- 2018 Honda Ridgeline | $29,990 | U.S. News Score: 8.8/10
- 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | $28,300 | U.S. News Score: 8.8/10
- 2018 Ford F-150 | $27,705 | U.S. News Score: 8.9/10
- 2018 Chrysler Pacifica | $26,995 | U.S. News Score: 8.9/10
- 2018 Honda Fit | $16,190 | U.S. News Score: 8.9/10
- 2018 Toyota Tacoma | $25,200 | U.S. News Score: 8.9/10
- 2018 Ford Mustang | $25,680 | U.S. News Score: 9.0/10
- 2018 Honda Odyssey | $29,990 | U.S. News Score: 9.1/10
- 2018 Mazda Miata | $25,295 | U.S. News Score: 9.1/10
- 2018 Honda Accord | $23,570 | U.S. News Score: 9.1/10
- 2018 Kia Soul | $16,200 | U.S. News Score: 9.1/10
- 2018 Toyota Camry | $23,495 | U.S. News Score: 9.3/10
More Slideshows
-
The Best Luxury Midsize SUVs: Photos and Details
-
2018 Nissan Rogue vs. 2018 Nissan Murano: Worth the Upgrade?
-
18 Most Reliable Midsize SUVs
-
15 Best Luxury Sedans Under $40,000
-
21 Great Vehicles That Fit 3 Car Seats Across
-
Best American-Made SUVs
-
2018 Best Cars for the Money
-
2018 Best Cars for Families
-
2018 Best Vehicle Brand Awards
Get a Great Ride for Less Than $30,000
It’s easy to find a new car for less than $30,000, but can you get a GREAT car for less than $30K? The answer is an enthusiastic yes! There are excellent choices in nearly every class, from subcompacts to sports cars and pickups, with price tags under $30,000.
We’ve scoured our new car rankings and reviews to find the vehicles with the highest overall scores, good predicted reliability ratings, and low starting prices.
Be aware that our vehicle scores are constantly updated as new information becomes available, so the scores you see on the following pages may not match the ratings you see with the individual vehicle reviews.
You can see the best 30 under $30,000 on the following pages, organized from good choices to great ones.