10 Cheap Cars That Consumer Reports Recommends

According to a recent Consumer Reports newsletter, it’s not just the most desired big ticket makes and models that are commanding high prices, it turns out that the lower-priced models as well are not untouched by the current market and giving new car shoppers sticker shock when they discover that they will have to pay premium prices that reach $1,000 or more to the MSRP of the least expensive new models available today.

There’s Help on the Way

Fortunately, CR analysts are watching the market closely and trying to find the makes and models that will provide new car shoppers with good, solid, and reliable cars without having to go into serious car debt.

“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,” stated CR automotive experts.

What You Will Find from the List

From CR’s list you will find amongst the recommended models:

• Prices from a low of $21,121 to a high of $25,205
• An average above MSRP cost of $1,688 ranging from $466 to $2,972
• Small sedans are generally the cheapest
• Only one small pickup makes the cut on the higher end of the average pricing

10 Cheap Cars That CR Recommends

1. Volkswagen Jetta 2023

Price Range:  $20,655 - $28,385

CR MPG:  Overall 34 / City 21 / Hwy 54 mpg

Rated #7 of 12 Small sedans

Recommended model: 2023 Volkswagen Jetta S manual

Average transaction price: $21,121

Average spent over MSRP: $466

MSRP: $20,655

2. Subaru Impreza 2023

Price Range:  $19,795 - $27,395

CR MPG:  Overall 30 / City 21 / Hwy 41 mpg

Rated #3 of 12 Small sedans

Recommended model: 2023 Subaru Impreza manual

Average transaction price: $21,836

Average spent over MSRP: $2,041

MSRP: $19,795

3. Kia Soul 2023

Price Range:  $19,890 - $24,190

CR MPG:  Overall 28 / City 21 / Hwy 35 mpg

Rated #2 of 10 Small hatchbacks

Recommended model: 2023 Kia Soul LX IVT

Average transaction price: $22,114

Average spent over MSRP: $2,224

MSRP: $19,890

4. Nissan Kicks 2023

Price Range:  $20,590 - $23,150

CR MPG:  Overall 32 / City 24 / Hwy 40 mpg

Rated #4 of 10 Small hatchbacks

Recommended model: 2023 Nissan Kicks S

Average transaction price: $23,562

Average spent over MSRP: $2,972

MSRP: $20,590

5. Chevrolet TrailBlazer 2023

Price Range:  $22,100 - $27,700

CR MPG:  Overall 27 / City 19 / Hwy 37 mpg

Rated #5 of 15 Subcompact SUVs

Recommended model: 2023 Chevrolet TrailBlazer LS

Average transaction price: $23,655

Average spent over MSRP: $1,555

MSRP: $22,100

6. Mazda 3 2023

Price Range:  $22,550 - $35,300

CR MPG:  Overall 30 / City 20 / Hwy 44 mpg

Rated #5 of 12 Small sedans

Recommended model: 2023 Mazda3 2.5 S

Average transaction price: $24,448

Average spent over MSRP: $1,898

MSRP: $22,550

7. Toyota Corolla Hybrid 2023

Price Range:  $21,700 - $27,425

CR MPG:  Overall 48 / City 37 / Hwy 59 mpg

Rated #1 of 12 Small sedans

Recommended model: 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid LE

Average transaction price: $24,549

Average spent over MSRP: $1,499

MSRP: $23,050

8. Toyota Corolla Hatchback 2023

Price Range:  $23,155 - $26,580

CR MPG:  Overall 36 / City 24 / Hwy 51 mpg

Rated #3 of 10 Small hatchbacks

Recommended model: 2023 Toyota Corolla Hatchback SE CVT

Average transaction price: $24,618

Average spent over MSRP: $1,463

MSRP: $23,155

9. Ford Maverick 2023

Price Range:  $22,595 - $28,355

CR MPG:  Overall 23 / City 16 / Hwy 32 mpg

Rated #2 of 3 Small pickup trucks

Recommended model: 2023 Ford Maverick XL FWD

Average transaction price: $24,663

Average spent over MSRP: $2,068

MSRP: $22,595

10. Buick Encore GX 2023

Price Range:  $25,900 - $32,100

CR MPG:  Overall 26 / City 18 / Hwy 33 mpg

Rated #7 of 12 Luxury entry-level SUVs

Recommended model: 2023 Buick Encore GX Preferred

Average transaction price: $25,205

Average spent under MSRP: $695

MSRP: $25,900

For a more detailed breakdown of the data, please visit the CR website. Note that while access to some information requires a CR membership, the potential savings make it negligible in comparison when looking for the latest information to aid your car buying research.

For more CR-related car reviews, here are two useful ones with car shopping advice for consumers:

• Best Deals on Fuel-Efficient Cars and SUVs, Plus Fuel-Saving Scams to Avoid
• Used Cars Under This Category are Your Best Bet Recommends Consumer Reports

Bonus Video: 10 Major Car Buying Mistakes That Keep You Poor

Following the theme of spending the least possible for a good car, here is an informative video from the Car Help Corner YouTube channel that explains the 10 major car buying mistakes you must know before buying a car from a dealer in 2023.

Timothy Boyer is a Torque News automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites for daily new and used vehicle news.

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