These Cars Prove Reliability Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive
In the world of cars, “cheap” is often synonymous with “poorly-made”, forcing many budget-conscious drivers to dig even deeper into their wallets to avoid having their daily driver break down on the way to work. Worry not, however, because we’ve found 35 budget-friendly rides that don’t sacrifice reliability in the name of affordability.
Honda Fit
“Budget-friendly” is often synonymous with “everyday practicality”, which is precisely what the Honda Fit offers. It’s a compact hatchback that still offers plenty of interior spaciousness despite its small size. More than that, however, is the fact that many older models (from some 5 years ago) are still on the road today.
Honda Civic
Its ubiquitousness on the roads is something of a running joke today, but this only further reinforces the fact that the Honda Civic is one of the most reliable cars money can buy. Offering a sporty driving experience without sacrificing on fuel economy and practicality, the Civic also boasts fantastic resale value, even after 5 years.
Toyota Corolla
No conversation about reliability and cars would be complete without some mention of the seemingly indomitable Toyota Corolla. Essentially the poster child for budget-friendly vehicles, the Corolla features a simple design bolstered by hardy engineering that has resulted in virtually no recalls for the car. If that doesn’t scream reliability, we don’t know what does.
Toyota Yaris
Toyota’s other ubiquitous model, the Yaris, offers more or less everything the Corolla does, that is, affordability and reliability in a compact package. The Yaris also has zippy handling and maneuverability that make it the perfect urban vehicle. These models also tend to be long-lived, too, with some as old as 7 years still making their way around the roads.
Honda CR‑V
For those looking for something a bit on the larger side, the Honda CR‑V is a fantastic midsize SUV that offers spaciousness, reliability, and maneuverability, all at an affordable price. Some models also feature hybrid engines for improved fuel efficiency.
Toyota Prius
The Prius may just be Toyota’s most renowned vehicle. It was a pioneer in the hybrid fuel market, with supreme gas mileage and plenty of fantastic features to boot. It’s a vehicle that’s pretty difficult to beat in terms of its sheer versatility, especially considering its low-low price. Simple in aesthetics, sure, but virtually untouchable elsewhere.
Mazda3
Despite its name, the Mazda3 was not the third car to be manufactured by Mazda. It does, however, represent the natural evolution of Mazda’s engineering, offering sporty handling in a surprisingly luxurious package (for the price, that is). Combined with its low maintenance costs, the Mazda3 becomes one of the most fun cars to drive on this list.
Hyundai Elantra
The Hyundai Elantra is a family sedan that doesn’t sacrifice its sense of style in the name of safety and reliability. It has a wide range of features and advanced technologies that make it one of the best sedans you can buy in its price bracket.
Kia Rio
The Kia Rio is one of the most popular cars in the world, one that often goes unnoticed due to its simple design and compact size. Despite its plain exterior, the Rio actually offers a wide range of cool features and user-friendly technology, all wrapped up in a comfy, spacious interior. It may not turn heads, but it’s hard to go wrong with the Kia Rio.
Nissan Versa
The Nissan Versa comes from a modest background, with the first Versa being released in 2006 and featuring a plain, borderline boring design. Not much has changed since then, except that the Versa has become a bit sleeker over the years; however, it remains just as solid, safe, and reliable today as it was then.
Nissan Sentra
The Sentra has gone through several iterations over the years, with its most current incarnation being a compact sedan with a modern look that won’t wow anyone, but probably won’t revolt anyone, either. It’s roomy and offers a smooth ride with low maintenance costs that make it both reliable and budget-friendly.
Mitsubishi Mirage
The Mirage may be one of the oldest nameplates on this list; it began in 1978 and ended in 2003, before being reincarnated in 2012 and put to bed again in 2024. The most recent model is supremely well-priced, and while it’s not exactly a rally-worthy performer, it’s still great to drive with fantastic fuel efficiency.
Subaru Impreza
The Impreza is another compact car - (we’re starting to notice a trend here) - that offers fantastic safety features and advanced technology at a low price. Even used models put many “fancier” cars to shame in terms of their sheer durability and low cost of maintenance.
Infiniti Q50
Lo and behold, the Infiniti Q50 is also a compact vehicle, but a far more luxurious beast than any of the others so far. It’s decidedly high-end in its design and construction, but it isn’t nearly as expensive as you may think. Better yet, even used models are less flimsy than many other luxury cars of its ilk.
Lincoln MKZ
The Lincoln MKZ is the first real “American” car to make our list, essentially a Ford Fusion with a new badge and some new “luxury” features. Its prestigious branding doesn’t place it out of reach of the average, budget-conscious driver, however, especially since you will most likely purchase a used model - the line was discontinued in 2020.
Buick Encore
A subcompact (there’s that word again) SUV with style and panache, the Buick Encore is both affordable and fun to drive. While it’s perhaps not as spacious as other SUVs (even subcompact ones), it’s a reliable vehicle with over 9 years of life expectancy.
Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport was expressly marketed on its versatility and practicality - so does it live up to its own expectations? Yes, it does. It’s a vehicle that’s perfect for your daily commute as well as some light off-roading over the weekend, and it comes at an affordable price that won’t break the bank.
Volkswagen Passat
VW has always been the people’s car manufacturer, so we’d be remiss to not include at least one of their models here. We chose the Passat for its refined driving experience, spaciousness, and reasonable price tag. It’s not quite luxury, but it’s close enough, and reliable to boot.
Hyundai Venue
The Hyundai Venue is - you guessed it - a subcompact SUV specifically designed for families. It’s affordable and practical, and while it may not be the fanciest vehicle on the market (both in style and performance), it promises safety and a long lifespan.
Buick Envista
Unlike our previous entry, the Buick Envista may actually turn some heads. It’s also a subcompact SUV (no surprise there), but features coupe-like styling with a flowing roofline and elegant curves. The improved sense of style doesn’t affect its price, however, and the Envista is still as affordable as it is beautiful.
Ford Fiesta
The humble Fiesta is a supermini car that Ford has sadly stopped producing - but it will forever be in our hearts. It’s small, fun to drive, affordable, and - most of all - totally reliable.
Kia Forte
The Forte, like the Rio, is known for its small size and relatively nondescript appearance. It’s by no means ugly, however, and probably more stylish than many other cars of its size. The cabin is also rather spacious and features some advanced technology for its price tag.
Chevrolet Spark
You can’t go anywhere without spotting at least one Chevy Spark on the road. This humble, economy hatchback may just be the backbone of Chevrolet at this point. It’s supremely affordable and cheap to maintain, while still being fun to drive.
Hyundai Accent
The Accent is by no means a top performer, but it’ll get you where you need to go while not looking too shabby in the process. It’s fairly popular with budget-conscious drivers, too, and comes with a robust 7-year warranty.
Ford Focus
The Focus - like the Fiesta - is one of Ford’s most popular models, largely due to its affordability and everyday practicality. Newer models also come with some advanced features without ever jacking up the price too much, and while still maintaining its standard of reliability.
Toyota RAV4
The RAV4 may be slightly more expensive than some other Toyota models, but that hardly matters if you’re buying used - and it’s reliable enough that you can afford to do so. It also comes with some nifty advanced features, including navigation system, touchscreen audio, and wireless charging capabilities.
Nissan LEAF
First introduced in 2010, the LEAF was the world’s first mass-produced all-electric vehicle. Its popularity hasn’t diminished much in the years since, and it still provides a fuel-efficient driving experience at an affordable price.
Dacia Duster
With a rugged exterior and plenty of rigorous construction to back it up, the Dacia Duster may be the only car on this list that you could reliably cruise off-road with. Despite not being well-known, it has a distinct edge over its competitors, like the Ford Puma: it’s cheap.
Lexus CT 200h
We know what you’re thinking - isn’t Lexus a luxury brand? You’d be correct, but it’s not difficult to find a second-hand CT 200h at a decent price. It’s well worth it, too, since it comes with some fantastic premium features and boasts surprising reliability.
Suzuki Alto
First introduced back in 1979, the Suzuki Alto has proven its reliability time and again over the decades. It’s a cute compact vehicle that boasts easy handling and an affordable price tag.
Honda Accord
Though newer Accords can cost you a pretty penny, second-hand models (from around as late as 2017) often go for under $15,000, and offer just as much reliability as many of the other cars on this list.
Toyota Highlander
The Highlander - a sleeker counterpart to the 4Runner - was Toyota’s best-selling SUV at one point. It’s a three-row vehicle perfect for families that sells for under $15,000 on the used car market.
Toyota Tacoma
For those who want the full Monty, the Tacoma should be right up your alley without putting you in debt. It’s a rugged, tough-looking pickup that offers durability and reliability all at once.
Acura ILX
Though the Acura ILX is technically a luxury vehicle, it’s a completely reasonably priced one, too, that still ends up offering much more in terms of safety and reliability than many of its competitors.
Chevrolet Volt
A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, the Volt is one of the most reliable electric cars on the market today, and is decently priced to boot. You probably won’t win many rallies with this thing, but for daily commutes, it’s fantastic.
