10 Cheap Cars That CR Recommends

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 hundreds of dollars to the manufacturer’s suggested retail price for even the least expensive models. (The most expensive cars, meanwhile, are often being discounted.) With car loan interest rates now averaging 7.3 percent, according to Edmunds, this can mean significant long-term costs.

To help members find the best car at the lowest cost, we analyzed the average transaction price for new cars using national data from TrueCar, a CR partner, and sorted all models based on their selling price. These 10 models all meet our stringent standards for road-test performance, owner satisfaction, reliability, and safety to be CR Recommended.

Below, you’ll find those models ranked based on the transaction price—not the MSRP—starting with the cheapest model, at $20,754. Because we’re citing actual figures, we list the specific configuration. Other versions of the featured models often carry relatively similar pricing, with the same percentage above or below the MSRP. 

This month, eight of the 10 featured models—from Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Nissan, and Toyota—are selling for more than their sticker prices.

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.

The list of the cheapest cars that Consumer Reports recommends is available to CR members. If you haven’t joined yet, you can access the list by clicking below and becoming a member.

Looking to save money on great cars? Check out our 10 Used Car Top Picks of the month. And look at saving on car insurance.