With the price of new vehicles constantly on the rise, finding an affordable option can feel like a daunting task. If you’re a savvy shopper who keeps a close eye on your budget, you’ll be pleased to know that Autobytel’s “Best Cheap New Cars of 2013” list highlights some fantastic, budget-friendly vehicles. This curated selection spans various popular car segments, from nimble subcompacts like the Nissan Versa Sedan, the reigning champion of affordability, to spacious full-size sedans that impressively blend power and fuel efficiency. We’ll also spotlight eco-conscious choices, including electric and hybrid cars available for under $20,000.
In fact, an impressive eight out of the ten cars on the “Best Cheap New Cars for 2013” list can be yours for under $20,000. Each model offers significant savings compared to the average new car price on the market, proving that you don’t have to break the bank to drive a brand-new vehicle.
Here’s a closer look at Autobytel’s top cheap car selections for 2013:
Best Cheap Subcompact Sedan: 2013 Nissan Versa Sedan
The 2013 Nissan Versa Sedan proudly holds its position as the most affordable new car on the market, and therefore, the king of our Best Cheap New Cars list, with a starting MSRP of just $11,990. Despite its budget-friendly price tag, the Versa Sedan surprises with its remarkably spacious interior. Offering over 90 cubic feet of passenger volume, this subcompact sedan rivals the cabin space of many compact cars, and even boasts more trunk space than some of its larger counterparts.
While the interior prioritizes functionality over luxury, it comes equipped with essential standard features such as an AM/FM/CD audio system and air conditioning. True to its “cheap car” designation, the Versa Sedan also delivers commendable fuel efficiency. The base model features a 1.6-liter inline-4 engine paired with a five-speed manual transmission, producing 109 horsepower and 107 lb.-ft. of torque, while achieving an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 27 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 30 mpg combined.
Best Cheap Subcompact Hatchback: 2013 Ford Fiesta
While Nissan leads in the subcompact sedan category, the 2013 Ford Fiesta hatchback takes the crown for the best cheap subcompact hatchback. Starting at a slightly higher MSRP of $14,200, the Fiesta offers a compelling package of value and features. Interestingly, it undercuts its Nissan Versa hatchback competitor by a notable $470. The Fiesta also edges out the Versa in fuel economy in its base configuration, boasting an impressive 29 mpg city, 39 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined. Furthermore, the Fiesta offers more power, generating 120 horsepower and 112 lb.-ft. of torque from its 1.6-liter inline-4 engine.
Ford hasn’t compromised on features to achieve its position on the Best Cheap New Cars of 2013 list. The entry-level Fiesta includes essential features like an AM/FM sound system with four speakers and air conditioning, along with convenience features such as a front center storage console, power door locks, carpeted floor mats, rear-seat heat vents, power-adjustable side mirrors with integrated blind-spot mirrors, a rear spoiler, and a stylish interior with metallic accents and soft-touch door panel inserts.
Best Cheap Compact Sedan: 2013 Kia Forte
The 2013 Kia Forte stands out, like several others on our best cheap cars list, by offering an opportunity to maximize savings even beyond its already segment-leading starting price. As the 2013 Forte marked the end of its model cycle, Kia dealerships were highly motivated to offer discounts below its $15,400 MSRP to clear inventory.
This translates to exceptional value for buyers, granting access to a well-equipped car featuring an AM/FM/CD/MP3/SiriusXM audio system with USB and auxiliary jacks, Bluetooth connectivity, steering-wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls, climate control with rear-seat vents, automatic halogen headlights, and a six-way adjustable driver’s seat.
The Forte also delivers surprisingly spirited performance thanks to its 156-horsepower 2.0-liter inline-4 engine, paired with a six-speed manual transmission. This compact sedan, recognized as a winner in the Best Cheap New Cars 2013 comparison, achieves fuel economy ratings of 25 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined.
Best Cheap Mid-Size Sedans (Tie): 2013 Dodge Avenger / Chrysler 200
In the mid-size segment, two vehicles from the Chrysler group, the 2013 Dodge Avenger and Chrysler 200, tied for the title of Best Cheap New Cars of 2013. These models offered buyers a significant cost advantage compared to other mainstream mid-size sedans.
Both the 200 and Avenger provide essential features like air conditioning and sound systems, making them practical and comfortable choices. However, it’s worth noting that their fuel efficiency lags behind newer competitors. Equipped with 2.4-liter inline-4 engines and four-speed automatic transmissions, these cars achieve an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined. In comparison, the Toyota Camry, a popular competitor, achieves 25 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, and 28 mpg combined with its six-speed automatic transmission.
Despite the fuel economy difference, the Avenger and 200’s lower starting prices, significantly undercutting the Camry’s $22,235 MSRP by over $3,240, leave budget-conscious buyers with considerable savings to offset fuel costs over time.
Best Cheap Full-Size Sedan: 2013 Chevrolet Impala
The 2013 Chevrolet Impala, much like the Kia Forte, secures its place on the Best Cheap Cars list primarily due to its attractive MSRP. With a starting price of $25,860, the Impala already represents value, but buyers in 2013 could likely negotiate even lower prices as a completely redesigned 2014 model was on the horizon.
The Impala goes beyond just being cheap; it delivers exceptional value in the full-size sedan segment. Its powertrain is a standout feature, combining an advanced 3.6-liter direct-injection V6 engine with a six-speed automatic transmission to produce a robust 300 horsepower. This power is complemented by impressive fuel efficiency, achieving up to 30 mpg on the highway. As a result, the Impala not only leads the Best Cheap New Cars of 2013 in the full-size segment in terms of price, but it also surpasses competitors like the 2013 Ford Taurus in both power and fuel economy.
Furthermore, the Impala comes generously equipped with standard features, including Bluetooth for hands-free calling, GM’s OnStar service, 16-inch aluminum wheels, power door locks and windows, a six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, a multi-function steering wheel, and keyless entry.
Best Cheap Sports Car: 2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Autobytel’s Best Cheap New Cars for 2013 list even includes a treat for driving enthusiasts: the 2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata. Also recognized as the most affordable convertible on the list, the Miata starts at $23,720. This price includes a user-friendly convertible soft top, a retractable wind blocker for open-air enjoyment, power windows and locks, air conditioning, keyless entry, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a six-speaker sound system, halogen headlights and fog lights, and soft-touch materials on the center console and armrests.
Powered by a responsive 167-horsepower, 2.0-liter inline-4 engine with variable valve timing and equipped with a sophisticated suspension, the Miata delivers both exhilarating performance and a history of accolades. Yet, it remains reasonably fuel-efficient, achieving EPA ratings of 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined.
Best Cheap Hybrid Car: 2013 Honda Insight
As hybrid vehicles became increasingly prevalent, automakers managed to lower their entry prices. The 2013 Honda Insight emerged as one of the most eco-friendly and best cheap cars of 2013, with a starting price of just $18,600. The Insight boasts impressive EPA fuel economy ratings of 41 mpg city, 44 mpg highway, and 42 mpg combined. This exceptional efficiency earned the Insight a spot on the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy’s “greenest” list that year.
This fuel-sipping performance is made possible by Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist propulsion system, which combines a 1.3-liter inline-4 engine with i-VTEC valve technology and a 10-kW electric motor to optimize fuel economy across various driving conditions.
Beyond its fuel efficiency, the Insight also serves as a versatile vehicle for families, offering a spacious 31.5-cubic-foot cargo area, premium seat fabric, a 160-watt audio system, automatic climate control, and Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure for enhanced safety.
Best Cheap Electric Car: 2013 Nissan LEAF
The 2013 Nissan LEAF made electric vehicle ownership more accessible. By introducing a new, entry-level LEAF S model, Nissan lowered the starting price of the lineup from $35,200 to $28,800. While this price point alone didn’t qualify it for Autobytel’s best cheap new cars list, federal and state incentives significantly reduced the net cost. A $7,500 federal tax credit brought the effective price down to $21,300, and in states like California, an additional $2,500 tax benefit further lowered the net price to a very affordable $18,800.
While the base LEAF S model omitted some features found in higher trims (which were repositioned as mid-range and premium options), it provided an entry point into the all-electric vehicle segment and secured a place among the best cheap cars. Notably, the mid-range LEAF SV and premium LEAF SL also received price reductions and feature upgrades, enhancing their value propositions.
Best Cheap Diesel Car: 2013 VW Jetta TDI
Even with its premium diesel engine, the 2013 VW Jetta TDI offered an attractive MSRP of $23,055. It featured a highly efficient 2.0-liter inline-4 engine equipped with VW’s renowned TDI clean-diesel technology. Paired with a six-speed manual transmission in the base model, this powertrain delivered 140 horsepower, 236 lb.-ft. of torque, and EPA fuel economy ratings of 30 mpg city, 42 mpg highway, and 34 mpg combined.
The Jetta TDI also included upscale features rarely found in the “best cheap cars” category, such as 16-inch alloy wheels in VW’s “Mambo” design, chrome grille accents, heated and power-adjustable side mirrors with integrated turn signals, heated windshield washer nozzles, air conditioning, an adjustable front-center armrest with storage, heated front seats, “V-Tex” leatherette seats, a six-speaker sound system with Bluetooth audio streaming, and more.
Uniquely, the VW Jetta TDI was the only German-engineered vehicle recognized on the “Best Cheap New Cars 2013” Awards list.
Best Cheap All-Wheel Drive Car: 2013 Subaru Impreza
Rounding out Autobytel’s list of 10 best cheap cars to buy in 2013 is the sole all-wheel-drive option, the 2013 Subaru Impreza. While the discontinued 2012 Suzuki SX4 AWD Crossover deserved a mention for its affordability (if you could still find one and were willing to consider the brand’s exit from the U.S. market), the Impreza offered a more secure and readily available choice.
With an MSRP of $17,895, the Subaru Impreza was a compelling option for buyers seeking all-wheel drive in the best cheap new cars segment of 2013. The redesigned 2013 Impreza, in its base sedan configuration with a standard five-speed manual transmission, achieved EPA fuel economy ratings of 27 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, and 28 mpg combined. This efficiency was paired with a capable 2.0-liter boxer-style engine producing 148 horsepower and 145 lb.-ft. of torque.
