Finding a modern vehicle that combines affordability with long-term reliability can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. While some vehicles, such as the Lexus GX, certain Ford Super Duty pickups, and the Toyota Land Cruiser, are renowned for their longevity and ability to accumulate hundreds of thousands of miles, their initial purchase price is far from cheap. Many vehicles known for their durability tend to be larger models, often equipped with more robust components and engines, which naturally increases their cost unless you opt for significantly older, used versions.
To address this challenge, we’ve compiled a list of ten smaller cars that are not only budget-friendly but also boast a strong likelihood of providing years of dependable service without breaking the bank. It’s important to note that these selections prioritize practicality and value, so while they may not be the flashiest or most technologically advanced options, they stand out for their exceptional reliability records and widespread availability, making them ideal choices for budget-conscious buyers.
Our selection criteria include limiting each brand to a maximum of two entries (otherwise, Toyota and Honda would dominate the list), setting a maximum price of $30,000, and considering models no older than the 2020 model year. We’ve primarily used J.D. Power’s “Quality & Reliability” rating as our benchmark, ranking the vehicles from the lowest to highest score within our selection.
10. 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Rating: 76/100
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Starting price | $29,330 |
| Engine | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 181 hp |
| Torque | 151 lb-ft |
Sports cars are not typically associated with long-term reliability, but the Mazda MX-5 Miata, with a starting price just under $30,000, has consistently defied this expectation.
Over the years, Mazda has strategically avoided incorporating complex turbocharged engines, dual-clutch transmissions, and overly intricate technologies into this compact convertible. This commitment to simplicity is a key factor in its reliability. In fact, you’d have to look back to the 2019 model year to find the Miata’s last recall, which was related to a software issue with the automatic transmission. For the simplest, most engaging, and most reliable ownership experience, opting for the manual transmission is highly recommended.
Mazda’s overall reliability is further underscored by Consumer Reports, which ranked the brand seventh out of 30 automakers in its latest reliability survey. This makes the MX-5 Miata a compelling choice for those seeking the thrill of a sports car without the looming fear of exorbitant repair bills, proving that fun and Cheap Reliable Cars can indeed coexist.
Studio shot of the 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata, a reliable and affordable sports car.
9. 2025 Toyota RAV4
Rating: 80/100
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Starting price | $28,850 |
| Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 203 hp |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft |
While a starting price of $28,850 for a new RAV4 LE might not immediately scream “dirt cheap,” the Toyota RAV4 offers excellent value, and lightly used models can often be found for even less, making it a strong contender in the cheap reliable cars category. Like its sibling, the Corolla, the base RAV4 is equipped with a naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, producing a capable 203 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque – more than sufficient for daily commutes and errands.
The RAV4 has maintained a commendable record of reliability, with no significant recalls in recent years. While its interior may not boast the luxury of some competitors like the Mazda CX-5, it is known for its durability and ability to withstand the rigors of everyday use over extended periods. Consumer Reports also highlights the exceptional reliability of RAV4 Hybrids, with the RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid recognized as one of the most reliable new cars in their surveys. If you are seeking a fuel-efficient and dependable SUV, the RAV4, especially hybrid versions, presents itself as a very reliable and cheap car option when considering long-term ownership costs.
8. 2025 Honda Civic
Rating: 82/100
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Starting price | $24,250 |
| Engine | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 158 hp |
| Torque | 138 lb-ft |
The Honda Civic earns its place as a highly recommended vehicle for both value and long-term dependability, thanks to its “great” quality and reliability rating from J.D. Power, exceptional build quality, and an accessible starting price of $24,250. The Honda Civic has a long-standing reputation as a sensible and reliable choice in the compact car segment, and while some Honda Civic generations may have slight variations in reliability, the nameplate as a whole is synonymous with dependability.
The base model features a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter engine producing 158 hp and 138 lb-ft of torque. This proven K-series engine is well-regarded for its robustness and longevity. Even the more powerful turbocharged engine option in higher trims is also known for its reliability. Honda’s brand reputation for reliability is further solidified by Consumer Reports, which consistently ranks Honda among the top five most reliable brands, making the Civic a smart choice for anyone looking for cheap reliable cars that offer peace of mind.
Rear three-quarter view of the 2025 Honda Civic Sedan Hybrid, showcasing its fuel-efficient and dependable design.
7. 2022 Honda CR-V
Rating: 82/100
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Average Used Price | $22,000-$35,000 |
| Engine | 1.5-liter Turbocharged 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 190 hp |
| Torque | 179 lb-ft |
While its quality and reliability rating is “very good” rather than “best-in-class,” the Honda CR-V is widely recognized for its high probability of lasting for many years. According to an iSeeCars study, the CR-V is among the select few compact crossovers with a strong likelihood of reaching the 250,000-mile mark, and anecdotal evidence suggests they are capable of going significantly further, solidifying its place among cheap reliable cars in the used market.
Honda’s legendary build quality is a cornerstone of the CR-V’s reputation, and the model has experienced very few recalls in the past four years. While the brand-new 2025 CR-V might exceed the $30,000 budget, slightly older, used versions, particularly from the previous generation, can be found well under this price point. Consumer Reports consistently ranks Honda as one of the most reliable brands, reinforcing the CR-V as a dependable and affordable choice for those seeking a long-lasting and cheap reliable car in the crossover segment.
6. 2025 Toyota Corolla
Rating: 83/100
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Starting price | $22,175 |
| Engine | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 169 hp |
| Torque | 151 lb-ft |
The Toyota Corolla stands as the quintessential symbol of automotive reliability, and the 2025 model continues this tradition with a very reasonable starting price of $22,175 for the standard version and $23,625 for the Hybrid LE. The gasoline-only model is powered by a simple and robust naturally aspirated engine producing 169 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque, eschewing complex turbochargers in favor of straightforward dependability.
The current generation of the Corolla, introduced in 2018, avoids being overloaded with overly complex technologies that could potentially lead to issues. Between the 2021 and 2024 model years, there have been only two recalls related to airbags and none concerning mechanical components. According to Consumer Reports’ latest brand reliability rankings, Toyota is second only to Lexus, its luxury counterpart. The 2025 model year sees minimal changes, which further reinforces the Corolla’s consistent value and reliability, making it a top contender for anyone prioritizing cheap reliable cars.
5. 2025 Subaru Crosstrek
Rating: 83/100
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Starting Price | $25,695 |
| Engine | 2.0-liter Boxer 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 152 hp |
| Torque | 145 lb-ft |
Subaru vehicles are generally known for their reliability and ability to withstand demanding use, often favored by adventurous families. Among the Subaru lineup, the Crosstrek stands out as one of the most attainable models, with a starting price just over $25,000, fitting well within the category of cheap reliable cars. The base 2.0-liter Boxer four-cylinder engine produces 152 hp, which is adequate for most driving situations, but a more powerful 2.5-liter engine with 182 hp is available for a slight premium in the 2025 model, which is a worthwhile upgrade for those desiring more performance.
Consumer Reports ranked Subaru just behind Honda in its 2023 reliability rankings, and the Crosstrek itself boasts an impressive 83/100 quality and reliability rating from J.D. Power. RepairPal further supports the Crosstrek’s reliability, giving it a 4.5 out of 5 rating, indicating lower than average ownership costs and a low probability of requiring major repairs. This combination of affordability and dependability makes the Crosstrek a compelling option for those seeking cheap reliable cars with a touch of adventurous spirit.
4. 2025 Kia Soul
Rating: 86/100
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Starting Price | $20,290 |
| Engine | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 147 hp |
| Torque | 132 lb-ft |
The Kia Soul is a cheerful and practical subcompact crossover that offers a lot to appreciate, especially considering its starting price, which is just slightly above the Kia Forte. The base Soul shares the same 2.0-liter engine as the Forte and achieves a nearly identical reliability rating. While it may not be a performance-oriented vehicle, the Soul is designed to reliably transport you and your belongings, making it a practical and cheap reliable car.
Although the 2025 Soul has had a few recalls, none are expected to compromise its long-term durability. Kia’s industry-leading warranty provides added peace of mind should any issues arise. The Kia Soul offers a compelling blend of affordability, practicality, and reliability, making it a smart choice for those seeking cheap reliable cars that don’t compromise on functionality.
Front three-quarter view of the Kia Soul, highlighting its quirky and affordable design.
3. 2022 Hyundai Accent
Rating: 87/100
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Starting price | $15,000-$20,500 |
| Engine | 1.6-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 122 hp |
| Torque | 114 lb-ft |
Despite being discontinued after the 2022 model year, the Hyundai Accent subcompact sedan remains a standout choice for reliability, earning a J.D. Power quality and reliability rating of 87/100. As a budget-focused sedan, the Accent features a simple and robust 1.6-liter naturally aspirated engine that, while not powerful, is known for its dependability and contributes to exceptionally low running costs. Used examples with low mileage can be found for under $15,000, offering significant value. A well-maintained, two- or three-year-old Accent still has considerable life left, making it an ideal option for buyers prioritizing a basic, affordable, and cheap reliable car.
2. 2021 Nissan Frontier
Rating: 87/100
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Starting price range | $20,500-$31,500 |
| Engine | 3.8-liter V6 |
| Horsepower | 310 hp |
| Torque | 281 lb-ft |
An all-new Nissan Frontier was introduced for the 2022 model year, and this new generation already boasts impressive quality and reliability ratings. However, it’s the previous-generation D40 Frontier that is a particularly safe bet for long-term ownership and the focus here. The D40 generation was sold in the US for over 15 years, providing ample time to address and resolve any potential issues, making it a very refined and cheap reliable car.
While it lacked some of the modern features found in newer rivals, this simplicity contributed to its ease of maintenance and repair. The last model years of the D40 Frontier achieved an excellent quality and reliability score of 87/100. The V6 engines were known for their durability, but it was a four-cylinder version of the Frontier that famously reached a million miles with the original clutch lasting over 800,000 miles. Alongside the Toyota Tacoma, the Nissan Frontier is renowned for its ability to endure years of hard use. Used examples in the low $20,000 range are readily available, making the Nissan Frontier a compelling choice for those seeking cheap reliable cars in the pickup truck segment.
Image highlighting the reliability of the Nissan Frontier pickup truck.
1. 2024 Kia Forte GT
Rating: 89/100
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Starting Price | $24,690 |
| Engine | 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 201 hp |
| Torque | 185 lb-ft |
Despite the declining popularity of small sedans, Kia sold nearly 124,000 Fortes in the US in the past year, demonstrating the continued appeal of its blend of value and dependability. While the Forte is discontinued for 2025, numerous 2024 models are still available on dealer lots. The Forte GT model is particularly recommended, offering a potent 201 horsepower engine and an available six-speed manual transmission at an affordable price point, making it a fun and cheap reliable car.
According to J.D. Power, the Kia Forte’s quality and reliability rating of 89/100 surpasses both the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, placing it at the top of its segment. Combined with Kia’s exceptional ten-year/100,000-mile warranty, the Forte provides a worry-free ownership experience. While the Kia Forte has faced some challenges related to theft, Kia has implemented solutions to mitigate these concerns. Overall, the Kia Forte GT represents an exceptional combination of performance, value, and reliability, making it our top pick for cheap reliable cars currently available.
Comparison image of the Jetta GLI and Kia Forte GT, highlighting affordable performance sedans.
Honorable Mentions
If you are willing to expand your budget or consider older used vehicles, the following models are also known for their potential to reach or exceed 250,000 miles with proper maintenance:
- Toyota Camry
- Toyota 4Runner
- Toyota Tacoma
- Toyota Tundra
- Toyota Sequoia
- Toyota Avalon
- Toyota Land Cruiser
- Honda Accord
- Honda Ridgeline
- Hyundai Elantra
- Ford F-250/F-350 Super Duty
- Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
- Ram 2500
- Subaru Outback
- Acura MDX
- Lexus LS
Sources: Consumer Reports, J.D. Power, Toyota, Nissan, Mazda, Hyundai, Subaru, Kia, Honda
