The Top 21 Cheapest Cars to Drive

Last Updated on September 30, 2026

By James Shaffer Reviewed by Thomas Rockford, insurance industry executive and financial analyst, on September 30, 2026 How we fact-check

Some cars are simply cheaper to own than others. While sticker price matters, long-term costs like maintenance, repairs, fuel economy, depreciation, and insurance have an even bigger impact on what you actually spend over the years.

When shopping for a car, it’s important to consider the total cost of ownership—not just the MSRP. A vehicle that’s inexpensive upfront may cost more in the long run, while a slightly higher-priced model can save thousands through lower repair costs, better mileage, and cheaper insurance.

Below, we highlight some of the cheapest cars to drive in the United States today, including models known for low maintenance, affordable repair costs, strong fuel economy, budget-friendly insurance, and dependable long-term reliability. MSRP figures below are starting prices for the newest model year with announced pricing (or the last model year sold new in the U.S. for discontinued models). They leave out the destination fee, which runs about $1,200 to $1,550 on these cars. Eight of the 21 are no longer sold new: the Rio, Versa, Fit, Spark, Soul, Mirage, Impala and Verano.

Total cost of ownership—not just MSRP—determines whether a car is truly cheap to drive.
Reliable models like the Toyota Camry, Honda Civic, and Toyota Corolla remain among the lowest-cost vehicles over time.
Subcompacts and entry-level sedans (Kia Rio, Versa, Mirage) offer some of the cheapest insurance and maintenance costs. All three are out of production, so you’ll be buying used.
Used models like the Chevy Spark, Honda Fit, and Impala remain excellent long-term value options with low operating costs.

1. Kia Rio

The Kia Rio remains one of the most affordable cars to own thanks to its excellent fuel economy, low repair costs, and simple, reliable engineering. The last U.S. model year (2023) had a starting MSRP of about $16,750 for the base LX trim. The 2023 Rio is rated 36 mpg combined and has a responsive 1.6L four-cylinder engine and standard tech like an 8-inch touchscreen and smartphone integration. Insurance costs also tend to be low due to strong safety ratings and low repair complexity. On the used market, the Rio is still a bargain commuter.

2. Nissan Versa

The Nissan Versa was one of the cheapest new cars in America, with more safety tech than many cars in its price range. Nissan ended U.S. production in December 2025, and 2025 was the last model year. The 2025 Versa S started at $17,390 with a manual transmission. Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams are standard on every trim. With excellent fuel economy (35 mpg combined with the automatic) and simple mechanicals, a used Versa is still a top-value option for budget buyers.

3. Toyota Camry

The Toyota Camry is famous for its low maintenance costs, high resale value, strong reliability, and affordable insurance. The 2027 Camry starts at about $29,700 for the base LE. While it’s pricier upfront than compact cars, it often costs less over time thanks to its durability and outstanding fuel economy. Every Camry has been a hybrid since the 2025 model year, and the base LE is rated 51 mpg combined. If long-term cost of ownership is your priority, the Camry is a proven winner.

4. Kia Sedona (Kia Carnival)

The Sedona nameplate has been replaced by the Kia Carnival in the U.S., but the formula is similar: a practical minivan that’s cheaper to insure and maintain than many SUVs. The 2027 Kia Carnival starts at $37,490 for the base LX trim. Minivans are often among the cheapest vehicles to insure due to their excellent safety ratings and strong crash performance. The Carnival offers low long-term maintenance costs, family-friendly features, and a competitive purchase price, making it one of the most cost-efficient family vehicles available.

5. Honda Fit

Although no longer sold new in the U.S., the Honda Fit remains a popular and extremely inexpensive used option. The last new model year (2020) started around $16,190 MSRP. Its “Magic Seat” interior, exceptional fuel economy, low insurance premiums, and famously cheap maintenance make the Fit one of the most economical subcompact cars to own and operate on the used market.

6. Honda Civic

The Honda Civic is consistently one of America’s top-selling vehicles thanks to its long-term reliability, strong resale value, and excellent real-world fuel economy. The 2026 Civic starts at $24,695 for the base LX sedan, which is rated 36 mpg combined. Civics typically have lower-than-average insurance costs and exceptionally low maintenance expenses. Whether new or used, it remains one of the smartest buys for cost-conscious drivers who want long-term value.

7. Mazda 3

The Mazda 3 offers upscale design, agile handling, and excellent fuel efficiency at a budget-friendly price. For 2026, the Mazda 3 sedan starts at $24,650 and the hatchback at $25,650. Its popularity keeps insurance and repair costs reasonable, and both sedan and hatchback variants score well in reliability surveys. For drivers seeking a fun, inexpensive car to own, the Mazda 3 is a perennial standout that blends driving enjoyment with long-term affordability.

8. Hyundai Elantra

The Hyundai Elantra combines excellent fuel economy with a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. The 2026 Elantra SE starts at $22,825 and is rated 35 mpg combined. With low maintenance requirements and competitive insurance rates, the Elantra is among the cheapest sedans to own year after year.

9. Toyota Corolla

The Toyota Corolla is one of the most dependable and cost-efficient vehicles ever produced. The 2027 Corolla LE starts at $23,325 MSRP and is rated 35 mpg combined. Affordable maintenance, high resale value, and strong safety ratings keep insurance premiums low. With multiple trims—including hybrid options—the Corolla continues to offer exceptional long-term affordability and remains one of the cheapest cars to drive.

10. Chevrolet Spark

Though discontinued after the 2022 model year, the Chevy Spark remains a top-value used option. When new, the 2022 Spark LS started at about $13,600, making it one of the least expensive cars sold in the U.S. Its lightweight design boosts fuel economy, and its minimalistic engineering keeps repair bills low. Insurance is also inexpensive thanks to low replacement-part costs and solid reliability.

11. Volkswagen Jetta

The VW Jetta offers a spacious interior, excellent gas mileage, and modern tech like the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit. The 2027 Jetta S starts at $23,995. RepairPal puts its average repair and maintenance bill at $609 a year, which ranks 21st of 36 compact cars. Jettas typically carry competitive insurance premiums compared to other compact sedans, making it a great budget-friendly daily driver.

12. Kia Soul

The Kia Soul stands out with its boxy design, roomy interior, and budget-friendly pricing. The 2025 Soul LX started at $20,490 ($21,985 with Kia’s $1,495 destination charge). Insurance premiums and repair costs tend to be low, while features like smartphone connectivity and an intuitive touchscreen come standard. Kia ended the Soul after the 2025 model year, so you’ll mostly find it used. With strong fuel economy and a low purchase price, it’s still one of the cheapest crossovers to own.

13. Kia Forte (Now Kia K4)

The Kia Forte was long known as one of the lowest-MSRP compact sedans, and the last one, the 2024 Forte LX, started at $19,990. For 2025, Kia replaced the Forte with the K4. The 2027 K4 starts at $22,390 for the base LX. The formula remains the same: strong fuel economy, advanced safety features, and low maintenance requirements make it a great choice for commuters looking to minimize ownership costs.

14. Mitsubishi Mirage

The Mitsubishi Mirage was one of the most affordable new cars in America and remains incredibly cheap to run. Mitsubishi dropped it from the U.S. after the 2024 model year. The 2024 Mirage ES hatchback started around $16,700 MSRP. With an EPA rating of 39 mpg combined, low insurance premiums, and simple mechanical components, the Mirage is an ultra-budget-friendly choice for city drivers and commuters who want the lowest possible operating costs.

15. Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

The Eclipse Cross is an economical small SUV with lower-than-average maintenance costs for its class. The 2026 Eclipse Cross ES starts at $27,695. It’s rated 26 mpg combined, which is lower than most cars on this list. Although some repairs can be pricier when they occur, strong reliability and good warranty coverage keep ownership expenses predictably low overall.

16. Chevrolet Impala

The Chevy Impala offers full-size comfort at a used-car price point. The final 2020 model year started around $31,620 MSRP for the base LT trim, but used examples can be found for far less today. It’s known for low insurance premiums, cheap maintenance, and impressive longevity. Fuel costs more, though: its V6 is rated 22 mpg combined. For drivers who prefer larger sedans while still keeping costs low, the Impala remains a strong value on the used market.

17. Buick Verano

The Buick Verano blends luxury features with surprisingly low ownership costs. The last U.S. model year (2017) started at about $21,065 MSRP for the base trim. With durable components, strong safety ratings, and modest insurance premiums for its class, the Verano offers entry-level luxury ownership at a highly affordable used-car price.

18. Ford Mustang

While the Ford Mustang may seem expensive at first glance, it’s often one of the cheaper sports cars to insure. The 2026 Mustang EcoBoost Fastback starts around $32,995. Parts are widely available, but repairs aren’t cheap: RepairPal puts the Mustang’s average repair and maintenance bill at $709 a year, 20th of 24 midsize cars. Insurance on the EcoBoost can stay reasonable, so check what a Mustang costs to insure before you buy.

19. Toyota Prius

The Toyota Prius remains one of the cheapest vehicles to own thanks to industry-leading fuel economy and Toyota’s legendary reliability. The 2027 Prius LE starts at $28,755 MSRP. It’s rated 55 mpg combined, which dramatically lowers long-term fuel costs. Insurance rates are generally moderate, and maintenance needs are minimal, making the Prius one of the most cost-effective vehicles on the road.

20. Hyundai Sonata

The Hyundai Sonata offers exceptional value among midsize sedans, featuring strong safety ratings, modern technology, and one of the best warranties available. The 2026 Sonata SE starts at $27,450 and is rated 32 mpg combined. With low maintenance costs and competitive insurance premiums, the Sonata provides an excellent blend of comfort, reliability, and affordability for families and commuters alike.

21. Subaru Impreza

The Subaru Impreza is one of the cheapest all-wheel-drive vehicles to own. Subaru dropped the base Impreza for 2026, when the cheapest trim started at $26,595, and brought it back for 2027 at $24,595 MSRP. Subaru calls it the most affordable all-wheel-drive compact on sale in the U.S. Standard AWD, good fuel economy, and Subaru’s well-known longevity make it affordable both upfront and long-term. Insurance is also moderate thanks to strong safety ratings and widely available replacement parts, making the Impreza a smart choice for drivers in snowy climates.

FAQs

What makes a car “cheap to drive” besides a low MSRP?

A car is truly cheap to drive when its total cost of ownership is low—not just its sticker price. That includes fuel economy, routine maintenance, repair costs, insurance premiums, and long-term reliability and depreciation. A slightly more expensive car upfront can easily be cheaper over 5–10 years if it uses less fuel, breaks down less, holds its value, and costs less to insure.

Why are small cars like the Kia Rio, Nissan Versa, and Mitsubishi Mirage so affordable to own?

Subcompacts and entry-level sedans are usually cheap to own because they have smaller engines, lower curb weights, and simpler mechanical systems. That translates into better fuel economy, lower repair bills, and cheaper replacement parts. They also tend to have lower market values, which helps keep collision and comprehensive insurance premiums down. All three are out of production now, so you’d be shopping used.

Are reliable models like the Toyota Camry, Corolla, and Honda Civic worth the higher starting price?

In many cases, yes. Cars like the Camry, Corolla, and Civic often cost more than basic subcompacts, but they make up for it with exceptional reliability, high resale value, and low repair and maintenance costs over time. They also tend to have strong safety ratings, which can help keep insurance premiums competitive. Over a decade of ownership, these models often end up cheaper than some lower-priced alternatives.

Why are some discontinued cars like the Chevy Spark, Honda Fit, and Chevy Impala still on this list?

Even though they’re no longer sold new, models like the Spark, Fit, and Impala remain excellent used-car values. Their last model years had very low MSRPs, and they’re known for cheap maintenance, strong reliability, and modest insurance costs. For budget-minded buyers shopping the used market, these vehicles can deliver years of low-cost ownership at a fraction of the price of many new cars. The Rio, Versa, Soul, Mirage and Verano are out of production too.

Is a hybrid like the Toyota Prius really cheaper to own than a gas-only car?

Often, yes—especially if you drive a lot. The Prius and similar hybrids deliver outstanding fuel economy, sometimes over 50 mpg combined, which dramatically lowers fuel costs. While hybrids can have higher MSRPs and more complex components, their strong reliability, long-lasting batteries, and high resale value usually offset those factors. Toyota covers the hybrid battery on 2020 and newer models for 10 years or 150,000 miles. Over several years, total ownership costs are often lower than comparable gas-only models.

How does insurance factor into a car’s long-term affordability?

Insurance can be one of the biggest ongoing costs of owning a car. Vehicles that are easy to repair, have good safety ratings, and are less likely to be driven aggressively generally have lower premiums. That’s why minivans, compact sedans, and some practical hatchbacks often cost less to insure than luxury cars or performance vehicles. When comparing models, it’s smart to get a few insurance quotes before you buy.

Should I always choose the car with the lowest MSRP if I’m on a tight budget?

Not necessarily. The lowest-MSRP car isn’t always the cheapest to own long-term. A rock-bottom price can be offset by poor fuel economy, frequent repairs, expensive parts, or high insurance costs. It’s better to look at the whole picture—fuel, maintenance, repairs, insurance, and resale value—before deciding which car gives you the best overall deal.

What can I do to lower my ownership costs no matter which car I choose?

You can keep costs in check by maintaining your car on schedule, driving gently to improve fuel economy, shopping around for insurance, choosing sensible coverage and deductibles, and avoiding accidents and tickets that raise your premiums. Buying a reliable model, keeping it for many years, and staying on top of basic maintenance are the biggest long-term money savers.

Final Word

When evaluating a car’s true cost, be sure to look beyond the sticker price. Fuel economy, maintenance costs, insurance premiums, and long-term reliability play an even bigger role in what you’ll spend over the years.

Use the list above as a starting point to find a vehicle that fits both your budget and your long-term financial goals. A smart choice today—balancing MSRP with low operating costs—can save you thousands in the future. Since many of these cars are now used-only, my advice is to run the VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup before you buy. Recall repairs are free at the dealer, and they’re easy to miss on a used car.

Sources

Checked September 30, 2026. Toyota: 2027 Corolla release, 2027 Prius release, Camry page, Prius page on buyatoyota.com (hybrid battery warranty). Nissan: 2025 Versa release, September 20, 2024. Kia: 2027 Carnival pricing, July 6, 2026, 2027 K4 pricing, September 30, 2026, 2024 Forte pricing, 2025 Soul pricing, 2023 Rio pricing, 2023 Rio specifications. Honda: 2026 Civic sedan pricing and EPA ratings, January 6, 2026, 2020 Fit pricing, January 7, 2020. Mazda: price changes effective May 4, 2026. Hyundai: Elantra page, Sonata page. Volkswagen: Jetta page. Mitsubishi: Eclipse Cross trims, Eclipse Cross page. Subaru: 2026 Impreza pricing, July 30, 2025, 2027 Impreza pricing, September 24, 2026. RepairPal: Mustang, Jetta. NHTSA: recall lookup. Secondary: Autoblog, September 4, 2026 (2027 Camry), Kelley Blue Book, January 5, 2026 (Versa), Kelley Blue Book, October 7, 2025 (Soul), Kelley Blue Book, August 7, 2024 (Mirage), Consumer Guide, September 6, 2023 (Rio), Cars.com, May 27, 2016 (Verano), Edmunds 2024 Mirage, Edmunds 2022 Spark, J.D. Power 2026 Mustang EcoBoost Fastback, GM Authority 2020 Impala, CarsDirect 2020 Impala, Capital One Auto Navigator 2017 Verano.