Choosing a new car involves many factors, and let’s be honest, looking good behind the wheel is definitely one of them. While a Lamborghini would make anyone look impressive, most of us don’t have that kind of budget. The good news is, you don’t need to break the bank to drive a stylish car. There are plenty of cool-looking vehicles on the market today that are surprisingly affordable. If you’re searching for Cheap New Cars that don’t compromise on style, you’ve come to the right place. Here are ten of the best options that prove you can have a cool car without emptying your wallet.
Chevrolet Sonic Hatchback – Starting at $15,220
The Chevy Sonic hatchback is a standout in the subcompact class, boasting an appealing design with sharp lines, distinctive round headlights that give it a somewhat assertive look, and a modern interior featuring a motorcycle-inspired instrument cluster. This hatchback version subtly echoes the sporty vibe of a Volkswagen GTI, not just in aesthetics but also in its driving dynamics. For an enhanced driving experience, consider the 1.4-liter turbocharged engine paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. This combination delivers brisk acceleration, responsive steering, and impressive cornering grip. Remarkably, even with the turbo engine, the Sonic hatchback remains affordable, listing at just over $18,000. Safety is also a priority, with ten airbags and the availability of OnStar, a subscription service providing emergency assistance and vehicle location services. Chevrolet refreshed the Sonic for 2017, introducing a more sculpted hood and an updated interior with a larger, vibrant color touchscreen. These enhancements ensure the Sonic continues to be a cheap new car that looks genuinely cool and contemporary.
Chevrolet Camaro – Starting at $26,695
The Chevrolet Camaro is an iconic muscle car, and surprisingly, it’s attainable for more budgets than you might think. Freshly redesigned for the 2016 model year, this generation of Camaro refines the aggressive styling of its predecessor (2010-2015) onto a leaner, more athletic platform. With its base price, it firmly establishes itself as a cool-looking yet cheap new car option in the sports car segment. The reduced dimensions of the new Camaro have led to significant weight savings, dramatically improving acceleration, handling, and even fuel efficiency. Inside, the Camaro’s cabin is modern and uncluttered, although the low-slung windows do compromise visibility somewhat, and the rear seats are very compact, best suited for occasional use. However, the Camaro’s “cool factor” is matched only by its engaging driving experience. The base model is powered by a 275-horsepower turbocharged engine, delivering genuine muscle car thrills. Driving the entry-level Camaro is a revelation; it’s hard to believe Chevrolet offers such a potent combination of style and performance for under $27,000 – yet they undeniably do, making it a standout cheap new car for enthusiasts.
Chrysler 200 – Starting at $22,990
Chrysler made waves in the automotive world with the introduction of the redesigned 200 in 2015. Its previous iteration was rather bland, but the new 200 was instantly recognized for its sleek, almost sensual styling and featured one of the most refined interiors Chrysler had produced to date. The instrument panel’s ambient blue glow is a distinctive touch, and the clean, well-organized center console, with its rotary gear selector and user-friendly climate controls, demonstrates that functional car controls can also be aesthetically pleasing. A charming detail is the textured mat in the center storage bin, embossed with an outline of the Detroit skyline, a nod to Chrysler’s heritage. While the 200 faced challenges in the competitive midsize sedan market due to a smaller trunk and rear seat – the latter further impacted by narrow rear door openings resulting from its sloping roofline – it excels as a stylish and affordable choice. The Chrysler 200 might not be the ideal family sedan, but for those seeking a beautiful and cheap new car that stands out from the crowd, it’s an excellent choice.
Dodge Charger – Starting at $28,990
No other family sedan commands attention and exudes attitude quite like the Dodge Charger. From its signature crosshair grille to its sculpted body sides and distinctive “racetrack” LED taillights, the Charger is guaranteed to stand out in any parking lot filled with more conventional sedans. While the Charger’s price point is higher than some on this list, it remains remarkably reasonable for a large sedan – and the Charger is undeniably a full-size sedan, offering generous space for five adults and a substantial trunk. Even the base model Charger delivers performance to match its aggressive looks. Entry-level versions come equipped with a 292-horsepower V6 engine, an 8-speed automatic transmission, and rear-wheel drive. For those seeking even more power, the R/T model, featuring a 370-hp V8, is priced just under $35,000. These cars are big, powerful, and fun to drive, and their inherent coolness is undeniable. The Dodge Charger is a testament to the fact that cheap new cars can still deliver bold styling and impressive performance.
FIAT 500 – Starting at $17,990
With its charming round headlights and chrome “moustache” grille, the FIAT 500 is undeniably one of the most adorable cars available. The 500 is all about expressive style, offering a vibrant color palette that includes eye-catching shades like mint green, bright yellow, iridescent blue, and classic bright red. The stylish theme continues inside with a body-colored dashboard and optional retro-style white steering wheel and gauge cluster. The FIAT 500 is remarkably user-friendly in everyday driving. Its 1.4-liter engine provides zippy performance, and its compact dimensions make parking effortless. Rear passenger and cargo space are limited, which is expected given the FIAT 500’s diminutive size, but surprisingly, it doesn’t feel like a tiny car from behind the wheel. The elevated seating position gives it a more substantial feel, and it handles confidently on highways. For those wanting more excitement, the turbocharged Abarth models offer significantly enhanced performance while still qualifying as a cheap new car that exudes cool Italian style.
Ford Fiesta – Starting at $14,965
The Ford Fiesta was initially conceived and designed for Ford’s European market. When it was introduced in America, the Fiesta’s styling differed noticeably from much of Ford’s US lineup, but its design was well-received. Since then, many Ford models designed for the US market have adopted styling cues influenced by the Fiesta, demonstrating the impact of this cool-looking and cheap new car. While some might favor the hatchback version of the Fiesta, the sedan is equally attractive in its own right. Ford offers the Fiesta in vibrant paint colors like purple, yellow, and candy blue, though these brighter shades are available starting with the SE model ($16,195). The base Fiesta S model is offered in more standard colors like black, white, and silver. The Fiesta is somewhat limited in rear seat space, but its European heritage is evident in its engaging driving dynamics. Among subcompact cars, the Fiesta is renowned for being exceptionally fun to drive on winding roads, solidifying its place as a cheap new car that’s also genuinely enjoyable.
Ford Mustang – Starting at $25,045
Similar to the Chevrolet Camaro, the Ford Mustang is an American icon. And just like the Camaro, the base model Mustang offers striking looks and thrilling performance at a very accessible price. The Mustang was redesigned in 2015 with a sleek fastback body style. While it retains classic Mustang design elements, it’s a thoroughly modern car, and one that, like the original, is likely to remain stylish for decades. The cool appeal extends to the interior; the Mustang’s cabin is a well-executed blend of contemporary design and retro-inspired details. Performance is as expected from a Mustang: Base models are powered by a 3.7-liter V6 engine producing 300 horsepower – a figure that surpassed even early V8-powered Mustangs. Even the most affordable Mustangs come with attractive 18-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels, and with a wide range of vibrant colors available, no one needs to know that the stylish Mustang in your driveway was purchased for around $25,000. It’s a truly iconic and cheap new car option.
Hyundai Veloster – Starting at $18,835
The Hyundai Veloster certainly has a distinctive and polarizing design, but we find it quite appealing. The Veloster is a uniquely styled coupe featuring an asymmetrical door layout – one door on the driver’s side and two on the passenger side, intended to improve rear seat access. While the rear door opening is quite small, arguably making left-side entry just as convenient, the Veloster’s unconventional door configuration is undeniably a conversation starter and adds to its cool factor. The interior of the Veloster is also stylish, and the optional panoramic sunroof enhances the sense of spaciousness. The Veloster’s driving dynamics are more playful than overtly sporty. The base 1.6-liter engine is adequate, though the 201-horsepower turbocharged version in the Veloster Turbo ($22,435) provides a noticeable performance boost and includes a firmer suspension and upgraded audio system. Whether you love it or find it unusual, the Veloster stands out from the crowd, making it both a cheap new car and undeniably cool and unique.
Kia Soul – Starting at $16,750
We appreciate the Kia Soul’s boxy and upright design, and its continued popularity is a testament to its enduring style. The Soul’s boxy silhouette and subtly wedged profile make it stand out from other cars, and they also contribute to its remarkable practicality. The Soul offers a spacious rear seat with generous headroom and rivals many SUVs in terms of cargo capacity. Base models are well-equipped, although color choices are somewhat limited to black, white, silver, and a striking electric green. However, the Soul+ model ($20,250) expands the color palette and upholstery options, including a two-tone roof. For environmentally conscious buyers, Kia also offers an electric version of the Soul, the Soul EV, available in an eye-catching electric blue. The Kia Soul is a practical yet stylish and cheap new car that offers a lot of versatility.
Mazda Mazda3 – Starting at $17,845
The Mazda Mazda3 is a favorite for many reasons, and its styling is certainly a major one. We admire the Mazda3’s flowing curves and crisp lines, and it’s one of the few cars that looks equally appealing in both hatchback and sedan forms. The hatchback has a sophisticated European “shooting brake” aesthetic, while the sedan is confident and well-proportioned. Mazda interiors are also well-designed. The instrument cluster, featuring an analog tachometer and digital speedometer, is easy to read, and while the placement of the stereo controls near the handbrake might seem unusual initially, it becomes intuitive with use. Beyond its stylish looks and affordability, the Mazda3’s primary charm is its engaging driving experience. It’s consistently ranked as one of the best-driving compact cars on the market, making it highly desirable among car enthusiasts. The Mazda3 is undoubtedly a cheap new car that delivers both style and driving pleasure.
Conclusion
Finding a car that’s both affordable and stylish is absolutely achievable. This list of ten cheap new cars proves that you don’t have to compromise on looks or enjoyment when you’re on a budget. From sporty hatchbacks to iconic muscle cars and uniquely styled coupes, there’s a cool and cheap new car out there for almost everyone. So, start your search and discover that looking good on the road doesn’t have to cost a fortune.
