Finding a car that’s both affordable and dependable can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. While some vehicles are known for their longevity, like certain Lexus and Toyota models, their initial price tags often put them out of reach for budget-conscious buyers. The good news is, you don’t have to break the bank to own a reliable vehicle.
This list compiles ten smaller, more accessible cars that are likely to offer years of dependable service without emptying your wallet. These aren’t necessarily luxury vehicles packed with the latest gadgets, but they are practical, readily available, and boast strong reliability records. They are perfect for anyone prioritizing value and peace of mind.
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 rising popularity of SUVs, compact sedans like the Kia Forte still hold immense appeal, selling nearly 124,000 units in the US last year. The Forte’s blend of affordability and dependability is a major draw. Although the Forte is being discontinued for 2025, plenty of 2024 models are still available, and the GT trim is particularly appealing. Offering 201 horsepower and an optional six-speed manual transmission, the Forte GT provides a fun driving experience without sacrificing reliability.
According to J.D. Power, the Kia Forte’s impressive 89/100 quality and reliability rating surpasses even the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla in its segment. Combined with Kia’s industry-leading ten-year/100,000-mile warranty, the Forte promises a worry-free ownership experience. While earlier models faced theft concerns, Kia has implemented solutions, making the 2024 Forte GT a top pick for a 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 |
While a redesigned Nissan Frontier debuted for 2022 with strong reliability ratings, it’s the previous generation D40 Frontier that stands out as a truly dependable and cheap reliable truck. Sold in the US for over 15 years, this generation had ample time to refine its reliability.
Known for its simplicity, the older Frontier was easy to maintain and repair. It earned an excellent 87/100 quality and reliability score. While V6 engines were robust, the four-cylinder models were legendary for longevity, with one owner famously reaching a million miles on the original clutch for over 800,000 miles.
Alongside the Toyota Tacoma (which we limited due to brand representation), the Nissan Frontier is a workhorse that can endure years of hard use. Used models in the low $20,000 range are readily available, making it a very affordable and reliable truck option.
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 |
Though discontinued after 2022, the Hyundai Accent subcompact sedan remains a standout for reliability in the cheap car segment. It boasts an impressive 87/100 J.D. Power quality and reliability rating. As a budget-focused vehicle, the Accent features a simple, naturally aspirated 1.6-liter engine that prioritizes robustness over outright power. This simplicity contributes to its dependability and low running costs.
Used Hyundai Accents, often found under $15,000 with low mileage, offer significant value. With proper maintenance, a two or three-year-old Accent still has plenty of life left. For buyers seeking a basic, affordable, and cheap reliable car, the Hyundai Accent is an excellent choice.
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, a quirky and practical subcompact crossover, offers a lot to love, starting at just over $20,000. Sharing its 2.0-liter engine with the Kia Forte, the Soul nearly matches its sibling’s excellent reliability rating. While not designed for speed, the Soul is a dependable vehicle with ample space for passengers and cargo.
Although the 2025 Kia Soul has experienced a few recalls, none are expected to compromise its long-term reliability. Kia’s exceptional warranty adds further peace of mind. If you’re looking for a cheap reliable car that’s also spacious and a bit different, the Kia Soul is a compelling option.
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 is known for building reliable vehicles, and the Crosstrek is one of their most accessible models, starting at just over $25,000. The base 2.0-liter Boxer engine provides adequate power, but the optional 2.5-liter engine, available for a slight premium in 2025, is worth considering for extra performance.
Consumer Reports ranked Subaru just behind Honda for brand reliability in 2023, and the Crosstrek boasts an impressive 83/100 quality and reliability rating from J.D. Power. RepairPal also gives the Crosstrek a high reliability score of 4.5 out of 5, noting lower-than-average ownership costs and a low likelihood of major repairs. For a cheap reliable car with standard all-wheel drive and adventurous spirit, the Subaru Crosstrek is a great choice.
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 is practically synonymous with automotive reliability, and the 2025 model continues this tradition. Starting at a very reasonable $22,175 for the standard version and $23,625 for the Hybrid LE, the Corolla offers exceptional value. The gas-powered model uses a simple and dependable naturally aspirated 2.0-liter engine, producing 169 horsepower.
The current Corolla generation, introduced in 2018, avoids overly complex technologies that can lead to problems. Between 2021 and 2024, there were only two airbag recalls and none related to mechanical issues. Consumer Reports ranks Toyota second only to Lexus in predicted reliability. With minimal changes for 2025, the Toyota Corolla remains a top contender for a cheap reliable car.
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 reliability rating is “very good” rather than “best-in-class,” the Honda CR-V is widely recognized for its longevity. Studies, like one from iSeeCars, indicate the CR-V is among the compact crossovers most likely to reach 250,000 miles and beyond.
Honda’s reputation for robust build quality is well-earned, and the CR-V has had very few recalls in recent years. While the 2025 CR-V might exceed our $30,000 price limit, slightly older, used models can easily be found below this threshold. Previous generation CR-Vs are even more affordable. Consumer Reports consistently ranks Honda as one of the most reliable brands. For a cheap reliable SUV, a used Honda CR-V is an excellent option.
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 |
Earning a “great” quality and reliability rating from J.D. Power, combined with Honda’s renowned build quality and a starting price of $24,250, the Honda Civic is an easy recommendation for value and long-term dependability. While some Honda Civic generations are better than others, the nameplate as a whole is synonymous with sensible and reliable transportation.
The base Civic features a proven naturally aspirated 2.0-liter engine, while the optional turbocharged engine is also known for its reliability. Consumer Reports consistently ranks Honda among the top five most reliable brands. The Honda Civic is a consistently strong choice for a cheap reliable 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 |
Starting at $28,850 for a new RAV4 LE, the Toyota RAV4 may not be the absolute cheapest car on this list, but it offers exceptional value and reliability. Lightly used models can often be found for under $30,000. Like the Corolla, the base RAV4 uses a dependable naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, providing ample power for daily driving.
The RAV4 has a strong track record with minimal recalls in recent years. While the interior may not be as luxurious as some competitors, it is durable and holds up well over time. Consumer Reports also highlights the excellent reliability of RAV4 Hybrids, with the RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid being among the most reliable new cars in their surveys. The Toyota RAV4 is a solid and cheap reliable SUV option.
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 aren’t typically associated with long-term reliability, but the Mazda MX-5 Miata, starting just under $30,000, defies this stereotype. Mazda has consistently avoided adding complex technologies like turbocharged engines and dual-clutch transmissions to the Miata, contributing to its simplicity and dependability.
The Miata has a remarkably clean recall history, with the last recall dating back to the 2019 model year for a minor software issue with the automatic transmission. For maximum reliability, the manual transmission is recommended. Consumer Reports ranked Mazda seventh out of 30 automakers for reliability last year. The MX-5 Miata offers sports car thrills without the typical reliability concerns, making it a surprisingly cheap reliable car in its niche.
Honorable Mentions
If your budget allows for a slightly higher price or you’re considering older used cars, these models are also known for reaching or exceeding 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
