The Most Reliable Cheapest Cars in 2024: Finding Quality on a Budget

When the automotive market turned volatile following the pandemic, consumers felt the pain most acutely in their checkbooks. Years have passed since 2020, yet new vehicle prices have stubbornly remained elevated, locking many buyers out of dealership showrooms entirely. The situation reflects a fundamental mismatch: drivers desperately want to purchase affordable transportation, but manufacturers have deliberately shifted production away from budget-friendly models toward higher-margin vehicles that generate better profits.

According to Edmunds analyst Joseph Yoon, “manufacturers have chosen to prioritize more profitable, higher-trim vehicles in their lineups, which meant the inventory available to purchase also carried a higher sticker price.” This strategy has created a scarcity of truly cheap options. In early 2024, when roughly 275 different car models competed for sales in the United States, fewer than nine offered transaction prices below $25,000. Even more striking, only two vehicles dipped under the $20,000 threshold—a dramatic limitation for budget-conscious shoppers.

The silver lining? Today’s most affordable vehicles deliver superior reliability, safety, and fuel efficiency compared to their cheaper predecessors. The cheapest cars available now represent genuine value propositions rather than bottom-tier, low-quality choices. This guide examines the ten most reliable cheapest options currently on the market, ranked by descending price, with data sourced from the EPA, Kelley Blue Book, and Consumer Reports’ 2024 reliability predictions.

The Market Challenge: Why Cheap, Reliable Cars Disappeared

Inventory constraints and manufacturer preferences have fundamentally altered the affordable car landscape. When dealers stock primarily high-trim variants, entry-level buyers face limited choices. Yet among those limited offerings, reliability scores tell an encouraging story—many deliver unexpected dependability despite their accessible price points.

What Makes a Cheap Car Actually Reliable?

Reliability scoring involves multiple factors: predicted longevity based on historical data, safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, fuel economy efficiency from EPA testing, and expert assessments from publications like Car and Driver and MotorTrend. A truly reliable cheap car balances affordability with these measurable reliability indicators.

Best Most Reliable Cars Under $20,000

Nissan Versa - MSRP $16,390

The most affordable vehicle available today, the Versa combines low price with genuine practicality. Boasting a 35 MPG combined EPA rating (translating to roughly $1,450 annual fuel costs), this reliable cheapest car option outperforms competitors in several critical areas. Its predicted reliability score reaches 45/100, solid safety ratings stand out, and cargo space accommodates real-world needs. The ride feels comfortable if not spirited—perfect for budget-conscious drivers prioritizing reliability over thrills.

Mitsubishi Mirage - MSRP $16,695

As the second-cheapest vehicle in the market, the Mirage excels at fuel efficiency with a remarkable 39 MPG combined rating and just $1,300 in annual fuel costs. However, this affordability comes with trade-offs: performance and driving dynamics remain underwhelming, typical of lightweight, economy-focused designs. Its 50/100 reliability score sits mid-range. The Mirage serves those who prioritize maximum cheapness and exceptional fuel economy above driving engagement.

Best Most Reliable Cars Between $20,000-$22,000

Kia Forte - MSRP $19,990

When Kia discontinued the Rio last year, the Forte inherited the position as the company’s most affordable sedan—and it brings impressive credentials. With a 67/100 reliability score (among the highest in this category), the Forte delivers 34 MPG combined and costs just $1,500 annually to fuel. It represents a competent, reliable cheap option as market prices continue climbing. Safety ratings run acceptable though not exceptional; fuel economy shines.

Hyundai Venue - MSRP $19,990

For those seeking a reliable cheapest SUV rather than a sedan, the Venue offers distinct advantages. This subcompact delivers 31 MPG combined with $1,650 annual fuel expenses. A strong 60/100 reliability score backs its value proposition. The cargo configuration proves versatile—18.7 cubic feet with rear seats up, expanding to 31.9 cubic feet when folded flat. Budget-focused SUV buyers struggle to find better options than this affordable, capable alternative.

Kia Soul - MSRP $20,190

Redesigned for the 2020 model year, the Soul remains one of the market’s most characterful and versatile vehicles despite its cheap price point. Its 57/100 reliability score indicates solid dependability. The 31 MPG combined rating costs approximately $1,650 yearly to operate. Trade-offs exist—stiff ride quality and engine noise under hard acceleration—but counterbalance with easy access and exceptional outward visibility. The Soul delivers personality alongside affordability.

Chevrolet Trax - MSRP $20,400

This sleek subcompact SUV combines reliability (43/100 score) with smart value engineering. Its 30 MPG combined efficiency yields $1,700 annual fuel costs—reasonable for this vehicle class. The Trax includes user-friendly technology, meaningful safety equipment, and a confidence-inspiring package despite lacking all-wheel drive. For those seeking a cheap, trustworthy subcompact SUV, the Trax punches above its price point.

Nissan Sentra - MSRP $20,890

The Sentra brings an abundance of standard safety features—automated emergency braking and rear cross-traffic alerts among them—plus genuine comfort. Its 42/100 reliability score reflects mid-tier dependability. The 34 MPG combined rating costs $1,500 annually. Drawbacks include a noisy powertrain and underwhelming performance relative to rivals like the Honda Civic, Toyota Prius, and Mazda 3. However, the Sentra undercuts those competitors significantly on price, making it an attractive cheap option for safety-conscious buyers.

Nissan Kicks - MSRP $21,050

Within the extra-small SUV class, few cheap vehicles match the Kicks’ feature-to-dollar ratio. Edmunds notes it’s “stylish and offers some of the best features and tech for the money” despite shortcomings in performance and comfort. The 54/100 reliability score provides reasonable assurance. Its 33 MPG combined translates to $1,550 annual fuel costs. The Kicks delivers accessible SUV proportions for budget buyers.

Volkswagen Jetta - MSRP $21,435

Long-standing in the affordable compact sedan segment, the Jetta persists as one of the market’s best cheap compact options. A top five-star NHTSA safety rating compensates for the 25/100 reliability score (the lowest among these ten), though MotorTrend criticized its “cheaper-feeling interior” and suboptimal handling. The 34 MPG combined efficiency costs $1,500 yearly. The Jetta serves those prioritizing safety ratings and affordability over other metrics.

Hyundai Elantra - MSRP $21,625

Among the market’s more stylish sedans, the 2024 Elantra previously earned IIHS Top Safety Pick recognition. This reliable cheapest sedan delivers impressive 36 MPG combined and minimal $1,400 annual fuel costs—excellent figures in this category. Its 61/100 reliability score ranks favorably. Car and Driver acknowledged its utilitarian nature (“none of the Elantra models will raise its driver’s pulse”), yet the combination of style, safety, and fuel economy makes it appealing for value-conscious drivers.

Making Your Cheapest Car Purchase Count

The current market presents a paradox: affordable vehicles have become rarer, yet those available offer unprecedented reliability, safety, and efficiency. The cheapest cars today aren’t inherently cheap in quality—they’re budget options that genuinely deliver.

When shopping for reliable cheapest vehicles, prioritize your personal requirements. If fuel economy drives your decision, the Mirage and Versa compete admirably. Seek reliability leadership? The Kia Forte, Hyundai Elantra, and Venue score highest. Need safety emphasis? The Volkswagen Jetta and Hyundai vehicles excel. Want SUV proportions without premium pricing? The Venue, Trax, and Kicks offer solutions.

The shortage of affordable new cars means used vehicle markets may take years normalizing. For now, these remaining cheap, reliable options represent genuine value in an expensive marketplace. Each brings strengths alongside limitations—none represents perfection, but each offers legitimate transportation at prices increasingly difficult to find elsewhere.