10 Best Bargain Cars for 2017

2017 Sonata Plug In Hybrid ・ Photo by Hyundai

As each new model year rolls around, auto manufacturers are eager to clear out the current year’s vehicles, and this year is no exception. Relatively low fuel prices have helped spur interest in crossovers, SUVs, and pickup trucks, while sedan sales have dropped considerably. The resulting rise in sedan inventory has prompted aggressive pricing, financing, and leasing on a wide range of models. Look carefully, and you’ll find deals with bottom line savings up to 20 percent off MSRP, and possibly higher, on select models. Zero percent factory financing on five and six-year loans also allows for the possibility of low monthly payments.

Let’s take a look at some of the best bargain cars on the market right now.

2017 Hyundai Sonata

A revised Sonata is due for the 2018 model year and there are currently huge deals available on the 2017 model. The 2017 Sonata has a starting MSRP of $21,950 for the base SE model, rising to $34,350 for the top-of-the-line Limited 2.0T. Hyundai is offering up to $6,750 in total savings ($6,000 Retail Bonus Cash + $750 Hyundai Motors Finance Standard Rate Bonus Cash,) with zero percent financing for 60 months. Want to cut your weekly fuel costs and carbon emissions? Hyundai offers zero perfect/60-month financing plus $1,000 bonus cash, or up to $3,500 total savings on the 2017 Sonata Plug-In Hybrid. Factor in the U.S. Government tax credit on plug-in electric vehicles and you can save a big chunk of cash.

Photo by Hyundai

2017 Ford Focus

While the Focus continues to be one of Ford’s best selling models world wide, low gas prices in America has slowed sales domestically. This presents a marvelous opportunity for Focus sedan and hatchback buyers in search of the best deals. Although you’d be hard-pressed to find the range-topping all-wheel-drive Focus RS at a substantial discount, all of the front-wheel-drive Focuses (including the Focus ST hot hatch) are available with massive price cuts. Ford currently offers zero percent/60-month financing or $4,000 cash back on the gasoline-powered Focus, as well as zero percent/72-month financing or $3,350 cash back on the Focus Electric.

Photo by Ford

2017 Dodge Journey

The Dodge Journey remains a popular choice thanks to Dodge’s aggressive pricing and programs. The Journey is a bargain among small crossovers, with three rows of seating, a generous amount of cargo space, and all-wheel drive availability. Introduced in the 2008 model year and refreshed in 2011, the Journey’s U.S. sales peaked in 2015, with 108,000 units sold. Sales dropped in 2016, but have bounced back in 2017. Pricing starts at $21,195, and Dodge is currently offering buyers the choice of zero percent/72-month financing or up to a $4,000 cash allowance. The optional 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 and six-speed automatic add $1,700 to the bottom line but offers far superior performance over the four-cylinder 2.4-liter.

Photo by FCA Media

2017 Acura TLX

When a refreshed version is in the wings, you can bet on good deals on the outgoing model, and the 2017 Acura TLX is case-in-point. The revised 2018 TLX was unveiled at the 2017 New York Auto Show, with styling changes to the front grille, fascia, and fenders so if you’re a fan of Acura’s outgoing shield-like grille, now’s the time to get a great bargain on a 2017 model. The 206 horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder 2017 TLX has a starting MSRP of $32,950 with front-wheel-drive and Precision All-Wheel-Steer before discounts. While opting for the 290 horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 and Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive will drive the MSRP considerably northward, the discount percentage can rise significantly.

Photo by Acura

2017 Kia Forte

Offered in sedan and five-door variants, the compact Kia Forte (and Forte5) is a bargain alternative to the best-selling Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, with a starting MSRP of $16,600 for the sedan. Forte sales hit a high point in 2016 and continue to do well in 2017 after a cosmetic refresh. Deals abound as Kia currently has a $2,500 cash back offer on the 2017 Forte and Forte5, in addition to a $400 college student and graduate bonus, $400 military bonus, and a $1,000 Uber Driver Partner Incentive for qualified buyers. A zero percent/66-month financing offer is available as well. For the safety-conscious, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety rates the Forte a Top Safety Pick+ when fully equipped.

Photo by Cherise LaPine

2017 Chevrolet Cruze

The Chevy Cruze sedan was redesigned for the 2016 model year, and a slick five-door hatchback version was released in 2017. With a starting MSRP of $16,975 for the sedan, the Cruze is one of the least expensive domestic four-doors. The Chevy Summer Drive discount program slashes MSRP by 20% on the nicely equipped 2017 Cruze LT model, offering savings over $4,800. A highly-efficient new turbodiesel engine debuted in the sedan with an impressive EPA fuel economy rating of 52 MPG highway and is due in the hatchback for 2018.

Photo by General Motors

2017 Toyota Corolla

The Toyota Corolla offers excellent value, leading the compact class with advanced Toyota Safety Sense technology coming standard on all models. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety rates the Corolla a Top Safety Pick+, and Toyota’s National Clearance Event offers zero percent/60-month financing or $2,000 cash back on the Corolla. Additional programs include a $750 rebate for college graduates and a $500 military rebate. The 2017 Corolla is available in seven trim levels, with a starting MSRP of $18,500 for the base Toyota L, with official EPA fuel economy estimates of 28 city/36 highway. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Corolla and the nicely equipped 50th Anniversary Special Edition is offered in luscious Black Cherry Pearl, with a starting MSRP of $21,900.

Photo by Toyota

2017 Hyundai Accent

The Hyundai Accent is the least expensive entry in the Hyundai lineup and is offered as a five-door hatchback and a four-door sedan, with a starting MSRP of just $14,745. Most importantly, the Accent offers the same warranty program as its more expensive brothers, with a 10-year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile limited warranty. EPA fuel economy ratings of 27 city/37 highway MPG for six-speed manual and 26 city/36 highway for the six-speed automatic ensure low operating costs. Subcompacts can deliver excellent value on a per mile basis if you drive a lot. You’ll want to compare the Accent’s features and bottom line closely with the Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris, and Ford Fiesta.

Photo by Hyundai

2017 Mazda6

The Mazda6 is one of the slickest four-door sedans on the market, with excellent driving dynamics and eye-catching lines. It’s also a solid bargain right now, with either $2,500 Customer Cash or zero percent/60-month financing, $1,000 Customer Cash Plus, and no payments for 90 days. The Mazda6 was redesigned for the 2014 model year, however, sales slid in 2016 and 2017 after hitting their peak in 2015. The 2017 Mazda6 is offered in three trim levels: Sport ($21,945,) Touring ($24,195,) and the top-of-the-line Grand Touring ($30,695) which treads close to entry-level luxury. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety rates the Mazda6 a Top Safety Pick+ when equipped with optional front crash prevention and specific headlights.

Photo by Mazda

2017 Volkswagen Jetta

The Volkswagen Jetta is now in its sixth generation and was most recently redesigned in 2011. With aggressive deals from Volkswagen and a starting MSRP of just $17,895 for the base Jetta S, it represents an excellent bargain. You’ll be hard pressed to find a car that offers as much rear seat room for the dollar. An official EPA fuel economy rating of 28 city/40 highway keeps weekly commuting costs low. Volkswagen is currently offering zero percent/60-month financing with a $1,000 Volkswagen Bonus, in addition to a $500 College Graduate Bonus. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety rates the Volkswagen Jetta a Top Safety Pick+ when equipped with optional front crash prevention and specific headlights.

Photo by Volkswagen