Cheap Awesome Cars

OK, let’s start with our definition of cheap awesome cars. For the purposes of this posting, cheap means models with a starting price below $20,000. Given that the average transaction price of a new car these days is hovering around $33,000, it’s quite remarkable to find so many good cars with starting prices in this range. Awesome cars are those, which, in our opinion, punch above their weight in some way. In other words, cheap awesome cars deliver more than one would expect to find for the money. And finally, the word cars means exactly what it implies. We’re only talking cars here, no trucks, no SUVs, no crossovers—just cars.

Among cheap awesome cars, Sonic bolsters Chevrolet’s credibility big time. Competent handling, good fuel economy, and a reasonably powerful engine mark the driving experience. For 2015, WiFi is a standard feature. The base powerplant is a 1.8-liter four-cylinder with 138 horsepower and 125 ft-lbs of torque. A five-speed manual is standard; a six speed automatic is optional. The upgrade is a turbocharged 1.4-liter four, also with 138 horsepower, but 148 ft-lbs of torque. The 1.4 gets a six-speed manual as standard, and shares the automatic. Sonic pricing starts at $14,245.

Chevrolet’s Cruze is attractive to look it, enjoyable to drive, and—one of but two models in this category boasting a diesel option. In other words, the front-drive Cruze is a wholly competitive offering. For 2015, Cruze gets a mild styling update, Siri Eyes Free, and WiFi hotspot capability. Engine output ranges from 138 horsepower to 151. A six-speed manual transmission is offered with most trims, a six-speed automatic is optional. Pricing starts at $16,170

The Dodge Dart’s crisp lines reveal its Italian origins. The front-drive compact sedan also offers an attractively outfitted and spacious interior treatment. This cheap awesome car's engine offerings range from 160 horsepower to 184. Six-speed manual transmissions are standard in most cases; a six-speed automatic is optional across the board. The 2015 Dart gets Android capability, Bluetooth, USB, an optional CD player , and the 2.4-liter engine now meets California partial zero emissions criteria. Pricing starts at $16,495.

Ford’s Fiesta offers sporty handling, capable engines, strong build quality, and surprisingly luxurious features, all of which make Fiesta a highly desirable proposition. There are two engine offerings for the Ford Fiesta range, a 1.6-liter four with 120 horsepower and 112 ft-lbs of torque, and a 1.0-liter turbocharged three-cylinder good for 123 horsepower and 125 ft-lbs of torque. Five-speed manuals are standard with both, but the four gets a six-speed automated manual as an option. Pricing starts at $13,965.

Handsome styling, enjoyable driving characteristics and a wealth of high tech give Focus a strong case among cheap awesome cars. Further, the front-drive model can claim 40 mpg with its 123-horsepower 1.0-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine and six-speed manual transmission. The other engine choice is a 160-horespower 2.0-liter four with a five-speed manual or a six-speed automated manual. For 2015, Focus has new exterior and interior styling, infotainment solutions, suspension calibration, safety features, and an optional heated steering wheel. Pricing starts at $17,170.

Kia’s Rio proves inexpensive compact sedans don’t have to look, drive, or feel cheap. Its styling belies its economical price tag, as does its dynamics and available features. Available equipment for this cheap awesome car include a sunroof, automatic headlights, a rearview camera, and voice controls. Power comes from a 1.6-liter four with 138 horsepower. The front drive powertrain gets a six-speed manual as standard; a six-speed automatic is optional. Pricing starts at $13,990.

Kia’s Forte boasts good looks, a reasonable price, lively acceleration, and a quality interior treatment. With available features such as xenon headlights, keyless entry and ignition, and a ventilated driver’s seat, Forte works hard for the money. The front drive small sedan features a choice of three engines, ranging in output from 145 horsepower to 201. All can be had with a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. For the 2015 models, Uvo telematics are optional, and fuel economy is slightly improved. Pricing starts at $15,890.

The fluidly curvaceous Hyundai Accent is reliable, well constructed, and is an awesomely affordable car. A mild update for the 2015 model year brought Accent a redesigned grille, new headlights, and a new taillight treatment. Standard features include keyless entry, air conditioning, and full power accessories. Power comes from a 1.6-liter direct fuel injected four-cylinder engine with 137 horsepower and 123 ft-lbs of torque. The front drive powertrain is offered with either a six-speed manual, or a six-speed automatic transmission. Pricing starts at $14,745.

Hyundai’s Elantra gained considerable beauty when its styling was redone a few years ago. More than just a pretty face, Hyundai’s small sedan features excellent value for its price point, remarkable build quality, and an outstanding warranty. Power comes from either a 145-horsepower 1.8-liter four-cylinder, or a 173-horsepower 2.0-liter four. Transmissions are a six-speed manual, or a six-speed automatic. Pricing starts at $17,250.

Among Cheap awesome cars, Honda’s Civic is one of the most coveted models on the road. It is also endowed with a wealth of technological advantages. In addition to its conventional 143-horsepower gasoline powered engine, Civic is offered with hybrid, natural gas, and a high performance 205-horsepower powertrain. Five-speed automatic, continuously variable, and six-speed manual transmissions are employed. Civic also gets a new SE trim level for 2015. Pricing starts at $18,490.

Sharp handling, energetic acceleration and a wide array of advanced features place the front-drive Mazda3 firmly within the category of cheap awesome cars. If you truly love to drive, this is the one. Setting the Mazda farther apart are available smart cruise control, a head up display, and collision mitigation. Four-cylinder power comes from either a 155-horsepower 2.0-liter, or a 184-horsepower 2.5-liter feeding six-speed manual, or six-speed automatic transmissions. Pricing starts at $16,945.

The Mitsubishi Lancer is a remarkably substantial looking car with a huge plus in its favor; the high performance Lancer Evolution looks just like it (for the most part). To keep this affordable awesome car's starting price under $20,000, focus your attention on the Lancer ES. Standard features include heated mirrors, full power accessories, air conditioning, cruise control, and keyless entry. Power for the front-drive Mitsubishi comes from a 2.0-liter four with 148 horsepower and 145 ft-lbs of torque. A five-speed manual is standard; a continuously variable transmission is optional. Pricing starts at $17,395.

The least expensive car here, Nissan’s front-drive Versa compact sedan looks modern, refined, and offers the most spacious rear seat in its category. For the 2015 Versa, the exterior and interior styling are updated, plus Bluetooth is standard for all trims. Power comes from a 109-horsepower, 1.6-liter four. Versa is fitted with a five-speed manual transmission as standard equipment with the S package, or an optional four-speed automatic. Other trims get a continuously variable transmission. Pricing starts at $11,990.

The only all-wheel drive model on our list of cheap awesome cars, the 2015 Subaru Impreza got revised front styling, a rearview camera, cruise control and a touchscreen as standard. More sound deadening materials were added to reduce noise. Power comes from a horizontally opposed 148-horsepower 2.0-liter four with 145 ft-lbs of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard with the lower trims. A continuously variable is offered as an option, and is standard for upper trims. Pricing starts at $18,195.

Spaciousness, strong fuel economy, impressive safety, and comfort are among the attributes of Toyota’s bread and butter small sedan. Further, Corolla is among the most reliable cars on the road. Power comes from a 1.8-liter four-cylinder in two different states of tune. The base setup makes 132 horsepower and 128 ft-lbs of torque. The “Eco” version makes 140 horsepower and 126 ft-lbs. The base model gets a six-speed manual or a four-speed automatic. All others get a continuously variable transmission. Pricing starts at $16,950.

Easily the most refined of our cheap awesome cars. Volkswagen’s Golf brings considerable versatility to the mix. Plus, it’s nice, so you won’t feel like you cheaped out. Power for the base Golf comes from a 1.8-liter turbocharged four with 170 horsepower and 200 ft-lbs of torque. A five-speed manual completes the powertrain. An automatic is optional. Standard features include heated mirrors, air conditioning, hill-hold assist, Bluetooth, a touchscreen interface, and satellite radio. Pricing starts at $17,995.

The Volkswagen Jetta is plenty roomy. Further, as you’d expect from a German car, Jetta feels especially solid on the road. For 2015, it gets new exterior styling front and rear, improved safety scores, and a more powerful diesel engine. Among cheap awesome cars, Jetta is the only model in the category to offer a choice of diesel, hybrid, or conventional propulsion. Power ranges from 115 horsepower to 170. Transmission choices include a five-speed manual, a six-speed manual, a six-speed automated manual, and a seven-speed automated manual. Pricing starts at $17,325.