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Americans are driving straight into a new era of higher car costs.
The average price of a new car is drifting toward $50,000 as Kelley Blue Book data revealed the American new-car buyer paid $49,220 in May. However, the car’s listing price was $51,595, so buyers walked away with a deal.
Other reports from Cars.com confirmed that prices are rising, revealing that the average sticker tag is just above $50,000. And rates are only growing, as data from Kelley Blue Book shows a 1.2% year-over-year increase.
Despite the daunting price tag, there are still affordable buys. In fact, many are even American-made with a much prettier price — all under $35,000.
For example, the auto giant behind Chrysler, Jeep and Ram announced plans to drop a score of new, lower-priced cars with models less than $30,000.
Chrysler will now add three new crossover utility vehicles to its lineup, including two priced at less than $30,000. Parent company Stellantis announced that nine new models under $40,000 will hit the market by 2030.
Cars.com posted its most affordable cars from its American Made Index, where Toyota took the top spot with the most vehicles made right in the USA. The report found 86 vehicles that qualified but highlighted just a few of the greatest gets.
Just note that all prices listed are for the base model, no frills or add-ons here. First up is a classic and no surprise to drivers looking for a deal.
The car’s most affordable model is the Toyota Corolla LE, priced at only $24,420. This is an entry-level gas and hybrid sedan known for great fuel efficiency and standard modern tech.
The brand says it’s the perfect choice for budget-conscious commuters and daily drivers as it gets up to 32 miles per gallon in the city and 41 on highways for its gas models. Its hybrid variants have an incredible 53 miles per gallon in the city and 46 on the highway.
Hitting the chart at number two is the Honda Civic LX with a sticker price of $25,890. This car is a sedan-only base with a 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder paired with a Continuously Variable Transmission and front-wheel drive.
Drivers can score an estimated 32 miles per gallon in the city and 41 on the highway. It comes pretty stacked, too, as the base model gets a seven-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Other features include the full Honda Sensing suite of driver-assist technologies and adaptive cruise control.
Number three is Toyota’s Corolla Cross L for only $26,830. The affordable buy has a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine packing a punch with 169 horsepower.
Base models have the standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, featuring pre-collision systems, lane tracing assist and dynamic radar cruise control.
Coming in at number four is the Subaru Crosstrek Base for a cool $28,415. Equipped with a 180-horsepower 2.5-liter engine, the car is a compact crossover.
Other features include dual seven-inch infotainment screens, EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, dual seven-inch multimedia touchscreens with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
Hitting the list at number five is the Nissan Altima SV for just $28,825. Each base model features a standard 188-horsepower 2.5L engine, a 12.3-inch touchscreen and available all-wheel drive.
The Altima comes with a combined rating of approximately 31-32 miles per gallon, a 12.3-inch color touch-screen display featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and some fancy features.
Each has a push-button ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control and a power-adjustable driver’s seat.
For the full list of affordable cars, check out the Cars.com American Made Index.
