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Best Cars for $15K or Less

Starting Price: $13,735
Fuel Economy: Up to 40 mpg
Total Car Score: 74.61

“’Driving dynamics tuned by Corvette engineers’ sounds like a marketing line, but within moments of firing up the Sonic, it’s clear this economy car wants to be a sports car when it grows up,” says Brauer.

He cites the Sonic’s low starting price and high “fun factor" with the optional turbo engine as its appeal to enthusiasts.