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Best Cars for $15K or Less

Starting Price: $13,320
Fuel Economy: Up to 40 mpg
Total Car Score 77.07

The Ford Fiesta has the distinction of the lowest base price on this list. It’s available as a compact four-door sedan or a five-door hatchback.

Brauer says the car’s “sporty handling and edgy exterior inject emotion into this traditionally stodgy category.” Also in its favor are practicalities like its fuel-efficient engine and technological features like Ford’s Sync multimedia interface.