Best Cars for $15K or Less

By definition, economy and compact cars have not been the glamorous categories of automobiles. They served the necessary function of affordable transportation, but not much else. That’s not the case anymore, judging by the following list of the best cars priced at $15,000 or less. 

The list was provided by TotalCarScore.com, which collects rankings for all car models from numerous sources, including Consumer Reports, U.S. News and World Report and J.D. Power, then averages them out to produce a comprehensive master score.

“Not so long ago, driving a low-priced car was a decision forced by financial necessity rather than fiscal responsibility,” says Karl Brauer, editor and CEO of Total Car Score. “The least expensive models on the market could offer personal transportation, but little more. The situation is much improved for budget-conscious buyers in 2012. Even the most basic new models provide capable performance, advanced technology and excellent fuel economy — many of them even wrapped in stylish sheet metal.”

Here are the top models with prices at or under $15,000, counting down to the one with the highest score.

By Colleen KanePosted 13 March 2012

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.

Starting Price: $14,980
Fuel Economy: Up to 31 mpg
Total Car Score: 75.22

Without doubt, this boxy wagon makes an impression. “There’s method to Nissan’s madness,” says Brauer, “as the small box offers big interior space and versatility, plus an impressive level of standard features.”

Among those standard features on the SL range is the Nissan Intelligent Key, a keyless entry device and remote-control starter. The Cube scores less well for handling, steering, and performance.

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. 

Starting Price: $13,900
Fuel Economy: Up to 36 mpg
Total Car Score: 78.11

“The Soul is a fun and spacious five-door box,” Brauer says about one of Kia’s best-selling models. For drivers who think inside the box, the interior is customizable with numerous color and fabric options.  

The starting price includes high-tech features such as Bluetooth hands-free connectivity and a USB port for audio players. There’s an optional Eco package offering the best mileage as well as low rolling resistance tires, engine start/stop and a more powerful battery.

Starting Price: $14,115
Fuel Economy: Up to 38 mpg
Total Car Score: 78.24

Of this two- or four- door hatchback, Brauer says, “the Toyota Yaris won’t win over enthusiasts with its subdued driving dynamics.”

However, it’s gotten a design overhaul for 2012 and offers a compelling combination of more interior space, style and refinement. Also in the Yaris’ favor are high safety scores and a fuel economy of up to 38 mpg.

Starting Price: $15,175
Fuel Economy: Up to 35 mpg
Total Car Score: 81.14

This one makes a bit of a cheat on the slideshow title: It starts at just above $15,000, but Brauer makes a good case for including this hatchback. It’s the highest-rated model in the economy car segment. “With an incredibly versatile and functional interior design, along with some of the best driving dynamics available at this price point, the Fit makes you forget it’s an economy car.”

Among the features of the interior design is “Honda’s Magic Seat,” which allows room enough for a mountain bike or five passengers. This functionality has accounted for some of the model’s only negative ratings, which critique it as looking like a mini-minivan.