Best & worst cars review, best new vehicles under $25,000

In this report: Overview; Ownership costs; Best new vehicles under $25,000; Highest scoring American vehicles; Best & worst fuel economy; Best city/highway mpg; Best & worst acceleration; Best & worst in safety performance; Best for overall safety; Highs & lows of testing; Most overlooked cars; Most fun to drive; Best for comfort; Best off-road; Best & worst three-row vehicles

This article was featured in the April 2009 issue of Consumer Reports Magazine.

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Best new vehicles under $25,000

Last reviewed: October 2009

Kia Optima

The following are CR Recommended vehicles priced under $25,000 when typically equipped. Prices are for 2010, unless noted with *, and include destination charges and features like air conditioning; antilock brakes; power windows, locks, and mirrors; automatic transmission (unless otherwise noted); CD player; and cruise control. Prices do not reflect rebates or incentives.

Make & model	MSRP
Chevrolet HHR LT (2.4)	$24,750
Chevrolet Malibu LT (4-cyl.)	23,960
Ford Focus SES	19,995
Ford Fusion SE (4-cyl.)	22,145
Honda Accord LX-P (4-cyl.)	23,565
Honda Civic EX	20,965
Honda Civic Hybrid	24,510
Honda CR-V LX (AWD)	23,505
Honda Fit (base)	16,410
Hyundai Elantra SE	18,565
Hyundai Elantra Touring	20,515
Hyundai Sonata GLS (4-cyl.)	21,270
Hyundai Tucson SE (V6, AWD)	24,245*
Kia Optima LX (4-cyl.)	20,195*
Kia Rondo LX (V6)	21,430*
Kia Sportage EX (V6, AWD)	24,095*
Mazda3 i Touring (sedan)	19,475
Mazda3 s Sport	21,090
Mazda5 Touring	22,000
Mazda6 i Sport (4-cyl.)	21,710
Mercury Milan (base, 4-cyl.)	22,985
Mini Cooper (base, manual)	21,200
Mini Cooper Clubman	24,850
Mitsubishi Outlander ES (4-cyl., AWD)	22,924*
Nissan Altima 2.5 S (4-cyl.)	23,660*
Nissan Sentra 2.0 SL	19,280
Nissan Versa 1.8 SL (hatchback)	18,230
Pontiac Vibe 1.8L	19,565
Pontiac Vibe 2.4L	21,570
Saturn Aura XE(4-cyl.)	23,685*
Scion xB	18,362
Scion xD	16,848
Subaru Forester 2.5X	22,190
Subaru Impreza 2.5i	19,190
Subaru Impreza Outback Sport	21,690
Subaru Legacy 2.5i Premium	23,830
Suzuki SX4 LE (sedan)	17,362*
Suzuki SX4 Touring (hatchback)	20,803*
Toyota Camry LE (4-cyl.)	22,850
Toyota Corolla LE	18,179
Toyota Matrix (base, 1.8L)	19,710
Toyota Matrix S (2.4L)	22,750
Toyota Prius II	21,483
Volkswagen GTI manual	24,990
Volkswagen Jetta SE (2.5)	22,195
Volkswagen Jetta TDI	24,460
Volkswagen Jetta Wagon SE	23,360
Volkswagen Golf (2.5)	19,890

Posted: February 2009 — Consumer Reports Magazine issue: April 2009

Best new vehicles under $25,000

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