Special Report
America's Most (and Least) Expensive Cars
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U.S. auto sales appear to be having a record year. With auto buyers encouraged by dealer discounts, inexpensive credit, and depressed gas prices, car and light-duty truck sales in September were up by 15.8% compared to the same month last year.
While cheap fuel has led to a significant rise in SUV sales, many Americans are still looking to buy entry-level vehicles. The average purchase price of a vehicle was $33,730 in September, but there are several vehicles available for sale in the U.S. market for less than half this value, including the Nissan Versa, which can be purchased for $11,742. Of course, at the other end of the spectrum, there will always be the ultra-luxury vehicles such as the McLaren P1, valued at more than $1.1 million.
Click here to see the most expensive cars in America
Click here to see the least expensive cars in America
Based on vehicle valuation site Kelley Blue Book’s (KBB) estimate of fair purchase price, which determines what buyers should be paying for a car considering actual transactions as well as supply and demand, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed the 50 cheapest and the 50 most expensive cars available to purchase in the U.S. market.
The class, or size, of the vehicle, is usually the main determining factor of a non-luxury vehicle’s price. While there are differences based on features and brand pedigree, large SUVs will generally be more expensive than mid-size sedans. For this reason, the cheapest vehicles are all compact or subcompact cars.
In an interview with 24/7 Wall St., KBB analyst Tim Fleming agreed. “Vehicles on this list are on the very, very small end of the spectrum.” He noted that two of these — the smart fortwo and the Scion iQ — “are the smallest models by size on the U.S. market right now.”
For high-end vehicles, however, prices are not determined by size. Kelley Blue Book senior analyst Karl Brauer explained that exclusivity is often what drives up the prices of the most expensive cars. “If it is an extremely limited vehicle and it has an extremely high price, that will draw the interest of people who are looking for limited-edition vehicles that hardly anyone can get. It sounds a little circular, but that’s really what happens.”
These expensive vehicles are indeed among the rarest of models in the world. Less than 5,000 units in global production could be considered a limited run, Brauer explained. In the case of the 918 Spyder, which has a price tag of nearly $930,000, Porsche manufactured only 918 such vehicles. McLaren offered a total global production of just 375 P1s.
If a particular model is in low demand, dealers are more likely to lower its price. As American car buyers have gravitated towards large SUVs, some of these inexpensive smaller cars appear to be suffering from particularly low demand. While U.S. car sales are up by more than 5% so far in 2015 over the same period last year, sales of six of the 10 cheapest models are down over the same period. Sales of three of these are down by more than 30%.
While low demand may be a factor in the low prices of these vehicles, Fleming cautioned that demand is likely not as significant a driver as it would be with other car types. “One thing we tend to see is that even on the smaller, cheaper cars, they’re already priced so low that we don’t really see dealers giving huge discounts on them, because they can’t go much lower.”
The most expensive vehicles are also not expected to be sold at much of a discount, largely because there is a limited number of these vehicles available. “People at this level of car buying, they’re not looking for a fair purchase price, they’re just looking to buy the car,” Brauer said. “Typically they just pay MSRP and don’t give it a second though. Sometimes they pay over.”
To identify the 50 cheapest and 50 most expensive vehicles for sale in the U.S. market, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed Kelley Blue Book’s current fair purchase price, which is the site’s estimate of how much an autobuyer should expect to pay for a vehicle based on existing purchase data. In addition, we considered monthly and year-to-date car sales data through September. Model specifications, including fuel efficiency, were obtained from dealer websites.
The Most Expensive Cars
50. X6 M
> Make: BMW
> Fair purchase price: $98,248
> Trim: Sport Utility 4D
Of the 50 most expensive cars, the X6 M is one of five manufactured by BMW. The X6 M, a 4-door sport utility vehicle, is the only BMW model reviewed that costs less than $100,000. Still, the car is available only to high-income car buyers. Many components of the BMW’s M line of vehicles, including the SUV X6, were originally designed for racing.
49. F-TYPE
> Make: Jaguar
> Fair purchase price: $103,767
> Trim: R Convertible 2D
A base model Jaguar F-Type comes standard with a 6-cylinder engine and an MSRP of around $68,000. A new F-Type R convertible, which has a more powerful 8-cylinder engine, sells for $103,767 on average. The F-Type R convertible is one of three of the 50 most expensive cars sold in the United States that are produced by British auto manufacturer Jaguar, a subsidiary of India-based Tata Motors.
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48. CLS-Class
> Make: Mercedes-Benz
> Fair purchase price: $105,723
> Trim: CLS63 AMG S 4MATIC Coupe 4D
The Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG S 4Matic, available for roughly $106,000, comes with an 8-cylinder engine and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds. The CLS63 is one of eight cars manufactured by Mercedes-Benz that are among the most expensive in America, and is one of the fastest production cars in the world. The CLS-Class line was first introduced to consumers in 2004, and the CLS63 model underwent a significant style redesign in 2013.
47. Model S
> Make: Tesla
> Fair purchase price: $106,200
> Trim: P85D Sedan 4D
The average Tesla P85D sells for around $106,200. The top-end model sells for as much as $127,000. The Model S is not only one of the most expensive cars on the market, but also one of the world’s only high-end electric cars. Since the car hit the market in 2012, it has been reviewed favorably by Consumer Reports, especially in terms of performance. However, the product review organization this October cut its rating of the Tesla due to reliability concerns.
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46. RS 7
> Make: Audi
> Fair purchase price: $106,223
> Trim: Prestige Sedan 4D
The RS 7 is not only one of the most expensive models produced by German luxury automobile manufacturer Audi, it is also among the most expensive vehicles available to American motorists. A buyer would need to pay around $106,000 to drive a new Audi RS 7 off the lot.
45. 6 Series
> Make: BMW
> Fair purchase price: $107,312
> Trim: Alpina B6 Gran Coupe xDrive 4D
The Alpina B6 Gran Coupe, a 4-door limited-production model, is the most expensive version of BMW’s 6 Series, which was released to the U.S. market in 2003. BMW’s suggested price for the vehicle, at $122,200, is considerably higher than what the car is actually sold for on average. This could suggest demand is lower than expected and discounts are offered more frequently as a result.
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44. S8
> Make: Audi
> Fair purchase price: $110,451
> Trim: Sedan 4D
Audi, the luxury brand from German automaker Volkswagen, first made the S8 available to American consumers in 2001. The vehicle was discontinued in 2003, reintroduced in 2007, discontinued again in 2009, and reintroduced yet again in 2013 with updated designs. The current model has a top speed of 189 mph, although a factory setting limits this to 155 mph, and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds, making the S8 one of the fastest luxury cars in the world.
43. LS
> Make: Lexus
> Fair purchase price: $113,769
> Trim: LS 600h L Sedan 4D
Lexus touts its LS 600h L as the world’s first luxury vehicle with all-wheel drive and a V8 hybrid engine. The car is also among the 50 most expensive in the United States. The average cost across the country of a new LS 600h L 4-door sedan is nearly $114,000, making it the most expensive car available from Lexus.
42. XJ Series
> Make: Jaguar
> Fair purchase price: $115,128
> Trim: XJR LWB Sedan 4D
The 8-cylinder Jaguar XJR LWB has a top speed of 174 mph and is sold for around $115,128. The rear of the car’s driver and passenger seats can be fitted with fold out business trays, similar to tray tables on an airplane. The luxury sedan is the second most expensive car the British automaker produces.
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41. M6
> Make: BMW
> Fair purchase price: $115,810
> Trim: Convertible 2D
The BMW M6 line, which was first introduced in the 1980s, has undergone significant redesigns since. The current M6 convertible comes equipped with an 8-cylinder engine and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds. The M6 convertible is the third most expensive BMW sold in the U.S. market.
40. GL-Class
> Make: Mercedes-Benz
> Fair purchase price: $116,162
> Trim: GL63 AMG Sport Utility 4D
The GL-Class is a full-size SUV and the largest vehicle available from Mercedes-Benz. The German carmaker has been selling the car in the United States since 2006. Models sold in the U.S. are manufactured primarily in the Tuscaloosa, Alabama Mercedes-Benz plant.
39. XK Series
> Make: Jaguar
> Fair purchase price: $130,270
> Trim: XKR-S Convertible 2D
The XK Series is a callback to Jaguar’s XK-E — or E-Type — which the British automaker stopped producing in 1974. A 2-door top line version of the new XK line, the XKR-S convertible will cost a buyer more than $130,000.
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38. Mercedes-AMG GT
> Make: Mercedes-Benz
> Fair purchase price: $130,825
> Trim: S Coupe 2D
The Mercedes-AMG GT S is a 2-door coupe manufactured by AMG, the performance brand of Mercedes-Benz. The Mercedes-AMG GT S was unveiled to the public in 2014 and first became available to American consumers earlier this year. The sports car is made of 93% aluminum, lighter but more costly than steel, which is also frequently used in car production. The car has a top speed of 192 mph, and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds.
37. 7 Series
> Make: BMW
> Fair purchase price: $132,992
> Trim: Alpina B7 xDrive Sedan 4D
BMW’s 7 Series, include some of the German luxury automaker’s higher-end models. Like many of the most expensive cars in America, the BMW Alpina B7 xDrive is fast. Costing the average buyer nearly $133,000, the car’s 8-cylinder engine can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 4.3 seconds.
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36. G-Class
> Make: Mercedes-Benz
> Fair purchase price: $134,568
> Trim: G63 AMG Sport Utility 4D
Like a number of other models on this list, the G-Class is manufactured by Mercedes-Benz, a carmaker known for its high-end luxury vehicles. The exclusive brand claims the distinction of inventing the first car. The claim promotes Mercedes-Benz as an innovative company, which may partly explain the peculiar appearance of the G-Class. The SUV, with its military-style exterior, was described in one review as “anti-establishment.”
35. i8
> Make: BMW
> Fair purchase price: $136,515
> Trim: Coupe 2D
The i8 is the most expensive BMW model sold in the United States. The vehicle is unique among other cars in its price range for its relatively small 3-cylinder engine, which, alongside an electric motor, can reach a top speed of 155 mph, a manufacturer-imposed cap shared by two other luxury auto brands. The sports car is a plug-in hybrid and gets around 76 mpg, according to the EPA.
34. A8
> Make: Audi
> Fair purchase price: $139,621
> Trim: L W12 Sedan 4D
Audi’s A8 is the German automaker’s flagship vehicle. It is also one of the most expensive vehicles available to American drivers. Across the country, owners paid just under $140,000 on average to drive a new A8 off the lot. The sedan’s 500 horsepower 12-cylinder engine gets 14 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway.
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33. GT-R
> Make: Nissan
> Fair purchase price: $141,520
> Trim: NISMO Coupe 2D
Nissan is not known as a high-end performance or luxury vehicles manufacturer. In fact, several of the least expensive cars in the U.S. market are Nissans. The Japanese manufacturer’s biggest exception to the rule is the GT-R. In particular, the limited edition GT-R NISMO, which features a 600 horsepower engine — an upgrade from the base GT-R model’s 545 horsepower — will cost more than $140,000 for the average carbuyer.
32. Quattroporte
> Make: Maserati
> Fair purchase price: $143,900
> Trim: GTS Sedan 4D
The Quattroporte, which translates to four doors from Italian, is a luxury sedan with sports car qualities. The first Quattroporte was built in 1963, with a design inspired by the Maserati 5000 GT, which was made specifically for Prince Karim Aga Khan in 1961. The current GTS model was unveiled in 2013. With a top speed of 190 mph, the Quattroporte GTS is one of the fastest luxury cars in the world.
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31. Cayenne
> Make: Porsche
> Fair purchase price: $153,704
> Trim: Turbo S Sport Utility 4D
Luxury car maker Porsche, which manufactures four of the 50 most expensive cars, is known for its fast sports cars. The Cayenne, however, is a 4-door SUV. The Cayenne base model starts at $58,300, but for the added turbo and other features, owners spent $153,704 on average.
30. Panamera
> Make: Porsche
> Fair purchase price: $181,950
> Trim: Turbo S Executive Sedan 4D
Porsches tend to be expensive vehicles, and the German sports car manufacturer has four models among the 50 most expensive cars in the U.S. market. One of these, the Panamera, is one of the more costly Porsche models, and particularly the Turbo S Executive version of the car. The 570 horsepower Turbo S Executive trim can travel from 0 to 60 in 3.7 seconds and has a top track speed of 192 mph.
29. GranTurismo
> Make: Maserati
> Fair purchase price: $185,809
> Trim: MC Centennial Convertible 2D
Very few Americans can afford a $185,809 Maserati. The Italian sports car comes with an 8-cylinder engine, a convertible top, and the novel feature of gear shifting paddles on the steering wheel so drivers can shift with their fingers. The GranTurismo MC Centennial Convertible is the most expensive Maserati model available in the United States.
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28. Mercedes-Maybach S600
> Make: Mercedes-Benz
> Fair purchase price: $186,254
> Trim: Sedan 4D
The Mercedes-Maybach is one of several sub-brands under the Mercedes-Benz umbrella. Mercedes-Benz, maker of some of the most expensive cars on the market, is itself owned by German car holding company Daimler. The S600 has been sold in the U.S. market since April of this year. It was updated from previous versions that sold poorly.
27. Vantage
> Make: Aston Martin
> Fair purchase price: $187,820
> Trim: V12 S Coupe 2D
Aston Martin sells an 8-cylinder model of the Vantage, but it also markets a costlier V12 version of the car that is valued at close to $190,000. The V12 S is intended for drivers looking for a car with power. The S can go from 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds, with a top speed of 201 mph.
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26. Range Rover
> Make: Land Rover
> Fair purchase price: $190,446
> Trim: Autobiography Black Sport Utility 4D
The Range Rover Autobiography Black, first unveiled in 2013 to a private group of 75 spectators, is the most expensive SUV on the American market. To maintain the luxury car’s exclusivity, Land Rover releases the spacious Autobiography models as limited editions. Just 100 Autobiography Blacks were available for purchase last year — all exclusively in the U.S. market.
25. 911
> Make: Porsche
> Fair purchase price: $192,954
> Trim: Turbo S Cabriolet 2D
One of the fastest cars on the market, the Porsche Turbo S Cabriolet is also one of the most expensive. It would cost an American motorist roughly $193,000 to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds behind the wheel of a new 911 Turbo S Cabriolet. This sports car is the second most expensive model the German automaker produces.
24. SL-Class
> Make: Mercedes-Benz
> Fair purchase price: $196,423
> Trim: SL65 AMG Roadster 2D
No carmaker has more models costing more than $100,000 than Mercedes-Benz. With a fair purchase price just under $197,000, the SL65 AMG Roadster is one of them. All Mercedes’ AMG vehicles come with engines that were hand-built by a single engineer. Able to seat two, the car gets 14 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway.
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23. California
> Make: Ferrari
> Fair purchase price: $202,723
> Trim: T Convertible 2D
Ferrari’s California model has been sold since 1957, close to a decade after the company was formed. As its namesake would suggest, the model was one of the first to be introduced to the U.S. market by the Italian racing car maker. The average California T sells for more than $200,000.
22. DB9
> Make: Aston Martin
> Fair purchase price: $202,820
> Trim: Carbon Edition Coupe 2D
Following the DB9’s decade of popularity and success, Aston Martin released its special edition DB9 Carbon in 2014. The sports car can reach speeds of up to 183 mph and accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 4.6 seconds. The DB9 Carbon has the same engine and body as the original DB9 but with added carbon fiber features throughout the car’s interior and exterior.
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21. R8
> Make: Audi
> Fair purchase price: $202,850
> Trim: competition Coupe 2D
The R8, one of four Audi models among the most expensive cars in the U.S., is the only Audi car selling for more than $200,000. Like a few other cars with especially high price tags, speed is the priority for Audi. According to luxury car reviewer Motor Authority, modifications made on the R8 for an underground racing tournament pushed the car’s horsepower over 1,000.
20. Rapide S
> Make: Aston Martin
> Fair purchase price: $208,820
> Trim: Sedan 4D
A new Aston Martin Rapide S costs roughly $209,000. In return, buyers get a 550 horsepower, 5.9-liter V12 engine capable of accelerating from zero to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds. Formula One race car manufacturer Williams Engineering recently unveiled an electric Rapide S concept car, which it calls the RapidE. If the car makes it to market, it is unclear how much it will cost electric sports car enthusiasts.
19. SLS-Class
> Make: Mercedes-Benz
> Fair purchase price: $213,105
> Trim: SLS AMG GT Final Edition Roadster 2D
The SLS AMG — the first car completely developed by AMG, the performance division of Mercedes-Benz — is ceasing production on its flagship sports car this year. As a sendoff for the car, AMG released the SLS AMG GT Final Edition in 2015. The Final Edition has the same 8-cylinder engine the SLS AMG GT has. It delivers a top speed of 197 mph and is equipped with a leather and carbon fiber interior. The car is also outfitted with a dashboard plaque reading “1 of 350,” referring to the 350 units produced worldwide.
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18. Flying Spur
> Make: Bentley
> Fair purchase price: $221,125
> Trim: W12 Sedan 4D
The Bentley Flying Spur is a spinoff of the Bentley Continental, like the Continental GT Speed, another model among the 50 most expensive cars sold in the U.S. The main difference between the Spur and the Continental, apart from some minor design differences, is that the former is a full-size 4-door.
17. S-Class
> Make: Mercedes-Benz
> Fair purchase price: $229,975
> Trim: S65 AMG Coupe 2D
Most of America’s priciest cars target either the luxury or performance market. The S65 AMG Coupe, first introduced to the public in 2003, is a little of both. The S65 AMG has a top speed of 186 mph and a Nappa leather interior. The Coupe can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.0 seconds, making it one of the fastest luxury car in the world. For thirsty passengers, the S65 AMG Coupe has a champagne fridge in between its rear seats.
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16. Huracan
> Make: Lamborghini
> Fair purchase price: $242,445
> Trim: LP 610-4 Coupe 2D
The Huracan, unveiled at the Geneva Motor show in 2014, is one of Lamborghini’s more expensive models as well as the latest addition to the supercar manufacturer’s lineup. The Italian automaker’s second most expensive car is an upgraded version of its best-selling Gallardo model.
15. 458 Italia
> Make: Ferrari
> Fair purchase price: $245,690
> Trim: Coupe 2D
First debuted in 2009, the 458 Italia is the successor to Ferrari’s F430. The 458 Italia is Ferrari’s smallest car and can reach speeds of up to 202 mph. It is one of four 8-cylinder Ferraris on the market right now, but not for long. Ferrari revealed at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year the 458 Italia’s replacement, the 488 GTB, which can reach a top speed of 205 mph.
14. Continental
> Make: Bentley
> Fair purchase price: $260,750
> Trim: GT Speed Convertible 2D
English car maker Bentley competes with the likes of Rolls-Royce and Daimler — Queen Elizabeth’s royal fleet of custom state cars consists of several models from each maker. The Continental GT Speed Convertible in particular is touted for its elegance and speed. It also has a hefty price tag to match. Like other luxury sports cars, however, the Continental is not fuel efficient. The car gets just 12 mpg in city driving.
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13. 458 Spider
> Make: Ferrari
> Fair purchase price: $269,903
> Trim: Convertible 2D
The convertible 458 Spider sells for nearly $270,000 in the United States. Nine of the 50 most expensive cars in the U.S. market are convertibles, while none of the 50 least expensive cars are. The 458 Spider was unveiled at the Frankfurt International Auto Show in 2011. The automaker, which is a subsidiary of Fiat Chrysler, went public this October and Ferrari stocks are now available on the New York Stock Exchange.
12. 650S
> Make: McLaren
> Fair purchase price: $283,925
> Trim: Spider Convertible 2D
Luxury automakers, like BMW and Mercedes Benz, frequently install governors in their vehicles to limit the top speed at around 155 mph — but not McLaren. The 650S Spider from McLaren, sponsor of one of the nation’s oldest Formula One racing teams, tops out at over 200 mph. Like Mclaren’s other models, only a few hundred 650S models are made each year, and the cars have been known to sell out.
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11. 458 Speciale
> Make: Ferrari
> Fair purchase price: $298,094
> Trim: Coupe 2D
Ferrari’s 458 Speciale, a 2-door coupe, sells for just under $300,000 on average. The supercar is modified from Ferrari’s 458 Italia model. The 458 Speciale has 8 cylinders and is designed for a lighter ride than the Italia.
10. Wraith
>Make: Rolls-Royce
> Fair purchase price: $298,225
> Trim: Coupe 2D
Rolls-Royce began selling cars in 1906. Today, the company produces three of the most expensive cars on the U.S. market. With a price tag of nearly $300,000, the 2015 Wraith is one of them. The British company, which is also famous for producing engines for naval warships and for commercial and military aircraft, equips the Wraith with a 12-cylinder engine that produces 624 horsepower. According to the company’s website, the Wraith’s body is built by hand to ensure maximum interior space. Buyers can choose from 44,000 different color hues for the vehicle’s exterior.
9. FF
>Make: Ferrari
> Fair purchase price: $302,450
> Trim: Coupe 2D
Introduced in 2011, the Ferrari FF is one of the most expensive cars on the American market. The FF, which stands for Ferrari Four, is the Italian automaker’s first 4-wheel drive vehicle. Ferrari describes the FF’s body style as a shooting brake, a 2-door sports car with a hatchback door. Globally, Ferrari sold all of the 800 FF units it produced in the vehicle’s debut year. The FF has a top speed of 208 mph. The car gets 11 mpg in the city and 16 on the highway, tying the Bentley Mulsanne as the least fuel efficient car in its size class.
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8. Vanquish
>Make: Aston Martin
n> Fair purchase price: $307,120
> Trim: Volante Convertible 2D
Aston Martin has been producing luxury cars for over 100 years. Producing cars designed for international racing early on, the British manufacturer eventually established itself as a luxury road car brand. Aston Martin’s brand received a significant boost after it was featured as James Bond’s car in the 1964 movie “Goldfinger.” The brand’s most expensive model today, the Vanquish Volante, debuted in 2013. A previous version, the Vanquish V12, was featured in the Bond film “Die Another Day.” The current Vanquish, which can be purchased for just over $307,000 in the U.S. market, includes a V12 engine capable of propelling the vehicle from zero to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds.
7. Mulsanne
>Make: Bentley
> Fair purchase price: $310,125
> Trim: Sedan 4D
Each Bentley Mulsanne takes 12 weeks to make and is priced at $310,125. The British company manufactures just about 1,000 Mulsannes every year. The company’s flagship automobile gets 11 mpg in the city and 16 on the highway, tying the Ferrari FF as the least fuel-efficient car in its size class. Bentley, which primarily designs, develops, and manufactures luxury cars, is owned by German automaker Volkswagen. The cars, however, are made almost entirely by hand in Crewe, England, by a team of 3,600 workers.
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6. Ghost
>Make: Rolls-Royce
> Fair purchase price: $324,000
> Trim: Series II Extended Sedan 4D
The first Rolls-Royce was sold in 1906 equipped with a 6-cylinder engine and the nameplate Silver Ghost. Named in homage to the first car the company sold, the Rolls-Royce Ghost sells for $324,000. Aside from the name, however, the 2015 Ghost has little in common with its over a century old ancestor. Today, a Ghost comes with a 12-cylinder engine, massaging seats, an infrared night vision camera, and lambswool floor mats.
The British automaker’s sales have been climbing in recent years. Rolls-Royce sold 4,063 vehicles worldwide in 2014, more than four times the number of cars it sold in 2009. The Ghost was a primary driver for the company’s increasing sales.
5. F12berlinetta
>Make: Ferrari
> Fair purchase price: $327,445
> Trim: Coupe 2D
Selling for $327,445, the Ferrari F12berlinetta is one of the most expensive cars on the American market. While Ferrari does not release production numbers for specific models, according to Fortune, Ferrari produced around 1,000 F12berlinettas in 2014. Following a change in the company’s top management, new CEO Sergio Marchionne planned to increase production of the F12berlinetta last year. Now, more customers can buy the sports car, which has a top speed of 211 mph and accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds. The F12berlinetta also gets a reported 12 mpg in the city and 16 on the highway.
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4. Phantom
>Make: Rolls-Royce
> Fair purchase price: $485,275
> Trim: Extended Wheelbase Sedan 4D
High-end luxury automaker Rolls-Royce produces three of the 10 most expensive cars on the U.S. market, including the Wraith and the Ghost. It is the Phantom, however, that has a nearly half a million dollar price tag. While some of the very expensive cars are newer models, the Phantom has been the signature Rolls-Royce vehicle since the 1920s. As is the case with many of the cars on this list, Rolls-Royce emphasizes that each Phantom can be custom built for a client’s preference, with dozens of interior and exterior design choices, down to the colors of the knobs on the control panel.
3. Aventador
>Make: Lamborghini
> Fair purchase price: $556,795
> Trim: LP 720-4 50th Anniversario Roadster 2D
Costing more than half a million dollars to drive off the lot, a 2015 Lamborghini Aventador is the third most expensive vehicle on the U.S. market. The luxury Italian sports car seats two and houses a 12-cylinder engine that gets 11 mpg on city streets and 18 mpg on the highway. The Aventador is also equipped with doors that swing up rather than out, a feature closely associated with the Lamborghini brand. Despite the vehicle’s extraordinary cost, Lamborghini sold 1,001 Aventadors worldwide in 2013.
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2. 918 Spyder
>Make: Porsche
> Fair purchase price: $929,995
> Trim: Weissach Package Roadster 2D
Unlike any other car in its class, the 918 Spyder can cover short distances on electric power alone. The Spyder gets power from both a combustion engine and a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. But the car’s similarities to other hybrid and electric cars stop there. A 2015 Porsche Spyder is the second most expensive vehicle for sale in America, costing roughly $930,000. The vehicle’s name suggests its exclusivity as the German automaker will only produce 918 of the 918 Spyder for the 2015 model year — and only 250 of those will be sold in the U.S. market. The car can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 2.2 seconds, making it the quickest car in the world.
1. P1
>Make: McLaren
> Fair purchase price: $1,155,000
> Trim: Coupe 2D
McLaren is first and foremost an engineering company, and it is a special event when a car such as the McLaren P1 appears on the market. When it was first introduced in 2013 as a followup to the McLaren F1 of the 1990s, all 375 P1s sold out in just eight months. It was the first time that McLaren Automotive — the manufacturing subsidiary of McLaren Group — posted profits. McLaren’s CEO Mike Flewitt was tempted to produce more cars but abstained to preserve the exclusivity that is so essential to the McLaren P1 brand. The P1 has a top speed of 217 mph and accelerates from zero to 62 mph in 2.8 seconds.
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Least Expensive Cars
50. 500X
> Make: FIAT
> Fair purchase price: $20,028
> Trim: Pop Sport Utility 4D
Holding company Fiat Chrysler Automobiles controls luxury brands Ferrari, Maserati and Alfa Romeo, but also the group’s much more popular economy brand Fiat. According to the group, sales of Fiat brands in particular improved over the year through September. The 500X, a compact SUV, did especially well. U.S. Sales of the model increased 10% in September compared to the previous month, and it also did well in Europe. The average 500X sells for around $20,000 in the United States.
49. Rogue Select
> Make: Nissan
> Fair purchase price: $19,829
> Trim: S Sport Utility 4D
The 4-door Rogue Select is Nissan’s small SUV model. Like the five other Nissan models making the list of least expensive cars, it sells for an average of just under $20,000. In August this year, the company recalled Rogue Select models manufactured between November 17 and December 12 2014 due to tires mislabeled with incorrect size information.
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48. JUKE
> Make: Nissan
> Fair purchase price: $19,779
> Trim: S Sport Utility 4D
Nissan’s Juke, a 4-door SUV crossover, was released in 2010. The current average sale price of the Juke S sport utility of $19,779 refers to the 2015 production model that was updated in 2014 and unveiled at the Geneva International Motor Show. Japan-based Nissan also owns the Infiniti and Datsun brands.
47. 500c
> Make: FIAT
> Fair purchase price: $19,664
> Trim: Pop Cabriolet 2D
The 500c is the soft-top convertible version of Fiat’s 500 hatchback model. Cabriolet means carriage and is occasionally used instead of convertible. The 2-door Pop Cabriolet has been compared to the Mini Cooper. Fiat’s model, while less popular than the Mini Cooper, is far less expensive.
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46. HR-V
> Make: Honda
> Fair purchase price: $19,655
> Trim: LX Sport Utility 4D
The HR-V is a crossover SUV, a car platform meant to provide increased cargo storage and fuel economy and aimed at Millennial consumers. The EPA rated the vehicle’s fuel economy at 28 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, the HR-V is one of the more efficient crossovers on the U.S. market. The latest iteration of the HR-V, currently in its second generation, was debuted at the 2014 LA Auto Show.
45. Passat
> Make: Volkswagen
> Fair purchase price: $19,479
> Trim: 1.8T S Sedan 4D
A number of Passats manufactured between 2009 and last year will be recalled as a result of Volkswagen’s recent emissions scandal. In the wake of the fiasco, which already appears disastrous for the company, Volkswagen has begun offering aggressively cheap leasing deals and other bargains on VW vehicles. The average Passat 1.8T S Sedan, which currently sells for around $19,500, may therefore become even less expensive for car buyers going forward.
44. 500L
> Make: FIAT
> Fair purchase price: $19,355
> Trim: Pop Hatchback 4D
The 500L is manufactured by Fiat, the economy brand of holding company Fiat Chrysler Automotive. The 500 line of vehicles, one of the company’s most popular brands especially in Europe, is a line of compact cars designed for fuel efficiency. The 500L is on the larger end, aimed for car buyers in need of more space.
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43. Forte5
> Make: Kia
> Fair purchase price: $19,276
> Trim: EX Hatchback 4D
Kia is South Korea’s oldest auto manufacturer. The company recently opened a plant in West Point, Georgia due to growing demand for Kia cars in the U.S. market. This year, Kia reported the best six months of cars sales in its history of selling cars in the United States. The Forte, perhaps due to its affordability, is the second best selling model. Kia sold 5,388 Forte models in September, up from the same period the year before. The Forte5, a 4-door hatchback, sells for $19,276, on average.
42. iM
> Make: Scion
> Fair purchase price: $19,255
> Trim: Hatchback 4D
Practically all of Scion’s current models are among the least expensive cars in the U.S. market, including the iM, which is the company’s roughly $19,000 entry-level car in the hatchback market. The Toyota-owned company began selling this new model just in September of this year.
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41. Outlander Sport
> Make: Mitsubishi
> Fair purchase price: $19,134
> Trim: ES Sport Utility 4D
Japanese automaker Mitsubishi Motors reported U.S. unit sales of 8,289 this past August, up considerably from the same month in 2014. According to the company, the 2016 Outlander sold better than it has in 12 years and accounted for the bulk of the company’s sales growth as a result. The especially low price tag on the compact SUV may have helped drive sales. The average Mitsubishi Outlander ES Sport sells for just $19,134.
40. Compass
> Make: Jeep
> Fair purchase price: $18,897
> Trim: Sport SUV 4D
Jeep, a division of Chrysler, has sold the Compass since July of 2006. According to The Wall Street Journal, while Jeeps have traditionally been popular among male car buyers, the Compass sold very well among women when it was released. The average 2015 Compass Sport sells for less than $19,000.
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39. tC
> Make: Scion
> Fair purchase price: $18,761
> Trim: Hatchback Coupe 2D
Scion, one of Toyota’s brands, produces a number of models that are among the most affordable in the United States. The Scion tC Hatchback Coupe is one of them. Equipped with manual transmission, the 2-door car has a relatively fuel efficient 4-cylinder engine capable of 23 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.
38. CR-Z
> Make: Honda
> Fair purchase price: $18,562
> Trim: Coupe 2D
The CR-Z, which stands for Compact Renaissance Zero, is a hybrid with sports car qualities. One of America’s least expensive cars, the CR-Z is also one of the least polluting. The hybrid gets up to 36 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway. Despite its impressive fuel economy, sales of the CR-Z have been dismal — it is Honda’s slowest-selling car. The CR-Z is getting a redesign in an effort to boost its appeal.
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37. Prius c
> Make: Toyota
> Fair purchase price: $18,551
> Trim: One Hatchback 4D
Toyota has been selling the energy-efficient Prius for nearly two decades now. Prius has become a symbol of the green movement and the commitment to lower emissions. The 2016 version of the small car gets 53 mpg on average.
36. Beetle
> Make: Volkswagen
> Fair purchase price: $18,436
> Trim: 1.8T Classic Hatchback 2D
As of this writing, it remains unclear exactly how many vehicles will be affected by Volkswagen’s emissions scandal. According to the EPA, diesel versions of the Beetle would fall under a recall. The 2-door 1.8 Classic Hatchback Beetle is available in diesel. Despite the manufacturer’s troubles, the Beetle is relatively affordable. At an average sale price of just $18,436, the VW Beetle 1.8T Classic Hatchback is one of the least expensive cars sold in America.
35. Renegade
> Make: Jeep
> Fair purchase price: $18,289
> Trim: Sport SUV 4D
While the vast majority of the least expensive cars are compact, subcompact, or hatchback cars, there are exceptions. One is the Jeep Renegade, and the cheapest trim, the Sports SUV 4D, costs roughly $18,300. The Renegade is technically a small crossover, weighing just 3,190 pounds, or roughly 800 pounds less than a Jeep Grand Cherokee.
34. Forte Koup
> Make: Kia
> Fair purchase price: $18,279
> Trim: EX Coupe 2D
There are three cars in Kia’s Forte lineup: the Forte, the Forte5, and the Forte Koup — the least expensive of the group. The Koup, unlike its two siblings, has yet to be updated past 2015. Car companies — supercar manufacturers and economy alike — frequently sponsor racing teams. Kia’s racing model is the Forte Koup. The South Korean automaker’s U.S. sales have improved recently, and the company’s manufacturing plant in West Point, Georgia is a testament to the growth. However, the plant manufactures Optimas and Sorentos, not the Forte Koup. Still, Forte models are among the company’s best-selling cars in the U.S. market.
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33. Elantra GT
> Make: Hyundai
> Fair purchase price: $18,253
> Trim: Hatchback 4D
Due in part to a large marketing campaign, Elantra sales were especially strong at the start of the year. Nearly 2.3 million Elantras have been sold in the United States since its inception in 1991, making the model the best-selling car in the Hyundai lineup. According to the South Korean car company, U.S. sales were better than ever in September, driven in part by above-average Elantra sales. The Elantra GT, a compact hatchback, sells for $18,253 on average.
32. Impreza
> Make: Subaru
> Fair purchase price: $18,035
> Trim: 2.0i Sedan 4D
While most of Subaru’s models have a starting MSRP of less than $25,000, the most affordable model is the Impreza, an entry level hatchback. A 4-door 2.0i sedan will cost a buyer only slightly more than $18,000. Subaru sold a little over 50,000 Impreza units so far this year, but the model is not the company’s best-selling car. The Forrester and the Outback have each sold more than 100,000 units in the U.S. market in 2015 through September.
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31. Frontier King Cab
> Make: Nissan
> Fair purchase price: $17,699
> Trim: S Pickup 2D 6 ft
The Frontier King Cab, as the single pickup truck on the list of 50 least expensive vehicles, is the nation’s most affordable truck. On average, the model fetches $17,699. Despite its especially low price tag, the mid-size pickup’s sales are far lower than sales of its more expensive competitors such as the Toyota Tacoma. The Frontier King Cab has not had a dramatic design overhaul since 2004, an unusually long period compared with other models in the industry.
30. Veloster
> Make: Hyundai
> Fair purchase price: $17,575
> Trim: Coupe 3D
The Veloster hatchback is Hyundai’s least expensive non 4-door car, with an estimated price of roughly $17,575. While the combined sales of all Hyundai models were up this year through September compared to the same period last year, the Veloster’s sales were down by roughly 23%.
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29. Golf
> Make: Volkswagen
> Fair purchase price: $17,415
> Trim: Launch Edition Hatchback Coupe 2D
The Launch Edition of the VW Golf is the least expensive of the German automaker’s line of compact hatchbacks. The car sells for $17,415 on average and is one of four VW models among the 50 least expensive cars. The average price may fall in the near future as VW dealers have already begun offering discounts and aggressively cheap lease deals in the wake of its emissions scandal.
28. Civic
> Make: Honda
> Fair purchase price: $17,044
> Trim: LX Coupe 2D
When the Civic was first introduced to American drivers with its 1973 model year, it became one of the most popular compact cars in the country. Despite increased competition in the compact car market since the 1970s, the 2015 Civic was still the best-selling small car in America last month. The LX Coupe model sells for just over $17,000 and gets 28 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.
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27. Elantra
> Make: Hyundai
> Fair purchase price: $16,875
> Trim: SE Sedan 4D
Hyundai Elantra was the 15th best selling vehicle in America this September, with sales up 10% from September 2014. The vehicle’s low cost may have contributed to its popularity. A new Elantra SE costs roughly $16,875. The Korean automaker introduced its most popular vehicle to American drivers in the early 1990s.
26. Lancer
> Make: Mitsubishi
> Fair purchase price: $16,826
> Trim: ES Sedan 4D
Introduced to the U.S. market in 1973, the Mitsubishi Lancer is one of the Japanese automaker’s oldest active nameplates. The current edition of the Lancer, which sells for about $16,826, will be retired after the 2015 model year.
25. Focus
> Make: Ford
> Fair purchase price: $16,761
> Trim: S Sedan 4D
Ford has sold about 164,000 Focuses in 2015, making it one of the year’s most popular small cars. Ford introduced the Focus to American consumers in 1999, and in 2013, it surpassed the Toyota Corolla as the top-selling car in the world. The 2015 Focus S is available for less than $17,000 and gets 26 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.
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24. MAZDA3
> Make: Mazda
> Fair purchase price: $16,744
> Trim: i SV Sedan 4D
The Mazda3 i SV is the cheapest car the Japanese automaker sells in the U.S. Like many of the least expensive cars, the Mazda3 has a 4-cylinder engine capable of above-average fuel efficiency — the car averages 29 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway. Nationally, consumers pay about $16,744 to drive a new base model Mazda3 off the lot.
23. xB
> Make: Scion
> Fair purchase price: $16,625
> Trim: Hatchback 4D
Scion, a Toyota spinoff company, designs its cars to appeal to younger drivers. The price is also geared towards first-time car buyers. The Scion xB Hatchback is one of only a few dozen car models in the U.S. selling for less than $17,000. With a manual transmission and a 4-cylinder engine, the Scion xB gets 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
22. Patriot
> Make: Jeep
> Fair purchase price: $16,593
> Trim: Sport SUV 4D
Jeep introduced the Patriot in 2007 as an entry-level crossover SUV. It is the cheapest model in Jeep’s lineup. The Patriot is similar in design to the Compass, which was launched at the same time and is also among the cheapest cars available in the United States.
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21. iA
> Make: Scion
> Fair purchase price: $16,495
> Trim: Sedan 4D
The brand new 2016 Scion iA is the Toyota spinoff company’s first sedan. The car is almost identical to the Mazda 2, which was discontinued in the United States after poor sales. Like all Scions, the company’s newest economy car is geared towards younger drivers. The iA is available for roughly $16,500 and gets 33 mpg in the city and 42 mpg on the highway.
20. 500
> Make: FIAT
> Fair purchase price: $16,394
> Trim: Pop Hatchback 2D
The most basic model of Fiat’s signature new car, the 500 is available for just $16,495 in the U.S. The model is an homage to the original Fiat 500. The iconic small car was introduced in Europe in 1957 and was referred to as the cinquecento — 500 in Italian.
19. Cruze Limited
> Make: Chevrolet
> Fair purchase price: $16,290
> Trim: L Sedan 4D
New for 2016, the Cruze Limited is a slightly more expensive, updated version of the Chevrolet Cruze. The Cruze Limited costs about $500 more than a new 2015 version of its predecessor and comes with a 4-cylinder engine capable of the same 25 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. The car is designed and marketed to compete with some of the other least expensive cars in America, including the Honda Civic and the Toyota Corolla.
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18. Sentra
> Make: Nissan
> Fair purchase price: $16,265
> Trim: S Sedan 4D
The Nissan Sentra first debuted in the U.S. in 1982 as a subcompact car. Now in its seventh generation, the slightly larger 2015 Sentra sells in the compact size class. The entry-level sedan sells for just $16,265 and gets 27 mpg in the city and 36 mpg in the city. The Sentra has been the 12th best-selling car in the country this September.
17. Dart
> Make: Dodge
> Fair purchase price: $16,262
> Trim: SE Sedan 4D
After being discontinued for more than three and a half decades, the Dodge Dart returned in 2013. The reintroduced car targets younger car buyers and can be bought for an average of just $16,262. The 2015 Dart is the first car to incorporate engineering elements from Fiat since Chrysler, Dodge’s parent company, merged with the Italian automaker in 2014. The economy car gets up to 28 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway.
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16. Corolla
> Make: Toyota
> Fair purchase price: $16,220
> Trim: L Sedan 4D
A new Toyota Corolla goes for about $16,220 in the United States, making it one of the least expensive cars on the market. After over three decades of production, the car’s low price may be one reason the Corolla is the best selling car of all time. While Toyota is a Japanese company, the majority of Corollas sold in the U.S. are assembled in North America.
15. Cruze
> Make: Chevrolet
> Fair purchase price: $15,800
> Trim: L Sedan 4D
Still on its first generation, Chevrolet introduced the Cruze to American motorists in 2011. Accommodating most driver’s budgets, a new 2015 Cruze can be driven off the lot for $15,800, making it the 15th least expensive car available in the United States. Chevrolet’s September sales were up 19% from the same time last year.
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14. Forte
> Make: Kia
> Fair purchase price: $15,709
> Trim: LX Sedan 4D
South Korean automaker Kia manufactures five car models that sell for less than than $19,500 in the U.S. With a likely price tag of $15,709, the Forte is one of them. The 2015 Kia Forte LX Sedan comes with slightly improved fuel efficiency from the previous year’s model. With a manual transmission, the sedan is capable of 25 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway.
13. Fit
> Make: Honda
> Fair purchase price: $15,663
> Trim: LX Hatchback 4D
The Honda Fit was released in Japan in 2001. The compact hatchback has been available in the United States since 2006 but has not sold as well as some of the Japanese automaker’s other makes such as the Accord and the Civic. Honda sold 1,279 Fits this September, a more than 80% decline in sales from the previous September. The LX Hatchback Fit sells for just $15,663 on average.
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12. Soul
> Make: Kia
> Fair purchase price: $15,141
> Trim: Wagon 4D
Like a number of other inexpensive vehicle models, the Soul has sold relatively well in the United States. South Korea-based Kia reported record sales this past September, saying the growth was driven largely by Soul sales. The automaker sold 13,614 units in September, up considerably from the same month last year.
11. Jetta
> Make: Volkswagen
> Fair purchase price: $15,020
> Trim: 2.0L Base Sedan 4D
The 2.0L Base Sedan Jetta is the most affordable model Volkswagen sells in the United States. Though the Jetta is available in a variety of trims that can jack up the MSRP as high as $31,120, a new 2015 base model Jetta will likely cost a buyer just over $15,000 to drive off the lot. The German automaker assembles most Jettas in Mexico.
10. iQ
>Make: Scion
> Fair purchase price: $14,898
> Trim: Hatchback 2D
> YTD U.S. sales: 465
A Toyota spin-off company, scion introduced its first car to American motorists in 2004. With a fair purchase price of $14,898, the Scion iQ is one of the least expensive cars in the country. Since last year, U.S. sales of the Scion iQ have dropped 73.5%. In 2015, Scion has sold only 465 iQs — well below the 1,752 iQs sold by this time in 2014. Due in part to plummeting sales, Scion is removing the iQ from its product line. Along with one of its main competitors, the Smart Fortwo, the Scion iQ is one of the smallest cars for sale in the United States.
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9. Accent
>Make: Hyundai
> Fair purchase price: $14,580
> Trim: GLS sedan 4D
> YTD U.S. sales: 48,625
According to KBB, most Americans can expect to pay just under $14,600 for a new Hyundai Accent. Hyundai has sold 48,625 Accents so far this year, up from 46,405 over the same period last year. While the Accent is the Korean automaker’s most affordable vehicle, it is not its best selling. The Accent is far less popular than its slightly more expensive cousin, the Elantra, which sells for about $16,849. Hyundai has sold nearly 194,000 Elantras year to date, making it the 15th most popular vehicle in America in 2015.
8. Yaris
>Make: Toyota
> Fair purchase price: $14,549
> Trim: L hatchback Coupe 2D
> YTD U.S. sales: 15,535
Marketed for its fuel economy, the Toyota Yaris gets 32 miles per gallon in the city and 36 miles per gallon on the highway. The Yaris is one of the fastest growing car models in the country. Year to date, sales of the Yaris have increased by 50.3% from the same time last year. The Yaris’s sales are especially impressive as sales of many economy cars are experiencing a year-over-year decline in sales. Whereas earlier models were shipped from Japan, the 2015 Yaris is both designed and manufactured in France.
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7. Sonic
>Make: Chevrolet
> Fair purchase price: $14,335
> Trim: LS sedan 4D
> YTD U.S. sales: 50,535
One of the least expensive cars available to American buyers, the Sonic was first introduced in 2012 as a replacement for the Aveo. With a fair purchase price of $14,335, the 2015 Sonic was named a Top Safety Pick in the small car segment by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety. The Sonic is slightly less fuel efficient than many cars in its class. A manual-transmission Sonic will get 26 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. Sales of the Sonic have dropped significantly since 2014. Chevrolet has sold 50,535 Sonics year to date, a 35.2% decrease from the 77,947 it had sold by this time last year.
6. Fiesta
>Make: Ford
> Fair purchase price: $14,271
> Trim: S sedan 4D
> YTD U.S. sales: 53,868
The Fiesta is not only Ford’s most affordable vehicle, it is also one of the least expensive cars available from any automaker. According to KBB, a typical American consumer can expect to pay $14,271 for a new 4-door Fiesta. The Fiesta gets about 28 mpg on city streets and 36 mpg on the highway. Along with Chevrolet, it is one of only two American automakers offering models that are among the cheapest in the country.
5. Rio
>Make: Kia
> Fair purchase price: $13,754
> Trim: LX sedan 4D
> YTD U.S. sales: 20,276
With a fair purchase price of $13,754, the Kia Rio is the fifth least expensive car on the market. A Rio with automatic transmission gets 37 mpg on the highway and 27 mpg in the city. The Rio competes primarily with the Chevrolet Sonic, Ford Fiesta, Nissan Versa, and Hyundai Accent. A South Korean company, Kia Motors America accounts for 3.5% of all vehicles sold in the U.S. market. As with many economy cars, Kia Rio sales are lagging. Year to date, Kia has sold 20,276 Rios, significantly less than the 29,387 sold by this time last year.
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4. Mirage
>Make: Mitsubishi
> Fair purchase price: $12,959
> Trim: DE hatchback 4D
> YTD U.S. sales: 17,971
The Mitsubishi Mirage is a small, 4-door, five-passenger subcompact car. With a highway fuel economy of 44 mpg, it is the most fuel efficient non-hybrid car on sale in the U.S. market. After selling nearly twice as many Mirages in 2014 than was expected, Mitsubishi is not making any changes to the Mirage until the 2017 model year. The Mirage is the first mass-produced car imported from Thailand.
3. fortwo
>Make: smart
> Fair purchase price: $12,657
> Trim: Pure hatchback coupe 2D
> YTD U.S. sales: 5,432 (all smart cars)
The smart car was first introduced to European drivers in 1997, after the Swiss watchmaker Swatch partnered with German automaker Mercedes-Benz to create an affordable car for efficiency-oriented city drivers. With two seats and a 3-cylinder engine, smart’s base model’s name is also an apt description of its size — the fortwo is the smallest car sold in the U.S. market. Smart’s fortwo pure hatchback is also one of the least expensive cars on the American auto market. Drivers can expect to pay $12,657 for a new smart fortwo pure hatchback.
2. Spark
>Make: Chevrolet
> Fair purchase price: $12,262
> Trim: LS hatchback 4D
> YTD U.S. sales: 27,839
At $12,262, the Chevrolet Spark is one of the cheapest new cars available to American motorists. Spark owners also spend less at the pump. The Spark, classified as a subcompact car by the EPA, gets an estimated 39 mpg on the highway. While the vehicle’s low cost appeals to some consumers, its compact size may also be appealing to drivers living in cities where parking options are limited. Chevrolet has sold 27,839 Sparks so far this year, slightly less than the 30,937 it had sold by this time in 2014.
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1. Versa
>Make: Nissan
> Fair purchase price: $11,742
> Trim: S sedan 4D
> YTD U.S. sales: 109,832
At just $11,742, the Nissan Versa is the least expensive car in the U.S. market today. Like most of the cars in this category, the Versa is classified as compact by the EPA. The Versa underwent a full redesign in 2012, in part to improve fuel economy. An economy car, the Versa ranks slightly below average in J.D. Power and Associates’s studies of comfort, style, performance and design. A manual-transmission Versa has an EPA estimated fuel economy of 36 mpg.
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