Affordable Cars People Seem to Like

Getting Around Without Breaking the Bank: Top 5 Picks for Reliable Rides

Okay, so car shopping. It can be…stressful, right? Especially now. Everyone’s feeling the pinch, and the last thing you need is a car that’s going to be constantly in the shop – or costing a fortune to fix. I’ve been doing a little digging, and honestly, there are some surprisingly good options out there if you're looking for something dependable and affordable.

I talked to a few people, did some reading, and put together a list of five vehicles that consistently get high marks for reliability without requiring a second mortgage. Hopefully, this makes things a little easier.

First up is the Kia Soul, starting around $20,290. It’s kind of…boxy? But people really seem to like that! More importantly, it’s got a reliability rating of 86 out of 100, and Kia's warranty is really good. That gives you peace of mind, you know?

Then there’s the Hyundai Accent, which is even more budget-friendly, ranging from $15,000 to $20,500. It scored an 87/100 in J.D. Power’s quality and reliability ratings, which is pretty impressive for the price.

If you're wanting a little more pep in your step, the Kia Forte GT might be for you. It starts at $24,690 and actually beats out the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla in quality and reliability – with a score of 89/100! That’s a good feeling, knowing you’re getting a top-rated car.

Of course, you can't talk about reliable cars without mentioning the Toyota Corolla. Starting at $22,175, it's pretty much the gold standard. Everyone knows Corollas just…keep going. It's legendary, really.

Finally, there’s the Subaru Crosstrek at $25,695. It's maybe a little pricier than some of the others, but it boasts an 83/100 rating from J.D. Power, and it’s got that standard all-wheel drive which is great if you live somewhere with…well, weather.

Look, I'm not a car expert, okay? But from what I've seen, these five seem like solid choices if you need a car that will get you where you need to go without causing too much stress. And let's be honest, a little less stress is always a good thing.