The Most Affordable New 2010 Cars

When you are looking for an affordable new car there is more to consider than just the price on the window sticker. You must also consider fuel economy, residual values, reliability and insurance costs which can all conspire to turn your "cheap" car into a very expensive one.

So even though a car may have the lowest advertised sticker price in the country it doesn't mean that this car will be affordable in the long term. Currently there is a battle between sub-$10,000 variants of the Nissan Versa and Hyundai Accent for the title of cheapest car in the United States. Unfortunately, neither of them even offers a radio or air conditioning. Now, do you think that is going to be an easy to car to sell later on?

So in that mindset here are five new cars that not only have low sticker prices but also offer plenty of features, good build quality as well as great fuel economy. Some of them even manage to be stylish and fun to drive. Can you imagine that?

Kia Soul

(Starting at $13,300)-(24 city/30 highway)

This car was designed inside and out by Audi TT creator Andrew Schreyer and it shows. This is a Kia but doesn't fit at all with their previous sales pitch of "we have boring econo-boxes with great warranties!" This is a car that Toyota or Honda would charge $2,000-$3,000 for just to have their logo on the hood.

The base model comes with air conditioning, ABS, power windows, door locks and a decent stereo but probably the best deal is the ! model which has better looking alloys, a sunroof, Bluetooth and a 315 watt stereo for only a little over $16,000. No matter which model you choose, however, you can rest easy knowing you bought a stylish, well built and very spacious little hatch for not much cash.

Suzuki SX4 Crossover

(Starting at $16,099)-(22 city/30 highway)

If you live in a snowy climate, the SX4 from Suzuki is a well built yet inexpensive all weather vehicle. This little hatchback is stylish and comes packed with features like automatic temperature control, power windows, keyless entry, a decent audio system and a 2.0 liter 150 horsepower engine. Suzuki also offers a very generous 7 year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty that can be passed on to successive owners. This one fact helps keep residual values strong.

Kia Rondo

(Starting at $17,495)-(20 city/27 highway)

The Kia Rondo may look a bit like the off-spring of an AMC Pacer and a The Hunchback of Notre Dame but don't hold that against it. If you have a large family or routinely need seven seats, the Rondo is your least expensive 7-seat vehicular option. And, as with any Kia, you get that ten year warranty.

Equipped with a 175 horsepower 4 cylinder or 197 horsepower V6, the Rondo can keep up with freeway traffic even when all the seats are filled. The interior is made of robust plastics and while there is practically no cargo room when seven are aboard, the cargo area is positively huge with the third row folded down.

Nissan Cube

(Starting at $13,990)-(28 city/30 highway)

It takes a certain type of person to drive an asymmetrical box designed after the concept of a bulldog wearing sunglasses. Fine, it looks weird but it gets terrific economy and the interior is extremely comfortable. Just like all the aforementioned models, it gives even base model buyers all the necessities like air conditioning, good audio, power everything and more. Plus, the Cube makes a real style statement. It's just up to you as to whether or not you like what it is saying.

Honda Fit

(Starting at $14,900)-(28 city/35 highway)

Who knew Honda sold anything this inexpensive anymore? Not only does the Fit shame some SUVs with its cavernous cargo hold but it also comes with all the comfort features you need. And since it is a Honda you can rely on the fact that it is well built, fun to drive and that it will hold its value. Now that's true affordability.

Source: Automotive.com