Best first car under $30k
A first car should be cheap to insure, hard to break and tolerant of mistakes. Both picks here have 5-star NHTSA ratings, modest power and the lowest running costs in our database.
#12025 Toyota Corolla
$23,520 MSRP
The default first car: lowest price and insurance in our database, bulletproof reputation, 35 MPG. Boring is a feature when you're learning.
35 MPG combined · 5-year cost ~$30,291 · NHTSA ★★★★★
Compare #1 vs #2 side by side →#22025 Honda Civic
$26,300 MSRP
For the new driver who actually likes driving: sharper handling and a nicer cabin than the Corolla, still cheap to run. Costs a bit more to buy and insure.
34 MPG combined · 5-year cost ~$31,744 · NHTSA ★★★★★