7 Dependable Car Brands That Are Good for the Middle Class
Consumers among America’s largest income group in the country are being priced out of buying new cars.
Of the approximately 275 new models available in the U.S. market in 2024, “only eight had average transaction prices below $25,000 and only two transacted for less than $20,000,” according to KBB.
The median household income in the U.S. is around $80,000. So, using Pew Research’s definition of “middle class” as those earning between two-thirds and twice the median income, the middle class makes between $54,000 and $160,000.
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Depending on how much of your income you want to dedicate to buying a car, you might have a difficult time finding one that fits your budget; however, there are options that you should consider on the market. Many affordable brands are also among the most reliable automakers, which means you have the potential to save money in the long run.
Here are seven affordable and reliable car brands that the middle class should consider buying.
1. Toyota
Lexus tops Consumers Report’s (CR’s) reliability rankings, but Toyota is close in second place. CR included seven Toyota models: the 4Runner, Camry and Camry Hybrid, RAV4 and RAV4 Prime, Corolla and Highlander Hybrid.
2. Mini
CR ranked Mini at third for predicted reliability. Most Mini models are affordable too, with Hardtop priced around $27,000 and Clubman, Countryman and Convertible models prices ranging from $28,413 to $33,461.
3. Honda
New car transactions can reach $60,000 now, but Honda has a lot of models that slide into the comfortable $25,000 and $35,000 price range. This includes the popular Accord and Accord Hybrid, Civic and Civic Si, HR-V, CR-V and CR-V Hybrid.
Used Hondas are plentiful and fair-priced.
4. Subaru
With an average MSRP of $27,000 to $37,000, depending on trim level, the Forester is always a good choice for a middle-class buyer to consider.
5. Mazda
Mazdas have above average ownership expenses, according to RepairPal. With an average annual repair cost of $462, compared to $652 across all models, that’s an average annual savings of almost $200. The brand’s reputation for building durable, cost-efficient cars has increased over the years, prompting Car Edge to question whether Mazda is the new Honda due to increasing reliability and popularity.
6. Kia
The Kia EV9 was World Car of the Year and World Electric Vehicle at the 2024 World Car Finals, but it might be a bit too pricey for the average middle-class American household (starting MSRP $56,395). But the Soul, Seltos, Niro and Sportage all have sticker prices starting under $30,000.
7. Hyundai
Hyundai is another brand that continues to improve quality across its model line. Owning a Hyundai can also save you around $200 in repair costs per year, according to RepairPal.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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