5 Most Affordable Cars of 2014

2014 Nissan Versa Sedan – Click here to Get Pre Approved

The lowest-priced cars aren’t always the most affordable. When you consider a car’s resale value, plus fuel, financing and insurance costs, sometimes the best way to save money in the long run is to spend more up front. Our helpful 5-Year Cost to Own projections make it easy to buy smart, and here we’ve rounded up the 5 most affordable cars of 2014.

With that being said lets start the top 5 Most Affordable Cars of 2014

5) 2014 Nissan Versa Sedan (starting at $12,700)

The Nissan Versa is a roomy little sedan and one of the lowest-priced cars on the market. For 2014, the Nissan Versa offers a schizophrenic aspect. The sedan version is uninspiring but best-selling older tech, while the 5-door hatchback offers new tech and a wider array of features. The 2014 Versa Sedan claims to be the roomiest car in its class, and it remains the least-expensive new car you can buy with its $12,780 starting price unchanged from last year. Add in fuel economy of up to 40 mpg, and the Versa looks even more sensible. Little is changed this year on the Sedan versions other than chassis tuning and some equipment offerings, but the all-new and very stylish 5-door hatch is a different story, combining fresh looks with similar fuel economy.

4) 2014 Toyota Yaris (starting at $14,500)

Like its Corolla big brother, the smallest, most affordable Toyota benefits from the outstanding resale values that remain a brand hallmark. The 2014 Yaris is Toyota’s least-expensive car. That in itself may be a strong enough proposition for buyers simply seeking cheap, basic, reliable transportation. And in those respects the Yaris continues to succeed. But newer, more exciting and better-equipped subcompact hatchback competitors abound. Rivals like the Chevrolet Sonic, Nissan Versa Note, Ford Fiesta, Hyundai Accent and Kia Rio offer powertrains that are more powerful and/or more fuel-efficient, in addition to creature comforts such as heated seats and navigation that are not available on the Yaris. The Yaris is adequate for those who just want a basic, no-hassle car with Toyota’s reputation for quality and good resale value. But even in this price-sensitive segment, more appealing cars are fighting for your consideration.

3) 2014 Scion iQ (starting at $15,660)

The smallest four-seater in America and tiniest car on this list also boasts one of the lowest 5-Year Cost to Own figures. The 2014 Scion iQ is among a crop of tiny cars that emphasize high fuel economy, low entry cost and stylish design. Like the Fiat 500 and Chevrolet Spark, the iQ boasts youthful looks and more refinement than the Smart Fortwo. When that latter car arrived in the U.S. in 2008, its toy-like dimensions drew quizzical looks, but now these microcars are gaining wider acceptance. This is especially true in crowded cities, where the iQ excels as a runabout that can squeeze into the tightest parking spots. If your needs focus on highway cruising or ferrying more than one extra passenger, the iQ’s size is a detriment, but if you just require an inexpensive and efficient errand runner, the iQ begins to look like an intelligent choice.

2014 Scion iQ – Click Here to get Pre Approved

2) 2014 Chevrolet Spark (starting at 12,500)

With four doors, four seats and surprising roominess, the small Spark is the most practical mini car available. And along with its Chevy Sonic sibling, it was the first vehicle to offer Siri Eyes Free integration, giving iPhone owners the ability to dictate text messages with the push of a button on the steering wheel, for instance. The Spark is Chevrolet’s U.S. entry into the minicar market, a niche that’s slowly growing as more buyers look for high-mileage, low-cost vehicles that feel at home in crowded cities. Though it only debuted in 2013, Chevy has enhanced the Spark for 2014 with a new automatic transmission that increases fuel economy to 39 mpg in an effort to top rivals such as the Scion iQ, Fiat 500, and Smart Fortwo. For those never wanting to visit a gas station, there’s the all-electric Spark EV initially for sale in California and Oregon. With two rear seats and slightly larger dimensions than its rivals, the Spark is easier to live with. It’s at home in the city, but those who log many highway miles should look to something larger.

1) 2014 Chevrolet Spark EV (starting at $26,500)

The all-electric Spark carries the highest sticker price of all the cars on this list, but a $7,500 federal tax credit and zero appetite for gasoline help make it the most affordable car of 2014 from a 5-Year Cost to Own perspective. The Spark is Chevrolet’s U.S. entry into the minicar market, a niche that’s slowly growing as more buyers look for high-mileage, low-cost vehicles that feel at home in crowded cities. Though it only debuted in 2013, Chevy has enhanced the Spark for 2014 with a new automatic transmission that increases fuel economy to 39 mpg in an effort to top rivals such as the Scion iQ, Fiat 500, and Smart Fortwo. For those never wanting to visit a gas station, there’s the all-electric Spark EV initially for sale in California and Oregon. With two rear seats and slightly larger dimensions than its rivals, the Spark is easier to live with. It’s at home in the city, but those who log many highway miles should look to something larger.