Best 8 Cheap Cars with Mind-Blowing Gas Mileage

Are you ready to save some dough at the pump and on the dealership lot? Then let’s dive into these 8 cheap cars with great gas mileage that won’t have you feeling like you just got robbed! If you’re eyeing one of these budget-friendly rides, you can either fork over the dough upfront or explore your alternatives by securing an auto loan from a bank, credit union or dealership.

1. Honda Fit // 33 city & 40 highway mpg

The Honda Fit, believe it or not, gets fantastic gas efficiency, has a ton of room for all your stuff and is fairly peppy. The Fit little 4-cylinder will net you a cool 33 city/40 highway mpg. The best value will come from sticking to the 2015–2018 model years since depreciation will let you to save some money while keeping amenities like a rearview camera, lane departure warning, and automatic highlights. We also like how Honda made a small car actually feel bigger than it is, thanks to their unique “Magic Seat” configuration. We think you should go for a higher trim level that can also include forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control.

2. Toyota Yaris // 32 city & 40 highway mpg

The “Commuter Special” AKA the Toyota Yaris is an extremely reliable compact car that is short on power but great on gas. You will save money on gas and repairs thanks to the Yaris’s ability to get you up to 40 mpg and last well over 150,000 miles. Thanks to Toyota’s build quality, just about any Yaris is going to last you forever, but we would lean toward the 2015-2019 models.

3. Kia Rio // 33 city & 41 highway mpg

The Kia Rio is a reliable choice for a compact sedan or hatchback. It doesn’t boast the same level of refinement as its top competitors, this ride could still capture your heart with its alluring cockpit, potent engine power, and unbeatable bang for your buck. Remember this, Just ’cause a ride is compact and budget-friendly doesn’t imply you gotta compromise on specs, aesthetics or the capacity to haul some buddies. This is true for the Rio as well, the car fits the purpose. That purpose is gas efficiency, and it delivers on all 4 cylinders.

4. Hyundai Accent // 33 city & 41 highway mpg

We want to be clear, we aren’t fans of the exterior design of the Hyundai Accent, but in terms of MPG there are few compact cars that can rival it. These little cars are cheap and are great on gas that’s what makes them a great option for those on a budget. Moreover, Hyundai’s got your six with one of the most exceptional warranties in the game. We honestly recommend the Accent especially if you have a student or new driver in your family that have to commute to school or work, because it gets the job done and will keep your wallet from hurting. If this is for you, I think you should opt for the Fort Fiesta ST if your wallet allows.

5. Chevrolet Spark // 30 city & 38 highway mpg

Going in the other direction, the Chevy Spark will definitely grab attention as you take those turns. It’s the fuel-sipping, tech-savvy, urban-friendly commuter that’s equally at home on the open road. With cutting-edge tech that keeps you in the loop, and stellar fuel efficiency for more road trips and fewer gas stops, Spark truly is your on-the-go companion. It’s the glove like perfect fit for your lifestyle. Thankfully Chevy offered the Spark with a manual transmission, so if you can find one pick it up and you’ll be slinging that compact all over the road right past the gas station.

6. Ford Fiesta // 27 city & 37 highway mpg

The Fiesta’s poise and balance are simply fabulous, with perfectly spaced and accurate gearing that provides an exceptional driving experience. The steering talks to you, giving pinpoint accuracy, and the roar of the exhaust feels like a mini race car—just amps up the joy of driving. The sheer thrill of velocity, regardless of its magnitude, is sufficient to elicit a grin on one’s countenance.

If you can swing about $12k the Ford Fiesta, especially the ST, is a sporty and fuel-efficient option that will make your daily commute feel like track day. This zippy little ride doesn’t just pack a punch on the road, it also rocks a sleek interior, sturdy build, and is loaded with cool tech features. Every gearhead should know, that if you can snag a Ford Fiesta ST trim you won’t regret it. If you’re hunting for a second-hand car, the Ford Fiesta – especially with an ST trim – is worth checking out because it has a pretty solid 59% reliability rating.

7. Nissan Versa // 31 city & 39 highway mpg

We like the Nissan Versa because its like a mini-van but without the bulk, perfect for busy families on a budget. This baby’s got a fuel-sipping 4-banger under the hood, delivering an impressive 31 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the open road. If you can snag the right trim level you’ll end up some great features like blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. For the most fun out of the Versa we like the manual in the SR trim level.

8. Mitsubishi Mirage // 36 city & 40 highway mpg

The Mitsubishi Mirage is a budget-friendly ride that boasts a competitive price point relative to its rivals. But the car is also really affordable to own, so it’s a great choice for budget-minded drivers. Ideal for city slickers, this compact car not only nails parking in tight spots but also sips gas sparingly. The frugal 4-banger powerplant boasts an impressive 36 mpg in the city and 43 mpg on the open road, while we advise against opting for the CVT gearbox. We also like the GT trim level as it adds some sportier styling and a more powerful engine. You’ll wanna scope out a Mirage from the 2015-2018 model years, as the going rate for a pre-owned one is roughly k to k.

Note that these figures are merely ballpark estimates and are subject to fluctuations based on the whereabouts, state, and odometer reading of the ride. Also, if you’re a student think twice before you use your student loan to buy a used car. Just like snagging a deal on textbooks, you gotta dig deep into any used car’s history and get it checked out by a pro mechanic to make sure it runs smooth. Here are eight cars that perfectly balance cost, reliability, and fuel efficiency: These eight rides give you a reliable and cost-effective journey, boasting fantastic gas mileage without breaking your bank.