Save or Splurge?
Whether you're in the market for a new car or not, there are brands that either stand out for their durability, quality, top-tier engineering, or insanely high price tag. What's the better choice for first-time drivers and car owners? Or for those wanting to flaunt status and wealth? From Toyota to Lamborghini, here are 10 budget-friendly car brands and 10 luxury ones.
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1. Kia
Kia cars are one of—if not the most—budget-friendly brands out on the market, typically a few grand below the base price of others. While you might be concerned about their build quality and longevity, don't be. They're still a great, reliable brand to consider, especially for first-time car owners.
2. Toyota
Toyotas are one of the most common brands you'll see out on the road, and for good reason: they're built to last, don't require much maintenance, and are relatively inexpensive. They're also packed with safety features that make them great vehicles for both first-time and long-time drivers alike.
3. Honda
Honda vehicles are also applauded for their longevity and low maintenance costs, making them a wonderful budget car. Many models are fuel-efficient as well, and come with updated safety sensors and functions that make them an ease to drive on the road.
4. Mazda
Other than its affordable price point, Mazda is another leading Japanese brand known for crafting vehicles that offer premium build quality, excellent safety features, and overall reliability. Certain models, like the best-selling CX-5, are also popular for their sleek interiors and stylish designs.
5. Hyundai
Hyundai cars are praised for their versatility, offering an array of models for every type of driver. In addition to being cost-efficient without sacrificing quality and durability, they also produce electric models—like the IONIQ 5, IONIQ 6, and Kona Electric—with reasonable price points.
6. Nissan
For a car that provides comfort for all-day drives, Nissan is your pick. Though the main attractor is their affordability, with budget models like the Sentra and Versa, they don't skimp on top-of-the-line features, either. Color touchscreens, Bluetooth connectivity, remote-less key entry—expect all of this and more in their entry line-up.
7. Suzuki
Best known for their fuel efficiency and durability, Suzuki cars are a breeze to drive on the road. Whether you're an urban excursionist, outdoor adventurer, or an eco-conscious driver, there's a perfect model for everyone in the lineup that caters to your specific needs.
8. Volkswagen
Volkswagen vehicles are great budget-friendly choices for first-time owners and drivers. In particular, the Jetta, Volkswagen's entry-level car, is a compact sedan model that boasts reliable performance, yearly refreshed designs, and iconic German engineering.
9. Mitsubishi
Touted for their practicality, Mitsubishi cars offer longevity and reliability without breaking the bank. The Mirage Hatchback is a top pick for the budget-conscious, offering a lightweight design that's still packed with safety features, like automatic braking with Forward Mitigation Collision.
10. Subaru
Subaru vehicles are not only budget-friendly—they're also one of the only brands on the market whose cars are equipped with symmetrical all-wheel drive, which makes them incredibly safe to drive in. This means they're great for rugged, off-road adventures, capable of taking on any condition.
Those were the 10 best budget car brands. Read on for the 10 best luxury brands.
1. Mercedes-Benz
One of the most luxurious brands on the road today, Mercedes-Benz prides itself on creating vehicles that offer plush comfort, premium craftsmanship, and top-of-the-class engineering. Yet, despite the expensive price tag, they're a bit more accessible to the average consumer than others, featuring line-ups like the entry A-class all the way up to S-class.
2. Rolls-Royce
Rolls-Royce vehicles are luxury cars at their finest. This is a brand you aren't likely to see on the road during your daily commute, though if you do, they're often showcased as a symbol of wealth and status. Handcrafted to perfect precision, Rolls-Royce vehicles aren't mere motors—they're regarded as works of art.
3. Bentley
Bentley is another premium brand known for meticulously handcrafted vehicles that boast superior quality, making for luxurious leather and veneer interiors. Because of their premium build, Bentley cars are expensive to maintain, though they're built to last and are considered extremely reliable.
4. Ferrari
This is a brand you've definitely heard of before. But prestigious status, excellent Italian craftsmanship, and state-of-the-art technology aside, Ferrari sports cars are rare and difficult to get your hands on due to their limited production.
5. Bugatti
Like most luxurious brands, there are only so many Bugatti vehicles that exist in the world due to limited production, and that scarcity—along with the brand name—is what makes them coveted. Handmade and boasting top-quality materials, these cars are a sight to behold.
6. Maserati
Though some might prefer a Ferrari over a Maserati, that mostly depends on what you look for in a car as a driver. Do you favor exhilarating speed or overall comfort? Maserati cars lean towards the latter and are renowned for their luxurious design, Italian artistry, and exclusivity.
7. Tesla
The rise in electric vehicles on the road means you've likely seen a Tesla (or five) in the lane next to you. And that's no surprise: not only are electric cars environmentally friendly, but Teslas in particular also come equipped with intelligent capabilities—like autopilot mode—that make them safer to drive.
8. BMW
Similar to Mercedes-Benz, BMW maintains a prestigious status while still being relatively accessible to the average consumer. The 2 Series, which features the 2 Series Coup and 2 Series Gran Coupe, is the brand's entry-level lineup, while SUVs and electric models, like the X and I series, rack up a higher price tag.
9. Porsche
Though most known for its 911 sports car model, Porsche also offers SUVs like the Cayenne for those looking for extra space and comfort. Built with premium materials, plush leather seats, and reliable performance, Porsche remains an iconic brand.
10. Lamborghini
No matter what model of Lamborghini you're driving, this is a brand that's sure to turn heads. But beyond their eye-catching designs, these vehicles offer more than just shiny exteriors—they're also crafted with premium components and advanced engineering, making them truly unparalleled.
