I’m a Car Expert: These 6 American Cars Are the Best Frugal Buys of 2025

Domeble 01E2FB / © moofe photographer - please c
Domeble 01E2FB / © moofe photographer - please c

It’s no secret that cars can be a costly necessity. On average, Americans who bought a new car in December 2024 spent around $49,740, according to Kelley Blue Book.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or simply looking to maximize your savings, the right car can offer both affordability and performance. And American automakers offer some of the best options on the market.

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GOBankingRates spoke to two car experts to get some recommendations on the best American-made vehicles that are great options for frugal buyers this year. While your next car purchase will be a personal decision based on the factors of your unique situation, this list can be a great start for brainstorming options that are dependable and affordable.

Ford Escape

The Ford Escape is a popular compact SUV, and it comes with standard driver-assist technologies, like lane-keeping assist and automated emergency braking.

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“Ford Escapes tend to be offered at a reasonable price,” said Caleb Bryan, general sales manager at Brad Manning Ford in DeKalb, Illinois. “They have standard all-wheel drive across the board and nice luxury features.”

While a 2025 model can cost just under $30,000, you can find older, gently used models for much less.

This car’s fuel efficiency and reliability make it a solid pick for families and solo drivers alike.

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Chevrolet Traverse

The Chevrolet Traverse is a popular midsize SUV that offers plenty of space and a dependable track record. David Rodriguez, an experienced auto mechanic who works at a shop specializing in brakes and suspension services in the Midwest, recommended the Traverse for personal and practical reasons.

“My family and I actually have actually had this car since 2017 and other than usual wear and tear, it’s been a great vehicle,” Rodriguez said. He said he bought the car with 30,000 miles on it for around $25,000.

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“Since then, we’ve added 90,000 more miles on the car and have had minimal maintenance costs,” he explained. “While it may not be the most fuel-efficient option, its durability and affordability make it a solid frugal buy.”

A 2025 Chevrolet Traverse typically starts at $41,995. But you can find older models for much less.

Ford Maverick

If you’re looking for an affordable truck, the Ford Maverick is hard to beat. “It’s one of the best options if you’re wanting the most value for the money in terms of a well-equipped truck for under $30,000,” Bryan said. The Maverick offers great utility, impressive fuel efficiency and a low starting price, making it ideal for budget-conscious truck buyers.

The price of a 2025 Ford Maverick starts at $27,990, while a 2023 model starts at $24,651.

GMC Acadia

The GMC Acadia is another great SUV choice, praised for its affordability in repairs and widespread popularity.

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“A lot of people drive this car,” Rodriguez said. “The cost for repairs isn’t expensive, and in our shop we haven’t really seen anything major go wrong.”

The GMC Acadia has a spacious interior, which typically seats up to seven, and reasonable upkeep costs, making it a smart pick for families or those who just need the extra space.

A 2025 GMC Acadia will cost you around $44,295, while the price for a 2022 model starts at about $24,368.

Ford Bronco

For those who love adventure but want to keep costs in check, the Ford Bronco is a standout choice. “You can often find a used Ford Bronco in the $30,000s in terms of cost,” Bryan said. “It’s a very nice edition, especially if you’re a Jeep Wrangler fan.”

The Bronco delivers off-road capability, a stylish design and affordability, making it a great value for outdoor enthusiasts.

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A 2025 Ford Bronco will cost you around $39,890, while a 2022 model offers some savings and comes in around $36,975.

Ford Fusion

Even though production of this car stopped in 2020, the Ford Fusion remains a budget-friendly option for sedan lovers.

“A lot of people drive this car,” Rodriguez said. “The cost for repairs isn’t expensive, and people seem to like that car. Haven’t seen anything major.” With a comfortable ride, good fuel economy and a solid reputation for reliability, the Fusion is a practical choice for commuters and families.

Prices for a 2020 Ford Fusion start at $14,745.

When shopping for a budget-friendly American car in 2025, reliability, maintenance costs and overall value should be top considerations. Whether you prefer an SUV, truck or sedan, these six vehicles stand out as smart financial choices.

“The key thing is to look at rates and shop around when you’re using a dealership,” Bryan said. “Rates are getting better than what they were around the time directly following the pandemic.”

Bryan also said that with tax season coming, rebates will be better than ever since some manufacturers tend to give deals out to help you save even more.

Editor’s note: All car model prices were sourced from Kelley Blue Book.

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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: I’m a Car Expert: These 6 American Cars Are the Best Frugal Buys of 2025