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Least Expensive Cars of 2009

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Looking for cheap wheels? Here they are -- the ten least-expensive 2009 cars on sale in America, plus ten more runners-up. (All prices are MSRP (a.k.a. sticker price) plus destination charge.) The About.com Cars test team has driven all of these cheap cars, and this list will tell you which are the real deals -- and which are the real duds.

Want more? Check out last year's list.

11. Mazda Mazda3i Sport, $15,160

Photo © Mazda

The cheapest 3 doesn't come with many creature comforts, though as of 2009 the base model gets standard antilock brakes and side airbags. It's good looking and fun to drive. Note: A redesigned Mazda3 is due in 2010.

12. Honda Fit Base, $15,220

Photo © Aaron Gold

The all-new 2009 Fit may seem expensive for a subcompact, but the price tag includes power windows, mirrors and locks, A/C, CD player, six airbags and antilock brakes, so it's actually a very good deal. Great gas mileage, a huge cargo bay, and outstanding resale value round out the Fit; it's arguably the best subcompact on the market.

13. Scion xD, $15,320

Image © Aaron Gold

Another solid value, with power windows, locks and mirrors, A/C, stereo, side airbags and antilock brakes all included in the price. Watch out for dealer-installed accessories -- Scion offers dozens of add-ons which can completely clobber the value equation.

14. Ford Focus S Sedan, $15,690

Photo © Aaron Gold

One of my favorites. The Focus is handsome and good fun to drive, and the cheapest model includes air conditioning. Unfortunately, the cheapest model can't be had with power windows or SYNC (voice control for iPod and Bluetooth phones). Shame.

15. Honda Civic DX Coupe, $15,875

Photo © Honda

The Civic is good looking, fuel-efficient, and as reliable as, um, a really reliable thing. Cheap Civics have traditionally been sparsely equipped, but the DX Coupe does get power windows and antilock brakes, though it lacks A/C and a stereo. The DX sedan can be had for $200 more.

16. Toyota Corolla Standard, $16,070

Photo © Aaron Gold

Like the Civic, the base-model Corolla is short on equipment (power mirrors and a CD player) but long on quality and fuel efficiency. Plus it offers electronic stability control, a brilliant safety feature available in few cheap cars -- and at $250, it's practically a gift.

17. Chevrolet Cobalt LS XFE, $16,330

Not a bad car, just not a great car. Price is the same for the good-looking coupe and the dull-looking sedan, and includes A/C, a CD player, and a nicely trimmed interior. Stick-shift Cobalts get the XFE (eXtra Fuel Economy) treatment at no extra cost; they have lots of power and get great gas mileage.

18. Scion xB, $16,420

The boxy xB offers the space and flexibility of a small SUV, and with antilock brakes, electronic stability control, A/C, power windows and locks, and a Pioneer stereo all included in the price, it's a smokin' deal. Styling is a love-it-or-hate-it affair, but if you've got a family to haul, the xB is one of the best bargains on the road. As with the xD, watch out for pricey dealer-installed add-ons.

19. Volkswagen Rabbit S 2-door, $16,540

Cheap for a Volkswagen, plus its good fun to drive and comes with standard electronic stability control. But color choices are limited (black, white, silver or grey) and the 5-cylinder engine is thirsty. 4-door is significantly more expensive.

20. Pontiac Vibe Base, $16,735

Another favorite of mine. The Vibe comes with antilock brakes and electronic stability control as standard, though A/C is an extra-cost option. Durable plastic-lined cargo bay is a plus point for parents, pet owners and the do-it-yourself set. Co-developed with Toyota, the Vibe shares most of its mechanical bits with the Toyota Corolla, so expect a long, trouble-free life.