What Is the Best Small Car for the Money?

Small cars are a practical and budget-friendly alternative to more expensive, gas-guzzling SUVs. While they haven't been the most popular vehicle choice lately (SUVs and crossovers are the most popular), you'll still find plenty of value and style in the compact car class. The Honda Civic, in particular, has a lot of value while still having an affordable price tag. 

The Civic has a few different trims available depending on your price range. However, the base trim is one of the most affordable sedans on the market that still manages to pack plenty of valuable tech features throughout the vehicle. Additionally, you'll find a host of standard safety features and excellent driving capabilities. 

If you're interested in a sleek sedan that doesn't skimp on value, you should consider the Honda Civic. We'll go over the finer details of the Civic and why it's one of the most affordable small cars on the market due to its combination of performance, features, and design. 

The Honda Civic

The Civic is one of the most well-known sedans on the market. It has had a long history of reliability and practicality that makes it a favorite among consumers. Consistently ranked high in its class throughout the years, the current model year Civic manages to retain its high-value and affordable reputation.

However, despite being practical, you'll find that there are a lot of standard safety and technology features that promise a smooth and comfortable ride for all passengers. Some of the standard technology features available on all trim levels include

• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities
• Infotainment touch screen
• Bluetooth
• Driver information interface screen
• Push-button start
• Rear window defroster with timer

Additionally, all trims are outfitted with many standard safety features, including but not limited to a collision mitigation braking system, adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, and traffic jam assist. 

What Are the Different Trim Levels of the Honda Civic?

All trim levels of the Civic offer great value to drivers, though the model may not have the cheapest base trim available on the market. Compared to other affordable small cars, you'll find that the Civic offers reasonable and affordable prices for its value. 

The base trim of the Civic, the Sport, costs $25,050. At this entry-level trim, you'll enjoy all of the standard features available. Additionally, you'll also enjoy upgraded and unique features, like a chrome exhaust finisher, sport pedals, and 18-inch gloss alloy wheels. The base trim also gets decent gas mileage at an estimated 33 combined mpg rating. However, at 158 horsepower @ 6500 rpm, it's the least powerful trim of the lineup. 

The EX starts at $26,450. At this level, you'll enjoy upgraded features from the previous trim, like heated front seats, a dual-zone automatic climate control system, and a moon roof. You'll also have the best gas mileage of the three trims at an estimated 36 combined mpg rating. 

At the highest trim level, the Touring has a starting price of $30,050. At this level, you'll find advanced safety features, such as low-speed braking control, parking sensors, and an available blind spot information system. It also features a powerful engine at 180 horsepower @ 6500 rpm.

How Does the Honda Civic Compare to Other Sedan Models?

If you're shopping around for other affordable small cars, you have most likely come across a few different options that have similar prices. Though you may find that other models may have a lower starting base price, they lack some of the standard features and high quality that the Sport trim offers to drivers. 

Compared to its competitor, the Toyota Corolla, it's priced a bit higher. However, the higher trims of the Civic offer many top-of-the-line features. If you have a higher price range, the EX is a great combination of value and luxury. It has many of the same features as the Touring trim but at a lower price point. Most other compact sedans don't offer the same kind of luxury features as the EX and Touring trim levels of the Civic. 

Why Is the Honda Civic the Best Small Car for the Money?

Compared to other models in the same class, the Civic provides a lot of value for the price. You'll get many standard safety features on even the base trim of the Civic, which makes it a great family car. Additionally, the sleek interior and exterior design is simple, practical, and upscale. 

Despite not offering a hybrid version of the Civic, the model still has excellent fuel efficiency. You'll find that its fuel efficiency is better than a lot of other affordable small cars on the market. For those looking to save money at the gas pumps, you'll appreciate these high ratings. 

Additionally, you'll be able to save money on maintenance costs thanks to the Civic's reliability and practical features. The Honda brand is well known for making cars that are built to last, so you likely won't have to worry about pesky and expensive maintenance and repair costs. You also won't have to worry about depreciation as much as other compact sedans on the market. The Honda Civic tends to hold its value well over time, so you'll likely be able to resell it easily. 

Buying a new car is an exciting, but stressful time, especially if you are car shopping on a budget. You'll want to find the best options available that combine affordability and value. The Honda Civic is the perfect car for those who are looking for a high-quality sedan. The abundance of technology features and the high resell value of Hondas make this car an excellent choice for those looking for the best affordable small cars on the market. If you're interested in taking the Civic for a test drive, visit us at our dealership!