5 Affordable Car Brands You Won’t Regret Buying in 2026
Written by
Josephine Nesbit
Edited by
Zuri Anderson
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The cost of a car, whether it’s used or new, is more than its initial sticker price. If you’re shopping for a new ride in 2026, the best value comes from brands that hold their worth and don’t drain your wallet with extra expenses.
According to CarEdge, these are the five most affordable car brands to own for five years, based on depreciation, insurance, maintenance, financing charges, and fuel costs.
Fiat
- Five-year cost to own: $35,266
Italian automaker Fiat only has one model currently available in the U.S.: the 500e electric hatchback. With an average new price of $34,095, the cost to own only pushes that number up to a little over $35,200.
According to Kelley Blue Book (KBB), the Fiat 500e isn’t the cheapest or longest-range EV, but it has low fuel costs and it’s a great option for city driving.Â
Mitsubishi
- Five-year cost to own: $39,916
The average new price for a Mitsubishi ranges from $30,325 to $51,679, but the average cost to own over five years for all models is $39,916, according to CarEdge. Mitsubishi’s lineup includes lower-cost options like the Mirage, with an average new price of $19,590, as well as the Outlander, a the brand’s most popular SUV, averaging $40,683.
Beyond purchase price, U.S. News & World Report found that Mitsubishi offers one of the longest warranties in the industry (10 years per 100,000 miles on the powertrain), which helps keep ownership costs down. Smaller models like the Mirage also have better-than-average fuel economy.
Mazda
- Five-year cost to own: $44,551
The average new price for a Mazda ranges between $33,443 and $53,795, with an average cost to own of $44,551 over five years for all models, CarEdge reported.
Mazda’s two- and three-row CX SUVS consistently rank in Consumer Reports’ top rankings. Some are also available as plug-in hybrids, and most receive solid fuel economy.Â
Subaru
- Five-year cost to own: $45,070
According to CarEdge, Subaru’s cost anywhere between $28,373 and $48,828, on average, with an average five-year cost to own of $45,070.
Subaru is well-known for its durable, all-wheel-drive vehicles. Models like Outback, Forester and Crosstrek are favorites among families and outdoor enthusiasts due to their reliability and safety ratings. The Subaru Crosstrek also placed No. 1 in KBB’s 2025 Best Resale Value: SUVs list.
Honda
- Five-year cost to own: $45,100
On average, it costs $45,100 to own a Honda for five years, with an average new price ranging from $27,867 to $58,181, Car Edge reported.
For years, Honda has been praised for its reputation for reliability and fuel efficiency, particularly for models like the Civic, Accord and CR-V. Honda also won five KBB 2025 Consumer Choice awards, more than any other brand, Honda reported.
Editor’s note: Prices are accurate as of Oct. 31, 2025. Prices and availability may vary by location.
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