35 American Cars To Buy Now That the Auto Industry Is Back

The auto industry was expected to survive the pandemic and eventually rebound from the slump it endured when the virus first crushed the economy — but few predicted the industry would bounce back as quickly and thoroughly as it has.  

Many of the biggest automakers reported massive earnings in the most recent quarter, which ended in September, blowing past even their pre-virus performance in several important categories. Some, like Toyota and Honda, are doing so well that they’ve had to radically adjust their earnings forecasts for the better. For those who can afford them, cars are in high demand.

If you’re one of them, you’re likely looking for something that is both well regarded and affordable, with a low cost to maintain. To help with this quest, GOBankingRates surveyed popular American vehicles in terms of affordability. Using data from U.S. News’ best vehicles list, GOBankingRates filtered out foreign-made vehicles and ranked the remaining American vehicles based on MSRP.

Since cost and reliability are two of the most important factors in a car, it might be a good time to start taking a look at what kind of deals you can get for the cars on this list.

Last updated: Nov. 20, 2020

• MSRP: $16,720
• Year: 2020
• Category: Small/subcompact cars

• MSRP: $19,420
• Year: 2020
• Category: Hatchbacks

• MSRP: $21,400
• Year: 2021 
• Category: Subcompact SUVs

2020 model year shown

• MSRP: $22,140
• Year: 2021
• Category: Midsize cars

• MSRP: $22,830
• Year: 2021
• Category: Subcompact SUVs

• MSRP: $23,170
• Year: 2020
• Category: Midsize cars

• MSRP: $23,200
• Year: 2020
• Category: Subcompact SUVs

• MSRP: $23,675
• Year: 2020
• Category: Midsize SUVs

• MSRP: $23,800
• Year: 2021
• Category: Compact SUVs

2020 model year shown

• MSRP: $23,895
• Year: 2021
• Category: Compact SUVs

2020 model year shown

• MSRP: $24,820
• Year: 2021
• Category: Compact pickup trucks

2020 model year shown

• MSRP: $24,885
• Year: 2020
• Category: Compact SUVs

• MSRP: $25,000
• Year: 2021
• Category: Sports cars/convertibles

2020 model year shown

• MSRP: $25,200
• Year: 2021
• Category: Compact pickup trucks

2020 model year shown

• MSRP: $26,400
• Year: 2021
• Category: Compact pickup trucks

• MSRP: $26,535
• Year: 2021
• Category: Compact SUVs

2020 model year shown

• MSRP: $26,670
• Year: 2020
• Category: Sports cars/convertibles 

• MSRP: $27,235
• Year: 2021
• Category: Minivans

2020 model year shown

• MSRP: $27,530
• Year: 2020
• Category: Minivans

2019 model year shown

• MSRP: $28,000
• Year: 2020
• Category: Hybrid and electric cars

• MSRP: $28,265
• Year: 2020
• Category: Hybrid and electric cars 

• MSRP: $28,295
• Year: 2021
• Category: Sports cars

2020 model year shown

• MSRP: $28,295
• Year: 2021
• Category: Compact SUVs

2020 model year shown

• MSRP: $28,400
• Year: 2021
• Category: Compact SUVs

2020 model year shown

• MSRP: $28,500
• Year: 2020
• Category: Full-size pickup trucks 

• MSRP: $28,745
• Year: 2020
• Category: Full-size pickup trucks

• MSRP: $28,800
• Year: 2021
• Category: Midsize SUVs

• MSRP: $29,700
• Year: 2021
• Category: Full-size pickup trucks

2020 GMC Sierra SLT shown

• MSRP: $29,800
• Year: 2021
• Category: Midsize SUVs

2020 model year shown

• MSRP: $29,995
• Year: 2021
• Category: Large cars

2020 model year shown

• MSRP: $30,040
• Year: 2020
• Category: Large cars

• MSRP: $31,100
• Year: 2020
• Category: Midsize SUVs

• MSRP: $31,620
• Year: 2020
• Category: Large cars

2019 model year shown

• MSRP: $31,765
• Year: 2021
• Category: Midsize SUVs

2020 model year shown

• MSRP: $32,225
• Year: 2021
• Category: Midsize SUVs

2020 model year shown

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Photos are for illustrative purposes only. As a result, some of the images may not reflect the precise model, year, and trim listed in this article.