7 Best Cars To Own in a Recession

For a while, the fear of a recession has loomed over the American economy. So while this might not seem like the ideal moment to buy a car, there are some vehicles that are better to own during a recession than others.

“Owning or buying the wrong car during a recession can put extra strain on your wallet, which is the last thing anyone wants during tough economic times,” said Nigel Tunnacliffe, co-founder and CEO of Coastline Academy. “While some view recessions as a time to take advantage of falling prices and purchase a fancier vehicle than they otherwise would, pricier vehicles do not always translate to higher quality.”

He continued, “In fact, these vehicles often come with hidden costs in the form of subpar fuel efficiency and expensive repairs. Truly recession-proof cars are those that provide long-term savings through strong fuel economy and are reliable enough to accumulate extensive mileage over a period of many years.”

Taking all of that into consideration, here are the seven best cars to own during a recession.

According to Tunnacliff, the Toyota Corolla Hybrid is an immensely reliable car that is able to maintain excellent fuel efficiency without compromising on safety features or drivability. 

“It gets exceptional mileage and is well-built and durable, allowing it to deliver consistent value over a period of many years,” he said. “The Toyota Corolla Hybrid is our primary teaching vehicle at Coastline Academy, as its reliability and cost-effectiveness make it ideal for a fleet of hundreds of drivers”

He added, “These same qualities are what make it a virtually recession-proof vehicle, as it’s reasonably both priced up front and efficient enough to save you money over the long term.

Tim Rodifer, technical director at Moran Family of Brands, recommended the Ford Fusion Hybrid because, in his words, “you get the best of both worlds.”

“By that I meant excellent fuel-efficiency and a reasonable price tag,” he explained. “It’s also a good option when it comes to saving money on gas and keeping maintenance costs down.”

While it does not quite reach the standard set by the Corolla, the Civic is another solid option for an affordable and reliable hybrid in Tunnacliffe’s professional opinion.

“As with other hybrids, it scores well in fuel economy, making it a strong long-term investment,” he pointed out. “However, it lacks some of the safety features of the Corolla, and is not quite as smooth of a ride. Despite this, it is still an excellent choice for an affordable, long-lasting vehicle.”

“The Mazda3 provides an excellent balance of affordability, fuel efficiency and driving enjoyment,” said Shawn Miller, senior writer at Modified Rides. “It’s known for being reliable and has a premium feel compared to other cars in its class, which can make it feel like a better value.”

Rodifer agreed. “Plus, I think it’s a pretty good looking vehicle. It’s reliable and affordable, and has low operating costs,” he added.

Tunnacliffe called the Nissan Versa “a small sedan that delivers great bang for your buck.” 

He said, “For a car of its price range, it boasts a roomy cabin and is well-equipped with safety and infotainment features. Its fuel economy does not compare to that of a hybrid, but it does stand out when compared to other non-hybrid sedans.”

He added, “It boasts strong reliability, and should deliver good value over its entire lifespan.”

The Honda CR-V remains a standout in the SUV class, according to Tunnacliffe.

“Though a little on the pricier side, it typically outperforms other similarly priced vehicles of its kind,” he explained. “It delivers strong acceleration and good handling, complemented with an array of tech and infotainment features.”

However, Tunnacliffe highlighted that what really sets the Honda CR-V apart is its fuel efficiency, “which is highly impressive for a vehicle of its size.”

“Though on the more expensive end up front, the Model 3 remains one of the most reliable and best-performing EVs on the market,” said Tunnacliffe.

He remarked how the Tesla Model 3 offers great savings on fuel “by virtue of being an electric car, but what really separates it from the pack is its performance and reliability.”

“Even a used Model 3 still drives like new, making it a great option for those looking for a car that delivers long-term value without breaking the bank,” he added.