What Car Should I Buy?
With so many good cars on the market, it can feel impossible to narrow down your choices to the perfect car. We’ll highlight the best cars to buy based on factors that are important to you, like size, fuel economy and price.
What car should I buy? Consider these top-rated options
We scoured expert ratings and recommendations from real drivers to show you the top cars in 2025. Here’s what we found.
Top Car and Driver pick(s) | Top Edmunds pick(s) | Popular Reddit pick(s) |
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|---|---|---|---|
Best SUV | |||
Best minivan | |||
Best truck | |||
Best sedan | |||
Best crossover SUV | |||
Best hybrid | |||
Best electric | |||
Best fuel economy | |||
Cheapest |
*Cheapest new cars. These were ranked as the best because of base price without considering reliability.
**These recommendations were based on upfront price, reliability and cost to own.
Decided on the perfect car, but not sure how to make it yours? Our expert guide on how to buy a car walks you through the car-buying process, from setting a budget to hitting the road.
How to choose a car to buy
1. Consider size and style
You may already have a type of car in mind, but if you don’t, car size and style are two of the most important considerations. Here’s what you need to know about the most popular types of cars on the road.
SUVs
Families and off-roaders
SUVs are popular among people with large families who need extra cargo space or more seats. While you’ll get better fuel economy with a smaller car like a sedan or crossover, many SUVs come with all-wheel drive (AWD) and are easier to drive off-road or in icy, wet conditions.
Minivans
Families and people who need extra seats
Minivans are another great option for families who need additional space and seating. They often cost less than SUVs of comparable size, and they’re lower to the ground, making it easier for young children to climb in (but harder to navigate off-road or in icy weather).
Trucks
Towing and outdoor adventures
If you’re regularly towing your RV or boat, or if you often carry heavy (or large) cargo like construction equipment, consider buying a pickup truck. An SUV or a large crossover is a better choice if you want good fuel economy and don’t need to tow an oversized trailer.
Sedans
Fuel economy and affordability
When you think of cars, you’re probably picturing sedans — cars with separate compartments for the engine, the passengers and the trunk. Sedans typically have better fuel economy than larger cars like SUVs and crossovers, and they tend to be cheaper and easier to drive.
Crossovers
SUV perks at a lower price
A crossover is a cross between an SUV and a traditional car. Crossovers are larger and higher off the ground than traditional cars, but they’re smaller than SUVs and they typically come with better fuel economy.
2. Choose gas, electric or hybrid
As of February 2025, the average price tag of electric vehicles (EVs) is more than $7,000 higher than the average price of a gas-powered car, according to Kelley Blue Book. But fueling and maintaining your hybrid or electric vehicle will likely cost less in the long run, saving you more money the longer you own your car.
Plus, government incentives can decrease the sticker price of an EV, and steadily expanding EV infrastructure makes it easier and more practical to fuel up.
3. Consider fuel economy
Gas efficiency is a crucial consideration for commuters and those who are always on the road. A LendingTree study found that vehicles have become significantly more fuel-efficient over the past 20 years, with Nissan, Kia and Toyota improving the most.
The U.S. Department of Energy maintains a list of the cars with the best fuel economy.
4. Decide on price
Affordability is a major factor for most car buyers, and fortunately, there are several ways to save on the cost of a car. Buying a used or certified pre-owned car will reduce the purchase price, and shopping around for a car loan with low rates can help you save an average of $5,198.
5. Consider safety and reliability
Safety-conscious car buyers can review the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s vehicle safety ratings for cars they’re interested in. To avoid buying a lemon, you should perform a VIN check on any used car and have the car thoroughly inspected before you buy it.
6. Evaluate your location and lifestyle
The type of car you need depends on where you live and how you plan to use it. People who live in a location with weather extremes like ice and snow should consider getting a car with all-wheel drive and safety features like adaptive headlights and good ground clearance.
Your lifestyle will also play a big role in the kind of car you buy. Commuters can save by buying an EV or a car with good fuel economy, while frequent campers and RV owners often trade good fuel efficiency for the towing abilities of a truck or SUV.
Kelley Blue Book experts recommend the Subaru Outback and outline the best car safety features for driving in the snow.
Frequently asked questions
Lexus and Buick top J.D Power’s list of the most dependable car brands in its 2025 Vehicle Dependability Study. Other top reliable auto brands include Cadillac, Porsche, Mazda and Toyota.
The 20/3/8 rule is a variation of the popular 20/4/10 rule for buying a car. According to the 20/3/8 rule, you should put 20% down on your car, pay it off in three years or less and spend no more than 8% of your income on your car payment. Both methods are meant to help you keep your car payment affordable so you don’t end up owing more on your car than it’s worth.
Choosing between buying a new or used car comes down to how much you can afford upfront and how comfortable you are with increased maintenance costs.
Used cars are cheaper, and you won’t have to worry as much about depreciation, since cars depreciate most in the first five years. But they typically don’t come with a manufacturer warranty, and it can be hard to tell how well they’ve been maintained. Older cars typically need more maintenance, so you’ll need to shell out for repairs sooner than you would with a new vehicle.
Many lenders require credit scores above 660 to approve an auto loan. That said, car loans for bad credit exist. They usually come with higher rates, making them more expensive than typical car loans.
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