16 for under $16K – It’s pretty amazing what you can get for less than $16,000 nowadays. All these cars have ABS and traction/stability control, along with generally at least six airbags, all in compliance with government regulations, so you know they’re reasonably safe. Because of their small engines, relative low weight and smart engine development, they don’t use a lot of fuel. And for the most part, they should last 10 years without much worry. These are no longer the Hyundai Excels, Chevrolet Cavaliers and Ford Escorts of a couple decades ago. Click through to see the 16 Cars Under $16,000 Canadian, in highest to lowest price order.
Chevrolet Sonic – $15,895 – Chevrolet should be proud of its sub-compact Sonic, mainly because it isn’t an Aveo. The car feels significantly more solid, enjoyable and durable. Its 138-horsepower 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine is shared with the larger Cruze, but uses a five-speed manual transmission instead of a six-speed. A six-speed auto is optional, as is air conditioning, but it does have standard Bluetooth and secondary audio controls on the steering wheel. Chevy asks $15,895 for a Sonic LS, either as a four-door sedan or five-door hatch, and the latter is the more attractive package in our books.
Honda Civic Sedan – $15,750 – Given Canadians’ love of Honda’s compact Civic sedan it comes as no surprise that at least one version can be had for a reasonable amount of money. The base DX uses a 143-horsepower 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine with a five-speed manual transmission, along with a nimble chassis and good ride. It does come with power windows and a four-speaker stereo, but without air conditioning or the seven-inch touch-screen audio system found on every other trim level. The optional CVT is one of the best around, but it requires choosing the more expensive LX, which would bring the sticker to $18,350.
Nissan Sentra – $15,098 – Nissan is starting to become very aggressive when it comes to the entry-level pricing of its vehicles, in some cases undercutting the usually-price-leading Koreans. Case in point: the compact Sentra in base S guise for $15,098. It’s very well equipped including a four-speaker stereo, power windows and locks, along with six airbags. And it features a 130-horsepower 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine and six-speed manual transmission, although a continually variable transmission (CVT) and air conditioning are available. It's not as enjoyable to drive as some others here, but it is uniquely styled and airy inside.
Ford Fiesta – $14,999 – Ford’s spunky Fiesta quickly solidified its reputation as a lithe, enjoyable little car that’s big on fun. Although not the most spacious sub-compact around, the Fiesta does have plenty of other positives, including a 120-horsepower 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine and five-speed manual transmission. It’s responsive and quite efficient. The base S trim at $14,999 isn’t nearly as sparse as it used to be, with air conditioning, power locks and mirrors, but manual windows. There’s no difference in price between the four-door sedan and five-door hatchback, and the latter also includes a rear wiper and hatch-mounted spoiler.
Volkswagen Jetta – $14,990 – Although it’s been widely panned by reviewers, the current Volkswagen Jetta has been a popular success with customers. The car got bigger, but received a big price drop in the process. How? By cheapening out on underbody mechanicals, standard features and cabin materials. Luckily, the Jetta retains much of its European driving character, and nearly every year Volkswagen keeps refining the package. For $14,990, the Jetta Trendline is a serious dollar-per-kilo bargain, but comes with an ancient 115-horsepower 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and five-speed manual transmission. A four-speaker sound system, power controls and cruise-control are standard, but air conditioning and a six-speed automatic transmission are extra cost options.
Honda Fit – $14,575 – One of the newest cars on the list, the third-generation Fit should remain a strong seller thanks to its nimble Honda handling, room for five and exclusive second-row ‘magic seat’ that flips, folds and manipulates itself to custom-fit nearly any kind of cargo. With a revised 'Earth Dreams' 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine that now produces 130-horsepower, thanks to direct gasoline injection, the Fit is quite spritely. And the manual transmission is no longer a gear down on many of its competitors thanks to Honda adding a sixth ratio. The entry-level $14,575 DX has power windows and door-locks, and a much-improved four-speaker stereo.
Toyota Yaris – $14,545 – The Yaris has been Toyota’s price-leading model for years, and has been extremely successful in gaining new loyal customers. The latest revisions are about a year old now, but are still quite tasteful, while the interior is functional and should last a long time. Somehow, Toyota stuffed nine airbags into the little machine. Power comes from a 106-horsepower, 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine with a five-speed manual transmission. Major convenience items like air conditioning and a four-speed automatic are optional however. The $14,545 price tag is for the CE three-door hatch, while the five-door starts in more generous LE trim at $15,965.
Mazda2 – $14,450 – Mazda’s amazingly fun cars are even more enjoyable when they’re small, and – MX-5 aside – there’s none smaller than the sub-compact 2. The five-door hatch is basic, but because it weighs so little, it’s a smile-inducer of the first degree. While 100 horsepower doesn’t sound like a lot, this lightweight doesn't need a lo, and the 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine is zippy enough with the five-speed manual transmission. Base GX models are only $14,450, but do without much in the way of power and comfort. A four-speed automatic and air conditioning are optional, but the former seriously affects the already strained acceleration. Bonus: Like all new Mazdas, the 2 now gets an unlimited distance warranty!
Nissan Versa Note – $14,298 – As much as we complained about the now-departed Nissan Versa sedan for its ungainly proportions and questionable styling, it was Tardis-like in its ability to swallow people and cargo. Thankfully, the five-door Versa hatchback fixes the guppy-like design and floppy handling, while maintaining most of the overall cargo space. The 1.6-litre engine only has 109 horsepower, but the five-speed manual transmission in base S guise is decent to shift. Unlike some rivals, every Versa Note gets air conditioning, but both windows and door locks must be operated by hand.
Kia Rio Sedan – $14,095 – Hard to believe that the smallest Kia you can buy is undercut by five other vehicles on this list. But the Kia Rio no longer makes you choose between price and quality. Even the most basic LX sedan for $14,095 has niceties like six-way driver’s seat, a USB input, heated mirrors, variable wipers and a decent four-speaker stereo. And its 138-horsepower 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine is rowed by a six-speed manual transmission. Air conditioning and Bluetooth hands-free are two big options, however, along with a six-speed automatic transmission. Five-door hatch models start at $14,495.
Fiat 500 – $13,995 – Poor Fiat’s Canadian entrance hasn’t gone entirely to plan, but there’s something to be said about its bite-size 500 starting at a fraction under $14,000. Its compact footprint and tidy turning circle give it a leg-up in urban chaos, although the back seats are best left for kids or enemies. The 1.4-litre Multiair four-cylinder produces 101 horsepower, and a five-speed manual transmission is standard equipment. Even base Pop models get power niceties and a six-speaker audio system, although air conditioning and a six-speed automatic transmission are available options.
Chevrolet Spark– $13,595 – The diminutive Spark from Chevrolet, isn’t the most sophisticated vehicle around, with lots of cheap plastics and materials used to keep the costs down. It comes with a 1.2-litre four-cylinder that produces only 84 horsepower, a near-ridiculous figure compared to most competitors, but it is usable with the standard five-speed manual transmission. The base LS does without floor mats and power windows are one of the lone convenience options, but it does have 10 airbags. Even the base radio is quite literally a radio: AM/FM only, but it does include an auxiliary jack.
Ford Focus Sedan – $13,499 – Ford’s latest global offerings are top-notch pieces of engineering that customers are starting to appreciate. The third-generation Focus is quicker, safer and more efficient than ever, even in rental-spec guise. The base S trim is only available on the sedan and at $13,499, it just cracks the top five here. Every Focus has a 160-horsepower 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and a six-speed manual transmission. The Focus is very refined and entertaining, and even includes air conditioning, something many others don’t. Strangely, the SE sedan is only $200 more, but includes larger 16-inch wheels, automatic headlights and steering-wheel audio controls.
Hyundai Elantra L – $10,900 – Thanks to some recent freshening, the Hyundai Elantra remains an eye-catching design that belies its seriously low cost of entry. Although its recent drastic price slash brings stripped L models to that sub-$11K figure, the regular Elantra would still qualify in this group with a normal starting price of $15,399. The L does get a decent six-speaker audio system, power windows and locks, but there's no air conditioning or Bluetooth to be had. Power comes from a revised 148-horsepower 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine and six-speed manual transmission. Like others on this list, a six-speed automatic is available, but you’ll need at least the GL trim to make it happen.
Nissan Micra – $9,998 – The thunder gained by offering the first sub-$10,000 car hasn’t lasted very long, but the Nissan Micra is still worthy of attention. Besides a cabin that’s amazingly usable and spacious, the build quality and material choices are surprisingly good. The Micra shares the same 109-horsepower 1.6-litre engine and five-speed manual transmission with the larger Versa Note, and it's also the only Nissan passenger car where a CVT isn’t even an option because of packaging issues. A four-speed automatic is available across the range. It has standard air conditioning and hockey-bag-friendly split-folding rear seats, but most power-operated features are absent from the base S.
Hyundai Accent Sedan – $9,400 – Like its Kia Rio sibling, the Hyundai Accent is no longer just the default option when you don’t have a lot of money for a new car. It’s now also desirable on other levels, including its slick exterior styling, spacious cabin and a good amount of standard features. Because of recent price adjustments, the base L sedan for $9,400 includes power door locks, a four-speaker stereo with USB input, and Bluetooth handsfree. Opting for the five-door hatch, however, runs the sticker to $13,599 instead – albeit still well within our price envelope. Both are powered by a 138-horsepower 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine with a six-speed manual transmission, with a six-speed automatic optional.
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