You can buy a lot of car for less than $25,000 these days. Just a decade ago, only the Asian imports truly excelled at producing high-quality reasonably priced cars. But now the US automakers have caught up—some European brands are improving, too—creating a highly competitive marketplace where automakers must deliver excellent vehicles at appealing prices to get car buyers’ attention.

Engines are becoming more powerful and fuel-efficient. Interiors are getting more upscale. High-tech features such as voice-recognition systems and lane-departure warnings that were once found only in high-end cars are trickling down to mainstream vehicles. Reliability is better than ever.

Among the best choices…

  • Most luxurious: Buick Verano. This compact sedan (shown above) is the closest you can come to a true luxury-car experience for less than $25,000. Its ride is very quiet and comfortable. Its interior is stylish and refined. It scores top marks in crash tests. Even the base model comes loaded with high-tech features such as remote engine start, voice recognition, rearview camera, rear parking sensors and a seven-inch touchscreen display.
  • The Verano’s base 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine provides a more-than-sufficient 180 horsepower (hp). (An optional turbocharged 2.0-cylinder engine offers 250 hp but pushes the Verano’s MSRP above $25,000.)

    The major compromise is size—the Verano is built on the compact platform of the Chevy Cruze. Adults might find rear-seat legroom cramped. Price: From $24,625.* Fuel economy: 21 city/32 highway.**

  • P 14 14MUST Cvr mjMost fun to drive (if a muscular, aggressive car is your idea of fun): Ford Mustang. The Mustang is a great-­looking, well-made rear-wheel-drive muscle car that handles well and has plenty of power—305 hp—with even the base 3.7-liter, six-cylinder engine. (An optional V8 delivers 420 hp but pushes the price above $25,000.) The Mustang is notably nimbler than its heavier ­muscle-car competitors—the Chevy ­Camaro and the Dodge Challenger—and more fuel-efficient, too.
  • Ford will release a redesigned 2015 Mustang later this year. That new model is expected to bring some notable improvements, including upgraded ride quality. But don’t feel you have to wait. The 2014 Mustang is a lot of car for the money, too—and you might be able to get a great deal on it later this year if other buyers decide to wait for the redesigned 2015 and dealers must scramble to get remaining 2014s off their lots. Price: $24,530. Fuel economy: 19 city/31 highway.

  • P 14 14FiestaST go-around 15 HRMost fun to drive (if a zippy little car is your idea of fun): Ford Fiesta ST. The base-model Fiesta is a very appealing economy car—small, sensible and enjoyable to drive but not tremendously sporty. The ST hatchback model, on the other hand, is an absolute blast—pure driving fun at a very reasonable price and with very good fuel economy, too.
  • The Fiesta ST comes with Ford’s 1.6-liter, four-cylinder EcoBoost engine, which delivers an impressive 197 hp. Combine that power with the Fiesta’s low weight, and the result is a car that can really move—zero to 60 in under seven seconds. The ST’s handling is solid and confident, and the car is equipped with beefed-up brakes and a sporty suspension. Keyless entry and a touchscreen display come standard, too. Price: $22,225. Fuel economy: 26 city/35 highway.

  • P 14 2014-Accord-Sedan-LX-loresBest big(ish) sedan: Honda Accord. There aren’t any truly excellent full-size sedans under $25,000, but the Accord is roomy for a midsize sedan, and it’s a wonderful vehicle. It’s comfortable and quiet inside…is engaging to drive…earns exceptional safety scores…holds its value very well…and is among the most reliable cars on the road.
  • The base 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine offers 185 hp and good fuel efficiency for a midsize car. Features including a rearview camera and dual-zone automatic climate control come standard. If you’re looking for a sedan in this price range that seats four or even five, it’s hard to come up with a reason not to opt for the Accord. Price: $23,545. Fuel economy: 27 city/36 highway.

  • P 14 MY14 Mazda3 64Most fuel-efficient car that is very enjoyable to drive: Mazda3. The Mazda3 has been completely redesigned for 2014, and the result is a fabulous car that goes a ­really long way on a gallon of gas. This isn’t just a pokey efficiency-first car. The Mazda3’s interior feels like that of a sports car that costs much more, with high-quality materials and a well-thought-out design. Its exterior is sporty and distinctive in either its hatchback or sedan form, without the “smiling face” grill that many car buyers didn’t care for on the previous ­model. And like most Mazdas, its driving dynamics are exceptional—this car is a joy to drive on curvy roads, with very responsive handling and a composed, confident ride. The base 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine offers 155 hp, which is plenty of pep for a car this light. (An optional 2.5-­liter, four-cylinder engine pushes the hp up to 184 without greatly reducing fuel economy—but it also bumps the sticker price up to a hair over $25,000.) Price: $18,790. Fuel economy: 30 city/41 highway.
  • P 14 2014 nissan juke 08Most well-rounded: Nissan Juke. Some cars are designed to be fun to drive, others to be spacious and functional, and still others to be fuel-efficient and affordable. No vehicle does a better job checking all of these boxes than the Juke. Its handling is sporty and responsive. Its power ample—the Juke’s 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine generates 188 hp, quite a lot for a small vehicle. Some find the Juke’s appearance a bit odd, but its mini-SUV shape provides ample headroom and reasonable cargo space despite its small platform. The Juke even is available with all-wheel drive for less than $22,000, adding to its versatility.
  • The Juke is a solid value, too, with a low sticker price and high fuel efficiency. There is one cost to be aware of, however—Nissan recommends that Juke drivers use premium fuel. You can safely use regular fuel if economy is your priority, but the car won’t be quite as powerful if you do. Price: $19,800…$21,800 with all-wheel drive. Fuel economy: 27 city/32 highway. 25 city/30 highway for the all-wheel-drive version.

  • P 14 001 2014ForesterXTBest SUV or crossover: Subaru ­Forester. The Forester is a very reliable and comfortable all-wheel-drive midsize crossover. It can handle snow and mud as well as a truck—Subaru’s all-wheel-drive system is perhaps the most advanced and efficient on the market—yet when you’re behind the wheel, it feels like you are driving a car. The Forester is much more engaging and responsive than the typical SUV or crossover. The Forester’s cabin is efficiently designed, with plenty of functional space for passengers or cargo. Its 2.5-liter engine produces a reasonable 170 hp. Price: $23,820. Fuel economy: 24 city/32 highway.
  • P 14 FIAT014 061FHBest convertible: Fiat 500c. This cool little car is stylish, nimble, fun to drive and very affordable by convertible standards. The base 1.4-liter, four-cylinder engine produces a modest 101 hp—sufficient for a car this light but not what you would call powerful. (An optional turbocharged engine produces
    160 hp but pushes the price above $25,000.) This also is the safest convertible you can buy without spending a fortune—unlike other convertibles, the outer edge of the 500c roof remains in place even when the top is down, providing structure and protection in a rollover.
  • Unlike many small convertibles, the 500c has rear seats—though rear-seat legroom is tight. In fact, tall adults might find the front-seat headroom insufficient, too, when the top is up. If you’re much over six feet, you might prefer the Mazda MX-5 (Miata), which is being redesigned for the 2015 model year. Price: $21,045. Fuel economy: 27 city/34 highway.

*Prices in this article refer to manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) for the 2014 base model unless otherwise noted.

**Regular fuel unless otherwise noted.

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