The value of a car can be defined in many ways, and for those seeking an affordable and long-lasting vehicle, the following 15 models are the top choices.
To compile this list, iSeeCars analyzed the prices of over 3.8 million new cars sold in the US from July to December 2024. Additionally, they examined the odometer readings of more than 368 million used cars to identify the most durable models.
“With new car prices still at record highs, getting the best value for your money and finding a vehicle that will last remains a top priority for most consumers,” said Karl Brauer, iSeeCars’ analyst. “We’ve identified the models with the lowest purchase prices and the longest lifespans, helping consumers maximize their new car budgets.”
15 Most Affordable and Long-Lasting Cars for 2025
| No. | Model | Average Price (USD) | Expected Lifespan (years) | Cost/year (USD) |
| 1 | Honda Civic | 27,564 | 13.7 | 2,006 |
| 2 | Toyota Corolla | 25,218 | 11.6 | 2,166 |
| 3 | Mazda3 (Hatchback) | 31,849 | 14.1 | 2,260 |
| 4 | Honda Accord | 30,659 | 13.1 | 2,339 |
| 5 | Subaru Impreza (Wagon) | 26,900 | 11.2 | 2,399 |
| 6 | Mitsubishi Outlander Sport | 28,250 | 11.8 | 2,400 |
| 7 | Honda CR-V | 36,009 | 15 | 2,401 |
| 8 | Toyota RAV4 | 35,258 | 14.6 | 2,411 |
| 9 | Kia Soul | 23,863 | 9.9 | 2,417 |
| 10 | Mazda3 (Sedan) | 27,735 | 10.6 | 2,608 |
| 11 | Hyundai Elantra | 25,536 | 9.8 | 2,608 |
| 12 | Toyota Prius | 34,333 | 13 | 2,649 |
| 13 | Toyota Camry Hybrid | 35,471 | 13.2 | 2,683 |
| 14 | Nissan Sentra | 24,886 | 9 | 2,755 |
| 15 | Nissan Versa | 21,011 | 7.6 | 2,767 |
| Market Average | 48,106 | 11.5 | 4,197 |
Topping this list is the Honda Civic, a familiar name in the Vietnamese market. According to iSeeCars, the average retail price of a new car in the US market is currently $48,106, while the predicted lifespan is 11.5 years. This means that users spend about $4,197 per year. However, the Honda Civic is priced at only $27,564, and with a lifespan of 13.7 years, the annual cost for users is just $2,006.
The Honda Civic is the most affordable and durable car in the US market for 2025.
In second place is the Toyota Corolla, a direct competitor of the Honda Civic. The Toyota model is priced at $25,218, with an average lifespan of 11.6 years, equivalent to $2,166 per year.
The third position goes to the Mazda3, with a price of $31,849 and an average lifespan of 14.1 years. In other words, the cost to the user for the Mazda3 is $2,260 per year.
The remaining two models in the top 5 are the Honda Accord and the Subaru Impreza. The annual costs for these two models are $2,339 and $2,399, respectively.
It is evident that all the models in the top 5 are from Japanese brands. Additionally, the top 15 include eight other Japanese models, namely the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Mazda3, Toyota Prius, Toyota Camry Hybrid, Nissan Sentra, and Nissan Versa. The remaining two spots in the top 15 are occupied by Korean brands, namely the Kia Soul and Hyundai Elantra.
Consequently, no American or German models made it into the top 15. Toyota dominated with four representatives, while Honda contributed three vehicles. Both Nissan and Mazda had two models each.
“It’s no surprise to see compact and midsize cars dominate the rankings. This group also includes a variety of body styles, including sedans, wagons, and crossovers,” said Brauer. “All of these vehicles are strong sellers, indicating that consumers recognize the value of affordable and long-lasting automobiles.”
7 Most Affordable and Long-Lasting Small SUVs for 2025
| No. | Model | Average Price (USD) | Expected Lifespan (years) | Cost/year (USD) |
| 1 | Mitsubishi Outlander Sport | 28,250 | 11.8 | 2,400 |
| 2 | Honda CR-V | 36,009 | 15 | 2,401 |
| 3 | Toyota RAV4 | 35,258 | 14.6 | 2,411 |
| 4 | Chevrolet Trailblazer | 29,109 | 10 | 2,925 |
| 5 | Jeep Compass | 33,486 | 11.4 | 2,945 |
| 6 | Nissan Rogue | 35,865 | 11.4 | 3,152 |
| 7 | Kia Sportage | 33,950 | 10.7 | 3,177 |
| Segment Average | 36,704 | 11.5 | 3,198 |
With an average cost of $3,198 per year, small SUVs continue to be a popular choice for most consumers. The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport leads the segment, followed by the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.
Interestingly, all seven models on the list are best-sellers in the US market. “Small SUVs have become the best-selling segment in recent years because they blend practicality and fuel efficiency with affordability,” remarked Brauer.
13 Most Affordable and Long-Lasting Midsize SUVs for 2025
| No. | Model | Average Price (USD) | Expected Lifespan (years) | Cost/year (USD) |
| 1 | Toyota Highlander | 48,481 | 13.9 | 3,489 |
| 2 | Ford Edge | 42,590 | 12.1 | 3,533 |
| 3 | Toyota 4Runner | 52,056 | 14.6 | 3,557 |
| 4 | Toyota Highlander Hybrid | 52,565 | 13.9 | 3,773 |
| 5 | Lexus RX 350h | 60,857 | 15.7 | 3,865 |
| 6 | Lexus RX 350 | 57,838 | 14.9 | 3,892 |
| 7 | Jeep Wrangler | 56,252 | 14.4 | 3,894 |
| 8 | Nissan Murano | 45,205 | 11.6 | 3,912 |
| 9 | Honda Pilot | 49,817 | 12.1 | 4,131 |
| 10 | Infiniti QX60 | 61,286 | 14.7 | 4,173 |
| 11 | Nissan Pathfinder | 46,975 | 11 | 4,273 |
| 12 | Hyundai Santa Fe | 43,999 | 10.2 | 4,309 |
The Top 10 Cars of 2025: Will Japanese Automakers Reign Supreme?
Eight out of the top 10 vehicles for 2025 in the US market are from Japanese brands, including Toyota and Subaru.
The Demise of Manual Transmission Cars: Why They’re Falling Out of Favor
Manual transmission cars are becoming an increasingly “rare breed”. This phenomenon is not unique to Vietnam, but a global trend.
The Honda Accord Slump: Automaker Insists It’s All Part of the Plan
Honda Accord sales in the U.S. for 2024 were down by approximately 35,000 units compared to the previous year, yet the Accord managed to secure the title of the fourth best-selling sedan in the country.
“Honda’s Massive February Feast: Waiving Off Up to 100% of the Pre-Registration Fee for Car Buyers.”
Welcoming the new year with a bang, Honda Vietnam is thrilled to offer an exclusive opportunity for customers to experience the thrill of driving a Honda and creating memorable journeys. From February 1 to February 28, 2025, we’re offering an irresistible promotion on our 2024 VIN lineup, including the iconic Honda CR-V, City, Civic, BR-V, HR-V, and Accord. Get ready to embark on new adventures with style and comfort!
The Big Three: Which Cars Did Vietnamese Buy Most During the Three-Month Registration Fee Reduction?
The automotive industry in Vietnam witnessed a remarkable surge in car-buying power during the three-month period of reduced registration fees.
