Best Value Cars in America
Which cars give you the best safety for your money? Rankings based on accident rates vs. market price.
Last updated: April 2026
For the best combination of safety and affordability, Buick leads with an accident rate of 25.0% and an average market value of $98. Mini is second (25.0%, $102), followed by Volvo (18.7%, $149).
Safest Affordable Brands
Lowest accident rates among brands under $200 average market value
| Rank | Brand | Accident Rate | Avg Market Value | Vehicles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Volvo | 18.7% | $149 | 139,397 |
2 | Mazda | 23.3% | $118 | 341,847 |
3 | Bmw | 23.9% | $189 | 591,288 |
4 | Ford | 24.2% | $182 | 1,930,006 |
5 | Lincoln | 24.6% | $140 | 133,917 |
6 | Subaru | 24.7% | $134 | 506,288 |
7 | Volkswagen | 24.8% | $119 | 385,378 |
8 | Jeep | 25.0% | $159 | 916,906 |
9 | Buick | 25.0% | $98 | 188,682 |
10 | Mitsubishi | 25.0% | $105 | 72,898 |
Safety-to-Value Rankings
All mainstream brands ranked by best safety relative to price
| Rank | Brand | Accident Rate | Avg Market Value | Vehicles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Buick | 25.0% | $98 | 188,682 |
| 2 | Mini | 25.0% | $102 | 59,207 |
| 3 | Volvo | 18.7% | $149 | 139,397 |
| 4 | Mitsubishi | 25.0% | $105 | 72,898 |
| 5 | Mazda | 23.3% | $118 | 341,847 |
| 6 | Nissan | 26.5% | $103 | 945,042 |
| 7 | Volkswagen | 24.8% | $119 | 385,378 |
| 8 | Hyundai | 26.6% | $105 | 660,990 |
| 9 | Subaru | 24.7% | $134 | 506,288 |
| 10 | Chrysler | 28.6% | $90 | 156,672 |
| 11 | Kia | 26.5% | $119 | 565,680 |
| 12 | Lincoln | 24.6% | $140 | 133,917 |
| 13 | Acura | 25.8% | $134 | 188,061 |
| 14 | Jeep | 25.0% | $159 | 916,906 |
| 15 | Ford | 24.2% | $182 | 1,930,006 |
| 16 | Bmw | 23.9% | $189 | 591,288 |
| 17 | Infiniti | 30.5% | $116 | 142,633 |
| 18 | Tesla | 20.1% | $244 | 137,183 |
| 19 | Honda | 30.1% | $123 | 1,107,766 |
| 20 | Toyota | 28.0% | $152 | 1,645,220 |
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