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: July 2026

For the best combination of safety and affordability, Buick leads with an accident rate of just 25.0%. Mini is second at 25.0%, followed by Volvo at 18.7%.

Safest Affordable Brands

Lowest accident rates among affordable mainstream brands

RankBrandAccident RateSalvage RateVehicles
1
Volvo18.7%0.3%139,441
2
Mazda23.3%0.3%342,042
3
Bmw23.9%0.4%591,493
4
Ford24.2%0.3%1,930,379
5
Lincoln24.6%0.3%133,941
6
Subaru24.7%0.4%506,404
7
Volkswagen24.8%0.4%385,493
8
Jeep25.0%0.3%917,011
9
Buick25.0%0.3%188,716
10
Mitsubishi25.0%0.4%72,932

Found a Good Deal?

Make sure it's really a good value — check for hidden accidents, title problems, and true market price.

Check VIN Free

Safety-to-Value Rankings

All mainstream brands ranked by best safety score

RankBrandAccident RateSalvage RateVehicles
1Buick25.0%0.3%188,716
2Mini25.0%0.4%59,222
3Volvo18.7%0.3%139,441
4Mitsubishi25.0%0.4%72,932
5Mazda23.3%0.3%342,042
6Nissan26.5%0.6%945,231
7Volkswagen24.8%0.4%385,493
8Hyundai26.6%0.6%661,185
9Subaru24.7%0.4%506,404
10Chrysler28.6%0.4%156,717
11Kia26.5%0.5%565,804
12Lincoln24.6%0.3%133,941
13Acura25.9%0.3%188,119
14Jeep25.0%0.3%917,011
15Ford24.2%0.3%1,930,379
16Bmw23.9%0.4%591,493
17Infiniti30.5%0.6%142,674
18Tesla20.1%0.7%137,323
19Honda30.1%0.5%1,108,269
20Toyota28.0%0.4%1,645,829

Check reliability before buying: See NHTSA complaint data — years to avoid, common failures & problem models.

Check Any Vehicle's Safety History

Get the full accident history, title status, and safety data for any VIN.

Search VIN Free