Jim Gorzelany

New car buyers are experiencing significant sticker shock, with the average Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price now around $51,600, a $14,200 increase since pre-pandemic 2019. Truly affordable vehicles are scarce, as no new models start under $20,000, and cars under $25,000 represent less than 5% of sales. However, budget-minded shoppers can still find 22 new models under $30,000 that achieve 30 or more miles per gallon.

Automakers' sales incentives, including cash rebates, lease deals, and financing discounts now average 7% of transaction prices, with electric vehicles at a generous 14%. But Polestar is offering up to $25,000 on the Polestar 4 and $23,000 on the Polestar 3, effectively a 45% discount on the Polestar 4. This follows impending import blocks on vehicles with connected technology linked to China or Russia. Dodge also revived its Power Dollars program, providing $10 per horsepower on Charger models, translating to $4,200-$5,500 cash back.

To help travelers navigate safely, Allstate Insurance's 2026 Safe Drivers Report identifies U.S. cities with the best and worst drivers. Brownsville, TX, leads as the nation's safest, with drivers experiencing a crash only once every 14.99 years, well below the national average of 10.86 years. In stark contrast, Boston, MA, has the most accident-prone drivers, with collisions occurring every 3.76 years.

Where does your area rank among the nation's best and worst drivers?

The auto industry is experiencing a record year for recalls, with over 23 million vehicles affected in the first half of 2026, double last year's figures. Ford leads this surge, accounting for 52% of light-duty recalls with over 12 million vehicles. This increase stems from greater vehicle complexity, rapid development, and stricter regulatory scrutiny. While recalls ensure public safety, they present an inconvenience, and a significant one in five vehicles still operates with an unaddressed recall.

Unfortunately, nearly one out of every five recalled models remain on the road unrepaired as rolling safety risks.

A new study confirms that vehicle size and weight are paramount in crash survival, with larger, heavier models providing significantly greater occupant protection. Subcompact and compact cars, along with high-performance muscle cars, exhibit the highest driver death rates. In stark contrast, several large SUVs and pickup trucks recorded zero driver fatalities. Ironically, while these larger vehicles protect their own occupants, they're often the deadliest to those in other vehicles during a collision.

Wrecked models are bringing eye-popping prices at auction.

Not only have all the sub-$20,000 models vanished from the new-car market, reports suggest it's getting increasingly difficult to find a decent used vehicle at that price point.

Astute shoppers need to look beyond the sticker price to get the best long-term deal on a new car. Here’s the 10 best buys in that regard.