Fox News Autos Test Drive: 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
The 2020 Corvette Stingray is the first mid-engine version of the all-American sports car. Fox News Autos Editor Gary Gastelu found out if it it has what it takes to compete with the world's best.
Despite the economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic, the average price paid for a vehicle in the U.S. reached a record of $38,000 in December, according to J.D. Power.
That's an increase of nearly 20% since 2015, when the figure was just shy of $32,000.
Back then the cheapest new car on sale was the $12,815 Nissan Versa, and there were half a dozen you could get for under $15,000.
Today, several mainstream brands, including Ford, Honda, Mazda and Toyota, don't even offer any vehicles for less than $20,000 (including destination fees), and there's just one left in the sub-$15,000 range.
THE BEST USED CARS FOR TEENS UNDER $20,000
Following a price increase for the Mitsubishi Mirage from $14,990 to $15,565 for the 2021 model year, the South Korea-made Chevrolet Spark is now the cheapest car on sale at $14,395.
(Chevrolet)
That gets you a four-door microcompact with a 98 hp four-cylinder engine and 5-speed manual transmission. An automatic adds $1,100 and checks out at $15,495, making it $100 less than the manual-equipped Mirage, which comes with a 78 hp three-cylinder. The Versa, which was fully redesigned last year, starts at $15,855.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Unfortunately, if you're looking for a Chevrolet with a little more room you're going to have to pony up a lot more money. Chevy discontinued the Sonic subcompact hatchback and sedan for 2021, leaving the Trailblazer subcompact utility vehicle as its next most affordable option at $19,995.