2025 Ford Mustang Dark Horse
CASEY WILLIAMS | Auto Reviewer
AutoCasey@aol.com
The average price of a vehicle reached $50,000 this fall, but that’s OK. There are still many affordable vehicles, from surprising places and brands, that you’ll be proud to own. All of these are below the average price and are assembled in the U.S. Which would you choose?
Acura Integra (Marysville, Ohio)
Sharing architecture with Honda’s Civic, Acura’s sporty compact is assembled in Ohio with a 200-horsepower turbo-four engine. Type S versions pack 320 horsepower. Crisp handling and optional six-speed manual transmission encourage backroad strafing! Wireless phone connections, head-up display, and safety tech are available.
Base price: $33,000
Nissan Altima (Smyrna, Tenn.)
Nissan has built vehicles like this in Tennessee for 40 years. It’s stylish, agile, and enjoys long drives. Get it with front- or all-wheel-drive. All models get a 188 horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine connected to a CVT. Fuel economy is rated 39 MPG highway. Wireless phone connections, Bose audio and zero gravity seats add luxuries.
Base price: $27,000
Toyota Corolla (Blue Springs, Miss.)
Toyota’s best-selling compact represents durability and efficiency, but it also flaunts angry headlamps and an aero body. Interiors boast 10.5-inch screen, wireless charger and power moonroof. Automatic emergency braking comes standard. Choose a 169 horsepower four-cylinder delivering 32/41-MPG city/highway or a 53/46-MPG hybrid.
Base price: $22,725
Kia Sportage (West Point, Ga.)
Recently facelifted, this crossover looks rugged in X-Line trim. Twin screens and wireless phone connections amp tech. Forward collision alert and adaptive cruise are standard. Choose a 187 horsepower four-cylinder engine (25/33 MPG city/highway), 1.6-liter turbo-hybrid with 231 horsepower (36/36 MPG) or plug-in hybrid with 268 horsepower and a 30-mile EV range.
Base price: $28,690
Ford Mustang (Flat Rock, Mich.) (Top Photo)
Built near Detroit, Mustang comes standard with a 315 horsepower 2.3-liter turbo-four connected to a 10-speed automatic (22/33-MPG city/hwy), but GTs get a 480 horsepower V8 and optional 6-speed manual. GTD versions reach 815 horsepower and 202 mph. Infotainment screens provide a plethora of info. Add heated/ventilated seats.
Base price: $31,920
Subaru Forester (Lafayette, Ind.)
Forester moves stateside this fall with comfy interiors featuring tablet touchscreens, wireless connections and available vegan leather. Choose a 180 horsepower 4-cylinder or 194 horsepower hybrid delivering 35/34-MPG. AWD and X-Mode traction systems come standard. Wilderness trim adds capability and tent-rated roof rack. Forester earns an IIHS Top Safety Pick.
Base price: $29,995
Toyota Camry (Georgetown, Ken.)
America’s favorite sedan was designed in California with aggressive styling. Choose the four-cylinder hybrid with or without AWD and up to 232 horsepower. Rear cross traffic assist and safe exit alert come standard. A Nightshade edition debuts for 2026 with black trim. Heated/ventilated seats and wireless phone charging are available.
Base price: $28,700
Hyundai IONIQ 5 (Ellabelle, Ga.)
Looking 1980s sci-fi, this roomy EV enjoys up to a 310-mile range and Tesla-style NACS plug. Interior lounges feature twin screens, stretch-out legroom and standard wireless phone integration. A new RT model adds a one-inch suspension lift, digital camouflage side cladding and black wheels with off-road tires. Charge and go!
Base price: $42,600
Honda Civic Hybrid Hatchback (Greensburg, Ind.)
The durability, practicality and efficiency of a 200 horsepower, 50 MPG hybrid in one spirited com npact. Non-hybrids achieve 30/38 MPG city/hwy. Sport versions add a tighter suspension, dark trim and 18-inch wheels. Google built-in, Bose audio and wireless phone charging are available. Adaptive cruise and automatic braking come standard.
Base price: $27,795
Ford Universal EV (Louisville, Ken.)
A Model T moment for The Electric Age, Ford plans a new family of compact EVs, beginning with a pickup, that are as fast as EcoBoost Mustangs, have more passenger space than a Toyota RAV4 and offer a usable frunk. Simplified assembly processes and over-the-air updates help minimize cost. Production models launch for 2027.
Base price: $30,000