From pristine beaches to winding mountain passes and sprawling desert highways, California’s diverse landscapes call for cars that can handle every terrain. When you are looking for the best cars for California, you must consider the climate, fuel efficiency, and the features that match your lifestyle and budget.
For example, for a greener option, you may want one of the newer hybrid and electric vehicles, or you may prefer something more rugged to tackle the rough terrain of the Golden State.
Are you thinking of buying a car in California? After years of helping California drivers with lemon vehicles, we know which models are the best to choose, and which ones to avoid. Our attorneys at The Lemon Pros can help with car Lemon Law services if your vehicle doesn’t meet industry standards. Contact us for a free consultation.
Let’s look closer at what makes for an ideal car in California and start to narrow down your options between the bestselling cars.
When considering the perfect car for California, size and maneuverability are often among the top concerns. After all, you may want to drive a 2-seater convertible, but if you have four children, this model probably isn’t right for you. Beyond interior space, you also need to think about where you are driving, especially if you need to park on tight city streets.
Reliability is another top factor. Between heat waves, coastal salt, and the snowy mountains, you don’t want to face an unexpected repair bill or be broken down on the side of the road. You need a car that’s going to go the distance with you.
Once you’ve nailed down reliability, the next question is what kind of impact you want your car to have. If you care deeply about the environment and want a car that reflects your values, you may choose something equipped with an electric engine. California’s Clean Air Act sets strict guidelines on the types of vehicles allowed on the road, with a heavy focus on emissions.
Fuel economy is another critical consideration. No one wants a car that chugs regular unleaded gasoline (or electricity). Picking a fuel-efficient car can save you a lot of money in the long run, and the upfront costs are a sharp contrast to the long-term maintenance costs.
Lastly, consider the features. We all love high-tech features for comfort, entertainment, and safety. However, your budget will ultimately determine which features you can afford.
While every situation is different, the best new car is often included in one of these categories.
To determine what works best for you, it’s helpful to make a list of your needs and wants when shopping around.
We evaluate some popular car models by category, helping you find what you need. Our options are ranked based on what your current needs may be.
If the vehicle’s energy consumption is essential to what you drive, it’s best to evaluate the ratings from the Environmental Protection Agency. You can easily see the combined fuel economy of any model. Here are some of the top-selling vehicles with a good rating for the car's combined miles.
Toyota Prius – An original hybrid that keeps gas costs low (up to 57 combined mpg) and offers plenty of features.
Honda Insight – Not only efficient for long commutes, but it is also a bunch of fun to drive.
Hyundai Ioniq – With excellent fuel economy and modern tech, this electric SUV is the perfect match for anyone desiring an enjoyable ride.
Tesla Model 3 – This car has a superior EV range, a smooth ride, and is great for earning zero-emissions incentives.
Kia Niro – With its compact design, it’s efficient and versatile enough for a variety of adventures.
When navigating tight city streets and crowded parking lots, compact size is key. Look for cars with parking assistance, good mileage, and nimble handling to make everyday driving a breeze.
Honda Civic – Offering a compact design, the Civic is reliable and perfect for squeezing into tight city parking.
Toyota Corolla – Remaining a commuter favorite, the Corolla is efficient and low-maintenance.
Mazda3 – Even though it’s small enough for busy streets, this Mazda remains fun to drive and stylish.
Mini Cooper – Created with a tiny footprint, this car has nimble handling and turns heads on urban roads.
BMW i3 – As an electric, compact car, you get the benefits of efficiency and an upscale interior.
When choosing an SUV or truck, make sure there’s enough cargo space and towing capacity for your gear. Also, keep in mind that all-wheel drive handles wet streets and light trails with ease, while four-wheel drive is built for serious off-road adventures and rough terrain.
Subaru Outback – With standard AWD, the Outback is reliable and perfect for mountains, beaches, and trails.
Jeep Wrangler – An iconic treasure, this legendary off-road SUV has the capability required for rugged adventures and offers many trim levels for complete customization.
Toyota 4Runner – Whether you are hitting the highway or the backcountry, the 4Runner is capable, durable, and spacious.
Ford F-150 – Offering tons of towing power for boats, bikes, or camping gear, this truck has been a bestseller for several decades.
Honda CR-V – As crossovers continue to gain popularity, choose the AWD option for more capability and enjoy the roomy interior as a bonus.
Even in California, you don’t have to break the bank to get a reliable car. Affordable models can still offer excellent value, low maintenance, and good fuel efficiency. First-time buyers should look for well-maintained vehicles and consider the total cost of ownership, including car insurance costs, taxes, and repairs.
Toyota Corolla – Mentioned earlier, this budget-friendly car is reliable, fuel-efficient, and inexpensive to maintain.
Honda Civic – Another popular choice among commuters, the Civic is known for being long-lasting and easy to insure.
Hyundai Elantra – Whether you buy an Elantra new or used, it tends to be affordable, equipped with modern features, and typically has good warranty coverage.
Kia Soul – This budget-friendly SUV is spacious, low-cost, has cheap insurance, and is quirky enough to stand out in traffic.
Mazda3 – With superior style, the Mazda3 is a lot of fun to drive, and it offers a great value for the price with a low base MSRP.
You may be searching for a car that reflects your high-end style and class. To fully enjoy the weather and lifestyle, consider these electric vehicles, sports cars, and convertibles.
Tesla Model S – This all-electric EV provides top-notch performance and is loaded with futuristic features.
Porsche 911 – An iconic sports car, the 911 is perfect for taking on those winding coastal highways.
Mercedes-Benz GLE – Relax in this luxury SUV that surrounds the family in opulent comfort and technology.
BMW Z4 Convertible – This sleek and sporty convertible is perfect for sunny California drives and offers a comfortable ride.
Audi e-tron – Worry less about pit stops for regular unleaded gas with this electric luxury SUV filled to the brim with high-end tech.
The gap between new and used cars is more than $20,000, on average. However, the price range reflects differently, depending on the type of model you’ve chosen.
Additionally, average vehicle prices vary widely depending on your location. For example, someone living in Los Angeles or San Diego is going to pay more for the same car than someone in a rural or suburban location.
You must also consider the average cost for the auto loan interest rates, taxes, fees, registration costs, and insurance, all of which are added to the price. Thankfully, buyers of eco-friendly and fuel-efficient cars may qualify for additional incentives, further helping with the cost.
With the new car, you may pay more, but you must consider the warranty protection you get. On top of that, there are strong lemon laws that cover you in case of major defects. Sadly, you won’t get the same used car lemon laws in most cases, so it may be worth spending more for something brand-new.
When shopping for a new or used car in California, you must be aware of models that have known defects or frequent safety recalls. Purchasing one of these vehicles could lead to unexpected repair bills and safety hazards. Here are a few models that have been known to be lemons in the past (cars with significant defects affecting their use, safety, or value).
If you find yourself with any of the signs of a lemon car, you may be entitled to a replacement or refund under California’s Lemon Law. It’s best to speak with a Lemon Law attorney about your case and your rights.
To prevent potential issues, you need to know how to avoid buying a lemon car. A little preparation and research can go a long way.
Start by researching the reliability of the car model. You can check with Consumer Reports or Kelley Blue Book. Kelley Blue Book is also a free site that allows you to research the average transaction prices.
Next, you want to have a third-party inspection of the vehicle by a trusted mechanic. The technician looks beyond the features and style to ensure the vehicle is mechanically safe.
You should also look for the vehicle on the NHTSA website to check for recalls. Simply enter the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to see if there are any glaring issues.
Finally, remember to perform a vehicle history check through CARFAX or AutoCheck if you are buying a used car. Through the Bureau of Automotive Repair, you can run an inspection check as well.
Before signing any paperwork, know exactly what you are getting into. Ask for a complete breakdown of the cost, including the new vehicle registrations and fees, taxes, and interest rates. When looking at the bigger picture of consumer affordability, it’s important to understand every fee that’s involved.
The auto market landscape is always changing, but your careful research and diligent efforts can ensure better protection when buying a car. Whether you are choosing a Toyota Camry or a Honda CR V, you can find solid information from reliable sources online. Remember to evaluate your own needs, budget, and lifestyle when choosing the best car.
If you’ve run into trouble during the car-buying experience or you feel that you may have a defective vehicle, The Lemon Pros can help. As experienced lemon lawyers, we’ve settled thousands of claims and protected our customers’ rights. Get a free consultation and let us defend your rights.
Here, you can find answers to the most common questions regarding the best cars for California drivers:
There’s an increased desire for cars that hold their value well. According to the NADA, Jeep Wranglers tend to depreciate the least. The Porsche 911, Toyota Tacoma, Honda Civic, Subaru BRZ, and Ford Mustang also make the list.
California’s strict emissions laws mean your car must meet tougher smog standards than in most states. Certain older or high-polluting vehicles may be harder to register or sell. These rules encourage cleaner cars but can increase repair and compliance costs.
The J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study puts Lexus on top, followed by Buick, Mazda, and Toyota. The luxury brand vehicles are known for being reliable and driving many miles before any major problems occur.
In 2024, there were nearly 129,000 Tesla Model Y vehicles sold in California, following the record highs of the previous year. These EV sales were almost double the next bestselling vehicle, the Toyota RAV4, which only sold about 65,000 units in California.
Common car defects may include bad transmissions, electrical issues, and a worn engine. Some cars may have recurring issues, such as peeling paint, brake fade, oil leaks, or malfunctioning airbags. Check for recalls and run a vehicle history report before buying any used car.
Enter the VIN on the NHTSA website to look for any active recalls. You should also run a vehicle history check to look for issues with the title or lemon concerns. Finally, read online owner forums to discover any known issues about the particular model year and brand.
Even the most popular vehicles can turn out to be lemons. If your vehicle continues breaking down while covered under a warranty, you may be able to file a lemon claim. Contact a Lemon Law lawyer for a free consultation.
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