10 cars that look expensive but are actually cheap to buy

For some drivers, speed and handling are everything. Others prefer cars that get the most out of every gallon of gasoline. But for many people, the look of a car is one of the most important factors in their buying decision. Cars are like clothes: it is the outer layer that speaks volumes about who we are. Finding a car with the features and style you love is like putting on a perfectly fitting shirt for the first time: you know right away that together you can do great things. And when that car or shirt is exactly what you're looking for, at a price lower than expected, it's hard to turn down a deal like that. Here are 10 stunningly designed cars that look more expensive than they really are.

2016 Honda Civic

MSRP: $ 18,640

Image: Honda

For decades, the Honda Civic has been a mainstay of simple, cheap, and reliable transportation. That hasn't changed for 2016, but an all-new look has transformed the Civic from a forgettable device to a device that truly stands out on the road. Combining sharp corners and gentle curves, you could stare at the Civic for hours and still find new design details. The slanted fastback bodywork offers a sleek profile, while a chrome grille that transitions into LED headlights helps define the front end of the car. At the rear, the C-shaped taillights are connected by an optional light bar that also doubles as a spoiler. Available in sedan, coupe and hatchback body styles, the Honda Civic is one of the best combinations of style and affordability available today.

2016 Mazda CX-3

MSRP: $ 19,960

Image: Mazda

Mazda's "Kodo" design language is designed to awaken pent-up potential energy, like an animal about to jump. Whether you agree with this analogy or not, there is no doubt that the Mazda CX-3 is one of the most beautiful vehicles in the booming crossover segment. The sharp chrome grille is the center of attention at the front, while the downward-sloping sideline gives the impression that the car is constantly accelerating. Blacked-out support legs give the impression of round glass, and slightly raised ground clearance gives the CX-3 a chunky, authoritative look. Overall, it's an attractive little car that can haul a lot of things, is easy to park, and built with Mazda's fun-to-drive DNA.

2016 Chevrolet Colorado

MSRP: $ 20,995

Image: Chevrolet

Pickup trucks are usually designed for convenience, with little regard for style. This is not the case with the Chevrolet Colorado, which balances its rugged practicality with a neat appearance. It's more rounded than most pickups, but that doesn't mean it's bland—high ground clearance and muscular wheel arches speak to its off-road capabilities. The Colorado's body has a few harsh lines and folds, but they integrate seamlessly into the overall design without being too obvious. This is the type of car that will look just as good on a city street as it does on dirt roads. If you need a truck for work or towing, but also want something with a cool design, Colorado has both at an attractive starting price.

2017 Ford Mustang

MSRP: $ 24,645

Image: Ford

In its 50 year history, the Ford Mustang has defined muscle cars in terms of style and speed. This tradition has continued with the current generation, which still looks fantastic even after years on the road. The Mustang's long hood, low roof and streamlined boot are the perfect proportions of a sports car, while the bulging wheel arches are reminiscent of its rear-wheel drive performance. At the rear, an optional color-matched diffuser improves aerodynamics, while signature three-segment taillights illuminate in sequence when the turn signal is turned on. It is available with several different engines, from a turbocharged four-cylinder to a screaming 526-horsepower V8.

Toyota Prius 2017

MSRP: $ 24,685

Image: Toyota

Everyone knows the Toyota Prius as a car that delivers fantastic fuel economy at the expense of an uncommonly dull appearance. Not anymore: Toyota completely redesigned the Prius for 2016, and it's more distinctive than ever. While opinions are divided on whether this new design actually looks good, there is no doubt that it is intricate and filled with interesting details. Clean lines and creases abound, giving the Prius a sharp, futuristic look. The headlights have a unique split design and the taillights feature a curved strip of LEDs that really stand out in the dark. Toyota engineers used a wind tunnel to improve the Prius' aerodynamic profile, which contributed to its excellent fuel consumption per gallon. Everyone will have their own opinion on whether the Prius looks amazing or terrifying, but it's clear that Toyota has gone to great lengths to pack the most expensive design into the new Prius.

2017 Fiat 124 Spider

MSRP: $ 24,995

Image: Fiat

Fiat had a hit with their 124 Spider sports car in the 1970s and set themselves up for another classic with the new 124 Spider released this year. The little convertible is built on the same platform as the famous Mazda Miata, so you know it will drive fantastic. However, Fiat's fully patented look lends a sculpted Italian body to the details underneath. The long, low hood has two bulges that are reminiscent of the twin camshafts of the classic 124 Spider, but this modern revival is powered by a powerful turbocharged engine. A line of symbols rises along the doors, suggesting the rear wheel drive nature of the car. The wicked-looking headlights feature three-piece LEDs, while the hollow taillights feature stylish body-color inserts. Option up to the Abarth trim level and you get a matte black hood and trunk, unique front and rear bumpers and quad tailpipes. The elegant 124 Spider continues the tradition of stylish Italian sports cars at an affordable price.

2017 Chrysler Pacifica

MSRP: $ 28,595

Image: Chrysler

Nobody dreams of driving a minivan, but if you have to, the Chrysler Pacifica is probably the best option. Completely redesigned for 2017, the Pacifica can seat eight in style and originality. A bold arch above the front wheels flows into the chrome window fascia, and the curved trim at the bottom of the front bumper is an interesting detail. A black mesh grille and sharp creases on the hood add a bit of sportiness. The Pacifica's wide, boxy seating position shows presence and authority, but is also very practical: it means there's more room inside for passengers and their gear. Overall, the design of the Pacifica worked out, perhaps helping to make minivan ownership a little more desirable.

2017 Infiniti QX30

MSRP: $ 29,950

Image: Infiniti

With features like smart cruise control, speed-sensing steering and leather upholstery, the Infiniti QX30 should be great from the driver's seat. But maybe it would be better to experience it from the outside, because it is a really beautiful car. The body is composed of flowing lines that attract attention for further design exploration. A deep, curved crease runs the length of the car - Infiniti says its engineers had to develop a new manufacturing process to get this part right. The chrome trim surrounding the side windows ends with a curved detail on the C-pillar, adding visual intrigue. Overall, the QX30 is filled with details that fit together beautifully to form a sophisticated design that will look great for years to come.

Jeep Grand Cherokee 2017

MSRP: $ 29,995

Image: Jeep

Jeep's Grand Cherokee combines the all-wheel-drive capabilities the brand is known for with a solid dose of style. The current generation of the large SUV was introduced in 2011 but still looks fresh after a few years of use. Jeep's signature seven-slot grille is the only traditional element, while the rest of the body has an impressive modern design. Huge rectangular wheel arches give the Grand Cherokee a solid stance and plenty of room for studded off-road tires - perfect for adventure. A distinctive LED stripe surrounds the narrow headlights, while chrome detailing on the grille, window frame, bumper and badges adds a touch of luxury. The interior looks particularly premium, with contrast stitching, matte woodgrain trim and a large LED screen between the front seats available as options. The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a beautiful car that looks great in urban settings, yet feels right at home covered in mud on a rocky road.

Kia Cadenza 2017

MSRP: $32,000 (Estimate).

Image: Kia

Looking for a big, luxurious and stylish sedan that won't break the bank? Kia Cadenza 2017 deserves your attention. Completely redesigned for 2017, the Cadenza is the type of car that can go unnoticed, but still has an amazing design. A curved line runs down the sides, accentuating its elongated low look. At the front, a thin concave grille is flanked by LED headlights with additional LED lamps at the bottom of the chrome bumper. Speaking of lighting, the headlights and taillights feature a Z-shaped detail that adds angularity to the sleek design. At the rear, large twin exhaust outlets stand out, while gorgeous multi-spoke wheels add further visual complexity. While it's not a fast car, the Cadenza is a comfortable, well-made luxury sedan with a handsome body that looks a lot more expensive than it is. What's more, Kia has sold less than 30,000 Cadenzas since its 2013 introduction, so if you pick one, you're unlikely to see many others on the road.

Car design is constantly evolving and usually you have to pay a lot of money to drive according to the latest trends. But that's not always the case - no matter what car best suits your lifestyle, there are plenty of options out there that look like they cost a lot more than they actually do. Any car buyer can appreciate such a shock.