Best Back to School Cars

By:

Cam on 09/06/2011

Topic:

Car Buying Advice.

BestCar 101 students,

This is the only required reading and it’s worth 100% of your grade.  College is all about getting somewhere, mentally and physically.  How you get there mentally is up to you. Physically, it’s having the right ride.  Whether you commute or live on campus, a good car can be key to encompassing the collegiate experience.  Campus cars must be functional in terms of economy, people moving, and durability.  Of course looking good never hurt anybody either, did it?  (Use your university’s resources.)  Not an easy sweep for any nameplate, but then again, nobody said university life was a cakewalk. 

It’s time for the best back to school cars.  So turn your phones off, pound the rest of your coffee/booze, and remember that this article will be available as a printout on my CarWoo! notes page for the slackers.

Preseason top 10 Best Back to School Car

#1 Back to School Car - Ford Fiesta

Bring the party everywhere you go.  Starting at just $15,500 Fiesta, a 4-door sedan/5-door hatchback, has a fun-to-drive attitude, nice interior features including SYNC, and durability.  33 combined MPG (40 highway MPG with SFE Package) is an asset; the only knock is Fiesta’s lack of cargo space.

#2 Back to School Car - Honda Fit

Fit snags the cargo room Fiesta lacks at up to 57.3 cubic feet with seats down and throws in a $15,175 starting tag.  The subcompact balances a dual attack with Honda durability and fuel economy- up to 31 combined MPG with 5-speed Fit automatic- and sporty performance can dodge urban linebackers.

#3 Back to School Car - Chevrolet Sonic

Looks like Sonic will be just in time for fall deadlines.  Chevy’s new subcompact starts at $13,735 and shares cover time with Fiesta and Fit.  Why?  Two engine choices, a 1.8L inline-4 at 138 HP or a turbocharged 1.4L with 148 lb.-ft. of torque; sedan or hatchback trims, and up to 40 MPG.

#4 Back to School Car VW Golf

VW’s ‘original hatchback’ is still relevant.  Golf starts at $17,965, sports versatility both on the road and internally, and comes with the TDI option.  TDI exceeds the magic $20,000 line but you’ll get 42 highway MPG.

#5 Back to School Car - Kia Forte

Forte gets votes for offering a trio of trims- sedan, 5-door hatchback, and ‘Koup’ (coupe) all starting under $20,000.  Performance, nice standard features (Bluetooth and 2 12V power outlets), and up to 37 highway MPG solidify Forte’s spot.

#6 Back to School Car - Ford Focus

Ford’s second induction, the $18,200 Focus shares many Fiesta strongpoints: Style, handling, interior niceties, and a SFE option for the same 28/40/33 MPG.

#7 Back to School Car - Hyundai Accent

Many think Elantra was snubbed, but Accent is cheaper, at $14,195, still gets 30/40/33 MPG, and boasts surprising interior room.

#8 Back to School Car - Mazda 3

It’s not most fuel efficient car on the list, but Mazda3’s performance and overall quality will compete with anyone here.  Plus Mazda3 4-door starts at $15,800.

#9 Back to School Car - Hyundai Veloster

It’s all hype right now, but you can’t ignore Veloster’s 3-door style, superior tech features, and 32 combined MPG.

#10 Back to School Car - FIAT 500

FIAT just grazes in for its unique style, handling, and a $15,500 starting tag.

Others receiving votes: Hyundai Elantra, Chevy Cruze, Toyota Prius, the bus.

Final will be take home.

[photo courtesy of badwsky at flickr.com]