I have a few suggestions of my own to add to the Kelley back-to-school list.
But I have no objection to the vehicles they recommend, either. All of these are affordable; most are economical to operate; and they’re generally well-built and should offer relatively trouble-free service.
For Kelley, the No. 1 new vehicle for school use is the redesigned 2012 Hyundai Accent; the top used car is the 2007 Suzuki SX4.
On the new-model list, Kelley picked the 2011 Honda Fit as No. 2, followed by the 2012 Ford Focus, the Fiat 500 and the Chevy Cruze. I would add to that list the Nissan Cube, Ford Fiesta, Kia Soul and Volkswagen Jetta.
My own tests found the Fiesta to be at least as roomy and comfortable as the new Focus compact, which has a higher price and is supposed to be roomier than a subcompact such as the Fiesta. And the Fiesta has cooler styling, with a European flair — especially the hatchback model.
Also, if the Accent is going to be on the list, so should the 2012 Kia Rio, which essentially is a clone of the Hyundai model.
As for used cars, following the SX4 on Kelley’s list were, in order from second to fifth, the 2008 Chevrolet HHR (a great choice — I own a 2009 model and love it), 2007 Kia Sedona (what the heck? Kids don’t want minivans. Or do they? I had one when I was in college), 2007 Ford F-150 and 2007 Nissan Sentra.
Of the Accent, the Kelley editors said: “Like its bigger brothers the Sonata and Elantra, the 2012 Hyundai Accent appeals to a finely tuned sense of value, putting a lot of equipment into a stylish, roomy package that competes more than favorably with competitors (such as) the Ford Fiesta, Mazda2 and Honda Fit.”
The Cruze, which is an amazing car for the money (starts under $17,000), would be at the top of my new-vehicle list.
Of the Cruze, the Kelley editors said: “Want to impress your friends? The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze is nice enough inside that they might think you’re borrowing your more sophisticated older brother’s car. In addition to a well-appointed and quiet cabin, the Cruze can comfortably seat five and has a large trunk for books and gear.”
Kelley said this about the Focus: “The 2012 Ford Focus is the kind of car young drivers love: It looks cool on the outside, modern on the inside, handles with more than a hint of sportiness and offers advanced audio and information technology.”
And for the Fit: “Playful and nimble in both its look and road manners, the
2011 Honda Fit is a wicked-smart choice for either the college-bound undergrad or his empty-nesting parents (or both).”
Kelley had this to say about the Fiat: “Affordable, adorable and easy on the gas, the retro-inspired Fiat 500 is a smart — and surprisingly comfortable — little commuter car.”
As for the used-car list, others that would make my list include late models of the Toyota Corolla, Nissan Versa, Chevrolet Silverado and Hyundai Elantra.
Pickups would be on my list because of their relative safety — bigger vehicles offer more protection in a crash. But safety experts also note, correctly, that it’s usually easier to avoid an accident with a smaller, more maneuverable vehicle. Prevention is always better than survival when it comes to traffic accidents.
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