While almost everyone wants a car, certain limitations restrict car buyers from buying their dream car. The price, of course, of a BMW for example puts it beyond the reach of most car buyers especially students. That is because of the fact that most students look for cars which are not only affordable but also gives them the highest value for their money.
In response to this, a list of the top ten cars for students is offered by cars.about.com, one of the leading online sources of auto information. The list is composed of cars which are known for their reliability, driver friendliness and, of course, price range which is within the reach of a student's budget.
Number one on the list is the Ford Focus ZX3 - the small car from the Dearborn-based contingent. The current Focus is now in its seventh generation and while it cannot match the technologically advanced features offered by other subcompact cars, the Focus is a great car to own. It has good fuel economy for its relatively small size. Another positive thing about the subcompact car is that it is easy to drive.
Currently, the price of the base model of the Focus is slated at $13,995. The car is equipped with a 2.0-liter four cylinder engine that is capable of churning out adequate power for the small car. Its suspension setting is solid and gives its occupants a smooth ride on most road conditions.
Number two on the list is the Scion-Braun xB Rampvan. This vehicle is the right choice for disabled students. The vehicle, as the name suggests, is a Rampvan -meaning it is wheelchair-accessible. One advantage that the xB has over its competition is the relatively lower price. Not only is the xB Rampvan more affordable but it also consumes less fuel than its contemporaries. With the price of gasoline skyrocketing these past few years, the xB is a safe choice for disabled students.
Another practical attribute that the xB Rampvan has is that its ramp drops down from the back of the vehicle instead of being on the side. This means that the vehicle can be parked on a crowded parking without posing to be a problem for the wheelchair-bound occupant in boarding or leaving the vehicle.
The third vehicle on the list is the Honda Civic. The advantages of the compact sedan for students include its fuel efficiency. Aside from that, the Civic epitomizes Honda's reputation as a builder of reliable cars. Performance and driveability is also satisfactory. For the adventurous young drivers, the Civic is one of the best cars to learn tuning. Aftermarket parts can easily be added to the Civic such as pipes.
The Civic is also loaded with safety features which include the standard anti-lock braking system which reduces the risk of brake lockup in cases of heavy braking. During an unfortunate event of a crash, the Civic protects its occupants through the front-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags and, of course, the standard front airbags. In terms of construction, the Civic is designed to endure the impact if it collides with a bigger vehicle. In terms of affordability, the LX trim level of the Civic is reasonable for students.
Number four car on the list is the Hyundai Accent - the subcompact car from the Korean carmaker. Experts call it a "great first car" for young people. Like the rest of the cars on the list, the Accent is easy to drive with controls that are easily understood. Ride comfort and stability is satisfactory.
In terms of safety, it has front-seat mounted side airbags and a roof-mounted side curtain airbags. These safety features can protect the car's occupant from severe injuries in cases of crashes. The least expensive trim level of the Accent though is not equipped with an anti-lock brake system. But for the rest of the Accent lineup, the ABS is a standard feature. Price is sensible for young car buyers. High value for money is ensured by the long warranty that Hyundai is known for.
The Kia Optima is the fifth car on the list. It is bigger than the Accent but is pretty much on the same price range. Compared to the family cars produced by domestic car manufactures like Chevrolet, Ford and Chrysler, the Optima is a good choice in terms of its price. It offers good space in the cockpit and at the same time is equipped with safety features that one can find in a car priced relatively higher than the Optima. Owing to the fact that it is already acquired by Hyundai, the Kia Optima comes with a long term warranty that is hard to beat.
Sixth on the list is the award-winning Honda Fit. The Fit of today resembles the Civic of ten years ago. Since the Civic has been upscaled by the Japanese car manufacturer, the Fit stepped in to take its place on Honda's lineup for the United States auto market. Much like the iconic Civic hatchback, the Fit offers a good handling capability and the fuel efficiency to match.
One thing that the Fit has over the Civic hatchback is that it offers more space at the back. Priced lower than its European and American contemporaries, the Fit is also a good choice for students looking to own their first car.
Number seven on the list is the Pontiac G5. This coupe is one of the best looking cars on the list owing to the fact hat it comes from the same carmaker which came up with the legendary GTO. While the G5 may share its bloodline with America's first muscle car, it is priced sensibly. Fuel efficiency is exemplary and user-friendliness is outstanding. In terms of safety features, side airbags are listed as options and it is highly recommend that one should avail of that option.
The Suzuki SX4 is the eighth car on the list. While it is a Japanese car, it is priced similar to its Korean counterparts. Priced below $16,000, the SX4 is regarded as the cheapest all-wheel drive vehicle available in the market. For its relatively low price, the SX4 comes with a host of standard features which includes four-wheel anti-lock brakes and side airbags. For entertainment, the SX4 comes equipped with a CD/MP3 player.
Number nine on the list is the Mazda 3. The Mazda 3 comes in either a sedan or a mini-wagon body style. Being Japan-made, car buyers can be assured of its reliability. The engine lineup offers a 2.0-liter gasoline engine which has a fuel efficiency one can expect from a Japanese car. For those who want more power for the Mazda 3, a 2.3-liter engine is offered.
Rounding up the list is the immortal Toyota Corolla. This compact car has been available in the market even before students today were born. Considered as the best selling car of all time, the Corolla's charm and reliability are still present today. Fuel efficiency is good which is what one would expect from a Toyota.