Top 8 Cars for College Students

#8. Mazda CX-3

Base MSRP Range: $20,390 - $27,145

Another perfect city vehicle.  Compact, sporty yet solid and substantial, the Mazda CX-3 delivers agile, fun-to-drive handling; a confident feel; and good fuel economy.  Distinctive 18-inch wheels are standard on all models but the base; styling is aggressive and modern, evoking queues from niche premium brands such as Range Rover and Alfa Romeo.  Powered by a peppy, 148-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder and a six-speed automatic, the CX-3 is a smooth in the city and capable on the highway. The infotainment system includes a 7-inch center display screen is large for its class; a rotary knob that controls phone and audio functions can be clunky at times. The rear seat is tight and cargo space modest; this is not the weekend hauler but rather is the weekday commuter.  Looking to move up from riding the bus and getting from home to class in style, then the Mazda CX-3 is the car for you.

#7. Jeep Compass

Base MSRP Range: $21,595 - $29,445

Sitting between the Jeep Renegade and the Jeep Cherokee, the Jeep Compass has been entirely redesigned for the 2018 model year.  With interior and exterior styling referencing its larger Jeep Grand Cherokee sibling, the Compass is distinctive: maintaining an aggressive stance, a spacious cabin, and surprisingly refined interior finishes.  Its steering wheel is substantial and beefy, exuding confidence and comfort – which gives the vehicle a premium feel.  Touch controls for entertainment and climate control systems are intuitive and responsive; Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, so don’t let the dealership try to talk you into an expensive – and unnecessary – navigation system.  Rear passenger seating is comfortable and spacious and rear cargo space accommodates large luggage pieces and sporting items for weekend excursions.  Power comes from a 180-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder, an engine that delivers enough pep when pushed, perfect for city driving.  The ride quality is firm and aggressive; and, importantly, interior cabin noise is minimized as a result of tight-fitting components and good sound dampening.  Available safety features include forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot warning.  Standard is Jeep’s cutting-edge styling and its legendary brand DNA, which are anything but cheap.

#6. Honda Civic

Base MSRP Range: $18,840 - $28,650

[PRO-TIP: Go used on the Civic.  You’ll save on monthly payments and insurance, and the thing is basically guaranteed to run-and-run-and-run with minimal maintenance]

We get it, you could care less about how you look or what others think.  Your car is a vehicle to get you from class to work to home, on your own schedule, without waiting for the bus or dealing with creepers on the subway.  You value dependability and reliability.  And, like a trusty dog, the Honda Civic has served as a reliable standby for generations of sensible, pragmatic shoppers looking for an easy, efficient car that runs and runs and runs.  Just think of how many 2000 era silver Civics you see on the road today, obediently transporting their owners from place-to-place without worry or concern.  While the 2019 Civic won’t win any awards for its styling; it gets props for a base engine that is efficient and reliable, a stable ride and an interior that has a lot of storage space for its class.  Available in coupe, 4-door sedan or hatchback, the Civic has a body style for every need.  Need some salt and spice?  There is a 306 hp Type-R version that will have commuters mistaking you for Vin Diesel during your commute to the office.  As an added, but not surprising, bonus: Honda rates amongst the top brands in J.D. Power’s 2018 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study

#5. Volkswagen Jetta

Base MSRP Range: $18,545 - $26,945

[PRO-TIP: Volkswagen Group owns Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini and Porsche, as well as Volkswagen.  As a result, a consistent brand DNA and engineering – e.g. a brand look and feel – is shared across all product lines and VW can rely on engineering breakthroughs and styling from its more premium siblings to deliver a solid, affordable product]

“Fahrvergnügen: It's what makes a car a Volkswagen”. 

Too young to remember this off-beat marketing campaign (?), then Google it.  And Google the all-new Jetta while you are at it because it is a great buy.  Redesigned and re-engineered, the Volkswagen Jetta combines great fuel economy with easy to use controls, a roomy cabin and a plethora of upscale features.  Powered by an adequate147-hp, 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission, the Jetta holds its own in around-the-town driving but shines on the highway where it provides ample acceleration on demand.  The ride is smooth, perfect for bumpy city roads.  Like its German engineered siblings, the Jetta delivers impressive fuel economy at 34 mpg overall.   A quiet cabin and thoughtful color and material choices give the cabin a premium feel.  Safety features such as automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and blind-spot warning are optional on the base trim and standard on all other trims.  All-in-all, the Jetta is a delight to drive and own.  Again, it’s all about the Fahrvergnügen.

#4. Dodge Charger

Base MSRP Range: $28,995 - $65,345

[PRO-TIP – FCA (e.g. Dodge’s parent company, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles) loves to basically give these things away on lease.  If you’re paying more than $250/month for one of these adequately loaded, you’re getting a raw deal]

You got a good part-time job that is paying well and accommodates your class schedule.  And you want to reward yourself with something fast, fun and loud.  Packing aggressive, in-your-face American styling and powered by Detroit-muscle, the Dodge Charger puts you in command of the road and your image.  The Charger is big and it is comfortable, delivering a smooth ride and a quiet cabin for you and your passengers.  Powered by a 3.6-liter V6 paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the Charger excels on the open road and over long distances – a perfect vehicle for picking up riders from the airport or for transporting across long distances.  Dealing with all-season climates, all-wheel drive is optional, as are automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist.  Wanna make a statement and command the road, the Dodge Charger is the vehicle for you.

#3. Buick Regal TourX

Base MSRP Range: $25,070 - $39,070

[PRO-TIP – these things lease really well, with zero down options available.  Hatchback versions are classified by many insurers as SUV’s, commanding lower premiums]

The Buick Regal is a car that is sporty, distinctive and is packed with luxurious touches for the fraction of the cost of many import brands.  Powered by a European inspired 2.0-liter, turbo four-cylinder engine, the Buick Regal is as engaging in the city as it is aggressive on the highway – a perfect car for the student who drives for Uber or Lyft to help pay the bills.  Those with high expectations will appreciate the Buick Regal’s comfortable ride, firm seats, and quiet cabin, where road, wind, and engine noise are well-muted.  Handling is responsive and confident: grippy with little body roll, confronting all bumps and potholes with ease and elegance.  Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility are standard, so don’t get talked into any navigation system upgrade, which can add $500 upwards to any purchase price.  Most advanced safety features are optional, with the notable exception of a pedestrian-protecting active hood – a benefit many urban drivers will appreciate. 

#2. Kia Sorento

Base MSRP Range: $25,600 - $45,900

[PRO-TIP: Kia is right up there with Chrysler and Jeep when it comes to competitive leasing.  Want a low monthly payment and not seeking the commitment of ownership, then explore 24 and 36 month leasing options you’re your local dealership]

Seeking a midsize SUV at competitive lease rates, then the Kia Sorento is the vehicle for you.  Packing more value per pound than its Toyota or Honda competitors, the Kia Sorrento continues to be top shopper choice in the midsized SUV class when it comes to a car that balances value, cost of ownership and reliability.  For those wanting to make a statement without sacrificing reliability, the Kia Sorento offers styling is more modern and aggressive than the Toyota Highlander or the Honda Pilot.  Packing three-rows of seating and powered by a standard V6 engine with an all-new eight-speed transmission, the Sorento is a good choice for an active family looking to be transported worry-free and in style.  And speaking of worry-free experiences, Kia placed as the highest ranked non-luxury car brand on J.D. Power’s 2018 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study.

#1. Chevrolet Colorado

Base MSRP Range: $20,200 - $40,000

[PRO-TIP: General Motors, Chevrolet’s parent company, loves to lure buyers with incentives and rebates.  Interested in the Colorado and ready to buy, then be sure you go to the dealership armed with all recent incentive and rebate information]

Not really into sedans or SUV’s, or go to school in a Northern climate with variable winter conditions?  Fortunately for you, the automotive product development overlords in Detroit resurrected the compact pick-up truck, which packs a spacious, stylish cab with a versatile rear.  Mullet references aside, the base Chevrolet Colorado is an attractive, capable truck.  It’s loaded with the most recent electronic gadgets, such as GM’s proprietary MyLink audio system.  And it’s efficient, logging in a respectable 18 MPG in the city and up to 25 MPG on the highway.  Sure, the ride can be choppy at times – but base models fit with 4-wheel are affordable options for the casual off-roader who seek aggressive styling coupled with legendary Chevrolet durability.  Backed Chevrolet’s commitment to quality and ranked by J.D. Power as one of the most dependable brands in its 2018 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study, the Chevrolet Colorado is an unexpectedly reliable and affordable choice for young professionals.

Closing

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