KBB Names 10 Best Back-To-School Cars

By on Wednesday, August 8th, 2012

Going to college can be rough mentally, physically and especially financially. KBB takes the opportunity every year to release a selection of cars that are perfect for students thanks to their practicality. and more importantly, price. This list of 10 cars are available for less than 16-grand according to KBB’s Fair Purchase Price metric. If you are headed to school, or have a loved one who is, please feel free to check out the full list of winners below, along with a gallery of photos for each.

 

10. 2012 Nissan Versa

The Versa was honored for its title of lowest priced car in America, and for its surprising amount of interior space.

2012 Nissan Versa2012 Nissan Versa2012 Nissan Versa2012 Nissan Versa
2012 Nissan Versa2012 Nissan Versa2012 Nissan Versa2012 Nissan Versa

9. 2012 Toyota Yaris

The Yaris was given space on this list thanks to Toyota’s legendary dependability and its quirky good looks.

2012 Toyota Yaris2012 Toyota Yaris2012 Toyota Yaris2012 Toyota Yaris
2012 Toyota Yaris

8. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta

KBB has chosen the Jetta for its European aesthetics and feel, but warns buyers that the base engine is under-powered at only 115 horsepower.

2011 Volkswagen Jetta2011 Volkswagen Jetta2011 Volkswagen Jetta2011 Volkswagen Jetta
2011 Volkswagen Jetta2011 Volkswagen Jetta2011 Volkswagen Jetta2011 Volkswagen Jetta

7. 2012 Fiat 500

The Fiat garnered praise for its trim dimensions and unmistakable style.

2011 Fiat 500 Sport2011 Fiat 500 Sport2011 Fiat 500 Sport2011 Fiat 500 Sport
2011 Fiat 500 Sport2011 Fiat 500 Sport2011 Fiat 500 Sport2011 Fiat 500 Sport

6. 2012 Mazda 3

Number six on the list is the ever lovable Mazda3. KBB likes the little compact good looks and impressive driving dynamic.

2012 Mazda32012 Mazda32012 Mazda32012 Mazda3
2012 Mazda32012 Mazda32012 Mazda32012 Mazda3

5. 2012 Honda Fit

Since its introduction to the market, the fit has garnered praise for its impressive versatility. The Fit starts the upper half of KBB’s list thanks to this flexible seating/storage arrangement and Honda’s storied reliability.

2012 Honda Fit Sport2012 Honda Fit Sport2012 Honda Fit Sport2012 Honda Fit Sport
2012 Honda Fit Sport2012 Honda Fit Sport2012 Honda Fit Sport2012 Honda Fit Sport

4. 2012 Ford Fiesta

The diminutive Ford has been given the nod thanks to its frugal 40 mpg rating and 7 standard airbags.

Ford Fiesta ST Concept2012 Ford Fiesta Sport Special Edition2011 Ford Fiesta 5Dr ReviewFord Fiesta RS WRC
2011 Ford Fiesta Sedan2011 Ford Fiesta2009 Ford Fiesta Sedan2009 Ford Fiesta Zetec S

3. 2012 Chevy Sonic

Winning the bronze is Chevy’s new smart hatch. It’s sporty design, vibrant color choices, a driving manners have propelled the little hatch to KBB’s podium.

2012 Chevrolet Sonic Hatchback2012 Chevrolet Sonic Hatchback2012 Chevrolet Sonic Hatchback2012 Chevrolet Sonic Hatchback
2012 Chevrolet Sonic Hatchback2012 Chevrolet Sonic Hatchback2012 Chevrolet Sonic Hatchback2012 Chevrolet Sonic Hatchback

2. 2012 Hyundai Accent

With an updated exterior, and a new more powerful engine, the 2012 Accent has garnered the approval of KBB. it’s industry leading 10 year warranty didn’t hurt things much either.

2012 Hyundai Accent Review2012 Hyundai Accent Review2012 Hyundai Accent Review2012 Hyundai Accent Review
2012 Hyundai Accent Review2012 Hyundai Accent Review2012 Hyundai Accent Review2012 Hyundai Accent Review

1. 2012 Kia Soul

The winner of this year’s Back-to-school extravaganza is the Kia Soul. With its funky looks, piles of standard equipment and impressive space the little Kia has always been a great choice. For 2012 a few visual upgrades and a slight power bump were enough to push it to the front of the pack.

2010 Kia Soul2010 Kia Soul2010 Kia Soul2010 Kia Soul
2010 Kia Soul2010 Kia Soul2010 Kia Soul2010 Kia Soul

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