The 4 Best Cars for College Students

Life for the average college student is about learning how to make smart decisions and get the most out of every experience. That includes what kind of car to drive. A good car for a college student has to be efficient, affordable, and functional, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be fun, too. Here are a few of today’s best cars for college students, whether they’re at school just around the corner or all the way across the country.

1. Honda Fit

The big draw of the Honda Fit is its adaptability. Even though it’s as fuel-sipping and easy to park as any subcompact on the market, it has over 95 cubic feet of passenger volume and can haul cargo like a much bigger vehicle. That’s thanks to the Honda Magic Seats in the Fit. They’re fold-flat rear seats that create a maximum of 57 cubic feet of cargo space, making it ideal for moving days and for busy holiday season hauling. The 2015 Fit starts at $15,890, making it one of the more affordable cars in its class.

*MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, $835.00 destination charge and options. Dealer prices may vary.

2. Toyota Prius

Maybe the stereotype of college students living on ramen noodles and other cheap eats comes from having to spend so much money on gas. The Toyota Prius has become synonymous with hybrid fuel efficiency and even older models have retained their economy. A used Prius from 2004 or 2005 averages at $10,000 but can go as low as $6000 if you know where to look. While not the best option for cargo, it has plenty of seating and enduring safety ratings.

3. Honda Civic

The Civic is a good choice for those who want customization options for their college car. The Civic is packed with modern features like rearview camera, bluetooth connectivity, and smart safety technology like automatic emergency braking. Buyers can choose from among many trim levels to get as much or as little onboard tech as they want, favor cargo space over power, or aim for maximum fuel efficiency.

4. Hyundai Tucson

Students at colleges in colder climates or more rural areas may need a little more power when they’re at school. The 2010 Hyundai Tucson is an affordable crossover SUV at prices ranging from $8,000 to $12,000, depending on the trim level. The 2010 model year saw a full redesign for the Tucson, which includes a more powerful and more fuel efficient four cylinder engine, plus a suite of handy tech features. The hill stop and hill descent assist are nice to have, as is the onboard trip computer. The Tucson is a good compromise between cargo and compact maneuverability, so while it may not be the ideal work vehicle, it’s more than enough for a college student’s moving and getting-around needs.

No matter what car you choose for those college years, reliability is vital. All of the above vehicles are easy and inexpensive to maintain and they all have good resale value for when it’s time to graduate to a post-college car.

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*Based on 2016 EPA mileage/highway estimates and driving range ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your MPGe/MPG and driving range will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery age/condition, and other factors. For additional information about EPA ratings, visit http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/label/learn-more-PHEV-label.shtml

*MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, destination charge and options. Dealer prices may vary.