The expert editors at Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com,
the leading provider of new- and used-vehicle information, today
announce their picks for the Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000. The
vehicles that made Kelley Blue Book’s 2008 list of Top 10 Coolest New
Cars Under $18,000 -- typically a gas-sipping bunch -- arguably are
cooler than they have ever been. More fun, more practical and more
amenity-laden than ever before, today's entry-level vehicles deliver
more than simply affordable and efficient transportation.
Versatility and technology are growing trends in the under-$18,000
segment. Eight of the cars on this year's list are flexible five-door
hatchbacks, or available as such. The collective options list includes
navigation, hard-drive music storage, voice-controlled iPod
integration, Bluetooth phone connectivity, push-button start and
leather seating – some of which were introduced on high-end luxury cars
just a few years ago.
“The
vehicles on our Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000 list are very fun
to drive and feature-filled; first-time buyers and frugal down-sizers
have never had it so good,” said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial
director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book’s
kbb.com. “Manufacturers are finding ways to nicely equip their
entry-level vehicles while still keeping the price reasonably low, and
consumers are reaping the benefits more and more each year.”
In
choosing the 2008 list of Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000, the
kbb.com editors used the same set of criteria that many consumers use
in examining this category: safety, fuel economy, interior size,
comfort, technology, the vehicle’s fun-to-drive-factor, as well as the
decidedly subjective “cool” factor. The editors compiled the list of
qualifying vehicles using Kelley Blue Book’s New Car Blue Book Values,
which reflect real-world transaction prices and provide a more useful
comparison point than Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP).
Every vehicle on the list can be purchased for less than $18,000.
Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000
|
Vehicle |
MSRP |
New Car Blue
Book Value |
|
2008 Ford Focus |
$15,280 |
$14,942 |
|
2008 Honda Fit |
$14,585 |
$14,585 |
|
2008 Jeep Patriot |
$16,055 |
$15,894 |
|
2008 Mazda3 |
$17,230 |
$16,799 |
|
2008 Mitsubishi Lancer |
$14,615 |
$14,396 |
|
2009 Pontiac Vibe |
$15,895 |
$15,895 |
|
2008 Scion xB |
$16,270 |
$16,351 |
|
2008 Subaru Impreza |
$17,640 |
$17,375 |
|
2008 Suzuki SX4 |
$15,395 |
$15,164 |
|
2008 Volkswagen Rabbit |
$16,250 |
$16,088 |
Vehicles
are listed in alphabetical order. New Car Blue Book Values represent
transaction values, or what others are actually paying for this
vehicle. The listed New Car Blue Book Values were taken from kbb.com
during the week of April 1, 2008. New Car Blue Book Values are updated
weekly on kbb.com. Adding optional equipment at the time of purchase
will increase the price of the vehicle.
Kbb.com Editorial Comments on the Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000
2008 Ford Focus
"Cool"
might not be the first word that pops into your head upon seeing the
new Ford Focus, but don't judge this book by its cover. The Focus sedan
and coupe are the most affordable cars in which you can get the SYNC
music and phone integration system that allows you, for instance, to
play any song in your digital library simply by saying its name. That's
cool.
MSRP: $15,280 *NEW CAR BLUE BOOK VALUE: $14,942
2008 Honda Fit
With
gas prices on the rise, small cars like the Honda Fit are gaining in
popularity. The Fit sips gasoline and offers the sportiest driving
experience available in an econo-car. Plus, the seats can be configured
in multiple arrangements, so it can easily hold things like your
friends, your gear or a medium-sized alpaca (according to a photo on
Honda's Web site, anyway).
MSRP: $14,585 *NEW CAR BLUE BOOK VALUE: $14,585
2008 Jeep Patriot
The
Jeep Patriot has a classic look reminiscent of the departed Jeep
Cherokee plus a functional interior and a sub-$18,000 price tag -- even
when equipped with four-wheel drive. Combined with highway fuel economy
up to 28 miles per gallon, the Patriot delivers a cool mix of SUV-like
versatility and car-like efficiency for buyers on a budget.
MSRP: $16,055 *NEW CAR BLUE BOOK VALUE: $15,894
2008 Mazda3
On
our list for the fifth year in a row and still in its first generation,
the Mazda3 is the current elder statesman of cool compact cars.
Available in four- and five-door layouts, the dynamic Mazda3 is
responsive, quick and stylish, but also comfortable, efficient and
practical.
MSRP: $17,230 *NEW CAR BLUE BOOK VALUE: $16,799
2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
The
Mitsubishi Lancer’s aggressive, rally-inspired looks belie a starting
price of less than $15,000. The low cost of entry will leave many
buyers with enough extra cash to add cool options like a hard-drive
navigation system, an impressive premium audio system or perhaps a
stylish spoiler.
MSRP: $14,615 *NEW CAR BLUE BOOK VALUE: $14,396
2009 Pontiac Vibe
The
hot-looking Pontiac Vibe has always delivered a very cool combination
of affordability, versatility and fuel economy. Compared with its
predecessor, the new-for-'09, second-generation Vibe boasts a sportier
look inside and out, more powerful engines and even a lower starting
price.
MSRP: $15,895 *NEW CAR BLUE BOOK VALUE: $15,895
2008 Scion xB
The
original “box on wheels” grew rounder, larger and more powerful for
2008, but the xB remains a distinctively styled non-conformist. Cool
standard features include steering-wheel mounted audio controls, iPod
integration and a choice of three wheel designs for instant
customization at the dealership.
MSRP: $16,270 *NEW CAR BLUE BOOK VALUE: $16,351
2008 Subaru Impreza
With
170 horsepower, all-wheel drive and a double-wishbone rear suspension,
the Subaru Impreza sedan adds a sporty and capable touch to our cool
car selections. The five-door variant has a similar base price and
suits those in need of more cargo room for their active lifestyles.
MSRP: $17,640 *NEW CAR BLUE BOOK VALUE: $17,375
2008 Suzuki SX4
This
is the second year in a row that Suzuki’s small crossover has made our
list of cool cars under $18,000. In addition to a sporty exterior and
roomy, stylish interior, the SX4 still has the distinction of being the
least expensive all-wheel-drive vehicle sold in America.
MSRP: $15,395 *NEW CAR BLUE BOOK VALUE: $15,164
2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
The
versatile and affordable Volkswagen Rabbit hopped its way onto our list
with its perky 2.5-liter engine, comfortable ride, sharp handling and a
level of interior refinement rivaling that of some much pricier
vehicles.
MSRP: $16,250 *NEW CAR BLUE BOOK VALUE: $16,088
New-Vehicle Research Tools Available on Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com
§ Full expert reviews of new 2008 (and some 2009) model year vehicles, including print and video
§ Pricing, specifications and information on optional features
§ Resale value information
§ Safety data
§ Rebates and incentives information
§ Side-by-side comparison tool
§ Consumer reviews and ratings
§ Photos and 360-degree views
§ Dealer price quote
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