The editors at Kelley Blue
Book, the leading provider of new - and used - vehicle
information, have compiled a list of the top 10 cool and affordable new
vehicles available today for less than $18,000. In addition to their sporty
stylishness, many of these editor's picks are smaller vehicles that deliver
excellent fuel economy, making these cars in this price range even more
appealing with gas prices currently surging over $3.00 a gallon in many
parts of the country. All but one of the winners on the list returns
highway fuel economy of 30 mpg or better.
In choosing the elite 10 Coolest New Cars under $18,000, the editors
thoroughly examined each vehicle through the subjective magnifying glass of
what is cool, with an emphasis on its styling, performance and fun-to-drive
factor. Additionally more objective criteria such as safety, fuel economy,
environmental impact, interior size and comfort were taken into account.
The list of qualifying vehicles under $18,000 was put together 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).
"Each of the vehicles on this year's list is cool in its own way, but a
common thread is versatility such as folding seats, clever cubbies and
innovative storage solutions,. These are all vehicles the kbb.com editorial
staff would be happy to live with," said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial
director and executive market analyst, Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com. "The
$18,000 price point is a logical demarcation of affordability since it
represents an average monthly payment of $300 to $350 over the course of a
five-year loan."
All the vehicles on this list can be purchased for $18,000 or less,
demonstrating that there are great alternatives for those who demand
coolness but who don't want to spend a fortune on their ride. With three-
and five-door cars accounting for half the vehicles named, it's now
official: the hatchback is back.
Top 10 Coolest New Cars Selling Under $18,000
2007 Chevrolet Silverado Classic
2007 Ford Focus SES 2-door Hatchback
2007 Honda Fit
2007 Hyundai Tiburon
2007 Jeep Patriot
2007 Mazda 3
2007 Nissan Versa
2007 Scion tC
2007 Suzuki SX4
2007 Volkswagen Rabbit