(NAPSI)—In any economy, consumers like to drive a bargain, especially when shopping for a new car. An inexpensive new vehicle, however, may not provide everything a driver wants and needs. Fortunately, you may not have to sacrifice features, technology or even street cred, if you consider a select few cars that are reasonably priced, as well as engaging and enjoyable to drive.
To help, Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com compiled a list of cool cars that also are affordable for drivers on a budget.
The experts at kbb.com had two criteria for each car named on the popular annual list—fun-to-drive and fun-to-own. Once passing the decidedly subjective “cool factor” test, each car also was judged on the same criteria many consumers use: safety, fuel economy, interior size, comfort and technology.
“There are great deals to be had on many new cars under $18,000 but only a handful of them really possess that cool, difficult-to-describe ‘it’ factor,” said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com. “In ranking our top picks this year, the 2012 Fiat 500 took the top prize as our No. 1 choice.”
Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000
10: 2011 Hyundai Elantra
9: 2011 Nissan Cube
8: 2011 Volkswagen Jetta
7: 2012 Ford Focus
6: 2012 Honda Civic
5: 2011 Kia Forte Koup
4: 2011 Honda Fit
3: 2011 Ford Fiesta
2: 2011 Mazda3
1: 2012 Fiat 500
Each car is available for $18,000 or less, based on actual new-vehicle transactions updated weekly for changing market conditions.
Learn More
For more information, visit www.kbb.com/car-news/all-the-latest/10-coolest-cars-under-18000-_-2011-edition.
Visit KBB.com to find out all about each of these cool cars. Make sure to do your homework when you are thinking about buying a new car.