10 Cool cars You Can Buy less than $18,000
1.Volkswagen Rabbit
Sticker price: $16,300 - $19,340
Fuel economy: 30 Hwy, 21 City
Get ready to say good-bye to the Rabbit. Next year, the Golf name returns for this sporty German compact. The Golf will, of course, remain “fun, refined and versatile,” as KBB puts it. If so, it will likely land a place on this list under that name, too.
2.Suzuki SX4
Sticker price: $13,299 - $18,799
Fuel economy: 28 Hwy, 21 City
The SX4 is a roomy and fun little car, but the hatchback version is also the cheapest all-wheel-drive vehicle you can buy, a factor that ensures it a place here, KBB says. This year, Suzuki is also throwing in an integrated navigation system as standard equipment, making it even cooler.
3.Subaru Impreza
Sticker price: $17,495 - $27,495
Fuel economy: 27 Hwy, 20 City
The Subaru’s all-wheel-drive system makes it a good choice for those who want to go just about anywhere in any kind of weather, KBB says. It’s design, while not exactly outlandish, recalls Subaru’s rally race dominance.
4.Smart ForTwo
Sticker price: $11,990 - $20,990
Fuel economy: 41 Hwy, 33 City
The ForTwo is so cheap that even the convertible version starts at under $18,000. While it wouldn’t be our pick to drive on a daily basis, we agree with KBB that the ForTwo is a first-class head turner. For those who live in congested urban areas, there’s also the benefit that the ForTwo can squeeze in just about anywhere.
5.Scion xB
Sticker price: $15,750
Fuel economy: 28 Hwy, 22 City
The latest version of xB is a little bigger and more stable-feeling than the old, boxier version. That should make it more enjoyable for more people. Also, it keeps its design apart from newer competitors like the Cube and the Soul.
6.Nissan Cube
Sticker price: $13,990 - $19,370
Fuel economy: 30 Hwy, 28 City
New to the American market this year, the Cube’s asymmetrical design — the back window wraps around one side but not the other — is bound to put off some buyers, but that’s part of the point. Those who are drawn to it will find a surprisingly roomy and functional interior, KBB says.
7.Mazda3
Check out the Mazda MAZDA3 on AOL AutosSticker price: $14,690 - $20,895
Fuel economy: 32 Hwy, 24 City
The previous version of the Mazda3 has been on KBB’s “Cool cars” list for the past 8 years. The newly redesigned version keeps it up this year, too. The Mazda3 offers sporty driving along with great utility in a small package.
8.Kia Soul
Sticker price: $13,300 - $16,950
Fuel economy: 31 Hwy, 26 City
Inexpensive cars used to be inexpressive, as well. Not anymore, and the Kia Soul is exhibit A for the trend toward funkier sheet metal. Inside the Soul, the pulsating speaker lights are bound to be its biggest conversation starter KBB says.
9.Honda Fit
Sticker price: $14,750 - $16,260
Fuel economy: 33 Hwy, 27 City
A redesign for 2009 gave the Fit a sharper-edged look while retaining the interior flexibility that’s a big part of what makes this compact hatchback so much fun. It even has a manually shiftable automatic transmission with paddle shifters. KBB also points out luxury-like features such as an available navigation system.
10.Ford Focus
Sticker price: $15,520 - $18,265
Fuel economy: 35 Hwy, 24 City
The editors at Kelley Blue Book laud the Focus’s “surprisingly European-like driving dynamics,” but a bigger cool-factor is the availability of the voice-controlled Sync entertainment and phone system. We at CNNMoney.com enjoyed another cool feature, also available on some other Ford models: color-selectable interior lighting. Change the cupholder lights to suit your mood or just to impress your friends.
