The Coolest Cars Under 18 Grand

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

1970toyotamarc - 4/20/2007 2:14:09 PM

+7 Boost

Silverado, Tiburon and Focus-the dictionary definition of cool. Are you kidding me????

VinnyP - 4/20/2007 2:16:52 PM

+3 Boost

Honda Fit...wouldnt have considered it, the Rally version of the Suzuki is cool...

Will_ - 4/20/2007 2:31:01 PM

+7 Boost

I'd have the Mazda 3.

no1listensanyway - 4/20/2007 2:36:50 PM

0 Boost

I really like the Mazda 3 though its too small for my needs. Only if they put the same hard work in the Mazda 6, I would be driving one of those.

courtstone - 4/21/2007 10:09:27 AM

+2 Boost

Yeah...I never understood why Mazda didn't try harder with the Mazda 6, the 3 is great. The 6 would have generated more sales, since it competes in the Accord/Camry segment.

danman - 4/20/2007 3:00:40 PM

+1 Boost

Susuki Swift is the coolest one under 18 grand

TeeCee06 - 4/20/2007 3:13:34 PM

0 Boost

SCHWEET my car the tC is "cool"..HaHa..I call mine the "Hotnezz"

Threepoint1415926 - 4/20/2007 5:48:00 PM

0 Boost

If you're talking used, I can think of way better cars than an Impala for 18 Grand.

SilverAero - 4/20/2007 8:32:29 PM

0 Boost

Roller, you strike me as a person who only likes cars that are in rap videos. I don't agree with your taste but you have a point. There are alot of great used cars for under 18,000. Thats because, a lot of current cars under 18 grand are made to be disposable daily drivers.

maff23uk - 4/21/2007 9:24:40 AM

+3 Boost

Anybody that thinks a car is cool only if it costs a fortune and has a V8 with 400hp is clueless as to the meaning of the word "cool".

"Cool" is more about design than anything else and is totally independant of cost and power. If something is original and has a style all of its own it is a lot cooler than a bog standard chevy truck with a lazy V8 slung in the front.

Of those listed I'd agree with Scion Tc, Mazda 3, Suzuki SX4, and Jeep Patriot. All of these have some design flair and character about them.

Is the Mini Cooper over $18,000? That would be the ultimate cool car in this price range if it was under.

daytonaviolet - 4/20/2007 4:54:28 PM

-1 Boost

E36 M3.

speedmaster - 4/20/2007 4:55:56 PM

+2 Boost

I would kick a SX4 in rally trim or if they sold the swift here.

EnnNorak - 4/20/2007 5:16:33 PM

+1 Boost

Only the Suzuki SX4 is truly cool especially in that unusual orange-bronze color. Its a bit small for my needs (although surprisingly wide inside) but I like the 4WD system this economical car has because it allows the driver to switch from 2WD to 4WD AUTO to 4WD LOCK. Laqck of leather seats is usually a deal-breaker for me but the SX4 has a very nice cloth interior. A perfect car for my wife although she currently drives an A6 Quattro.

trd1 - 4/20/2007 5:52:10 PM

+3 Boost

ill take the tc and why is the fit on there, i mean really, that must be like the stupidist car for under 18 grand.

neutral - 4/20/2007 6:19:29 PM

+2 Boost

The rabbit, the Patriot, and the Mazda 3, possibly even the Scion tC. Those are ones for me.

S4cabriofoxone - 4/20/2007 9:51:25 PM

+3 Boost

This is a retarded list. Silverado Classic??? TIBURON?! 009, what is up with this? I'd only look at the tC, Rabbit, 3 and Fit!

alfistiDK - 4/21/2007 12:15:48 AM

+2 Boost

ditto

izfuney - 4/21/2007 2:55:02 AM

+3 Boost

I think the list needs to be trimmed...
The rabbit comes with a horrible engine ..the 2.5l inline 5 that ... makes less power then a 1.8 liter 4 banger from japan...
Face it with if you want VW go with the 2.0liter turbo ... it is a really really good engine..

That leaves .
1) Scion Tc -- have to say it is a sweet car
2) Honda Fit -- bleah !!
3) Suzuki Sx4 - I liked the Euro hatchback verion better ..

S4cabriofoxone - 4/21/2007 11:05:52 AM

-2 Boost

True. But the Rabbit is still a peppy car because of its lightweight. Oddly, it's also standard with a power driver's seat, heated front seats and a six-disc CD player.

I have the 2.0T in my A3, and with the DSG, it's a fabulous powertrain. It's faster than my old A6 2.7T, for sure.

S4cabriofoxone - 4/21/2007 11:06:16 AM

-1 Boost

Put a space in between "light" and "weight."

...

LexusNumberOne4ever - 4/23/2007 12:26:07 AM

+1 Boost

"Why are there no Toyota's on the list?"
You mean a Lexus?
They're overpriced...