Top 5 Back to School Cars of 2013With more choices than ever before, we focus on safety, fuel efficiency and connectivity for under $20k.
We've researched and compiled our Top 5 picks for the 2013 model year based on our own time behind the wheel of each car, outside data and feedback from our readers. Requirements were set based on what we've found to be important to young buyers, including a vehicle that averages at least 30 MPG combined by the EPA, earns top safety ratings from NHTSA and the IIHS, offers standard Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, an automatic transmission, and comes in under $20,000. When it’s time to shop, be sure to drive all five to see which fits your lifestyle and personality the most. 5. Hyundai Elantra ($19,410) - A hot seller in the compact segment, the Elantra sedan won “North American Car of the Year” in 2012. It offers all the comfort, smooth ride and space of a much larger car, at a price that can’t be beat. Bluetooth is part of $650 option package (included in the above MSRP) which also heated cloth seats, a unique feature at this price point and in most cars in the United States. 4. Subaru Impreza ($19,705) - Whether you need the all-weather traction of AWD in the snowbelt states or the extra confidence during rainy southern weather, the Impreza has always impressed us. The sedan’s design is based around functionality, offering accessories galore for those who seek outdoor adventures on the weekends. 3. Honda Civic ($18,165) - The most well-known name in compact cars, the Civic was the benchmark for decades. It’s a basic recipe of reliability, safety and value, and that still holds true for 2013. The Civic is the only one on our list with a standard back-up camera and has earned a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. 2. Ford Focus ($17,495) - Though we think the hatchback is the better looking of the two body styles, the sedan is priced a bit lower and remains a looker in the compact segment. It’s based on the European Ford Focus and we still find it to be one of the more fun to drive compacts on the market. Bluetooth is part of the SYNC package for $295 on base trim levels and is standard on all others. 1. Chevy Sonic Hatchback ($18,535) - The only subcompact on our list, the Sonic hatchback is the most fun to drive and versatile vehicle for the money. It fits two passengers comfortably in the rear, offers cubbies on the dash for smartphones and comes equipped with 10 airbags on every trim level. Chevy offers it with two engines, a base 1.8L and a much livelier 1.4L turbo on all but the LS trim level. We’d recommend the nicely equipped LT model with the latter engine, red interior and a spoiler. Photos: https://www.prlog.org/ https://www.prlog.org/ https://www.prlog.org/ End
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