5 Fuel-Efficient 2011 Cars for College Students to Consider
For many teens, starting a new life at college also means investing in a new car. In general, college students want a reliable vehicle that also looks good. Of course, given the cost of the average college's tuition, an affordable price also tends to be important. Keep reading to review a few of the best 2011 new cars for college students to consider.
2011 Ford Fiesta
As a brand-new model for the year, the Ford Fiesta has emerged as one of the best-reviewed compact cars in 2011. Starting at $15,120, the Fiesta delivers a spunky, economical design that should be appreciated by the college-bound crowd. An SFE model of the Fiesta is tuned to deliver a maximum fuel efficiency of 29 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway. Standard features available on the Fiesta are fairly minimal. However, our future captains of industry have the option to add such amenities as full power accessories, rear spoiler, premium sound system, ambient lighting and Ford Sync voice-command system.
Learn more about the 2011 Ford Fiesta.
2011 Honda Civic
The Honda Civic has been a top-selling car among younger drivers for well over a decade. For 2011, the Civic returns to deliver a great combination of reliability, affordability and slightly sporty appeal. For a base price of $15,805, car shoppers get a Spartan interior that doesn't come with many luxuries. However, a number of upgrade trims ensure virtually everyone can find a model that meets his or her needs. Fuel efficiency for the Honda Civic is listed at 26 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. A hybrid version of the car is also available for those who can afford it (base price of $23,950).
Learn more about the 2011 Honda Civic.
2011 Chevrolet Cruze
Most reviewers agree that the all-new 2011 Chevy Cruze is a big improvement over the outgoing Chevrolet Cobalt. The base features list for the Cobalt is above-average for its class, with air conditioning, 60/40 rear split seat, full power accessories, six-speaker stereo, satellite radio and CD/MP3 player all coming standard. Base price for the Cruze is set at $16,275. An Eco model of the Cruze delivers a maximum of 28 mpg in the city and 42 mpg on the highway.
Learn more about the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze.
2011 Volkswagen Golf
College students looking for a sporty, slightly upscale hatchback will find much to like about the VW Golf. While its MSRP is a bit higher than other cars on this list ($17,995 base price), the compact VW Golf delivers around 50 more horsepower than competing engines. It also comes standard with a long list of features, including eight-speaker stereo, heated mirrors and full power accessories. The base Golf delivers 24 mpg in the city and 31 mpg in the highway. A diesel engine model is also available that delivers an impressive 30 mpg in the city and 42 mpg on the highway.
Learn more about the 2011 Volkswagen Golf.
2011 Toyota Prius
When it comes to hybrid technology, the affordability of the Toyota Prius makes it a top choice for college students. Starting at $23,050, it isn't all that more expensive than a traditional mid-size sedan. Of course, the estimated 51 mpg in the city and 48 mpg on the highway help keep long-term costs low as well. Features on the Prius that will likely appeal to younger drivers include keyless ignition, six-speaker stereo and auxiliary audio input.
Learn more about the 2011 Toyota Prius.