Here’s its Top 10, new and used.

– New (all 2008s, priced $14,000-$17,000): Chevrolet Cobalt, Ford Focus, Honda Fit, Hyundai Tucson, Mazda3, Scion xB, Subaru Impreza, Suzuki SX4, Toyota Matrix and Volkswagen Rabbit.

– Used cars (priced $11,000-$12,000): 2008 Chevy Aveo, 2007 Dodge Caliber, 2006 Hyundai Elantra, 2005 Ford Crown Victoria, and ’04 models Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Mazda Tribute, Mazda3, Nissan Altima and Pontiac Vibe.

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Versatility and technology are growing trends in the under-$18,000 segment. Eight of the cars on this year’s list are flexible five-door hatchbacks, or available as such. The collective options list includes navigation, hard-drive music storage, voice-controlled iPod integration, Bluetooth phone connectivity, push-button start and leather seating — some of which were introduced on high-end luxury cars just a few years ago.

“The vehicles on our Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000 list are very fun to drive and feature-filled; first-time buyers and frugal down-sizers have never had it so good,” said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com. “Manufacturers are finding ways to nicely equip their entry-level vehicles while still keeping the price reasonably low, and consumers are reaping the benefits more and more each year.”

In choosing the 2008 list of Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000, the kbb.com editors used the same set of criteria that many consumers use in examining this category: safety, fuel economy, interior size, comfort, technology, the vehicle’s fun-to-drive-factor, as well as the decidedly subjective “cool” factor. The editors compiled the list of qualifying vehicles 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). Every vehicle on the list can be purchased for less than $18,000.

Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000

Vehicle | MSRP | New Car Blue Book Value
2008 Ford Focus $15,280 $14,942
2008 Honda Fit $14,585 $14,585
2008 Jeep Patriot $16,055 $15,894
2008 Mazda3 $17,230 $16,799
2008 Mitsubishi Lancer $14,615 $14,396
2009 Pontiac Vibe $15,895 $15,895
2008 Scion xB $16,270 $16,351
2008 Subaru Impreza $17,640 $17,375
2008 Suzuki SX4 $15,395 $15,164
2008 Volkswagen Rabbit $16,250 $16,088

Vehicles are listed in alphabetical order. New Car Blue Book Values represent transaction values, or what others are actually paying for this vehicle. The listed New Car Blue Book Values were taken from kbb.com during the week of April 1, 2008. New Car Blue Book Values are updated weekly on kbb.com. Adding optional equipment at the time of purchase will increase the price of the vehicle.

Kbb.com Editorial Comments on the Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000

2008 Ford Focus
“Cool” might not be the first word that pops into your head upon seeing the new Ford Focus, but don’t judge this book by its cover. The Focus sedan and coupe are the most affordable cars in which you can get the SYNC music and phone integration system that allows you, for instance, to play any song in your digital library simply by saying its name. That’s cool.
MSRP: $15,280 *NEW CAR BLUE BOOK VALUE: $14,942

2008 Honda Fit
With gas prices on the rise, small cars like the Honda Fit are gaining in popularity. The Fit sips gasoline and offers the sportiest driving experience available in an econo-car. Plus, the seats can be configured in multiple arrangements, so it can easily hold things like your friends, your gear or a medium-sized alpaca (according to a photo on Honda’s Web site, anyway).
MSRP: $14,585 *NEW CAR BLUE BOOK VALUE: $14,585

2008 Jeep Patriot
The Jeep Patriot has a classic look reminiscent of the departed Jeep Cherokee plus a functional interior and a sub-$18,000 price tag — even when equipped with four-wheel drive. Combined with highway fuel economy up to 28 miles per gallon, the Patriot delivers a cool mix of SUV-like versatility and car-like efficiency for buyers on a budget.
MSRP: $16,055 *NEW CAR BLUE BOOK VALUE: $15,894

2008 Mazda3
On our list for the fifth year in a row and still in its first generation, the Mazda3 is the current elder statesman of cool compact cars. Available in four- and five-door layouts, the dynamic Mazda3 is responsive, quick and stylish, but also comfortable, efficient and practical.
MSRP: $17,230 *NEW CAR BLUE BOOK VALUE: $16,799

2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
The Mitsubishi Lancer’s aggressive, rally-inspired looks belie a starting price of less than $15,000. The low cost of entry will leave many buyers with enough extra cash to add cool options like a hard-drive navigation system, an impressive premium audio system or perhaps a stylish spoiler.
MSRP: $14,615 *NEW CAR BLUE BOOK VALUE: $14,396

2009 Pontiac Vibe
The hot-looking Pontiac Vibe has always delivered a very cool combination of affordability, versatility and fuel economy. Compared with its predecessor, the new-for-’09, second-generation Vibe boasts a sportier look inside and out, more powerful engines and even a lower starting price.
MSRP: $15,895 *NEW CAR BLUE BOOK VALUE: $15,895

2008 Scion xB
The original “box on wheels” grew rounder, larger and more powerful for 2008, but the xB remains a distinctively styled non-conformist. Cool standard features include steering-wheel mounted audio controls, iPod integration and a choice of three wheel designs for instant customization at the dealership.
MSRP: $16,270 *NEW CAR BLUE BOOK VALUE: $16,351

2008 Subaru Impreza
With 170 horsepower, all-wheel drive and a double-wishbone rear suspension, the Subaru Impreza sedan adds a sporty and capable touch to our cool car selections. The five-door variant has a similar base price and suits those in need of more cargo room for their active lifestyles.
MSRP: $17,640 *NEW CAR BLUE BOOK VALUE: $17,375

2008 Suzuki SX4
This is the second year in a row that Suzuki’s small crossover has made our list of cool cars under $18,000. In addition to a sporty exterior and roomy, stylish interior, the SX4 still has the distinction of being the least expensive all-wheel-drive vehicle sold in America.
MSRP: $15,395 *NEW CAR BLUE BOOK VALUE: $15,164

2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
The versatile and affordable Volkswagen Rabbit hopped its way onto our list with its perky 2.5-liter engine, comfortable ride, sharp handling and a level of interior refinement rivaling that of some much pricier vehicles.
MSRP: $16,250 *NEW CAR BLUE BOOK VALUE: $16,088

New-Vehicle Research Tools Available on Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com

– Full expert reviews of new 2008 (and some 2009) model year vehicles,
including print and video
– Pricing, specifications and information on optional features
– Resale value information
– Safety data
– Rebates and incentives information
– Side-by-side comparison tool
– Consumer reviews and ratings
– Photos and 360-degree views
– Dealer price quote

For more information about the Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000, visit http://www.kbb.com/coolcars08

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Chevrolet Corvette
Honda Civic
Infiniti G37
Mini Cooper
Scion tC
Scion xB
Toyota Corolla
Volkswagen Eos
Volkswagen Jetta
Volkswagen Rabbit

Full Article

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