Cars and Drivers

10 Coolest Cars Costing Less Than $18,000

Paul Ausick

Published: May 20, 2016 9:55 am

Last Updated: January 13, 2020 7:47 am

Most of us would agree that a Ferrari F12berlinetta is a lot cooler than, say, a Ford Fiesta, but figuring out what defines “cool” among cars in the same price range is a tougher task.

According to the editors at Kelley Blue Book (KBB), two important components of cool are that the vehicle be “fun-to-drive” and “fun-to-own.” KBB’s editors are aware that these criteria are subjective, but they say, these add up to a “cool factor.”

Toss affordability into the mix, and what emerges is KBB’s 2016 list of the 10 coolest cars selling for less than $18,000. The sales price is based on KBB’s fair purchase range which considers the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP), as well as factors such as current market conditions, vehicle availability, local demand and seasonal buying trends.

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The following is KBB’s list, including the MSRP, the KBB fair purchase price and the EPA mileage ratings. Prices are based on the base model with standard options. KBB based its list on prices in Los Angeles in late April. This list includes two cars prices slightly above $18,000, but that’s due to a different time and location.

10. Chevrolet Sonic from General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM)
    MSRP – $15,820; KBB fair purchase price – $15,013; mpg – 26 city/35 highway

9. Ford Fiesta from Ford Motor Co. (NYSE: F)
   MSRP – $15,455; KBB fair purchase price – $14,447; mpg – 28 city/37 highway

8. Honda Fit from Honda Motor Co. Ltd. (NYSE: HMC)
   MSRP – $16,725; KBB fair purchase price – $16,030; mpg – 33 city/41 highway

7. Fiat 500 from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. (NYSE: FCAU)
   MSRP – $18,740; KBB fair purchase price – $17,240; mpg – 31 city/40 highway

6. Hyundai Veloster from Hyundai
   MSRP – $18,835; KBB fair purchase price – $17,812; mpg – 28 city/36 highway

5. Kia Soul from Kia Motors Corp./Hyundai
   MSRP – $16,750; KBB fair purchase price – $15,867; mpg – 24 city/30 highway

4. Volkswagen Golf from Volkswagen
   MSRP – $19,315; KBB fair purchase price – $17,702; mpg – 25 city/37 highway

3. Jeep Renegade from Fiat Chrysler
   MSRP – $18,990; KBB fair purchase price – $18,105; mpg – 24 city/31 highway

2. Honda Civic
   MSRP – $15,820; KBB fair purchase price – $19,475; mpg – 31 city/41 highway

1. Mazda3 from Mazda
   MSRP – $18,680; KBB fair purchase price – $17,594; mpg – 30 city/41 highway
   The Mazda3 has been the top-ranked cool car in this price range for 13 consecutive years.