Price: $22,140 (sedan)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Hwy): 20/27 mpg
Crash tests: 5 stars frontal, 5 stars side; Good frontal offset, Good side
The Legacy is a manageably sized, well-built sedan or wagon that handles especially well, is a good choice for longer commuting or road trips and has top scores in both major crash-test series. All-wheel drive is standard, and when equipped with the optional electronic stability control system, it was a 2007 IIHS Top Safety Pick.
Price: $21,610
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Hwy): 48/45 mpg (est)
Crash tests: 5 stars frontal, 5 stars side; Good frontal offset, Good side
The environmentally friendly Prius is at its most efficient in stop-and-go driving, which will suit congested campus areas–and tight gas budgets–very well. The trouble-free Prius is also rated at the top by Consumer Reports for reliability and gets 4.5 stars out of 5 from J.D. Power in Overall Quality–Mechanical.
Price: $21,195 (2007)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Hwy): 20/27 mpg (est)
Crash tests: 5 stars frontal, 5 stars side; Good frontal offset, Good side
The CR-V has a very roomy, quiet interior and its handles well, too. For students in Snow Belt states, the available Real Time four-wheel drive system may aid safety on slippery surfaces. Electronic stability control and active front headrests, which help reduce rear-impact whiplash injuries, are standard. Finding a replacement of any of its auto parts will not be a problem for both parents and students for it is very easy to find.
Price: $19,595 (2007)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Hwy): 19/25 mpg
Crash tests: Five stars frontal, five stars side
The car-based Tucson sport utility vehicle has safe handling, a good ride and a very roomy, comfortable interior, plus it’s tough enough to make it out on a rutted road to a summer camping trip, especially when equipped with the optional all-wheel drive. Electronic stability control, side-curtain airbags, and front seat-mounted side airbags are all standard.
Price: $18,825 (4-dr)
EPA Fuel Economy(City/Hwy): 21/29
Crash tests: 4 stars frontal, 5 stars side (4-dr); Good frontal offset, Good side
The Rabbit standard five-cylinder engine provides peppy performance. Stability control, anti-lock brakes and front side airbags–things you often have to elect as options in this price class–are all standard. Rear-seat side airbags, not normally available on smaller cars, are optional.
Price: $18,590
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Hwy): 22/30
Crash tests: 5 stars frontal, 5 stars side
The flamboyant HHR rides and handles well and is quite fuel-efficient. Just beware that due to the high-set windows, shorter drivers may have an issue with rearward visibility. Side-curtain airbags are optional and recommended; as such, the HHR gets top five-star ratings for frontal and side impact tests.
Your family’s safety matters. Whether it’s a short errand around town or a cross-country road trip, Chevrolet is committed to helping keep you and your family safe – from the start of your journey to your destination.
Price: $18,355 (2007)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Hwy): 25/36
Crash tests: 5 stars frontal, 4/5 stars side (4-dr w/SAB); Good frontal offset, Good side
The no-longer Plain-Jane Civic has a “better than average” Consumer Reports reliability score, along with 4.5 out of 5 stars in J.D. Power’s ratings for overall mechanical quality. For about $5,000 more, the Civic Hybrid offers a bump of about 10 mpg in city driving.
Price: $17,995 (2007 sedan)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Hwy): 24/32 mpg
Crash tests: 5 stars frontal, 4 stars side (4-dr); Good frontal offset
The Spectra has been designed inside and out to impress even the most demanding parents to meet the needs of their college sons/daughters and has earned 5 star car safety rating. So parents will be most happy and feel secured for their young.
A good compromise between cost, safety and efficiency on a tight budget, the Spectra sedan rides comfortably and handles well. Front seat-mounted side airbags and side curtain airbags are included, but ABS is optional. The Spectra is also available in a sportier Spectra5 five-door hatchback variant that might prove more useful and appealing than the sedan.
Price: $17,035
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Hwy): 23/27 mpg (est)
Crash tests: 4 stars frontal, 5 stars side
The Compass comes with standard electronic stability control and side curtain airbags, and all-wheel drive is available for all-weather traction. Options include a powerful sound system with outward-facing tailgate sound speakers, ideal for summer parties.
Safety features are common to Jeep Compass Sport 4X2 and Jeep Compass Limited 4X4, including side-curtain air bags, head protection, seatbelts in all five positions, electronic stability control (ESP) with ERM (Electronic Roll Mitigation), anti-lock brakes, and brake assist for panic stop.
Price: $16,820
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Hwy): 26/35 mpg
Crash tests: 5 stars frontal, 4 stars side; Good frontal offset, Acceptable side
The Corolla is one of the best, most trouble-free cars available. Fuel economy is stellar, Consumer Reports rates reliability tops, and the Corolla ranks 4.5 out of 5 stars in J.D. Power’s Overall Quality — Mechanical. Make sure you option up to both the seat-mounted side airbags and side curtain bags, along with ABS
