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2009 Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000
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When we put together last year's list of the 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000, gas was approaching four dollars per gallon and fuel efficiency was more fashionable than ever. This year, the price of gas has dropped significantly but the economy has worsened. (It's always something, right?) So even if exceptional fuel economy isn't quite the rage it was last year, affordability is definitely in season.
One of the trends evident on this year's list is a growing emphasis on personality. Remember just how outlandish the first Scion xB was when it arrived? A handful of cars on this list could have given it a run for its money in the "what was that?!" department back then, but are easily absorbed today. As for continuing themes, technology and versatility remain big ones.
In choosing the 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000, we use the same set of criteria that consumers use in examining such vehicles. Safety, fuel economy, interior size, comfort, technology and fun-to-drive are all considered, as is the decidedly subjective cool factor. The list of qualifying vehicles under $18,000 is put together using our 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.
Here, in alphabetical order, is Kelley Blue Book's 2009 list of the 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000:
One of the trends evident on this year's list is a growing emphasis on personality. Remember just how outlandish the first Scion xB was when it arrived? A handful of cars on this list could have given it a run for its money in the "what was that?!" department back then, but are easily absorbed today. As for continuing themes, technology and versatility remain big ones.
In choosing the 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000, we use the same set of criteria that consumers use in examining such vehicles. Safety, fuel economy, interior size, comfort, technology and fun-to-drive are all considered, as is the decidedly subjective cool factor. The list of qualifying vehicles under $18,000 is put together using our 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.
Here, in alphabetical order, is Kelley Blue Book's 2009 list of the 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000:
What makes the Ford Focus cool? Surprisingly European-like driving dynamics and the available SYNC infotainment system. The affordable music and phone integration system can read your text messages and search your music library via voice commands, allowing you to easily sport some of the coolest in-car technology around without breaking the bank.
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Used Vehicles are listed alphabetically. Suggested Retail Price is the asking price you can expect from a dealer, and it would be the starting point for negotiation. The Kelley Blue Book Suggested Retail Price shown assumes the vehicle is in excellent condition and assumes typical mileage, options, and equipment for the model year. Differences in mileage and optional equipment will affect the Kelley Blue Book Suggested Retail Price.
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