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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:
This roomy crossover easily garnered a spot on our list for a third year running thanks to its stylish design and designation as the least-expensive all-wheel-drive vehicle in America. For 2009, Suzuki upped its game by adding an integrated Garmin navigation unit to the standard equipment list of all front-wheel-drive SX4 models, providing you with the means to travel somewhere new without losing your cool.
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All vehicles are listed by their New Car Blue Book value. New Car Blue Book values represent transaction values, or what others are paying for this vehicle, during the week of Thursday, November 19, 2009. 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.
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