Best Car For College Students in 2024

best car for college student (1)
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There are a few factors to consider when purchasing a car for college students. One is the budget. Some cars are more affordable than others, while others have features that are worth the extra cost. Another consideration is the type of driving the student will be doing. The best car for college student with good fuel economy is ideal for students who live on campus and drive only during the school week, while a sports car may be more fun to drive and can handle weekends and vacations better.

What is the most reliable car for a student?

When it comes to choosing the best car for a college student, there are a few things to take into account. One of the most important factors is price, as a car should not be too expensive or too cheap. Another key consideration is whether or not the car has enough features for the individual. Finally, it is important to consider the reliability of the vehicle.

Some of the best cars for college students are those that are affordable and have a lot of features. Volvo has many models that are perfect for students because they are reliable and have a good reputation for being safe cars. Another great choice is the Mazda3, which is affordable and has excellent fuel economy. The downside is that it does not have a lot of bells and whistles, but this might be what someone wants in order to save money.

Here are five of the most reliable cars for college students:

best car for college student

#1. Hyundai Elantra

The Hyundai Elantra, also known as the Hyundai Avante is a compact car produced by the South Korean manufacturer Hyundai since 1990

best car for college student

#2. Kia Soul

The Kia Soul is a subcompact crossover SUV manufactured and marketed worldwide by Kia

best car for college student

#3. Toyota Prius

The Toyota Prius is far and away from the most expensive small car on this list, with an MSRP of $24,685.

best car for college student

#4. Honda Fit

The Honda Fit is a great car for college students. It’s small, easy to maneuver, and affordable

best car for college student

#5. Nissan Altima

The Nissan Altima is a perfect car for college students.

#1. Hyundai Elantra

best car for college student

The Hyundai Elantra, also known as the Hyundai Avante (Korean: 한국연비), is a compact car produced by the South Korean manufacturer Hyundai since 1990. The Elantra is available in both two-door and four-door models, with engines ranging from a 1.6L gasoline engine to a 2.0L I4 turbocharged engine. The Elantra was named “Best Car for College Students” by Forbes in 2007 and has consistently been one of the most popular cars sold in Korea.

When the Hyundai Elantra first hit the market, it was marketed as the Lantra in Australia and some European markets. This was due to the similarly named Mitsubishi. The Elantra is a great car for college students who are looking for an affordable option that still has features and options that will make their life easier. For example, the Elantra comes with a number of safety features, such as blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, that can help keep students safe on campus. Additionally, the Elantra has a number of other features that make it a great choice for students, such as its fuel efficiency and spacious interior.

For those looking for an affordable, compact car that gets decent fuel economy, the Hyundai Elantra would be a good option. It has an MSRP of $16,950, but can be found for as little as $14,000. The Elantra is available in models that get up to 40 miles per gallon. That’s enough for most college students’ needs. The car also has a number of features that make it easy to use and comfortable for long trips.

ManufacturerHyundai
Also calledHyundai Avante
Hyundai Lantra (1990–2000)
Hyundai i30 Sedan (2020–present)
Production1990–present
ClassCompact car 
LayoutFront-engine, front-wheel-drive
PredecessorHyundai Stellar (South Korea)

2. Kia Soul

best car for college student

The Kia Soul is a subcompact crossover SUV manufactured and marketed worldwide by Kia. The Soul was first introduced in 2009 and has been redesigned for the 2016 model year. Designed at Kia’s design center in Irvine, California, the Soul is available in three trim levels: S, SE, and SEL. The S model features a compact MPV body style, while the SE and SEL models are larger with more standard features. All models come standard with an automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. The Soul received positive reviews for its spaciousness and fuel efficiency when compared to other subcompact crossovers on the market.

The Kia Soul is a unique car that really stands out. It has a box-like design that makes it look different from other cars on the road. Inside, you’ll find plenty of amenities to make your life easier. The Soul is perfect for college students who want a reliable car that won’t break the bank.

ManufacturerKia
Production2008–present
ClassSubcompact crossover SUV
Body style5-door SUV
LayoutFront-engine, front-wheel-drive

2. Toyota Prius

best car for college student

The Toyota Prius is far and away from the most expensive small car on this list, with an MSRP of $24,685. What do you get for the price? Primarily, you get a reliable and efficient vehicle that can handle just about any road condition or commute. Additionally, the Prius is one of the most popular small cars on the market, so there’s likely to be a good selection in your area. If you’re looking for a car that won’t break the bank, consider getting a Prius!

Inside, the Prius is quite spacious. On the other hand, for a car in its price range, reviews of the comfort and quality of the interior are mixed. Some say that the seats are comfortable and supportive, while others complain about how cramped it feels. As a college student on a tight budget, the Prius may be the best car for you. However, if you’re looking for luxury features and a spacious interior, other cars may be better options.

The Toyota Prius is a car that has been around for many years and is known for its hybrid drivetrain. The Prius was first released in 1997 and has since become one of the most popular cars on the market. The Prius is great for college students because it is affordable, fuel-efficient, and has a lot of space.

The 2007 Toyota Prius was rated as a clean car by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California Air Resources Board (CARB). The Prius is known for its fuel efficiency, which makes it a good choice for college students who are looking to reduce their carbon footprint. Additionally, the Prius has been praised for its safety features, including its backup camera and airbag system. Overall, the 2007 Toyota Prius is a good car choice for those who are looking to reduce their environmental impact while still having a safe driving experience.

The Prius was the first mass-produced hybrid car and went on sale in Japan in 1997. Toyota originally designed the Prius for the Japanese market, but it was later released in other countries. The Prius is now available at all four Toyota Japan dealership chains, making it the first and still only mass-produced hybrid car. The Prius is a great car for college students because of its fuel efficiency and low cost of ownership.

In 2011, Toyota expanded the Prius family to include the Prius v, an extended hatchback, and the Prius c, a subcompact hatchback. The Prius v is designed for those who need more room than the regular Prius. The Prius c is designed for those who need a smaller car and don’t want to sacrifice fuel efficiency. Both cars are available in both gas and electric models.

ManufacturerToyota
ProductionDecember 1997 – present
Model years2001–present (US)
ClassSubcompact car (1997–2003)Compact car (2003–present)
Body style4-door sedan (1997–2003)5-door hatchback (2003–present)
LayoutFront-engine, front-wheel drive front-engine, all-wheel drive
(e-Four)
TransmissionE-CVT

4. Honda Fit

best car for college student

The Honda Fit is a great car for college students. It’s small, easy to maneuver, and affordable. Plus, it has a good fuel economy. The Honda Fit is also relatively safe, thanks to its low-speed rating and safety features like airbags and anti-lock brakes.

The Honda Fit is one of the most popular small cars on the market, and for good reason. The Fit shares Honda’s global small car platform with the City, Airwave, first-generation Mobilio, Freed, and HR-V Vezel, making it a great car for anyone looking for an affordable and practical option. Whether you’re a college student on a tight budget or just want something easy to drive that won’t break the bank, the Honda Fit is a great choice.

The Honda Fit is a popular car choice for college students because it is affordable and reliable. The Honda Fit hybrid petrol-electric version was released in Japan in October 2010 and in Europe in early 2011. The Honda Fit Fi is a much better car than the original Honda Fit because it has more horsepower and torque, better fuel economy, and more features.

ManufacturerHonda
Also calledHonda Jazz
Honda Life (China, Dongfeng Honda, 2020–present)
ProductionJune 2001 – present
ClassSubcompact car 
Body style5-door hatchback
LayoutFront-engine, front-wheel-drive
Front-engine, four-wheel-drive (Japan)
PlatformHonda Global Small Car
PredecessorHonda Logo
SuccessorHonda City Hatchback (GN) (Southeast Asia and South America)

5. Nissan Altima

best car for college student

The Nissan Altima is a decent all-around car. With an MSRP of $23,260, it is neither the cheapest nor the roomiest of the cars in this section. That said, it offers good value for the money and is a good fit for most people. It has good fuel economy and performance, plus ample cargo space. The Altima also comes with a variety of features that make it a good choice for college students.

The Nissan Altima is a perfect car for college students. It is reliable, affordable, and has a lot of features that are necessary for a student’s daily commute. The car rides smoothly and has plenty of space inside. The seats are comfortable, and the car comes with cruise control, air conditioning, and a CD player. The Altima also comes in a variety of colors, so it can fit into any lifestyle.

The Nissan Altima has historically been larger, more powerful, and more luxurious than the Nissan Sentra but less so than the Nissan Maxima. The 2016 Altima is a good car for college students because it is spacious, has a good interior design, and offers great fuel economy. Additionally, the 2017 Altima receives updates to its engine and transmission which make it even better.

The name “Altima” was originally applied to a top trim line of the Nissan Leopard for the Japanese market in 1986. The car was not named after the letter “A”, but after the word “Altima,” which is Spanish for “high altitude.” Nissan first introduced the Altima in Japan in 1984 and it became a popular choice among luxury buyers. In 1989, the Altima made its U.S. debut as a less-expensive alternative to Nissan’s more expensive models like the 300ZX and 350Z. Today, the Altima remains one of Nissan’s most popular vehicles and is available in both sedan and coupe body styles.

ManufacturerNissan
Also calledNissan Stanza Altima (1992–1993)
Nissan Bluebird (1992–1997)
Nissan Teana (2012–2019)
Production1992–present
ClassCompact car (1993–1997; 2007–2013 for coupes only)
Mid-size car (1998–present)
PredecessorNissan Bluebird
Nissan Stanza

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the best car for a college student is whatever makes them the most comfortable and gets them where they need to go. Some students prefer larger cars, while others prefer smaller cars. The best car for each individual is what matters most.