Top 10 Back-to-School Cars

As gas prices skyrocket with little sign of an apogee, keeping your student’s tank full may soon rival the cost of tuition and housing. This Top 10 is aimed squarely at scholars who need budget-minded cars that sip fuel and won’t break down.

The big compromise here is whether to buy new or used. The new car costs more going in but is stone solid reliable. Going the used route saves some cash up front but raises the specter of reliability. The key is to buy a relatively new used car and pick a good one.

The criteria for selecting these Top 10 vehicles focused on cars that are relatively cost effective, maneuverable and fuel-efficient. These vehicles will deliver reliable performance with the versatility to become a transparent component of the educational experience.

Opting for an older generation of a given car will lower the buy-in, but you do so at the peril of reliability. Buying a newer generation will raise the buy-in, but can potentially improve the vehicle's reliability. These costs/risks will differ from household to household, so adjust these concerns according to your own financial needs.

1. Honda Civic

The sixth-generation Honda Civic (1996-2000) can be had in hatchback configuration, which adds valuable cargo versatility. The seventh-generation (2001-2005) is strictly a sedan or coupe choice. The Civic makes the grade for build quality and reliability. When properly cared for, the interior holds up exceedingly well and the drivetrain is solid. The performance minded Si has more style and zip than the pedestrian mid-level trim offerings. The Civic can be easily personalized to up its "cool" factor, which means this investment could still be in the family long after graduation.

2. Ford Focus

The Ford Focus is another versatile multi-tasker available in sedan, hatchback and wagon form, which gives the buyer more options. It posts good numbers in reliability and can be a real bargain at buy-in time on the used side of the ledger, and has been recently redesigned for those looking for a factory-fresh offering. The addition of the Sync in-vehicle entertainment and communication system makes the Focus a must-have ride for road trips.

3. Scion xB

With its "good to be square" design, the Scion xB is a uniquely shaped car with styling that is aimed towards the younger audience. With an expansive interior that belies its overall dimensions, the xB (2004-2007, new for 2008) is built right and its excellent fuel mileage and outstanding crash ratings make this Scion a natural born thriller for both parent and student alike.

4. Mazda MX-5 Miata

The Miata is the fun, illogical choice but convertibles can be a double-edged sword. They may look cool but can be easy to break into, which may cost more to insure, and offer little storage space. First- and second-generation Miatas do feature optional removable hardtops and deliver a driving experience like no other on this list. Early production 1990 to 1992 editions can be obtained for as little as $3,000. For 2007 Mazda added a power retractable hardtop, which may help deter those break-ins. As a recipient of many "Best of" accolades, perhaps this Mazda is the "get a scholarship" reward?

Discuss:  Have fuel-price concerns trumped tuition-cost worries?

5. smart fortwo

The “Euro hip” smart fortwo starts at $11,590, which is in used-car territory. Its 33/41 mpg figures land it in hybrid territory. The two-seater’s miserly manners come from its 1.0-liter, 3-cylinder powerplant. Rated at a scant 71 horsepower, speeding tickets should be non-existent. The fortwo is easy to maneuver and park and its safety cell has proven quite crashworthy.