Fairfield-Echo

The editors of Kelley Blue Book's www.kbb.com, a provider of new- and used-vehicle information, has announced their picks for the 2008 Top 10 New Back-to-School Cars to help students and parents decide which rides are best to consider for their next vehicle purchase.

With students heading back to high school and college campuses nationwide, the editors offer their top recommendations for getting to and from class in an economical and reliable new or used car. The editors also provide car shopping and buying tips to aid both students and parents in this all-important purchase decision.

Whether school is across town or on the other side of the country, the beginning of a new academic year often necessitates the purchase of a new (or used) car. As any parent will attest, the most important factors to consider when picking out a new set of wheels in conjunction with a new slate of classes are affordability, reliability, practicality and safety. Most students, however, would likely trade all those attributes for a heavier helping of cool and fast.

Fortunately for all involved, vehicle manufacturers have made it easier to have it all. In addition to a full warranty, the latest safety and technology advancements and perfect paint, entry-level new cars continue to provide more for less. You can save even more money with used cars, which are more reliable than ever.

"There are so many options these days, in both the new- and used-car realm, for safe, fun and affordable back-to-school rides," said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book and kbb.com. "Vehicles are better built and better equipped than ever before, and there are a variety of body-style options available to suit the needs of any parent, and inevitably satisfy the wants of any teen."

Below, in alphabetical order, are the 2008 Top 10 New Back-to-School Cars from Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com. We'll present the 2008 Top 10 Used Cars in next week's Wheels.

All of the new cars on this year's Back-to-School list feature starting New Car Blue Book Values of less than $18,000, along with ding-free doors and immaculate interiors.

Values listed are for the lowest-priced entry in each model's lineup.

2008 Chevrolet Cobalt

Available as a sharp-looking two-door coupe or a more accommodating four-door sedan (or a versatile wagon with retro sheet metal and an HHR nametag), the Cobalt backs up its low starting price with outstanding highway fuel economy of up to 37 miles per gallon.

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price: $15,070

2008 Ford Focus

It's affordable, economical and offers surprisingly sound driving dynamics, but what makes the Focus cool for school is the available Sync communication and entertainment system with voice control.

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price: $15,065

2008 Honda Fit

A low starting price and highway fuel economy of up to 35 miles per gallon are appealing, but the five-door Fit wins over the in-crowd with clever interior flexibility and an available sport model that knows how to have a good time.

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price: $14,620

2008 Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai's compact crossover delivers the high seating position and cargo versatility that propelled the SUV to such great heights, but with more student loan-friendly highway fuel economy in the neighborhood of 25 mpg.

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price: $18,095

2008 MAZDA3

There's no doubting the significance of the RX-7 and Miata, but in some ways the MAZDA3 is the most successful car in the automaker's 38 years in America. Entering its sixth and final model year in its current skin, the MAZDA3 is as appealing today as it was its freshman year.

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price: $14,645

2008 Scion xB

You don't need a semester's worth of geometry to see that the second-generation xB is larger and less boxy than the first. Complementing the xB's cubic capacity are entry-level luxuries like air conditioning, power windows/locks/mirrors and a Pioneer sound system with iPod integration, all standard.

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price: $16,270

2008 Subaru Impreza

More than just a foundation for the rally-conquering (and pricier) Impreza WRX and WRX STI, the Subaru Impreza is a solid choice in the sub-$18,000 arena thanks in part to standard all-wheel drive and class-up road presence. Manufacturer's

Suggested Retail Price: $17,640

2008 Suzuki SX4

The Suzuki SX4 is a multiple-choice question with two right answers: hatchback and sedan. Both body styles are available with navigation for less than $16,000, and the hatchback is the least expensive all-wheel-drive vehicle sold in America.

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price: $15,395

2008 Toyota Matrix

Pop quiz: What's the plural form of Matrix? Answer: Corolla Wagons. Toyota's tall but sleek econo-hauler combines available highway fuel economy of more than 30 mpg with enough seat height and cargo versatility to satisfy reluctantly displaced but open-minded SUV drivers.

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price: $16,850

2008 Volkswagen Rabbit

Like any good all-nighter snack mix, Vee-Dub's venerable hatch is a mix of many good things. Every time we drive the Rabbit, we're re-impressed by the responsive five-cylinder engine, the curiously tenacious cornering grip and an interior unmatched in materials and build-quality by anything within several thousand dollars.

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price: $16,250