Here Are The Top 10 Best Cars For College Students In 2023 (And The Model Years To Avoid)

What factors should guide your choices when picking out the most suitable car for a college student? Or rather, what are college-age auto shoppers thinking about when looking for a car? Now, hold that thought while noting that university students are likely first-time auto shoppers and/or first-time drivers. This causes you to reevaluate your priorities when choosing a car for a college student. 

Safety should be a priority when choosing a suitable car for younger drivers, but other factors, including maneuverability, maintenance costs, fuel efficiency, and affordability, are also important considerations. Ironically, seeking the safest cars will easily lead you down rows of newer cars equipped with the latest safety technology and a purse-draining price tag to boot. 

As a college student, finding the perfect car can be daunting because you want something reliable, affordable, and easy to maintain. With so many options on the market, it can be challenging to know where to start. So, we've put together a list of the top ten best cars for college students, considering affordability, dependability, and suitability for navigating around campus and beyond. 

Related: These Are 9 CNG-Powered Cars You Can Buy Right Now And Save Money On Fuel 

10. Best Cars For College Students: Honda Civic

The Honda Civic is a reliable, affordable, and favorite car amongst college students for years. It's known for its fuel efficiency, low maintenance costs, and excellent resale value. 

The Honda Civic is also great for parking in tight spots, which is essential for college students living on crowded campuses or in urban areas. 

Honda Civic Model Years To Avoid:

• 2001-2002 Honda Civic: These model years have an ugly reputation for transmission failure, which can be expensive to repair. Additionally, the airbags in these models are known to deploy without warning.
• 2006-2011 Honda Civic: These model years are notorious for cracked engine blocks, which can lead to engine failure. This issue can be costly to repair.
• 2016 Honda Civic: This model year has had issues with the engine, with some owners reporting that the engine can stall or fail completely while driving.

Note that even with these issues, the Honda Civic is still a reliable car overall. However, if you're considering purchasing a used Honda Civic from one of the above model years, do your research and have the car inspected before making a purchase. 

Additionally, be sure to check the car's maintenance history and ask the seller about any known issues or repairs that have been made.

9. Best Cars For College Students: Toyota Corolla

The Toyota Corolla is another popular choice for college students. It's a reliable car that is easy to maintain and has excellent fuel efficiency. The Toyota Corolla is also affordable, making it a perfect choice for students on a budget. 

Toyota Corolla Model Years To Avoid:

• 2009-2010 Toyota Corolla: These model years have had issues with the engine control module, which can cause the car to stall or not start at all.
• 2014 Toyota Corolla: This model year has had issues with the continuously variable transmission (CVT), with some owners reporting that the transmission can be slow to respond or fail completely.
• 2010-2011 Toyota Corolla: These model years have had issues with the steering system, with some owners reporting that the car can wander or feel loose while driving.

Note that even with these issues, the Toyota Corolla is still a reliable car overall. However, if you're considering purchasing a used Toyota Corolla from one of the above model years, it's a good thing you're now prepared for potential issues to deal with. 

We still recommend checking the car's maintenance history and asking the seller about any known issues or repairs that have been made. 

8. Best Cars For College Students: Mazda Mazda3

The Mazda3 is a stylish and fun-to-drive car that is perfect for college-age individuals with a taste for practical and enjoyable rides. 

It features high-quality materials, excellent fuel efficiency, and a comfortable ride. The Mazda3 is also affordable and has low maintenance costs. 

Mazda3 Model Years To Avoid:

• 2010 Mazda3: Mazda3 owners complained about problems with this model year’s power steering system, saying it often failed and made it difficult to control the car. Additionally, some owners have reported issues with the transmission.
• 2012 Mazda3: There were also complaints about this model year’s fuel system, with some owners reporting that the car can stall or fail to start as a result.
• 2014 Mazda3: This model year has had issues with the infotainment system. Some owners reported the screen freezing or going blank.

7. Best Cars For College Students: Kia Soul

The Kia Soul is a quirky car perfect for college students who want to stand out from the crowd. It's affordable, reliable, and has a spacious interior, making it great for hauling around friends and gear. 

The Kia Soul also has excellent safety ratings, making it a great choice for parents who want peace of mind. While the Kia Soul has been generally well-received as a reliable and practical vehicle, there are certain model years with a higher number of reported issues or complaints compared to others. 

Kia Soul Model Years To Avoid:

• 2010 Kia Soul: The first-generation Soul had some reported issues, including engine problems, electrical glitches, and suspension noise. While not all vehicles from this model year experienced problems, it's worth researching thoroughly and inspecting any used 2010 Souls carefully.
• 2012 Kia Soul: Some owners of the 2012 Soul reported engine stalling and loss of power issues. Additionally, there have been complaints about steering problems, including stiffness and noise. It's advisable to check the vehicle's maintenance history and have a thorough inspection if considering a 2012 model.
• 2014 Kia Soul: The 2014 model year had several complaints related to the transmission, particularly concerning rough shifting, hesitation, and premature failure. We always recommend having a qualified mechanic inspect the transmission system if considering a 2014 Soul.

Admittedly, not all vehicles within these model years will experience problems, and many owners have had positive experiences with their Kia Souls from these years. 

However, if you're concerned about potential issues, you may want to consider newer model years or have a pre-purchase inspection conducted by a trusted mechanic to ensure the specific vehicle you're interested in is in good condition. 

6. Best Cars For College Students: Hyundai Elantra

The Hyundai Elantra is a reliable, affordable car suitable for college students. It's known for its excellent fuel efficiency, low maintenance costs, and spacious interior. 

The Hyundai Elantra is also fun to drive, making it great for students who want a car with practicality and fun-to-drive nature in the mix. That being said, there are a few Elantra model years that have had some reported issues or recalls that you may want to be aware of before making a purchase: 

Hyundai Elantra Model Years To Avoid:

• 2011 Hyundai Elantra: The 2011 Elantra has had some reported issues with transmission, including a class-action lawsuit related to transmission problems.
• 2013 Hyundai Elantra: The 2013 Elantra has had some reported issues with the engine, including a recall related to a brake light switch.
• 2017 Hyundai Elantra: The 2017 Elantra has had some reported issues with the engine, including a recall related to the engine control module.

If you're looking to buy a used Hyundai Elantra, it's always a good idea to research the specific car you're interested in. Look up its vehicle history report to see if it has been in any accidents or had any major repairs, and have a trusted mechanic inspect it before you buy. 

5. Best Cars For College Students: Ford Fiesta

The Ford Fiesta is an affordable and reliable car we'd happily recommend for college students. It's known for its excellent fuel efficiency, easy handling, and comfortable ride. 

The Ford Fiesta is also fun to drive, making it another choice pick for younger drivers with their eyes set on a practical car that is also fun to drive. 

Ford Fiesta Model Years To Avoid:

• 2011–2016 Ford Fiesta: The 2011-2016 Fiesta models with a dual-clutch automatic transmission have had some reported issues with transmission shuddering, slipping, and stalling. There have been several recalls related to this issue, including one that involved reprogramming the transmission control module.
• 2014–2015 Ford Fiesta: The 2014-2015 Fiesta models have had some reported issues with the latch on the rear doors, which can sometimes fail to properly lock, leading to potential safety hazards.
• 2011–2013 Ford Fiesta: The 2011-2013 Fiesta models have had some reported issues with the door latches, which can sometimes fail to properly latch or unlatch, leading to potential safety hazards.

Additionally, if you're considering a Fiesta with a dual-clutch automatic transmission, it may be wise to seek out a model with a manual transmission instead, as those do not have the same reported issues. 

Related: Best Of The Best: The Top 10 Luxury Sedans of 2023 (Ranked By Category) 

4. Best Cars For College Students: Nissan Versa

The Nissan Versa is an affordable and reliable car that college students on a budget would find attractive. It's known for its excellent fuel efficiency, low maintenance costs, and spacious interior. 

The Nissan Versa is also easy to drive and park, making it a great choice for students who live in crowded urban areas. 

Nissan Versa Model Years To Avoid:

• 2012–2017 Nissan Versa: The 2012-2017 Versa models have had some reported issues with transmission, including problems with shifting and shaking. There have been a few recalls related to this issue, including one that required replacing the transmission assembly.
• 2014–2016 Nissan Versa: The 2014-2016 Versa Note models have had some reported issues with the latch on the rear doors, which can sometimes fail to properly lock, leading to potential safety hazards.

Additionally, if you're considering a Versa from one of the model years noted above, you might be best choosing a different model year or a different vehicle altogether. 

3. Best Cars For College Students: Chevrolet Spark

The Chevrolet Spark is a small, affordable car that is perfect for college students who want a car that is easy to park and maneuver. It's known for its excellent fuel efficiency, low maintenance costs, and fun-to-drive nature. 

The Chevrolet Spark is also stylish and quirky, making it a great choice for students who want a car that stands out from the crowd. 

While the Chevrolet Spark is generally a reliable and affordable car, there are a few model years with some reported issues or recalls that you should be aware of before making a purchase. 

Chevrolet Spark Model Years To Avoid:

• 2014–2016 Chevy Spark: The 2014-2016 Spark models have experienced some reported issues with the ignition switch, which can sometimes fail and cause the engine to shut off while driving. There was a recall related to this issue, which involved replacing the ignition switch.
• 2013–2015 Chevy Spark: The 2013-2015 Spark models have had some reported issues with the airbags, which can sometimes fail to deploy in the event of a crash. There was a recall related to this issue, which involved replacing the side-impact airbag modules.

2. Best Cars For College Students: Volkswagen Golf

The Volkswagen Golf is a reliable and fun-to-drive car perfect for college students who want a car with a practical and enjoyable nature. It features high-quality materials, excellent fuel efficiency, and a comfortable ride. 

The Volkswagen Golf is also affordable and has low maintenance costs. While the Golf is a poster child of dependability, a few model years have some 'commas' to them due to reported issues or recalls you should be aware of before making a purchase. 

Volkswagen Golf Model Years To Avoid:

• 2010–2014 VW Golf: The 2010-2014 Golf models with a diesel engine have had some reported issues with emissions, including a major scandal related to cheating on emissions tests. This scandal led to recalls and buybacks of affected vehicles.
• 2015–2016 VW Golf: The 2015-2016 Golf models have had some reported issues with the fuel pump, which can sometimes fail and cause the engine to stall or not start at all. There was a recall related to this issue, which involved replacing the fuel pump.
• 2018 VW Golf: The 2018 Golf models have had some reported issues with the transmission, including problems with shifting and slipping. The car suffered a recall over this issue, which involved updating the software in the transmission control module.

1. Our Best Car For College Students: Subaru Impreza

The Subaru Impreza is a reliable and practical car perfect for college students who live in areas with harsh weather conditions. It features all-wheel-drive, excellent fuel efficiency, and a spacious interior. 

The Subaru Impreza is also known for its safety features, making it a great choice for parents who want their children to be safe on the road. 

If you have your eyes set on the Impreza, a few model years have had some reported issues or recalls that you should be aware of before making a purchase. 

Subaru Impreza Model Years To Avoid:

• 2017–2019 Subaru Impreza: The 2017-2019 Impreza models have had some reported issues with the engine, including problems with stalling and loss of power. There was a recall related to this issue, which involved updating the software in the engine control module.
• 2015–2014 Subaru Impreza: The 2012-2014 Impreza models with a manual transmission have had some reported issues with the clutch, which can sometimes fail prematurely. There was a recall related to this issue, which involved replacing the clutch.
• 2017 Impreza Hatchback: The 2017 Impreza hatchback model has had some reported issues with the rear gate, which can sometimes fail to stay open and may close unexpectedly.

Final Word On The Best Cars For College Students

Interestingly, a study conducted by the University of Michigan's Transportation Research Institute found that the percentage of 19-year-olds in the USA with a driver's license dropped from 87.3% in 1983 to 69.5% in 2010, suggesting that fewer American students care about driving to school. 

Summarily, choosing the right car for college can be a challenging task. However, with proper research and consideration, you can find a reliable, affordable, and practical car that meets your needs. 

The vehicles listed above are excellent choices for college students because they’re practical, safer, affordable, and enjoyable to drive. Whether you're looking for a stylish car that stands out from the crowd or reliable transportation that will get you from point A to point B, these cars should meet your needs.