Coolest new cars under $18,000

<p>The economy is at a near-standstill and gas prices are through the roof, but the fact remains that car shoppers want their new ride to be cool.</p><p>In this annual list published by Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com, the editors ranked their top choices and named the 2013 Dodge Dart as the No. 1 affordable new ‘Cool Car.'</p><p>Look at five of Kelley Blue Book’s choices, or visit <a href=”http://www.kbb.com/car-reviews-and-news/top-10/10-coolest-cars-under-18000-2012/”>the website</a> for the full list. – PR Newswire</p>

• Kelley Blue Book 10 coolest cars under $18,000

<h3>2013 Dodge Dart</h3> <b>Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price:</b> $16,790<br/><p>First true collaborative effort between the Chrysler Group and parent company Fiat, the 2013 Dodge Dart’s enticing combination of style, performance, features and value has earned it the top spot in our 2012 coolest cars list. </p>

• Kelley Blue Book 10 coolest cars under $18,000

<p>With exceptional interior space and loads of personalization potential, the all-new Dart will definitely make its presence felt in the ultra-competitive compact sedan segment.</p>

• Kelley Blue Book 10 coolest cars under $18,000

<h3>2012 Mazda Mazda3</h3> <b>Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price:</b> $14,786<br/> <p>Sporty looks and joyful driving dynamics have made the otherwise practical Mazda3 an omnipresent figure on our annual 10 Coolest Cars Under $18,000 list. For 2012 the Mazda3 appears once again, now with an optional”SKYACTIV” powertrain that enables Mazda’s plucky compact to return up to 40 mpg on the freeway.</p>

• Kelley Blue Book 10 coolest cars under $18,000

<h3>2012 Chevy Sonic</h3> <b>Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price:</b> $14,129<br/> <p>Chevy’s new subcompact deftly combines sporty exterior styling, motorcycle-inspired interior gauges and peppy yet fuel-efficient engine choices to create a competent and cool urban runabout. In either hatchback or sedan form, the Sonic booms with exuberance.</p>

• Kelley Blue Book 10 coolest cars under $18,000

<h3>2012 Ford Fiesta</h3> <b>Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price:</b> $13,382<br/> <p>Small and bold don’t usually pal around together, but you can find them hanging out in the sub-compact Ford Fiesta. With an aggressive grille, big lamps, sharp lines and pronounced fenders, the Fiesta is a styling standout. </p>

• Kelley Blue Book 10 coolest cars under $18,000

Even the inside is richer and more stylish than its competitors. European-like driving dynamics and highway fuel economy of 38 miles per gallon (40 mpg for the SFE version) solidify its cool cred.

• Kelley Blue Book 10 coolest cars under $18,000

<h3>2012 Volkswagen Jetta</h3> <b>Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price:</b> $15,490<br/> <p>Intrigued by the idea of a European sedan at an econobox price? Instead of rolling the dice on a 10-year-old Bimmer, you can get European driving feel – along with a full warranty and digital connectivity – in Volkswagen’s best-selling model. </p>

• Kelley Blue Book 10 coolest cars under $18,000

Priced and sized for American tastes, the Jetta is also wrapped in clean, tasteful styling that will look sharp for years to come.

• Kelley Blue Book 10 coolest cars under $18,000