Top 5 Cars for Students on the Move

Great cars for college students combine high safety ratings, low maintenance costs and cheap insurance rates. Sure, junior might fancy something sporty and fast, but since you're footing the bill, look for the best small cars -- used or new -- that meet most needs.

2008 Suzuki Reno: All the Comforts at $10,010

Great cars for college students do not have to be new. In this case, Kelley Blue Book advises that a 2008 Suzuki Reno -- in excellent condition -- costs little more than $10,010 from lots specializing in certified pre-owned vehicles. With a four-cylinder, 2.0 liter engine, automatic transmission and 19 city (28 highway) miles per gallon, the hatchback is a versatile vehicle for the student who plans on getting around locally and perhaps also travel home on weekends.

2011 Kia Rio: When $13,000 is the Limit and Arizona is out of the Question

Pricing starts at $12,295. The quaint Kia Rio is one of the best cars for college students who need four door accessibility, do not want to forego creature comforts -- such as dual remote outside mirrors -- but cannot afford to pitch in and help pay for the conveyance.

This new model Kia comes standard with a four-speaker Sirius audio system, USB input jack and tinted glass. The downside is clear: the base model does not offer air conditioning as a standard feature. If your student is headed for cooler climates, the Rio base model is nevertheless a good option.

2011 Toyota Tacoma: Manual Transmission and Ruggedness for $16,365

There are few cars for students who haul a lot of equipment. If your college student is a budding musician, ornamental blacksmith or future scientist who conducts field experiments with bulky equipment, a pick-up truck is a must. If the youngster knows how to drive a manual transmission, then the regular cab Toyota Tacoma is an inexpensive option. Air conditioning comes standard with this vehicle.

2011 Honda Element: Top IIHS Safety Pick for $20,825

As small SUVs go, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has given top honors to the 2011 Honda Element. SUVs are among the best cars for college students who anticipate spending a good deal of time driving not just in the city but also on the highway. If safety is a major worry, going with this model makes sense. Traction control, side curtain airbags and rollover sensors are just some of the features that make the 2WD LX model a good option.

2011 Mini Cooper Countryman: Stylish, safe and cool at $22,350

Another IIHS favorite is the Mini Cooper Countryman. If safety and style are twin-concerns, and you do not mind the somewhat higher price tag for a car with limited cargo space, then the Mini is a serious contender. Great cars for students who are very fashion-conscious and really only need to putter around the city, the Mini has a manual transmission. Spend an additional $1,250 for an automatic transmission.