Best Cars for Every Type of Driver

When it comes to choosing a car, there’s no one-size-fits-all.

car on line
(Image credit: Thinkstock)
Jessica L. Anderson
By
published
in Features

When it comes to choosing a car, there’s no one-size-fits-all. Each car buyer has a different style and a different set of criteria for what’s important -- not to mention a different budget.

We’ve picked six 2014 models plus two used cars that fit the bill for major categories of buyers and their wallets. They’re all exceptional values. Prices come from Kelley Blue Book.

For Family Chauffeurs: Ford Fusion
(Image credit: Courtesy of Ford)

For Family Chauffeurs: Ford Fusion

  • Sticker price: $22,695 (Fusion S)
  • Invoice price: $21,217
  • KBB Fair Purchase Price: $21,265
  • NHTSA Safety Rating: 5 stars
  • MPG (city/hwy): 22/34

The slick-looking Ford Fusion was redesigned for 2013 and features knee airbags, a roomy interior and strong resale values. Two optional EcoBoost engines give you the choice of more power or fuel economy.

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For Luxury Seekers: Cadillac XTS
(Image credit: Courtesy of Cadillac)

For Luxury Seekers: Cadillac XTS

  • Sticker price: $55,380 (Premium)
  • Invoice price: $51,840
  • KBB Fair Purchase Price: $54,283
  • NHTSA Safety Rating: 5 stars
  • MPG (city/hwy): 18/28

One of our 2013 Best New Car picks, the XTS packs power and value. It produces 304 horses, sports superb handling and the base model starts at less than $50,000.

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For Early Adopters: Tesla Model S
(Image credit: Courtesy of Tesla Motors)

For Early Adopters: Tesla Model S

  • Sticker price: $71,070 (60 kWh)
  • Invoice price: NA
  • KBB Fair Purchase Price: $71,070
  • NHTSA Safety Rating: 5 stars
  • MPG (city/hwy): 94/97 (electric equivalent)

The Model S’s price tag is hefty even before you add options, but this super-luxe electric vehicle has a 200-mile-plus range and is eligible for a $7,500 federal tax credit.

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For Tree-Huggers on a Budget: Toyota Prius
(Image credit: Courtesy of Toyota)

For Tree-Huggers on a Budget: Toyota Prius

  • Sticker price: $25,010 (Two)
  • Invoice price: $23,558
  • KBB Fair Purchase Price: NA
  • NHTSA Safety Rating: 5 stars (2013 model)
  • MPG (city/hwy): 51/48

The ubiquitous Toyota Prius is the best-selling hybrid worldwide for a reason: You can’t get a greener car for the money without making a serious trade-off in space. Toyota’s compact Prius c is the only model with a lower price tag that comes close on fuel economy.

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For Penny Pinchers: Kia Forte
(Image credit: Courtesy of Kia)

For Penny Pinchers: Kia Forte

  • Sticker price: $16,700 (LX, manual)
  • Invoice price: $16,390
  • KBB Fair Purchase Price: $15,729
  • NHTSA Safety Rating: 4 stars
  • MPG (city/hwy): 25/37

The Kia Forte compact is among the cheapest to own over five years and gets extra points for power, fuel economy and technology. Redesigned for 2014, the Forte gains rear legroom, and cargo spaceand a higher resale value.

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For Young Drivers: Subaru Impreza
(Image credit: Courtesy of Subaru)

For Young Drivers: Subaru Impreza

  • Sticker price: $21,090 (2.0i Premium, automatic)
  • Invoice price: $20,110
  • KBB Fair Purchase Price: NA
  • NHTSA Safety Rating: 5 stars (2013 model)
  • MPG (city/hwy): 27/36

All-wheel drive, Bluetooth audio streaming and five-star safety are standard on the Subaru Impreza, and at around $20,000, it won’t bust the budget. Steering wheel controls for phone and audio keep kids’ hands on the wheel.

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For Used Car Shoppers on a Budget: 2011 Honda Accord
(Image credit: Courtesy of Honda)

For Used Car Shoppers on a Budget: 2011 Honda Accord

  • Dealer price: $19,048 (EX V6)
  • KBB Fair Purchase Price: $18,198
  • Certified price: $19,473
  • Private party price: $16,248
  • NHTSA Safety Rating: 5 stars
  • MPG (city/hwy): 20/30

The safety, comfort and solid handling of the 2011 Accord EX V6 complement Honda’s stellar rep for reliability. Kiplinger’s has named the sedan Best in Class four times in the past six years.

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For Used Car Shoppers on a Tight Budget: 2008 Mazda3
(Image credit: Courtesy of Mazda)

For Used Car Shoppers on a Tight Budget: 2008 Mazda3

  • Dealer price: $9,402 (i Sport, manual sedan)
  • KBB Fair Purchase Price: $9,027
  • Certified price: NA
  • Private party price: $7,427
  • NHTSA Safety Rating: NA
  • MPG (city/hwy): 24/32

Starting at less than $10,000, the 2008 Mazda3 i boasts sporty packaging, handling that mimics more-expensive European cars and decent fuel economy. Get your zoom-zoom in a sedan or hatchback.

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Jessica L. Anderson
Jessica L. Anderson
Associate Editor, Kiplinger's Personal Finance
Anderson has been with Kiplinger since January 2004, when she joined the staff as a reporter. Since then, she's covered the gamut of personal finance issues—from mortgages and credit to spending wisely—and she heads up Kiplinger's annual automotive rankings. She holds a BA in journalism and mass communication from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She was the 2012 president of the Washington Automotive Press Association and serves on its board of directors. In 2014, she was selected for the North American Car and Truck Of the Year jury. The awards, presented at the Detroit Auto Show, have come to be regarded as the most prestigious of their kind in the U.S. because they involve no commercial tie-ins. The jury is composed of nationally recognized journalists from across the U.S. and Canada, who are selected on the basis of audience reach, experience, expertise, product knowledge, and reputation in the automotive community.
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