IRVINE, Calif., Aug. 25 -- The editors of Kelley Blue Book's http://www.kbb.com/, the leading provider of new- and used-vehicle information, today announce their picks for the 2008 Top 10 New and Top 10 Used 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 expert http://www.kbb.com/ 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."

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Thoroughly restyled for the 2007 model year, the smallest Chevy is an over-achiever that combines freshman-like pricing with grad-student style and maturity.

The Caliber's outgoing personality is exhibited in its standout styling and copious cargo flexibility. Even parked in the student lot, the five-door Dodge seems to be screaming, "Hey, let's do something."

The car more commonly known as "Taxi!" (or, in some circles, "Cop!") rides on a decades-old platform, features an equally antiquated powertrain and is far and away the least fuel-efficient car on this year's list. So, how'd it make the list? Reliability, room (passenger and cargo) and sheer mass, the benefit of which can't be denied when it comes to passive safety.

The Civic owes its status as arguably the most prudent used-car buy out there to its famous reliability, outstanding fuel economy, refined interior and a mix of style and enthusiasm that varies within the lineup.

In another instance of perception lagging reality, Hyundai's resale values have not kept pace with its recent quality and reliability improvements -- which make vehicles like the Civic-fighting Elantra especially good used deals.

With available all-wheel drive and enough room for four or five road-trippers and their gear, Mazda's version of the Ford Escape offers all the versatility and capability any student would need to make the most of any and every impromptu three-day weekend.

As a regular entry on kbb.com Top 10 lists and the only vehicle named to both the new and used lists in this year's Back-to-School roundup, we've no new praise to bestow upon the fun, stylish, affordable and versatile MAZDA3.

There's no denying the mass appeal of the mid-size sedan, and we like the Altima for its varsity-level athleticism. The V6 is the jewel of the lineup, but the more frugal four-cylinder leaves more money left for ramen noodles.

The Pontiac Vibe offers fuel economy and reliability in a handy hatchback package that offers great versatility. We also like its sassy exterior styling and well-crafted, easy-to-use interior. Its low acquisition cost is just icing on the pastry.

-- Do Your Research - All the information you need to put together a short list of favorite vehicles is available at http://www.kbb.com/, including expert reviews, real-world values, side-by-side comparisons, safety and reliability ratings and more. There are even tools like a newly enhanced Perfect Car Finder(R): Photo Edition that can help you decide exactly what ride is best for you.

-- Consider Your Green Options -- Visit the all-new KBB(R) Green http://www.kbb.com/green to learn about fuel-efficient vehicle options and various environmentally friendly technologies, participate in Green blogs and forums, take the Fuel Efficiency Challenge and more.

-- Drive Two or Three Different Models -- It's easy to enjoy a test drive in the vehicle at the top of your list, but without driving one or two others to compare, you might easily miss out on something you'd like even more.

-- Buying Used? -- Whether buying from a private party or a dealer, it's always a good idea to have any used vehicle checked out by a reputable independent service shop. When purchasing from an individual, print the private-party value from kbb.com as well as Kelley Blue Book's 27-point Vehicle Condition Quiz to take with you. These items will help you determine the "actual" condition and value of the vehicle.

-- Buying New? -- Always use a vehicle's New Car Blue Book Value, not Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price, as your basis for comparing vehicles and negotiating with the dealer. New Car Blue Book Value reflects real-world selling prices, which are often hundreds or even thousands of dollars less than MSRP.

-- Parents: Don't buy a car for your teen without driving it yourself, as your experience can help you identify problems or shortcomings that your teen may not notice. Also, trust your own judgment and don't let your teen talk you into buying a vehicle with which you're not fully comfortable.

-- Teens: Do all of your homework before you meet with mom or dad; show them you are responsible and ready for a car, and make it easy for them to say "yes" to your well-researched choice.

For more information about the 2008 Top 10 New and Top 10 Used Back-to-School Cars, visit http://www.kbb.com/schoolrides08.

Since 1926, Kelley Blue Book, The Trusted Resource(R), has provided vehicle buyers and sellers with the new and used vehicle information they need to accomplish their goals with confidence. The company's top-rated Web site, http://www.kbb.com/, provides the most up-to-date pricing and values, including the New Car Blue Book(R) Value, which reveals what people actually are paying for new cars. The company also reports vehicle pricing and values via products and services, including software products and the famous Blue Book(R) Official Guide. Kbb.com is rated the No. 1 automotive information Web site among both new and used vehicle shoppers, and half of online vehicle shoppers visit kbb.com. Kbb.com is a leading provider of new car prices, car reviews and news, used car blue book values, auto classifieds and car dealer locations. No other medium reaches more in-market vehicle shoppers than kbb.com.

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