College Crunch

There are many hot cars in the world, and this list could be one of just the most beautiful super cars, but how many people going to University could afford something like the Bugatti Veyron which would run most people around one and a half million dollars?

So what cars should college students look at if they want to drive in something cooler than the traditional highly tuned Honda Civic? What cars should college students buy if they have more money than the average car consumer? These aren’t the three hundred dollar cars that most high school students buy, but if you can afford them, you will definitely be envied by others.

I have tried to compile a list that includes a variety of car manufacturers from around the world so that we don’t get too many exotics jamming up the list and I didn’t include the year with most of the vehicles as everyone has a preference, and a used model of some of these vehicles is less expensive and will still provoke the same response.

Here are my choices for the fifteen hottest cars to drive to school:

1.) Audi RS4

While not in your face like many of the vehicles here, the Audi RS4 is a beautiful car with style, and presence. With a retail price of nearly $70,000, the RS4 isn’t the least expensive car in the Audi family, but it is one of the nicest.

I particularly like the design styling of the 2009 Audi RS4, but can’t find many details on it. The 2007 and 2008 models are also a highly recommended and will set you back a little less in terms of cost, for many of the same features, and specifications.

The Audi RS4 comes with an eight cylinder engine with 420 horsepower. It is an all wheel drive vehicle with a 13 mpg city rating and a 20 mpg highway fuel economy, for those that like to keep track. It does 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds.

Jeremy Clarkson from Top Gear says in his review on Times Online, “You know, just from looking at it, that it’s going to be very, very fast. And it is. It was designed to be a rival for the old BMW M3, but if anything they overshot.”

2.) Ford Mustang

Classic American muscle couldn’t be represented without the classic Ford Mustang. Even the base model is an interesting car, let alone all of its siblings like the Shelby, Bullitt, GT and others.

Coming in at a price range between $20,000 and $35,000 for the base version the Ford Mustang is relatively affordable.

Shipping standard with a V6 engine, the Mustang comes with around 210 horsepower which will only eat up around 16 miles per gallon in the city, and 24 miles per gallon while driving on the highway.

The interior is said to feel cheap, but if you drive it correctly, no one will be paying attention to the interior of your car. Ford releases many different models under the Mustang name, and we suggest going with the GT and it’s V8 engine if you want the full mustang experience without the higher prices of some of the other models, but on the outside, for the most part, it doesn’t matter which one you own, as it is sure to turn some heads.

Edmunds, in their review of the 2008 Ford Mustang, says, “More than just a show pony, the 2008 Ford Mustang offers enthusiasts on a budget a tempting combination of potent performance and timeless styling.”

3.) Mazda RX-8

You might be wondering why I put the Mazda RX-8 on my list, and if you look at the styling of the base model of 2008 and previous years, you might be right, but the 2009 edition of the Mazda RX-8 is beautiful to look at and still has the amazing performance of previous models.

With a suggested retail price of around $27,000, the 2009 Mazda RX-8 is very affordable.

One of the more interesting features include rear-hinged doors for the roomy back seats, much like many of the pickup trucks today.

The engine it includes is a unique rotary engine that Mazda has developed, and no other cars use. The rotary engine allows for 247 horsepower giving it a higher allowable RPM limit but still only giving a straight line zero to sixty time of seven seconds.

For those keeping track of the fuel economy, the 2009 Mazda RX-8 does 16 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highways, which is considered generous, and is also worse than the Ford Mustang.

All Auto Reviews has a good quote on the engine to give you a better idea of what it is like to drive a Mazda RX-8 saying, “Since there is no reciprocating vibration in a Wankel engine, the engine runs very smoothly, even turbine-like… Once you have driven a Wankel, you don’t want to go back to the reciprocating piston engine.”

4.) Honda S2000

While I enjoy the Honda brand, the S2000 is not one of my favorites, despite it being featured in The Fast and the Furious in 2001. The 2008 Honda S2000 will run you around $35,000. Considered by many one of the top choices for a reliable and relatively inexpensive sports car or convertible, the S2000 is also not one of those cars that everyone has making it seem unique.

The S2000 comes with an in-line four cylinder engine producing 237 horsepower. The engine also gives you an 18 mpg city and a 25 mpg highway fuel economy.

Edmunds reviews the 2008 Honda S2000 and says, “[the Honda S2000] has but one purpose, which is to deliver a high-performance driving experience at a relatively low price.”

5.) Nissan GT-R

Coming in at a wallet-busting $70,000 the Nissan GT-R is one of the most fun performance cars I’ve seen race around a track. It brings supercar performance, at a price under the Porsche 911 price tag.

With a 473 horsepower twin-turbocharged V6 engine, the GT-R can get you to around sixty miles per hour faster than most Ferrari’s or Lamborghini’s currently in the market.

While it might not turn any heads while standing still, the unassuming Nissan GT-R will make heads spin when it goes from zero to sixty in 3.3 seconds.

Popular Mechanics reviewed the 2008 Nissan GT-R and said, “If it were human, it’d be Jason Statham instead of Roger Moore—the kind of guy that flicks a cigarette on the ground and then unloads a really big handgun until every round in the clip is gone. It’s the Nissan GT-R.”

6.) Subaru Impreza WRX STi

Rally cars inspire a certain type of driver, and in turn, a certain type of allure. With advancements over the Subaru Impreza WRX, the STi includes a bigger engine, stiffer chassis, and a quick-ratio steering system among its many changes, giving it an all around better ride.

The engine on the Impreza WRX STi is a four cylinder engine that provides 305 horsepower, a rise from the 293 in the non STi, and fairly quick off the line, depending of course on what mode you set the car into before taking off. With a price of around $45,000, the 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STi would be fun to drive to school, and even more fun to take out on the muddy back roads.

Auto123 reviewed the 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STi and said, “I wish I had kept the car for another week, if only to explore all the possibilities and intricacies of the various systems. One thing’s for sure: if you’re fond of sporty machines, you owe it to yourself to try the new 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI. It’ll give you a lot of bang for your buck.”

7.) Honda Civic Si Coupe

I have never been a fan of the various kitted out Honda Civics running the streets, but the Honda Civic SI Coupe is a higher class, quality car that looks beautiful without any special extra tuning and body kits. The only thing I don’t like about its styling is the extra large front window, but it lends itself to a very gracious curve leading into the roof of the car.

With a list price of under $22,000, the Honda Civic Si Coupe will give you 197 horsepower and a fuel economy of 21 miles per gallon in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. Many people enjoy the driving characteristics of the 2006-2008 Honda Civic Si Coupe and say that while other cars might have more power, what Honda is offering drivers will make them smile.

Carpages.ca reviewed the 2008 Honda Civic Si Coupe and said, “Overall, the Si does a remarkable job of balancing pocket-rocket duties with everyday usability. It is aggressively styled, no doubt, but not over the top.”

8.) Dodge Challenger

Retro American Muscle updated is pretty much the four word overview of the Dodge Challenger. An update to a classic car, the new Dodge Challenger isn’t quite the same beast, but it does turn the same heads. It has strong lines, and feels powerful, even when the engine isn’t on.

The 2009 Dodge Challenger will come with three engine options, a V6 putting out 250 horsepower, and two V8 options, one putting out 376 hp and the other generating 425 hp. Depending on the version you get, your fuel economy will range from 13 mpg in the city to 18 mpg, and 19 mpg to 25 mpg on the highway.

What many people seemed to like about the Dodge Challenger, other than its looks is the high level of performance it delivered while not compromising on the comfort of the ride.

Rolling in at around $38,000, the Challenger is a modern version of a retro classic that is sure to impress.

Edmunds reviewed the 2008 Dodge Challenger saying, “The 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 is exactly what a modern version of an old muscle car icon should be — comfortable, athletic, stylish, fast and with an exhaust soundtrack that’ll make you forget about the standard 13-speaker audio system.”

9.) Pontiac Solstice

A convertible roaster with no boxy corners, the Pontiac Solstice is curved, and happy looking. It provides a respectable performance at a very reasonable cost.

Starting at only $22,000, the 2008 Pontiac Solstice excites people with its grip, acceleration, styling and pricing.

The standard Solstice provides 177 hp, but you can get the turbocharged GXP variant that includes 260 horsepower. The GXP, driving with a manual gearshift, went from 0-60 miles per hour in 5.8 seconds.

As for the mileage, the Pontiac Solstice compares well with others on this list providing 19 mpg in the city and around 25 mpg while on the highway.

Forbes Auto reviewed the 2007 Pontiac Solstice and is quoted as saying, “Buy this Vehicle if you want an affordable and fun-to-drive two-seat convertible; you’re looking for a second car to use as a weekend toy; you’re an aspiring club racer; looks matter more than refinement.”

10.) Saturn SKY

In many ways the Saturn Sky is the twin sister to the Pontiac Solstice, except it has a very different body, and so if you don’t like the styling of the Solstice, maybe the Saturn SKY will be more up your alley.

Ranging just a little higher in base price, but coming standard with more features the Saturn SKY will set you back between $24,000 and $30,000. Under the exterior body, you will find the Pontiac Solstice, so look to that for the fuel economy, and horsepower.

Road and Travel Magazine said that the “2007 Sky, is “Saturn’s best secret.” The reason: During my weeklong test drive, other drivers repeatedly sought me out to ask “what is that?””

11.) Mini Cooper S

Small, great on gas, and feels exciting like driving a go-kart due to how close to the ground it is. The Mini Cooper S is the sport model of the popular Mini Cooper european compact car.

The big difference between the 2008 Mini Cooper S and its previous versions is that they have removed the supercharger and put a turbocharger in instead. This has changed the sound profile during hard acceleration and raised the power from 168 hp to 172 horses.

While stylish and attractive to many, the Mini Cooper S suffers from an almost go-kart ride with comfort issues on anything but the smoothest of road surfaces.

The price is also a bit higher than some bigger, better performing cars in this list ranging from $30,000 on the low end to over $36,000 when loaded up with options.

Wheels.ca had a look at the 2008 Mini Cooper S, and concluded, “despite what my head tells me about how this car is too expensive, I love it anyway. I love it for the way it drives, for the way it looks and for the smiles it provokes from other drivers.”

12.) Chrysler Crossfire Roadster

Making me think of the 1950’s with its art-deco styling, the Chrysler Crossfire Roadster is nice to look at, but maybe a bit too old fashioned for most. If you are the type that can pull of being stylish in an old fashioned looking modern sports roadster, then the Crossfire could be right up your alley.

With prices starting at nearly $40,000, the Chrysler Crossfire Roadster is fairly well priced for the performance and features you receive. A two seater car might not allow you to bring all of your friends to a party, but it will give you an excuse to only bring your significant other.

With a V6 engine that produces 215 horsepower, and a fuel economy of 15 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highways, the Crossfire Roadster is pretty average in this list. The two most recent years of production available for the Crossfire include the 2006 and 2008 as Chrysler took a year off from producing the vehicle in 2007. If you want something unique, take the Crossfire Roadster for a spin.

The Auto Channel reviewed the 2006 Chrysler Crossfire Roadster and said, “While the styling of the Crossfire is impressive (you can either love it or hate it), I was initially dubious about whether the performance could live up to the promise. It did. The Crossfire is a good highway cruiser as well as a decent sports car on winding roads.”

13.) BMW Z4

Almost a race car, the BMW Z4 is fast, sexy, and sleek. Executives kill each other for the privilege to drive the fun and sexy BMW Z4.

Coming it at a price between $33,000 and $43,000, the 2008 BMW Z4 is a luxury sports car. Powered by an inline six-cylinder engine, the Z4 puts out 255 horsepower at 6600 rpm.

You can get the BMW Z4 in a hard top or convertible, but with the two seater design, I think this is one of the few that looks better as a convertible. For those keeping tabs on the fuel economy, the Z4 will give you 18 mpg in the city, and 28 mpg on the highway.

Drive Chicago tested the 2007 BMW Z4, and found it to have a certain star power, “Z4 3.0si not only looks like a star, it’ll make you feel like one when you plop down behind the wheel of this exceptional car.”

14.) BMW 135i M Sport Coupe

Part of a newer line in the BMW brand, the 1xx series is beautifully styled. A few more curves than its counter-parts, the 135i M Sport Coupe stands out from the crowd.

Ranging from $30,000 for the BMW 135i to closer to $45,000 for the BMW 135i M Sport, BMW has created a pricing scheme that will allow people to afford as much of a car as they’d like. Starting out with a 300 hp engine, the 2008 BMW 135i has more than enough power to compete against others on this list while still looking civilized and professional.

For those that are fuel conscious, the 135i has you covered with around 18 mpg city, and 26 mpg highway ratings.

I am not a big fan of the convertible version which can be had for around $4000 more than the standard Coupe, but other than that, there is nothing about this car that I don’t like.

Jeremy Clarkson, of Top Gear fame agrees with me in saying, “The fact of the matter is this. The 135 coupe is the best car BMW makes.”

15.) Corvette C6

Corvette brings modern equipment to a long lasting brand with their Corvette C6. Fairly stylish, but reminding me a little too much of its older siblings, the Corvette C6 still packs a powerful punch, despite the 2009 model costing around $48,000, which I consider to be a bit high compared to some of the high performance vehicles on this list.

Don’t count the C6 out though, as its modernization and raw power might knock your socks off. One of the nice features includes a heads up display which will keep you on track as you drive circles around all of the slow traffic heading to school. The large V8 engine pushes out 430 horsepower while giving 15 miles per gallon in the city, and 25 miles per gallon on the highways.

The biggest complaint I could find was relating to the gear shifter, but if you have some muscle in your arm, you should be able to force the car to your will.

Jeremy Clarkson reviewed the Corvette C6 and had this to say, “It is an extremely likeable car and you can easily forget the railway junction gearbox and the jiggly ride and the cigarette-paper quality when you examine the price tag.”

Conclusion

I decided not to put these in any particular order, as I think my personal preferences would have been highlighted much more than the might already be.

If you are searching out a car, and can afford to get something nicer than a Ford Focus, hopefully this list will help you select something more desirable and interesting.

Have I missed something? Are there cars here that shouldn’t have made the list? Let me know in the comments below.

Note: This list is meant to be cars we would love to drive, not ones we expect everyone to be able to afford, so have some fun, pick one of the above or your favorite non-super car.