Consumers' Favorites: Best Cars for College Students

The well-built and well-equipped Hyundai Elantra ran away with 1st place, with 22 percent of the votes. Honda's incredibly space-efficient and versatile Fit took 2nd with 13 percent. And closely following the Fit at 11 percent was Ford's fun-to-drive Fiesta.

See how the rest of the field did in the full results below and make sure to exercise your right to vote in our next Consumers' Favorites poll.

1. 

   1. Hyundai Elantra

What Edmunds.com says:
Thanks to head-turning styling, a fuel-efficient engine and a long list of standard safety features and upscale options, the 2012 Hyundai Elantra is a top pick for a small sedan.

What Edmunds.com says:
The 2011 Honda Fit is no longer the only choice for a fun-to-drive, well-rounded subcompact, but it remains the hands-down utility champ.

What Edmunds.com says:
The 2012 Ford Fiesta gives economy car shoppers reason to celebrate with its fun-to-drive personality, nicely trimmed cabin, tight build quality and unexpected features.

What Edmunds.com says:
The 2011 Toyota Yaris has broad appeal thanks to a wide variety of body styles and a reputation for dependability, but it falls short of being our top economy-car choice.

What Edmunds.com says:
The 2011 Mazda 2 keeps the fun alive as an economical hatchback, but comes up a bit short when compared to the competition.

What Edmunds.com says:
The 2011 Kia Soul brings hipster styling and a fun-to-drive nature to the realm of the practical hatchback.

What Edmunds.com says:
The 2011 Kia Forte may not be top of mind for a lot of consumers, but it should be, as it compares favorably against perennial favorites from Honda, Mazda and Toyota.

What Edmunds.com says:
Larger, sharper and more fuel-efficient, the redesigned 2012 Hyundai Accent deserves buyer consideration as an affordable, stylish new car.

What Edmunds.com says:
The 2012 Nissan Versa sedan is all-new for 2012, but the Versa hatchback is not. There are loads of differences, but both body styles provide simple, spacious and inexpensive transportation.

What Edmunds.com says:
A stylized exterior and a wealth of optional accessories will attract buyers to the 2011 Scion xD, but some competing models offer more utility and fun.

What Edmunds.com says:
While the 2011 Suzuki SX4 still remains a good value, a number of newer and more enticing compact sedan and hatchback competitors make it harder to recommend.

What Edmunds.com says:
The 2011 Scion xB is a capable compact people mover and cargo hauler that packs lots of high-tech audio features. Fuel economy is lackluster, however, and the unconventional styling isn't for everyone.

What Edmunds.com says:
Thanks to a redesign for 2012, the Kia Rio finally looks to be like a smart pick for a small car.

What Edmunds.com says:
The 2011 Nissan Cube is a reasonably versatile and spacious little hatchback, but it's also bizarre, so you'll have to be an adventurous sort to appreciate its virtues.