Buying & Leasing a Car

Best Cars for Every Type of Driver

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

November 4, 2013

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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.

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For Family Chauffeurs: Ford Fusion

Courtesy of Ford

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

Courtesy of Cadillac

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

Courtesy of Tesla Motors

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

Courtesy of Toyota

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

Courtesy of Kia

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

Courtesy of Subaru

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

Courtesy of Honda

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

Courtesy of Mazda

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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