20 Best Cars for College Graduates 2011

20 Best Cars for College Graduates 2011

Proving that you folks still do your homework, the much-improved, powerful and fuel-efficient Mustang V6 took 1st place with 19 percent of your votes. Trailing the 'Stang with 12 percent was the impressively well-rounded Volkswagen GTI, while the stylish and quick Chevrolet Camaro V6 chased it down with 11 percent of the vote.
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. Ford Mustang (V6)
   What Edmunds.com says:
   In any of its iterations, the 2012 Ford Mustang lineup represents the best pony car you can buy today.
   
2. 
   2. Volkswagen GTI
   What Edmunds.com says:
   The 2011 Volkswagen GTI may not be top dog when it comes to performance numbers, but overall it's one of our top picks when it comes to sporty hatchbacks.
   
3. 
   3. Chevrolet Camaro (V6)
   What Edmunds.com says:
   The 2011 Chevrolet Camaro is a head-turning muscle car that goes like stink and will certainly get you noticed. But it also comes with significant trade-offs that can make the Camaro hard to live with on a daily basis.
   
4. 
   4. 2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
   What Edmunds.com says:
   The 2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe bundles excellent rear-wheel-drive driving dynamics with brisk performance into an attractive package.
   
5. 
   5. Dodge Challenger (V6)
   What Edmunds.com says:
   The 2011 Dodge Challenger may look like a muscle car and go like a muscle car, but its ability to also be a grand American touring coupe cements its status as the most livable of the reborn pony cars.
   
6. 
   6. Honda Civic Si
   What Edmunds.com says:
   The all-new 2012 Honda Civic remains a strong contender in the compact car category, but other new models now effectively match the Civic and threaten its traditional dominance in the marketplace.
   
7. 
   7. Volkswagen Jetta
   What Edmunds.com says:
   While the new 2011 Volkswagen Jetta is bigger yet more affordable than before, it has lost many of the special attributes that formerly distinguished it from the pack.
   
8. 
   8. Mazda Mazdaspeed3
   What Edmunds.com says:
   With its energetic personality, rewarding handling and thoughtful features, the 2011 Mazdaspeed 3 is a must on any budget-minded enthusiast's test-drive list.
   
9. 
   9. Mini Cooper
   What Edmunds.com says:
   Thanks to British character and German engineering, the 2011 Mini Cooper is a great pick for a small coupe or convertible.
   
10. 
    10. Hyundai Sonata
    What Edmunds.com says:
    The previous Sonata was a solid contender, but for 2011, the Hyundai Sonata vaults itself to the top of the class.
    
11. 
    11. Kia Optima
    What Edmunds.com says:
    From anonymous also-ran to eye-catching class leader, the 2011 Kia Optima is a must-drive family sedan.
    
12. 
    12. Toyota Prius
    What Edmunds.com says:
    There are plenty of choices for a green car this year. But when it comes to high fuel economy, plenty of versatility and a reasonable price, the 2011 Toyota Prius cannot be beat.
    
13. 
    13. Subaru Forester
    What Edmunds.com says:
    More grown up in both size and character than past iterations, the 2011 Subaru Forester is a top pick in the highly competitive small SUV segment.
    
14. 
    14. Chevrolet Equinox
    What Edmunds.com says:
    The 2011 Chevy Equinox is a stylish and comfortable entry in the highly competitive small-crossover segment. RAV4 and CR-V shoppers should take notice.
    
15. 
    15. Honda CR-V
    What Edmunds.com says:
    Well-rounded and a great choice for families, the 2011 Honda CR-V is one of our favorite compact crossover SUVs.
    
16. 
    16. Kia Sportage
    What Edmunds.com says:
    The 2011 Kia Sportage offers many improvements over the previous-generation Kia crossover, and now the Sportage matches up with the best crossover SUVs in the class.
    
17. 
    17. Hyundai Tucson
    What Edmunds.com says:
    The 2011 Hyundai Tucson might not be as big as its main rivals, but it makes amends with a handsome cabin, an ample list of features, sporty handling and a low price. It's a top pick for a small crossover.
    
18. 
    18. Suzuki Kizashi
    What Edmunds.com says:
    The 2011 Suzuki Kizashi is one of the best midsize sedans on the market, but a limited dealer network has kept it out of the spotlight.
    
19. 
    19. Honda Insight
    What Edmunds.com says:
    While fuel-efficient and reliable, the 2011 Honda Insight doesn't measure up to its archrival, the Toyota Prius.
    
20. 
    20. Mazda CX-7
    What Edmunds.com says:
    Thanks to a sharp design and sharper handling, the 2011 Mazda CX-7 brings some much-needed fun to a practical but mostly bland segment.