Best Cars for College Students (And Parents Who Worry)

Best Cars for College Students (And Parents Who Worry)

Sending your student off to college is hard enough—worrying about their car shouldn’t be part of the stress. Whether they’re commuting to class, driving home on weekends, or road-tripping with friends, you want something safe, reliable, affordable, and just cool enough.

Here are the top used vehicles we recommend at Dream Work Automotive for college drivers—and the parents who love them.

1. 2020 Toyota Corolla

Why it’s great: Legendary reliability, excellent gas mileage (up to 40 MPG), and low maintenance costs.

Bonus: Easy to drive, park, and insure.

Parent peace-of-mind rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

2. 2018 Honda CR-V

Why it’s great: It’s spacious enough for dorm furniture, safe enough for road trips, and dependable enough to last beyond graduation.

Perfect for: Students who pack heavy or head home often.

Parent peace-of-mind rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

3. 2019 Hyundai Elantra

Why it’s great: Affordable upfront, great warranty coverage, and a sleek design that students actually like.

Tech perks: Apple CarPlay & Android Auto come standard in most trims.

Parent peace-of-mind rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

4. 2021 Mazda3 Hatchback

Why it’s great: Fun to drive, stylish exterior, and impressive safety features.

Good for: City parking and campus street style.

Parent peace-of-mind rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

5. 2022 Volkswagen Taos

Why it’s great: Compact SUV vibes with excellent fuel economy and modern features.

Why students love it: It feels elevated without a luxury price tag.

Parent peace-of-mind rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

6. 2021 Toyota Tacoma (Base)

Why it’s great: Durable, holds resale value, and can double as a moving truck when needed.

Better for: Students who enjoy outdoor activities or need a truck for work/school balance.

Parent peace-of-mind rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

7. 2017 Ford Fusion SE

Why it’s great: Bigger size than a compact, affordable pricing, and loaded with safety tech.

Great for: Students who want a midsize feel without extra cost.

Parent peace-of-mind rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Honorable Mentions (Low-Mileage Budget Cars)

• 2016 Honda Fit – surprisingly roomy and easy to maintain
• 2017 Kia Soul – quirky, safe, and loaded with personality
• 2018 Subaru Impreza AWD – all-weather confidence for northern schools

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a student shopping on a budget or a parent looking for safety and reliability, there’s a sweet spot between affordable and dependable—and we stock it here at Dream Work Automotive.