(August 9, 2013) IRVINE, Calif. — With the 2013-2014 school season right around the corner, parents and students can see which new cars the experts recommend most in the list of 10 Best Back-to-School Cars of 2013 from Kelley Blue Book www.kbb.

As summer ends and another semester opens, KBB.com editors hand-picked a selection of new cars they recommend for students who may be considering their MPG as well as their GPA.  Criteria for selection included earning high grades in not only fuel economy, but also safety, style, versatility, and of course, value.  

Each of the KBB.com Editors' new-car recommendations start below $20,000, with a few even available for less than $15,000.

"Parents and students alike will be surprised at the variety of amenity-laden, affordable new cars available on our 10 Best Back-to-School Cars list for 2013," said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director for Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com.

"We chose the all-new Nissan Versa Note as our No. 1 Back-to-School Car this year because it not only checks the requisite boxes of low price and high fuel economy, but the Note also stresses good looks as a key portion of its value story. It's an attractive five-door hatchback, featuring plenty of new-tech offerings inside."

KBB.com's 10 Best Back-to-School Cars for 2013:

*Fuel Economy was not a deciding factor for the 10 Best Back-to-School Cars list.  Fuel economy is enclosed to provide context only among the most popular trims for the selected models.