Top Five Cars for generation Y

2012 Chevrolet Sonic

MSRP from: $14,500

“Easier to pronounce than ‘Aveo’ and far more attractively styled, the 2012 Sonic gives Chevrolet it’s best entry in the sub-compact category since…well, ever,” says Brauer. “It’s got an available turbocharged engine and high-tech features like Bluetooth phone pairing, OnStar communications link and remote start. It’s also got a class-leading trunk size, though it won’t offer as much interior flexibility as a Honda Fit.”

2012 Ford Focus Electric

MSRP from: N/A

“Joining the ranks of power-cord-equipped models like the Chevrolet Volt,Nissan Leaf and Toyota Plug-In Prius is Ford’s first all-electric model, the 2012 Focus Electric. This one is supposed to charge in half the time it takes to fully charge a Leaf, and it comes with Ford’s high-tech entertainment and communication suite, MyFord Touch, as well as new application for monitoring vehicle status via a cell phone, MyFord Mobile,” says Brauer.

2012 Honda Civic

MSRP from: $15,900

“An all-new 2012 Honda Civic arrives this summer, and the near-production concept was shown in Detroit last week. The new Civic, particularly in coupe form, has an attractive shape and excellent proportions to enhance both interior space and exterior style. A natural gas and hybrid version will extend the Civic’s appeal to young drivers looking to reduce the impact of their transportation needs on the planet.”

2012 Hyundai Veloster

MSRP from: $19,500

“The company that weathered the recession better than most has a new, sporty coupe aimed at Gen Y buyers. The 2012 Veloster manages to wrap a functional, five-passenger conveyance in an attractive hatchback design with a small rear-seat access door on the passenger side,” says Brauer. “At 40 mpg on the highway it’s one of the most fuel-efficient cars in the segment, yet it features a performance-oriented dual-clutch transmission to keep drivers engaged.”

2012 Toyota Prius C

MSRP from: N/A

“Although it’s still classified as a concept car, the Prius C that debuted in Detroit should be available in mid-2012 as a 2013 model,” says Brauer. He adds that “it will offer among the highest fuel efficiency rating of any non-plug-in car sold in the U.S. Smaller and lighter than the traditionalPrius, the Prius C will use aggressive styling and feature the latest in-car technology, yet pricing should remain realistic for first-time buyers with an eye toward carbon footprint reductions.”