Many drivers place a great deal of emphasis on style and design when choosing a vehicle, especially younger motorists. New drivers and their parents may have a hard time finding a car that fits both of their requirements, but Kelley Blue Book recently compiled its list of the 10 Best Back-to-School Cars of 2012 to helps young drivers and their parents find reliable and affordable rides that are also fun and exciting. The vehicles on the list are all from the 2012 model year.

"From funky hatchbacks to stylish sedans, all of KBB.com's 10 Best Back-to-School Cars of 2012 are affordable, safe and reliable, not to mention fun to drive and fuel efficient," said Jack Nerad, executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com. "Most importantly, these vehicles fulfill the often distinctively different set of new-car criteria of both parents and students, striking a healthy balance. Parents will be amazed at the sheer selection of amenity-laden student-friendly new cars available today for less than $16,000."

The 2012 Kia Soul was chosen for this list, as it's got a modern and eye-catching style that young drivers will love. It's also fuel-efficient so drivers will save at the pump and won't need to bug their parents for gas money as often. The Chevrolet Sonic, which came on the market last year to replace the Cruze, is small and fuel efficient, but still has plenty of room for passengers. Plus, it comes in a variety of colors and has amenities such as touch-screen navigation, and hands-free technology so kids can check in with their parents without taking their hands or eyes off the wheel. Mazda's Mazda3, Hyundai
Accent and Nissan Versa also made the list.

Drivers don't have to buy brand new cars to get a good deal, as New Jersey State Auto Auction carries a wide variety of used makes and models at affordable prices.