Best college cars

[Best college cars]

If you're buying your kid a car, these should serve you well and last through the first commutes.

NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - When you send your kids off to college, they may need a new set of wheels. Far away from home, they won't be able to borrow Mom and Dad's car.

Of course, not every parent -- or high school grad, if the parents involved aren't the generous type -- can afford their dream car right off the bat. Fortunately, a lot of car companies have models that cater to the needs of first-time car buyers.

Lawrence Ulrich, auto writer for MONEY magazine, worked with me to select six cars costing, at most, about $20,000.

This is about more than money, of course. It's also about safety and style. All these cars do well in crash tests.

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