Proving that cool and affordable really can continue to coexist, the experts at Kelley Blue Book www.kbb.com, the vehicle valuation and information source trusted and relied upon by both consumers and the automotive industry, have named their annual list of the 10 Coolest Cars Under $18,000.  The Mazda3 is No. 1 once again for 2016, marking its third straight year in a row of capturing the top spot and notably being featured on KBB.com's annual affordable "cool cars" list every year of the vehicle's 13-year existence.

Two longstanding criteria -- fun-to-drive and fun-to-own -- are critical among the deciding factors of what the editors freely admit is a very subjective "cool factor," the over-arching number-one criterion for a vehicle to place on this list.  Each vehicle is available for purchase starting at $18,000 or less, using Kelley Blue Book's exclusive Fair Market Range as the yardstick.  Kelley Blue Book® Fair Market Range is part of KBB.com's Price Advisor tool, and shows the range of what consumers can reasonably expect to pay this week in their area for a new vehicle when purchasing from a dealer.  Factors such as current market conditions, vehicle availability, local demand, and seasonal buying trends all help determine a vehicle's Fair Market Range and Fair Purchase Price.

"Cool sure has come a long way. Our annual Coolest New Cars Under $18,000 is one of Kelley Blue Book's longest-running lists, and it's incredible to see all of the amazing tech features and amenities you can get on an affordable car these days compared to a decade ago," said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book.  "In our eyes, the combination of cool and affordable doesn't get better than the Mazda3, which has been on the list every year since it debuted and snagged the top spot for three years running.  Gorgeous and sporty outside as well as inside, the Mazda3 backs it all up with fun-focused driving dynamics with praiseworthy fuel efficiency."