IRVINE, Calif. — So students are fully prepared to go back to school, Kelley Blue Book went beyond pens, books and laptops to create its 2010 Top 10 Back-to-School Cars.

The choices include a mix of both used and new vehicles that are "fun, economical, versatile and reliable." Topping this Kbb.com chart was the 2006 Honda Civic, followed by a new unit, the much-publicized 2011 Ford Fiesta.

Ford and Honda were the only two brands to have more than one vehicle on this particular back-to-school list, which was split evenly between used and new units.

In making their selections, Kbb.com editors kept key financial criteria in mind, considering all new vehicles with an MSRP below $18,000. For the used vehicles on the list, the editors narrowed it down to 2005 model-year and newer vehicles, with a Kelley Blue Book Suggested Retail Value of less than $12,000.

"Choosing the right kind of car can be a difficult process, especially when parents and their children are at odds with what they need versus what they want in a set of wheels," Kbb.com analysts explained.

"While features such as reliability, safety, affordability and practicality are important to any parent, how quickly their car accelerates, how tech-savvy it is and how cool it looks when cruising to the school football game are often bigger concerns for students," they continued.

That reasoning is why the list ranges from the 2011 Chevrolet Cruz to a 2006 Ford Crown Victoria.

Jack Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book's Kbb.com, offered a deeper look into how this back-to-school list was assembled.

"This year's all-new car entries, like the Chevrolet Cruze and Ford Fiesta, offer advanced technological features and forward-looking designs to engage any student with price points that won't disappoint parents," Nerad highlighted.

"There also are mainstays like the Mazda3 and Honda Civic, which seem to make our Back-to-School list year after year," he continued.

"With so many well-equipped new cars and bargain-priced used cars on the market, we'd argue that this may be the best year yet to find a ride that will please both parents and students," Nerad added.

Kbb.com editors offered commentary about each of the vehicles they chose:

2006 Honda Civic

"Economics 101: A used Honda Civic is the smartest car purchase you can make," Kbb.com declared. "The used car we recommend most often isn't just affordable, reliable, fuel efficient and resale resilient; we also like the way it looks and drives. If you're looking to kick off the new school year with a solid ‘A' grade, buy a used Civic."

2011 Ford Fiesta

"So-called B-class cars have dominated Europe for years, but only recently — thanks to rising gas prices and stiffer environmental standards — did Ford decided to bring their tiny Fiesta sub-compact stateside," site analysts determined. "With highway fuel economy up to 40 mpg, standard stability control, up-level options like heated leather seats and push-button engine start, plus a starting price around $14,000, we think the high-style 2011 Ford Fiesta was worth the wait."

2010 Mazda MAZDA3

"Like most homecoming court nominees, the Mazda3 is one well-rounded package," Kbb.com pointed out. "Combining fun driving dynamics, 33 mpg highway fuel economy, six airbags and a distinctive look that stands out in a crowded campus parking lot, this car gets good marks in just about every subject we could possibly grade it in. With such high praise, it's no surprise that the Mazda3 has been a recurring guest on our list of best back-to-school cars for several years running."

2008 Pontiac Vibe

"If going back to school this fall means a return to numerous extracurricular activities, the versatile Pontiac Vibe is a practical choice for around-town transportation," site analysts believe. "This compact, fuel-efficient wagon sports an easily cleaned hard plastic floor and rear track tie-downs, giving you the flexibility to haul anything from sports equipment to band gear in an orderly fashion to and from campus."

2010 Honda Fit

"The over-achieving Honda Fit majors in affordability and double-minors in flexibility and fun," Kbb.com indicated. "Available for under $16,000, the Honda Fit offers an acrobatic rear seat that delivers extreme cargo versatility, plus lively handling that can take everything you can squeeze out of the 117-horsepower engine. There's even a Fit Sport that offers a stiffer suspension and paddle shifters (or a five-speed manual)."

2005 Saab 9-2X

"Underneath its Saab-specific body panels, the Saab 9-2X is all but identical to the Subaru Impreza of the same year, sharing the Subaru's all-wheel-drive confidence and wagon practicality," analysts explained. "Most buyers would be just as happy with Subaru's version, but those who opt for the Saab 9-2X can enjoy the vague sense of prestige that accompanies a Saab badge. As a bonus, being one of the few Saab drivers on campus is worth at least five cool guy/girl points."

2010 Kia Soul

"The Kia Soul's dramatically upright styling disguises the fact that it is much larger than you might guess, and that added size is a good thing," the site asserted. "It offers a commodious interior for fellow classmates and/or dorm furnishings, while featuring a dramatic, not-you-father's-Oldsmobile vibe inside and out. Add iPod, push the hamster out of the driver's seat and go on with your life."

2006 Ford Crown Victoria

"Now the continuing student can enjoy the same comfort, interior space and reliability that taxicab companies and police agencies have long favored," site analysts declared. "The Crown Vic offers ample seating for six and a trunk deep enough to swallow more possessions than the typical student owns. Fuel economy is better than you might figure, and when it comes to the safety of your favorite scholar, size does matter. To be sure, this is an option strictly for those who dare to be different."

2008 Suzuki SX4 Hatchback

"The Suzuki SX4 is the most affordable all-wheel drive car in America and includes a generous seven-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty that transfers to subsequent owners," Kbb.com noted. "Combined with hatchback versatility and a stylish interior, the Suzuki SX4 is a multitalented car that delivers a measure of new-car confidence at a used-car price."

2011 Chevrolet Cruze

"The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze further redefines the compact sedan as more than just a starter car," site analysts determined. "The Cruze is big-sedan quiet, boasts one of the category's nicest interiors and comes with turn-by-turn navigation via OnStar. Add in a sporty but comfortable ride, room for five and folding rear seats for those times when you need to move the larger things in your life, and the Chevy Cruze could easily see you through school and into your first job in style."