In fact, the average new-vehicle transaction price last year was about $26,000.

Sticker shock is quite prevalent in the auto industry, but you really don't have to spend even the average price of $26,000 to get a fun and cool new car.

There are vehicles out there that are affordable, and they're not just stripped-down econoboxes.

The editors of the Kelley Blue Book new- and used-car price guides' online site, have compiled their list of the "Top 10 Cool, Affordable New Vehicles" selling for less than $18,000.

The selections are:

Toyota Yaris

Year: 2007

Price: $14,630 list price, actual transaction price not available. || Reno Toyota

This vehicle went on sale last month as the new entry-level model in Toyota's lineup, replacing the Echo.

Available in four-door sedan and three-door hatchback versions, the Yaris is powered by a 106-horsepower, 1.5-liter, four-cylinder engine and comes with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.

The sedan is 19 inches longer than the hatchback and very roomy.

The big advantage of the Yaris besides its entry-level price is its fuel economy. Both models will get up to 34 miles per gallon in the city and 40 on the highway with the manual transmission and 34 city/39 highway with the automatic.

Toyota Scion xB

Year: 2006

Price: $15,370 list/$15,524 average transaction. || Reno Scion

I love these boxy little wagons, as odd-looking as they are, and I'm not alone. Scion dealers have a hard time keeping them in stock because they're selling so quickly.

One of the first products of Toyota's new youth-oriented Scion brand, the xB has been a surprise to Toyota because of its appeal to consumers of all ages.

It's a great alternative to bigger gas-guzzling SUVs, and it has rear legroom that is better than you'll find in a Lincoln Town Car.

It uses the same 1.5-liter engine found in the Yaris, which gives it adequate power for its size and light weight. It's so cool-looking that it turns heads wherever it goes.

Dodge Caliber

Year: 2007

Price: $15,985 list/$15,985 transaction. || Reno Dodge

Having just arrived on the market, this is one of the coolest little cars I've ever seen.

A compact wagon Chrysler insists on calling a hatchback, the Caliber is cool enough to appeal to people of all ages, although it's aimed at twentysomethings.

It replaces the Neon in the Dodge lineup.

The base engine is a 1.8-liter, four-cylinder that cranks out 148 horsepower.

A five-speed manual is standard; a continuously variable automatic, or CVT, is optional.

Kia Sportage

Year: 2006

Price: $16,490 list/$16,134 transaction. || Reno Kia

The second generation of Kia's compact SUV arrived for 2005 and is a sibling of the slightly more expensive Hyundai Tucson. It's a crossover model based on the platform of the Hyundai Elantra compact sedan.

The base two-wheel-drive Sportage LX comes with a five-speed manual gearbox and the same 140-horsepower, four-cylinder engine.

All-wheel-drive models of the Sportage with four-cylinder engine and manual transmission start at under $18,000.

Base models come with air conditioning; power windows, mirrors and door locks; roof rack; AM/FM/compact disc stereo and rear privacy glass.

Chevrolet HHR

Year: 2006

Price: $16,890 list/$16,472 transaction. || Reno Chevrolet

Introduced last summer, this is Chevy's answer to the Chrysler PT Cruiser. The HHR's design originated from the 1949 Chevrolet Suburban, though, not the PT, GM says.

With its 23 miles per gallon in the city and 30 on the highway, the HHR offers about 60% better fuel economy than the average midsize SUV. The base engine is a 2.2-liter, four-cylinder rated at 143 horsepower.

Standard on all models is a five-speed manual gearbox; for $1,000 more, a four-speed automatic is available on any model.

All HHRs come with air conditioning; power windows, mirrors and door locks with remote keyless entry; 16-inch wheels and a six-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo.

Ford Fusion

Year: 2006

Price: $17,795 list/$17,084 transaction. || Reno Ford

One of Ford's two replacements for the long-running Taurus, this new sedan is based on the chassis of the truly cool Mazda 6 midsize sedan, but comes with a lower price. Styling is really cool, and this car is fun to drive.

The base model gets a 2.3-liter, double-overhead-cam, four-cylinder rated at 160 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque. It's connected to a five-speed manual gearbox, and a five-speed automatic transmission is optional.

This engine and the manual transmission give the Fusion highway fuel economy of 31 miles per gallon, Ford says.

Nissan Frontier King Cab pickup

Year: 2006

Price: $17,530 list/$17,179 transaction || Reno Nissan

This is Nissan's Tennessee-built compact pickup with an extended cab and a base 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine.

Even at this price, the Frontier is comfortably equipped, and it offers a truly versatile vehicle at a quite affordable price.

Mazda 3

Year: 2006

Price: $18,175 list/$17,646 transaction. || Reno Mazda

Driving the Mazda 3 is almost like having a sports car, not a practical, cheap-to-operate everyday vehicle. Available in sedan and hatchback models, the 3 has a high roofline to give it a roomy interior suitable for up to five adults. The base engine is a 2.0-liter, inline four-cylinder engine rated at 148 horsepower.

Transmissions offered are a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic.

These cars are well-equipped even at the base price.

Honda Civic

Year: 2006

Price: $17,860 list/$17,860 transaction. || Reno Honda

These vehicles have been popular over the years mostly because of their economy of operation, practicality and remarkable reliability.

All those attributes are still included in the redesigned Civic for 2006, but the styling has been kicked up a notch or two.

Toyota Scion tC

Year: 2006

Price: $17,640 list/$17,960 transaction. || Reno/Fallon Toyota

The third entry in the Scion line, added for 2005, this is a sport coupe that essentially replaced the Celica in the Toyota lineup.

The car has a 106.3-inch wheelbase and is actually a three-door hatchback, like the Celica, rather than a true coupe, which would have a standard trunk instead of a rear hatch.

One of the coolest features is the standard panorama power moon roof, a first in this entry-level compact coupe segment....
Article by G. Chambers Williams III * Photos by RenoNewCars.com