Is Honda Civic THE Best Car for College Student?

I'm looking for a good, reliable, fuel eff. 4 cyl car for my daughter to start college with in the Fall. I'm looking at the Chevy Cobalt, Dodge Neon & The Civic. Which is THE best for a 19year old college student? My budget is $7,000 Max.
Serious opinions only please!

With Over 4K to spend you have a really good pick of what would be a good car for you daughter. Chevy Malibu or the Honda Accord would be my choice. These cars get about 20-22 mpg around town. If you want her in something smaller the Chevy Cruse or the Civic would be my choices.

The overall quality and reliability of a gently used Honda Civic would be far superior to a Neon or a Cobalt. You may also wish to consider the Toyota Corolla or the Mazda 3.

Must read consumerreports.org a non profit research group, CR mag avail @ libraries, bookstores.

forget those posted other than Honda

Compared to a Cobalt or Neon, the Honda is definitely better by a long shot. Cobalts and Neons are disposable, people tend to retire them early as they get too problematic and they depreciate faster making them worthless within a shorter period of time.

I wouldn't call the Civic "the best" as there are comparable cars like the Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, or Mazda 3. But the Civic is indeed an excellent car for a college student

Civic blows away your other 2 options.

Also consider a ford focus.Madza, Nissan or Toyota.

Neon & Cobalt are behind all of the above.

Ford Focus (2009-2011)

A competent small car, the Ford Focus from this period has better-than-average reliability and crash-test scores. It is, admittedly, a boring car, and that helps make it perfect for a young driver. The Focus has fairly balanced handling when pushed to its limits. We zeroed-in on the 2009 model as that model year marks the introduction of stability control. Teens may appreciate that an early version of Ford's Sync infotainment system with voice controls and USB input is available.

Hyundai Elantra (2008 or later)

We need to be a bit specific on this recommendation, concentrating on the Elantra SE from 2008-2010, or any version 2011 or newer. That is because stability control was not readily available for all trim levels-just the SE-until it became standard for 2011. Since we're being picky, the Elantra fared better in side crash tests starting in 2010. Fuel economy improved markedly with a 2011 redesign, as did styling and packaging. These two Elantra generations are appealing alternatives to more popular competitors because relatively lower retail values make them attractive buys on the used market.

Mazda3 (2011 or later)

One of our favorite small cars, the Mazda3 has precise, responsive handling and a firm, comfortable ride. Interior quality is very good overall, although the cabin is noisy and the rear seat somewhat tight. For 2012, Mazda added a new 2.0-liter Skyactiv engine and six-speed automatic transmission that boosted fuel economy to an impressive 32 mpg. If you're shopping for an earlier model, look for one with antilock brakes, stability control, and the available curtain air bags, as the Mazda3 received a Poor rating in the IIHS side-crash test without them. Skip the zippy Mazdaspeed3.

Mazda6 (4 cyl., 2009-2013)

Stepping up to a midsized sedan brings more interior and cargo space. Redesigned for 2009, this Mazda6 is roomier, quieter, and quicker than the generation it replaced. Teens will appreciate that it is relatively fun to drive, while parents will appreciate its more practical qualities including decent reliability. Bypass the V6 and get the 2.5-liter four-cylinder, which delivers better-than-average acceleration, while returning a decent 24 mpg overall.

Subaru Impreza (non-turbo, 2009 or later)

Looking for the foul-weather capability of all-wheel drive? Consider the Subaru Impreza in either sedan or hatchback form. This small car provides nimble handling and a composed ride. Further, it has an enviable reliability and crash-test record. Fuel economy on pre-2012 models wasn't great. The 2012 makeover made a good car better, with an improved ride, responsive handling, increased interior space, and an efficient continuously variable transmission. Steer clear of the entertaining turbocharged WRX models, as they can inspire misbehavior.

Toyota Corolla
Honda Civic
Mazda 3