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Autotrader picks best cars for 2015's college grads

Summer is here and the school season is winding to a close. That means millions of students will be graduating college and (hopefully) entering the workforce. For many, that will mean buying a new car suited to the new stage in life into which they will now be embarking. That can be a bewildering choice, especially for someone who's never bought a car before. Fortunately, Autotrader has come up with a short list of recommended cars – new and used – which it recommends to the graduating class of 2015. Among the site's top choices are some compelling crossovers and hatchbacks, including the Buick Encore, Chevy Trax, and Jeep Renegade, as well as the Honda Fit, Nissan Versa Note, Mazda3 and Fiat 500. Can't stretch to buying new, or don't see the point? Autotrader has also identified the Toyota Camry, Ford Fusion and even the Lexus IS as smart buys in the certified pre-owned category. "Any time someone goes through a major life change, such as graduating college, they need to determine if their current ride makes sense for their lifestyle, from both a financial and functional perspective," says Autotrader editor Brian Moody. "For example, while that hand-me-down SUV from your parents was nice when you turned 16, you may want to opt for a safer, more fuel-efficient car as you transition into the working world." Autotrader Names 10 Best Cars for Recent College Graduates ATLANTA, May 28, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- For many, graduating college is a milestone like no other – it represents a new chapter, a proud accomplishment and, fortunately or unfortunately, financial independence. Luckily for graduates who are in the market for a new car to suit their post-college lifestyle, Autotrader's expert editors say now is a great time to make a purchase, as dealerships are flush with affordable models that are fun, fuel-efficient and thoughtfully designed. Autotrader Logo "Any time someone goes through a major life change, such as graduating college, they need to determine if their current ride makes sense for their lifestyle, from both a financial and functional perspective," said Brian Moody, site editor for Autotrader.

Ford picks up new Ranger overseas [w/video+poll]

The new Ford F-150 is lighter and more efficient than the model it replaced, but if it's a smaller Ford pickup that you really wanted, you're going to have to pack your bags. Because while Dearborn stopped selling the Ranger in North America years ago, it still offers one in markets overseas. And it's just rolled out a refreshed model at the 2015 Bangkok Motor Show in Thailand. Following the reveal of the new Everest sport-ute with which it shares its chassis, the refreshed Ranger pickup benefits from revised sheetmetal, powertrain and equipment throughout. The changes are punctuated by a front end with a more rugged-looking grille, a more sculpted hood and projector headlamps. The interior has been updated as well, not only in terms of style but equipment as well, with an eight-inch touchscreen display in the dashboard running Sync 2 and dual TFT displays flanking the speedo in the instrument cluster. Under the hood, buyers will be able to choose between a carryover 2.5-liter inline four with 163 horsepower and 166 pound-feet of torque that's the sole gasoline option or one of two diesel options: a 2.2-liter four now producing 158 hp and 284 lb-ft, or a 3.2-liter inline-five with 197 hp and 347 lb-ft. The diesel engines are more efficient than before with available stop/start engine management, and offer what Ford says is class-leading towing capability. Six-speed automatic or manual gearboxes transmit the power to the road through either the rear wheels or all four. Production will continue in Thailand for the Asia Pacific Market, South Africa for Africa and Europe, and in Argentina for Latin America. All told the new Ranger will be offered in 180 markets, around the world but for better or worse, ours won't be one of them. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

2015 Ford Focus Sedan is fresh-faced and ready to defend its Most Popular crown

Ford has made an art of deeper-than-normal midlife updates since the 2010 Fusion, a strategy that has allowed it to keep models looking fresher in showrooms for longer without needing full redesigns. Instead of slight touchups to light fixtures, new paint colors and perhaps new wheel patterns, Ford has been digging deeper, with significant sheetmetal changes and very different front-end looks, along with an increased emphasis on new in-car technologies to keep models vibrant. Other automakers are following this trend, and Ford itself is continuing on the path with this new 2015 Focus Sedan.
There's a handsome new SE Sport Package that includes a firmer touring suspension, modest body kit and 17-inch wheels.
We first saw this sleek Aston Martin-like nose fitted to a Focus at the Geneva Motor Show last month, but Ford only showed the new look on the five-door hatchback - this is the first appearance of the sedan, which will bow at next week's New York Auto Show. The front end treatment is the same, with a new hood, new headlamps incorporating LED accents, a different grille shape and a completely revised lower fascia that does away with the 2014 model's controversial triangle-shaped corners and gaping intakes. The rear gets a new two-piece, laser-brazed trunk lid with new taillamps, but the overall look is quite similar to last year's car. In any case, the refreshed look brings the Focus sedan more in line with the design of Ford's other recently reworked cars, including the Fusion and Fiesta.