IRVINE, Calif. -

In pitching what it finds to be the 2011 Top 10 Back-to-School Cars, Kelley Blue Book threw in a little bit of a change-up. This year, Kbb.com selected five used cars and five new cars, ranking each category separately.

To compile the lists, editors recommended new and used rides that allow high school and college students to travel “to and from class in a fun, economical, versatile and reliable vehicle.”

On the list of top used rides, the model earning top honors is the 2007 Suzuki SX4, followed by the 2008 Chevrolet HHR and the 2007 Kia Sedona in spots two and three, respectively.

No. 4 is the 2007 Ford F-150, while the 2007 Nissan Sentra comes in at No. 5.

“The 2007 Suzuki SX4 is the least-expensive all-wheel-drive vehicle on the market, making it a smart choice for anyone who doesn’t have a lot of money to burn but needs something that can take on the cruelest of winters,” editors said of the top-ranking used car.

“Plus Suzuki allows for its no-deductible, 100,000-mile, seven-year powertrain warranty to be transferred to subsequent owners,” they added.

Moving over to the new-car rankings, Kbb.com chose the 2012 Hyundai Accent as the best back to school ride, with the 2011 Honda Fit ranking second. Third on the list is the 2012 Ford Focus, followed by the 2011 Fiat 500. Ranking fifth is the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze.

“Each year we have more great choices to consider for our top back-to-school rides list because auto manufacturers continue to outdo themselves with the features and amenities they offer on vehicles that are optimal for students,” stated Jack Nerad, the executive editorial director and executive market analyst at Kbb.com.

“With so many vehicle choices, the key to shopping smart is finding a set of wheels that pleases both parent and child, which is no small task,” he added. “The good news is the recently redesigned Kbb.com provides a host of tools to help find the best car and get the best deal possible.”

Continuing on, a few automakers chimed in on their respective vehicles making the lists.

Laura Soave, head of the Fiat brand for North America, commented: “In just a few short months, the Fiat 500 already is becoming a favorite with young buyers who recognize all that the new Fiat has to offer.

“The new Fiat 500 is affordable transportation that is safe, practical and with a 38 mpg highway rating, easy on the wallet for high school and college students on a budget. It also has great looks and performance,” she continued.

Likewise, Hyundai Motor America product planning manager Brandon Ramirez offered his take on the Accent topping the new-car list: “The 2012 Hyundai Accent is tapping into the consumer demand for high-content, fuel efficient cars. Like the Elantra and Sonata Hybrid, Accent achieves 40 mpg highway without any additional cost for a high fuel economy package, making it a very attractive car to both students and their parents.”