REVIEW: A deep dive into the most popular cars at CGS
By: Violet Daly ‘26
Image Courtesy of Best Brand Logos Images With Names Collections
The gravel lot at Catlin Gabel School (CGS) tells a story–one of the eco-conscious Priuses, adventure-ready Subaru Foresters, and sleek sporty Teslas. But which of these popular student cars deserves a spot in your driveway? Before navigating the confusing and stressful world of car searching, it is important to understand each aspect of potential cars.
Three key categories stand out when looking for a new or used car: reliability, affordability, and accessories. Adventuring into the search process can be overwhelming, with new cars coming out every year, but there are facts about every car that people should know before buying.
After gathering data from a spreadsheet of registered student cars at CGS, I have reviewed three of the most common cars in the Gravel Lot. I will evaluate the safety, cost, and appearance of the cars. With a score out of ten for each vehicle, I will hopefully provide insight into what makes these three CGS favorites so popular.
Toyota Prius 2020 (12 cars in Gravel Lot)
Toyota Prius 2020 in blue.
Courtesy of Carfax.
Reliability: 10/10
Regarding reliability, the Toyota Prius truly stands out, offering impressive safety features. This car includes a blind spot monitor, front and rear parking assist with automatic braking, and the STAR safety system.
For those looking for a reliable and affordable car, the Prius is a good option. After conducting multiple rigorous crash tests, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the Prius a 5/5 star rating–presenting a safe and reliable vehicle option.
Affordability: 9.5/10
The 2020 Prius typically ranges from $18,000 to $25,000 on the used market, making it relatively affordable for a newer, extremely safe car. As a hybrid, the Prius significantly reduces fuel costs compared to gas-powered cars, which provides long-term savings.
The Prius stands at a reasonable price, with new cars starting at $28,000. Considering all the included safety features and accessories, the Prius represents excellent value for its price.
Exterior: 7/10
For my taste in cars, the outer appearance of the Prius is unappealing in comparison to the smaller, more sports-car-looking sedan or the larger, more bulky cars.
The Prius’ unique design appears to fall in between a hatchback and a sedan shape, creating what former Prius owner junior Ellery Rayne describes as a “jellybean” appearance.
Example of the 2020 Toyota Prius Interior.
Courtesy of 2020 Toyota Prius Review, Pricing, and Specs
Interior: 9/10
The interior includes a long screen for helpful navigation and an overall futuristic look. The Toyota Prius also includes features such as CarPlay, heated seats, and even more. The innovative interior design complements the car’s inventive hybrid technology.
Toyota Prius 2020 Overall Rating: 8.9/10.
Subaru Forester 2020 (12 Cars in Gravel Lot)
Subaru Forester 2020.
Courtesy of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
Reliability: 10/10
The Subaru Forester has exceptional ground clearance, which provides safety in off-road terrain–perfect for Pacific Northwest adventures. Subaru is known for its long-lasting vehicle life of up to 300,000 miles, and specifically, the Forester is praised for its all-weather capabilities.
Affordability: 9/10
The Subaru Forester 2020’s price ranges from $20,000 to $30,000 depending on the vehicle’s condition. With incredible safety features and the ability to drive in mountainous terrain, the Subaru Forester seems to be an understandable price.
Although the Toyota Prius is cheaper, the Subaru is known for holding its value extremely well, ranking first in retained value compared to other car brands.
Exterior: 9/10
The Forester features a rugged yet refined design that balances functionality with aesthetics. Although it is described as a compact SUV, it avoids the blocky appearance of a larger car, such as a Jeep, and presents a long and sleek appearance that can be used in any setting, city, or off-road.
Interior: 9/10 The Forester’s cabin is spacious and practical with excellent visibility, comfortable seating, and intuitive controls. Standard features include a touchscreen with smartphone integration, automatic climate control, and Subaru’s eyesight driver assist. Some higher models of the Forester include leather upholstery and a sunroof.
The Subaru Forester 2020 model comes well-equipped with an array of standard features, and in addition, Subaru also offers various packages to enhance the car's capabilities.
Example of the 2020 Subaru Forester Interior.
Courtesy of 2020 Subaru Forester Research in Bluefield, WV
Subaru Forester Overall Rating: 9.2/10
Tesla 2020 (15 Cars in Gravel Lot)
2020 Tesla Model Y.
Courtesy of 2020 Tesla Model Y Reliability & Recalls | U.S. New
Reliability: 7/10
Although the creator of this car claims that it lasts up to 300,000 - 500,000 miles, many used Tesla owners have reported troubles with the battery, infotainment hardware, and other aspects of the car, leading to thousands of dollars spent on repairs after limited use. These problems are common in older Tesla models, however, some argue that because the car brand is so new, it is unclear whether these replacement pieces simply lose their reliability over time.
Senior and Tesla owner Aditi Subramaniam explains some of her encounters with aspects of the Tesla. Some of these experiences include her Tesla breaking down when entering CGS, resulting in her car being towed, the driver’s side car handle being unable to open for a month, and the glue behind her car's screen melting in the summer heat.
Affordability 6/10
The expected cost of a used 2020 Tesla in 2025 ranges from $22,000 to $35,000, compared to the new Tesla, which has a starting price range of $40,000 to $116,000 depending on the model. While the original price is significantly higher than others on this list, Tesla is completely electric, eradicating the cost of gasoline and oil changes. This plays a large factor in the long-term affordability of the car.
Although the electric aspect of the car is money-saving, potential battery replacements and other specialized repairs may result in higher long-term expenses.
Exterior: 9/10
Tesla presents a sleek and futuristic appearance in a minimalistic design that was revolutionary to the car industry, influencing many other car brands. The clean lines and distinctive lighting signatures give the car a premium, contemporary look that I enjoy.
Example of the 2020 Tesla Model S Interior.
Courtesy of 2020 Tesla Model S - Photos Interior | CarBuzz
Interior: 10/10
Tesla’s design is ultra-simplistic, with a massive touchscreen through the middle of the car, the cabin is uncluttered. Standard features include games, autopilot, and a 360 view.
Tesla Controversy:
Tesla offers incredible accessories, however, the brand's creator–Elon Musk–is very controversial, which may cause apprehension among potential customers. Subramaniam explains her views on this controversy, stating that she has “guilt about driving the car because of what the company, or rather the face of the company, represents.”
Overall Tesla Rating: 8/10
When choosing a car, it is essential to consider the factors of reliability, affordability, accessories, and appearance. Vehicles should reflect personal priorities and preferences, which differ from person to person. That being said, all of the cars in Gravel stand out, from the large pickup trucks to the collection of BMWs.
Out of this range, three cars stand on the top of the popularity list at CGS for unique strengths: the Toyota Prius for its fuel efficiency and low maintenance, the Subaru Forester for its all-weather capability and adventure-ready design, and the Tesla for its futuristic tech-oriented design and safety features. No matter which car, these options offer unique advantages that enable students to explore newfound freedom.