Best Cars for Teens
Here is a list of cars that Consumer Reports considers best for young drivers based on their track-test findings and crash-test results.
These vehicles also have average or better reliability, according to their surveys. The selections emphasize newer models in large part due to the availability of electronic stability control (ESC), a proven life-saving feature.
Read more about buying your first car in the February 2017 issue of Boys’ Life magazine.
- Acura TSX
- Buick Regal (2012-2013)
- Chevrolet Equinox (4-cyl., 2012 or later)
- Chevrolet Malibu (4-cyl., 2009 or later)
- Ford Focus sedan (2010-2011)
- Ford Fusion (4-cyl. and hybrid, 2010-2012 and 2014 or later)
- Honda Accord (4-cyl., 2008 or later)
- Honda Civic (2012 or later)
- Honda CR-V (2015 or later)
- Honda Fit (2011 or later)
- Hyundai Elantra (2012 or later)
- Hyundai Santa Fe (2007-2009 and 2011-2014, non-3rd row)
- Hyundai Sonata (4-cyl., non-turbo, 2006 or later)
- Hyundai Tucson (2010 or later)
- Kia Forte (2010-2011)
- Kia Optima (non-turbo, 2011 or later)
- Kia Soul
- Kia Sportage (4-cyl., nonturbo, 2011 or later)
- Mazda3 (2011 or later)
- Mazda6 i (4-cyl.)
- Mazda CX-5
- Mitsubishi Outlander (non-3rd row, 2007-2013)
- Nissan Altima (4-cyl., 2010-2012)
- Nissan Rogue (2010-2013 and 2015)
- Nissan Sentra (2011-2012)
- Scion xB (2008 or later)
- Scion xD (2012 or later)
- Subaru Crosstrek
- Subaru Forester (non-turbo, 2009 or later)
- Subaru Impreza (non-turbo, 2011 or later)
- Subaru Legacy (4-cyl., 2009 or later)
- Subaru Outback (4-cyl., 2009 or later)
- Toyota Camry (4-cyl., 2010 or later)
- Toyota Corolla (2010 or later)
- Toyota Matrix (2010 or later)
- Toyota Prius (2010 or later)
- Toyota RAV4 (4-cyl., non-3rd row, 2004 or later)
- Volkswagen Jetta (2009-2014)
- Volkswagen Jetta/Golf Sportwagen (2009-2014)
- Volkswagen Rabbit (2009) / Golf (2010-2014)
- Volkswagen Tiguan (2013 or later)
- Volvo S60 (2012 or later)
Lots of people are complaing about the newer models and prices. These are picked for saftey, not ease of accecibility. So you are probably going to buy one from family/friends. This is just a suggestion list remember.
I agree with these cars are out of the price range for most families. I would like to see a list of cars to avoid- that would be helpful.
All of these vehicles are cars or small SUVs what about trucks ? Please write an article reviewing the best trucks for teens to drive.
it’s a nice list, but, who drives these cars. the article in the magazine is right, buy one from family, or just borrow it for school. most of them are expensive, and most teens don’t want to drive these cars in the first place
My first car was a ’98 Toyota 4Runner. No cool or adventurous cars on this list.Most teens can’t afford to have all that fancy stuff with more to break. I would personally go with an older, reliable, and that has some character or at least some utility.Just my opinion.
Why are all these cars foreign, except 3?
In my Prius the cops ain’t catch me ridin’ dirty!
I find it kind of sad that all these cars are 2004 or later, with a majority of them being post-2007. Not everyone can afford a car of that price. Maybe a middle-Class family, but if you’re someone who lives in the family situation that I am in, you can’t afford some of those cars. My father had told me that the most on a car he could do is 8k, not 16-20k like the rest of these cars. Consumer Reports needs to think about some of these things. They should have a section saying “Best Cars on a BUDGET”, considering they think everyone can afford these brand new cars. On a side note, who, being 17, would want a Prius?
Well, if you need a car, we use a 1998 dodge intrepid. It’s a really nice car (although it is wide, so a bit challenging to park) and I’ve seen it for as low as $1500.
this list is great but maybe you should include a list of cars to try to avoid yea most f the time they’re cheaper but unsafe and cars that have to much power
I live in a Place were I need a truck! And I don’t have money to buy a 2012 or later vehicle! My Truck will probably be a 2005 or 2006 for about $8,000.
DRIVE SAFE! 😉