If you asked your teenager to make a list of the 7 best cars for young drivers, you’d probably get a very different list than the one you’d come up with for your new driver. While the teen’s list would focus on style and power, yours would likely be more about safety and easy handling.
Since you’re still the boss, we’ve put together a list of the 7 best cars for teenagers and new drivers that will match what you’d want for your teen’s first vehicle.
Known for reliability, the 2009 Toyota Camry is a great pick for teens and new drivers thanks to the safety features and how easy this car is to drive. It gets 31 MPGs on the highway, so it won’t cost a fortune to keep the Camry on the road, and the 9.6 safety rating from U.S. News & World Report gives parents peace of mind. Seven airbags, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control are some of the many safety features you’ll find onboard.
Some parents feel better with their teens in a bigger vehicle, so consider the 2007 Toyota Rav4. The interior is comfortable, and lots of safety and comfort features came standard, including front side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags, remote keyless entry, and three 12-volt outlets. The Star Safety System and Hill Start and Downhill Assist Control are other features that are great for new drivers.
If you’re thinking about a Ford Fusion, go with the 2015 model. This is the year that a rearview camera first came standard on all models, and these cameras are a huge help to inexperienced drivers. The car earned good safety scores, including 5-out-of-5 stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It was also the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Top Safety Pick for 2015.
Honda has a reputation for superior reliability and safety, and the 2007 Honda Accord is no exception. Driver and passenger airbags, daytime running lights, and 4-wheel ABS are just some of the features that will keep your young driver safe. The sedan also came standard with a long list of comfort features, such as keyless entry, power mirrors, and cruise control. A vehicle anti-theft system was also standard.
When new, the 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe was a great choice for those who needed a quality SUV at an affordable price, and they continue to be priced below the competition. The lower cost doesn’t mean a lack of features, and inexperienced drivers will benefit from the traction control, stability control, and rearview camera.
Super easy handling lands the 2009 Ford Edge on our list of best cars for teen drivers, but there are exceptional standard safety features as well. While avoiding an accident is always the goal, the Edge keeps drivers and passengers safe when the unthinkable happens with front and side airbags and electronic stability control with rollover mitigation.
If you like the idea of an SUV rather than a sedan for your teen driver, the Nissan Rogue provides a sleeker look that young drivers will appreciate. The Nissan Rogue is the maker’s best-selling model, and it’s easy to see why when you consider the comfortable interior, great gas mileage for its class (23 city/28 highway), and the host of comfort features, including keyless start and a backup camera. If you’re worried about getting financing for your teen’s first car, AutoSmart can help. No minimum credit score is required, and our buy here pay here dealership makes it easy to buy a reliable car regardless of your credit history.