What is the best first car for a teenager you may ask as you search for that perfect vehicle to keep them safe from danger on the road? When it comes to buying a used automobile for a young driver, most parents want the safest, most dependable, and most cheap option available. They want a vehicle that won’t break down or cost them a fortune, but it also needs to be safe in the event of a crash.

The fatal collision rate per mile driven for 16 to 19-year-olds in the United States is roughly three times that of drivers aged 20 and up. The danger is greatest between the ages of 16 and 17. Drivers of passenger vehicles accounted for 63 percent of deaths among 16 to 19-year-olds in 2018.

Any gadget with an internet connection can help you learn more about any vehicle you’re considering for your young driver. If you don’t want to use one of our options, you can do the homework on your own. It takes some time, but it isn’t tough.

In the IIHS driver-side small overlap front test, which simulates the vehicle’s front left corner colliding with another vehicle or big object, the majority received excellent or acceptable ratings. These vehicles also offer standard stability control, good crash-worthiness ratings in four IIHS tests, and above-average reliability.

We’ve put together this list of 7 vehicles and SUVs that the data says will be your best chance for less than $10,000 to help you and your newly licensed driver select the safest and most reliable vehicle for less than $10,000. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety conducted crash tests on these vehicles and found that they fared well (IIHS). Here are the seven vehicles from which to choose.

Honda Accord – What Is The Best First Car For A Teenager?: Pick One

For those looking for a well-rounded midsize sedan, the Honda Accord has long been a front-runner. This generation debuted in 2018, and the 2022 Accord maintains the current generation’s refinement, comfort, and fuel efficiency.

The Accord delivers outstanding value for money, with two turbocharged engines and a hybrid model available, as well as plenty of technology and smart driver aids.

Since its debut in 2018, the current 10th-generation Honda Accord has been a hit with Edmunds editors. As a result, we added a 1.5-liter Accord EX-L to Edmunds’ long-term test fleet and drove it over 13,000 miles in a year.

Check out our Accord long-term test, where we talk about our real-world ownership experiences. While we examined a 2018 Accord, the majority of our findings apply to the 2022 model as well.

The Accord is, without a doubt, one of our favorite sedans. However, it is no longer at the top of our list. The Kia K5 and its Hyundai Sonata corporate sibling both come with a broad list of options and warranties.

There’s also the Kia Stinger, which has both flair and performance, or Honda’s revised 2022 Civic. However, the Accord remains a wise choice in general.

Read on to learn how our test crew rated the Accord’s performance, comfort, and other features.

The Honda Accord comes in six trim levels: LX, Sport, Sport Special Edition (or simply SE), EX-L, Sport 2.0T, Touring, and The front wheels are driven by a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 192 horsepower and a continuously variable automatic transmission.

A turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder (252 horsepower) and a conventional 10-speed automatic transmission are standard on the Sport 2.0T and Touring. Any model from 2013 and above is suggested as the first vehicle for a teenager to purchase.

Honda Civic

A new Deluxe Edition variant joins the 2015 Honda Civic lineup, sitting between the basic LX and the more luxurious EX trims. Honda’s LaneWatch right-side-view camera, automated climate control, and the EX’s Display Audio are among the higher-end features.

The Civic SE is only available as a sedan, and it only comes with the CVT, which was debuted last year. It provides Civic customers another choice, boosting Honda’s compact against some of the toughest rivals it’s ever faced.

There are a total of 7 Honda Civic versions, not counting trim variations. Pricing for the 2015 Honda Civic LX sedans and coupe, including destination, start at slightly over $19,000 for manual gearbox models and go up to just over $25,000.

The Civic Hybrid begins at around $25,500 and goes up to just over $28,000. A Civic Si coupe and sedans start at around $24,000 and top out at around $25,500 if you’re searching for performance.

The continuously variable automatic transmission, which was introduced last year, is one of the best in any class, and while the engine may be noisy at high revs, this isn’t a gripe exclusive to the Civic. Of course, you can just get the fantastic manual transmission without it.

The split-level dashboard on the Civic isn’t new, but it’s still a love-it-or-hate-it affair. Despite the Civic’s unusual front end, it still has plenty of internal space, storage, and vision.

The Honda Civic has come a very long way since its introduction in 2012, with revisions that have transformed what was once a boring, uninteresting coupe and sedan for something with a lot more aesthetic oomph.

The Honda Civic’s drive train is straightforward, which we like. The basic engine is a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder with 143 horsepower and, in some variants, a continuously variable automatic transmission or a 5-speed manual transmission.

The 1.8 offers outstanding fuel economy and lots of power despite lack of turbos or other high-tech gizmos. The Civic Hybrid, that sandwiched the electric motor here between 1.5-liter 4-cylinder motor and its CVT for more electrical assistance, offers improved fuel economy.

Ford Taurus 2011/2014 Models

The front-wheel-drive Ford Taurus SE, front- or all-wheel-drive (AWD) SEL or Limited, and AWD SHO are the four trims available for the 2014 Taurus, which are all powered by a high-performance twin-turbo V-6 engine. A four-cylinder engine is also available for the SE.

The front grille of the Ford Taurus resembles the broad, open mouth resembling whale shark. On the Limited version I rode, it gets a little better from there, with extra chromium adornment on the exhaust tips and substantial, grounded-looking 19-inch wheels. The base SE trim comes standard with seventeen-inch wheels.

The Ford Taurus has the greatest trunk space in our Challenge, with 20.1 cubic feet thanks to the Taurus’ sunken floor. It enabled for a whopping ten golf luggage to be stacked inside.

Hockey sticks, backpacks, camping bags, and Costco runs are all easily swallowed by the Taurus without even a burp. When compared to the Chrysler 300’s 16.3 cubic feet overall trunk space, this feels huge.

The Ford Taurus’ utility and backseat are eclipsed, though, by the cabin’s archaic and cluttered appearance. This brand-new vehicle has an excess of black polyethylene surfaces that give it the appearance of a beautifully used rental automobile.

This full-size Ford sedan can handle perhaps a full-size families with fully laden needs as a family workhorse. All three rear seat positions are really comfy (I know, I’ve tested them out for many kilometres).

The center seat is just as usable as the others, thanks to a low floor hump beneath the center passenger’s feet and a seat that’s virtually as comfy there as it is in the outboard seats.

This is quite a package for anyone who is ready to buy their first car and ready to face the road.

 

Hyundai Tucson 2012 Model

The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2012 Hyundai Tucson begins at $19,145 for the entrance GL and rises to roughly $29,245 for the high-end Limited with all-wheel drive as well as the Prestige Package.

The 2012 Hyundai Tucson comes with two 4-cylinder engines: a 165-hp 2.0-liter in the basic GL and a 176-hp (for ULEV regions), 170-hp (for PZEV regions) 2.4-liter in the GLS and Limited variants.

The GL comes standard with a 5-speed manual transmission, while the GLS and Limited come with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Upgrading to the GLS adds a little more powerful 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, a 6-speed automated transmission, 17-inch rims, and silvery roof rails.

Heat source mirrors, cruise control, warmed up front seats (AWD), and an adjustable steering wheel with integrated radio, and Bluetooth hands-free mobile , and cruise control buttons are all included with the GLS.

18-inch alloy rims, leather upholstery, powered 8-way driver’s seat with powered lumbar support, heated seats in the front, automated twin temperature sensors, automatic headlights, including front fog lights are included in the top-of-the-line Limited.

Six airbags, stabilizer and a control traction mechanism, 4-wheel antilock disc brakes, electronic braking-force distribution and brake aid, downhill brake control, and hill-start assist are all standard on all Tucsons.

The controls are easily accessible, feel solid (the beveled window buttons are particularly beautiful), and work well. The 6-way adjustable seat is attractively contoured (and almost supporting) for drivers.

Due to a low seat cushion elevation, sloped roof, and high beltline, second-row occupants may feel claustrophobic.

The vehicle’s aerodynamic form comprises a steeply slanted windscreen and sloped roof line with tailgate when viewed from the side. The silvery roof rails on GLS and Special variants have a dual purpose.

They help to emphasize the vehicle’s flowing lines while simultaneously carrying goods. A big 1-piece rear liftgate, like other vehicles in this class, enables convenient access to the cargo space.

 

Mazda 3: 2011 to Newest Model

The 2021 Mazda3 improves on its predecessors’ distinct driving experience by providing fantastic performance while not sacrificing fuel efficiency. The Mazda3 now comes equipped with a Skyactiv-G 2.5 T Dynamic Turbocharged engine on some trim levels for 2021.

The Mazda3 is one of the few cars in Canada with that has all-wheel driving, and it comes with an optional i-Activ AWD system for enhanced confidence and control.

The automobile has been designed to give a serene and quiet environment. Its cabin is the quietest we’ve ever built, shielding you from bothersome noises outside all while allowing you to hear delicate road and motor sounds.

Its ingenious innovation actively monitors everything from outside temperatures and windshield wiper activity to steering and braking tendencies, allowing it to predict impending traction loss. No matter what the weather throws at you, you’ll be able to drive with confidence and responsiveness.

If you want a fast Mazda 3, the turbocharged version is probably the one to choose. This isn’t, however, a Mazdaspeed 3 comeback. That cult classic, which was last seen in 2013, added a turbocharged engine, sport-tuned suspension, and a six-speed manual gearbox to the basic 3.

The turbocharged engine in the 2017 Mazda 3 is completely automated and doesn’t offer any performance increases, but its smooth thrust and excellent refinement fit the car’s stable handling and quality styling nicely.

Boasting top-notch safety ratings and agile performance, the Mazda3 distinguishes itself as one of the best cars in an extremely competitive class.

This sporty sedan provides dynamic handling, responsive brakes, and rapid acceleration, making it one of the greatest enjoyable cars in its class. It also offers a smooth ride that absorbs the majority of road irregularities. The Mazda3 comes with a consumer-friendly electronic interface and quality materials throughout the cabin.

The most obvious flaw is the cramped back seat. If you’re considering an older model, maybe the 2018 Mazda3, 2019 Mazda3, and 2020 Mazda3 are what you are looking for. You can choose from the 2011 mode and above.

Subaru Legacy: 2013 to Newest Model

Most of what makes a new Subaru a more modern Subaru is missing from the Subaru Legacy. A raised suspension is not available on the company’s family car. You won’t find any black polyethylene wheel-well cladding either.

It’s comfortable, affordable, and capacious. It’s a robust family vehicle with great construction quality, a comfortable ride, and a large trunk.

The Legacy is designed for customers who want the look of a traditional sedan on the road. The Legacy has a big cabin with plenty of safety and driver-assistance systems, as well as a slew of connection options, to go along with its traditional shape.

Whenever it comes to safety, it’s a fantastic option. Subaru’s EyeSight suite of driver-assistance systems is standard on all Legacy models.

It’s packed with cutting-edge technology, including a full system of sophisticated driving assistance and a tablet-style screen this is among the class’s largest. T

The Legacy has been the only car in its class with all-wheel drive as standard. Although few competitors provide all-wheel drive in first place, every Legacy is designed to handle slippery conditions.

A 2.5-liter horizontally opposing four-cylinder engine with 182 horsepower is standard. The 2.4-liter turbocharged engine in the Limited XT and Touring XT versions produces 260 horsepower. A continuously variable automatic transmission is standard on all Legacy models (CVT).

The EPA predicts the non-turbo cars to get 27 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, and 30 mpg combined, but the turbocharged variants aren’t far behind with 24 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 27 mpg merged.

Cloth interior is standard, while leather is available on the Limited and Touring variants. Front seating are well-sculpted and supportive, and the higher trims include a manual thigh extender for the driving seat, which is a welcome addition for long-legged consumers.

Mazda CX-5: 2014 to Newest Model

The Mazda CX-5 appeals to the same demography as the former, but it also has the ability to impress individuals in the latter’s tax threshold.

Although the base four-cylinder motor doesn’t have the same aggressive driving attitude as the available turbocharged four, all CX-5 models offer an unparalleled ride-and-handling balance in this segment.

Although there are more functional options, especially in terms of cargo space, the Mazda’s finely styled and lavishly fitted inside is unmatched. The transcendent qualities of the 2022 CX-5 simply outperform those of its peers.

Mazda claims the transmission has been re-tuned to be cleaner and more responsive. Suspension upgrades are also expected to make its CX-5 ride and handle even better than ever before.

All versions now standard features with all-wheel drive, as well as new drive-mode choices allow for further customization of the SUV’s driving style. The Grand Touring Reserve option has been renamed Turbo, while the top-tier Signature style now includes body-color cladding rather than the dark color that was previously used.

Whether moving away from stoplights or rushing around town, the CX-5’s base 187-hp four-cylinder engine offers excellent throttle response, making it feel faster than it is.

It feels under powered at faster speeds, including when attempting to pass or merging onto the interstate. The 250-hp turbocharged variant accelerates much more quickly.

The CX-5 gets two fuel-economy scores due to its two engine options. The standard 2.5-liter engine gets 24 miles per gallon in the cities and 30 miles per gallon on the interstate. The turbocharged motor is measured at 22 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

The floor-hinged gas pedal feels a lot better than the more usual form, the well-crafted steering is squarely in front of the driver rather than tilted at a small inclination, but all of the front-seat armrests would be at the same elevation for ideal comfort.

Final Thoughts On Best First Car For A Teenager

So what is the best first car for a teenager according to the report?. To be honest, the decision is yours, we can only offer suggestions. All of the cars that we have suggested are top of the line editions that would suit your teenager just fine. Choosing from any of these will be a decision you will never regret. The Finest New and Used Cars for Teens may not be the most showy or luxury options in their respective sections, but they will keep your teenager safe.