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10 Best Cars for Young Drivers
When it comes to buying a car for young drivers-particularly those still in high school-the desires of the teenager can often clash with those of the parents. Adults want safety, security and low costs, while teenagers are looking for something they can show off to their friends. If you're looking for the best car for your young driver, check out the following 10:
1. 2008 Toyota Scion xB
Starting at about $16,000 MSRP, the new Scion xB is a great choice for young drivers. The wagon-style cars are currently trendy, so your young driver won't turn away in disgust, but the Toyota Scion is known for low maintenance costs and reliability. It has plenty of room for young people when they want to take their friends out for a night on the town. The only downside is that the Scion still hasn't improved in gas mileage, getting about 28 miles per gallon on the highway.
2. Dodge Caliber
Dodge has taken the zippy little Neon and translated it into this small, compact and versatile wagon that is great for young drivers and old veterans alike. With a sleek, rounded design and a small price tag (starting at around $14,000), the Caliber gets better gas mileage than the Scion, but has a great deal less room. It has a wide wheel base for safe driving and a "Chill Zone" storage bin for sodas and bottled water.
3. Nissan Sentra
If you're looking for bottom-of-the-barrel pricing on fairly reliable wheels, the Nissan Sentra is going to be a sure bet. It starts around $13,000 and has been popular for years in both the U.S. and abroad. The safety equipment available on the 2008 makes it a prime choice for young drivers, with dual-stage front airbags and a tire-pressure monitoring system.
4. Mazda3 Five-Door
The innovative Mazda3 Five-Door is both versatile and attractive, with a slightly higher MSRP of around $18,000. This wagon-style car is perfect for hauling cargo-human or otherwise-since the rear seat folds down to provide more trunk space in the back. More importantly, however, the standard airbags adjust to the severity of crashes and the front-end Crumple Zone will protect your young driver in the event of an accident.
5. Toyota Corolla
The three 2008 Corollas are the CE, the S and the LE, each of which is reasonably priced ($14,500 to $15,600). The CE is far more practical for young drivers, especially considering the price. It comes with integrated front fog lamps, protective body side moldings and 35 miles per gallon on the highway. If you're looking to save at the pump, this car is the way to go.
6. Ford Explorer
Some safety-conscious parents want even more armor for their young drivers, which is why SUVs have become so popular despite the rising gas prices. The Ford Explorer is an old favorite and is designed with both safety and functionality combined. Starting around $24,000, this is a more expensive option for young drivers, but it does provide more room and added protection. The 2008 model comes with side curtain airbags, a revolutionary capless fueling system and the Sync system for easier navigation.
7. Mazda B-Series Truck
Trucks have slightly less room than SUVs, but they are great for hauling dorm furniture to college. If your young driver likes the idea of a pick-up, you might want to head over to your local Mazda dealership. The 2008 B-Series trucks are equipped with on/off switches for their air bag systems, which are key-activated, as well as "active" safety belts that tighten automatically with an impending impact.
8. Nissan Versa
Another inexpensive hatchback car that your young driver might appreciate is the 2008 Nissan Versa, which has an MSRP of $12,650 and a highway mileage of 34 MPG. It is by no means a flashy vehicle, but its hatchback design gives it some flare, and its side impact bars make it a safe choice.
9. Ford Mustang
With a five-star rating in both frontal crash tests and rollover tests from the NHTSA, the Ford Mustang is a prime choice for young drivers looking for a little class. Both the coupe and the sedan feature plenty of leg room, large trunks, great factory stereo systems and seatbelt pretensioners. Parents will also like the panic alarm the occupancy sensor that comes standard on all new Mustangs.
10. Suzuki Grand Vitara
Smaller than the Ford Explorer but with more luxury features, the new model of the Grand Vitara, which has been on the market since 2006, comes with a long standards package that includes plenty of safety features. Side impact air bags, electronic stability control and a five-star side crash rating make this a safe vehicle for young drivers. You might spend a little more with this SUV with an MSRP of $19,379 in the standard model.