Top 10 Best First Cars

We admit this isn’t the most practical first car for those who live anywhere 45 degrees above the equator, but it really is a fantastic vehicle - especially if you’re just learning to drive stick. Don’t worry though, it’s also available with an automatic transmission. The Mazda MX-5 (originally known as the Miata) is only a two-seater, but when you’re a teen first-time driver do you really need space for more than you and your bestie or date? Impress your friends and love interests with the precise handling and available drop-top for those weekend joy rides around your suburbs.

This is one of those cars that are attractive to a first driver because of the character factor. There’s no denying that the Cooper is full of personality in its exterior design and its drive. While not the most affordable (Coopers are engineered and maintained by BMW), it is definitely practical thanks to its compact size. Learning to parallel park a MINI Cooper is easy-peasy. And with lots of options available - from 3-door hatchbacks to 5-door versions equipped with AWD and even a fully electric model, there’s a MINI Cooper for every flavor of first-time driver.

We’re going from bold personality to uber practical and to the point with the Nissan Versa. True, this isn’t the most flamboyant or exuberant vehicle on this list, but it does get the job done at an affordable price. The Versa comes with a CVT (continuously variable transmission) which means your new driver won’t be breaking the bank at the pumps. A simplistic interior means there’s less to go wrong (in terms of onboard computers and gadgets) and the compact size of this sedan ensures easy driving and parking even in tight urban settings.

This is only the first of a few Volkswagens featured on this list - and there’s a reason for that. The Germans make solid, safe cars, but if Audi and Porsche are out of your first-car price range (as they are for most) then Volks is the happy medium. The Jetta is a solid, well-built first car and even the base S model comes equipped with front collision warning as well as blind-spot monitoring. Great for getting your new driver to and from school and work and even on weekend trips with friends, this German sedan is engineered to be one of the best first cars on the market.

If you’re concerned your first-time driver might not be as careful when it comes to parking lots or driving in general, the Wrangler is an excellent choice. Robust, and able to take on any terrain thrown its way, this Jeep also offers up a cool factor unlike any other. With a removable roof and doors, the Wrangler is kind of like a LEGO car - even when it comes to replacing pieces that may get bumped, bruised, dinged, or even lost along the way. Definitely ideal for those rough-and-tumble first drivers.

Now, why are there two cars from two different manufacturers listed in one entry? Simple: They are the same car. The BRZ and GR86 were a joint effort between Toyota and Subaru from a few years ago. Originally, the sister cars were a Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ, then Scion went defunct in the US, but Toyota picked up the model under the GR86 badge. Subaru is responsible for all the mechanics (open up the hood of the GR86 and the engine says Subaru), while Toyota took control of the overall design. Now, what really makes either one of these the perfect first car? They both look and feel sporty, but aren’t overly powerful (with just over 200 horsepower).

As the last gas-powered car the American manufacturer is currently producing, the Mustang is a bit of a novel first car. Of course, the Mustang name also comes with a huge amount of history, with its first version appearing in the US in 1964. We’d wager a lot of parents had a pony car themselves as a first driver. Not hugely expensive, and easy to drive, the current Mustang is a nod to nostalgia while bringing the best of modern technology to drivers and passengers. Oh, and there are 9 different models to choose from!

We told you there were multiple Volkswagens on this list - and truthfully talking about first cars and NOT mentioning the Golf is a crime. This car is ideal for new drivers on a number of levels; but mainly because it is a hot hatch. It’s true, Volkswagen USA no longer offers the base Golf or even the all-electric eGolf, but that’s OK because the GTI might just be the best option for a first driver, out of the lot. Sure, the R is more powerful and AWD, but the GTI has spunk and attitude - and comes with available plaid seats. How cool is that?

As one of the best selling cars in North America, the Mazda3 is a great first vehicle because it’s reliable and affordable. Mazda engineers cars that are fun to drive - with a tagline like zoom-zoom how could they not be? - and look great on the road, too. Your new driver won’t be ashamed to pull up to school in the Mazda3 in sedan or hatchback body style, and you’ll feel good knowing they are protected by Mazda’s i-ACTIVESENSE that’s helped it earn IIHS Top Safety Pick and 5-Star Overall Safety Rating awards. Despite all that, it doesn’t quite make it to the top spot as best first car…


Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Subaru WRX
This Rally-Inspired Ride Is Also a Great Winter Car for a First-Time Driver

Volkswagen Beetle
Older Generations All Have a Beetle Story, It’s Time New Drivers Had Some, Too

Toyota Corolla
The No1 Best Selling Car in the World is Also One of the Most Reliable

Ah, the Honda Civic. Not only did the Japanese automaker design and engineer a reliable, safe, long-lasting vehicle, but they also created a somewhat blank canvas for owners with an inkling towards modifications. Civics are notoriously known on the tuner scene, and for good reason. Engine mods and aesthetic extras are easy to find and install on almost all Civic generations. Millennials will credit “Fast and Furious” for the Civic popularity, but those from an older generation know that Civic’s have always been the first choice of not only new drivers but modifiers, too. Just remind your first-time driver that racing stripes don’t actually add horsepower…

Do you remember your first ride? Let us know what kind of car gave you your first taste of freedom in the comments below!