One of the most exciting times in our lives is getting our driver's license. It can be exciting, but also terrifying -- both for new drivers, and for parents. Plus, there are a lot of costs that add up when you start to look for a good vehicle for your new driver. Between insurance and car payments, you might be considering a used car for your high schooler to learn on.
Here's our favorite picks for new drivers, based on safety rating and reliability, so that you can outfit them with a vehicle that will keep them safe as they navigate the highways of life.
2017 Nissan Sentra
The 2017 Nissan Sentra earned 4 stars for its safety crash rating, and the Sentra long has been our top pick for new drivers.
For new drivers, the 1.8-liter, 124-hp four-cylinder engine will be plenty of power to get to school, sports, and home. They won't feel overwhelmed with a larger engine you might find in newer Sentra vehicles, and you'll have peace of mind knowing Nissan's safety and predictability record is there to back them up.
There are, of course, more modern Sentra sedans available. But for a first-time driver, this easy-to-drive, not-overpowering vehicle may be the way to go.
Shop 2017 Nissan Sentra Inventory
2014 Honda Civic
The ninth generation of Civic models, the 2014 Honda Civic has a high customer satisfaction rating. It boasts quite a few upgrades from the previous generation and is the first edition of the ninth generation Civics.
Honda has a great reliability rating, which means that you could conceivably buy a used Honda at a great value that would travel with your new driver for years to come. Honda consistently produces vehicles that have very few consumer complaints and very few recalls, meaning the cost of ownership is minimal.
The Honda Civic has a lot of fans. Will your new driver be one of them? You can find out with a test drive at an AutoNation dealership near you.
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2013 Subaru Crosstrek
The 2013 model of the Subaru Crosstrek gets consistent marks from the press as the best year for a used Subaru Crosstrek. From good fuel economy to standard all-wheel drive, the 2013 Subaru Crosstrek was all-new.
As a subcompact SUV, the Subaru Crosstrek makes a good option for a new driver. From hauling sports equipment to band gear to friends, your new driver will have Subaru's safety technology at their disposal as they navigate the highways and byways of life.
If you're looking for an absolutely perfect safety score, of course you know that Subaru is going to deliver. The 2013 Subaru Crosstrek is no different: its five-star safety rating from the NHSTA makes it a parents' dream.
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2019 Toyota C-HR
For a slightly newer vehicle, consider the 2019 Toyota CH-R. The NHSTA gave this new-as-of-2019 vehicle flying colors in terms of safety, and you likely already know that Toyota's modern infotainment and safety features are top notch.
The nice thing about buying a vehicle just a few years old is that modern technology will be compatible. Though it may be a bit vogue to have a tape deck in your used vehicle, teens will want to be able to sync their smart phones just like you do in your modern car.
You'll have peace of mind with your teen or new driver in a first-generation Toyota CH-R, knowing there have been very few recalls on this vehicle. The safety equipment was recalled once on certain 2019-2020 models due to a locking mechanism in rear seatbelts. At AutoNation, we make sure that every vehicle on our lot has been tested and inspected for current recalls and safety concerns before they enter our inventory.
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2014 Volkswagen Jetta
Though the reliability rating of a 2014 Volkswagen Jetta may not match the Toyota or the Subaru, it still receives high customer satsifaction ratings overall, and boasts Volkswagen's top safety score.
The 2014 Volkswagen Jetta features a 1.8-liter, 4-cylinder, 210-horsepower engine and may be available as a diesel engine, giving your new driver flexibiility and power in one. With more power under the hood than the Sentra, the Jetta offers a new driver the handling and performance to test their skills and focus.
With great fuel economy, your teen will be able to get to school, sports, and more without breaking the bank each week. The 2014 Volkswagen Jetta offers up to 30 MPG in the city and 42 MPG in the highway.
Shop 2014 Volkswagen Jetta Inventory
Contributed by - ANUSA Staff
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