Top Picks for First-Time Drivers

First-time drivers need safe, reliable transportation that won't break the bank. From a pool that included our Best Bets and all the newer cars we've driven since, we considered coupes, sedans, convertibles, hatchbacks, SUVs and regular-cab pickup trucks that cost less than $20,000. Top criteria included overall value and safety features, but our experts also considered gas mileage, exterior styling and interior comfort.

Best New Car for First-Time Drivers 2010 Honda Fit Starting MSRP $14,900 A first-time driver should feel confident, and the Fit, with its excellent visibility and small size, makes it easy to feel at home on the road. For the optimum sense of security, you will have to dish out more for the optional electronic stability system, but when you do, you get the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's only 2009 Top Safety Pick for this class. Plus, it looks great, is a practical hatchback and, if you're a parent, you'll feel cool on the off-chance that you get to drive it.

Best Deal for First-Time Drivers 2010 Toyota Yaris Starting MSRP $12,605 Anybody buying a car appreciates a low price, but first-timers (or their parents) are especially appreciative. The Yaris is the low-cost option but don't be fooled: It offers a standard electronic stability system, so it's not as if it lacks some of the features you want or need. It's also the only car on this list where you have a choice of a two-door hatchback, four-door hatch or a sedan. Its 29/35 mpg city/highway ratings are nothing to sneeze at, and its ride is decent for such a tiny car.

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	Honda Civic (2010) Starting MSRP $15,455 Practical and stylish are the best words to sum up the Honda Civic. You'll want — or at least your parents will — to stay away from the performance Si version, and you'll also want to add the optional electronic stability system. You'll be rewarded knowing your first-timer is driving a safe car that gets good mileage. Research this car      Build this car

Subaru Impreza (2010) Starting MSRP $17,495 Remember these acronyms: GT, WRX, STI … and don't pick them, as they're the hot-rod versions of the Impreza. Once you've done that, there's only the decision of whether you want the sedan or hatchback. Either is fine for the new driver because they both offer a standard electronic stability system, a good driving position and standard all-wheel drive. Research this car      Build this car

	Toyota Matrix (2010) Starting MSRP $16,550 The Matrix is a hatchback with plenty of room for your first-timer to carry his books. Yeah, right. Anyway, it does have excellent visibility. It's easy to maneuver in the city and comes with a standard electronic stability system. Despite its small size, the rear seat is fairly large and comfortable. Research this car      Build this car

	Toyota Tacoma (2010) Starting MSRP $15,345 Since the days of "Back to the Future," many a teenage male has lusted for Toyota's junior pickup. Perhaps parents can finally get on board: With six standard airbags, stability control and a stereo with an MP3 jack, this is hardly Marty McFly's 4x4. Research this car      Build this car

Volkswagen Golf (2010) Starting MSRP $17,490 The Golf blends good interior quality with small dimensions for a car that any newbie can feel confident and safe driving. It comes with an electronic stability system standard and also gives you the option of a high-mileage diesel version. Don't be tricked into thinking the GTI, which looks similar, is the same as a Golf — it's the performance variant. Research this car      Build this car

	Volkswagen Jetta (2010) Starting MSRP $17,605 You don't have to give up a sense of style in your first-time car. The Jetta has always had a great interior, and the outside doesn't disappoint either. For the gearhead, the Jetta offers a choice of a diesel or two gas engines, and you can get it as a wagon, if you're the sort who has friends. Research this car      Build this car