Top Picks for First-Time Drivers

First-time drivers need safe, reliable transportation that won't break the bank. 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 2009 Honda Civic Starting MSRP $15,205 Whether you're a concerned parent or a sensible young person looking for a first car, the Civic can't be beat. It's safe, reliable, gets good mileage, retains its value and has a lot of standard features. Even if practicality isn't your priority, the Civic has sporty handling and a sharp-looking exterior in coupe and sedan models. The interior is futuristic and well-made. The Civic is one of the best cars on the market for any driver; first-timers certainly won't go wrong with it, though we recommend against the sporty Si for less-experienced drivers.

Best Deal for First-Time Drivers 2009 Nissan Versa Starting MSRP $9,990 In either sedan or hatchback form, the Versa is one cheap ride, starting just under $10,000. It's also larger than competitors like the Toyota Yaris and Honda Fit, while getting very good — though not earth-shattering — gas mileage. Nissan's high-quality interior work is found in even this uber-affordable model, and that makes a big impression on a driver's sense of value.

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Honda Fit (2009) Starting MSRP $14,550 The financiers — er, parents — will appreciate the Fit's sub-$15K price tag, which includes power windows, air conditioning and a CD stereo. Crash-test ratings are stellar, and standard safety gear includes six airbags and antilock brakes. Teens will love the agile handling, cargo-friendly interior and optional USB iPod jack. The pint-sized four-cylinder is enough for puttering around campus, and it delivers highway gas mileage in the mid-30s. Research this car      Build this car

Hyundai Sonata (2009) Starting MSRP $18,700 A long list of standard features — like air conditioning, cruise control, antilock brakes, side curtain airbags and an electronic stability system — and a low starting price make Hyundai's Sonata a sensible choice. Both engines (four-cylinder or V-6) offer good fuel economy, and the Sonata has a five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty with five years of roadside assistance. Research this car      Build this car

Mazda Tribute (2009) Starting MSRP $19,730 The Tribute is the only SUV in this group, but it's one we're happy to recommend: It's pertly styled, reasonably equipped and loaded with high-level safety features. Crash-test ratings improved for the re-engineered 2009 model, and reliability so far has proved acceptable. Parents, consider buying the kid a frills-free stick-shift model. It costs less than $20,000 and gets an impressive 22/28 mpg city/highway with front-wheel drive. Research this car      Build this car

Mini Cooper (2009) Starting MSRP $18,550 Looking cool in the driver's seat is critical for many first-time drivers, and the Cooper has looks that will make heads turn in high-school parking lots. Equally important is not breaking the bank, and the Cooper's gas mileage of 28/37 city/highway mpg with the fun-to-drive manual transmission goes a long way toward that goal. Mini also sells an extended-length Cooper Clubman that lets backseat passengers ride in greater comfort. Research this car      Build this car

Scion xB (2009) Starting MSRP $15,750 Scion's funky box on wheels got a controversial redesign, but looks don't matter for those who want maximum utility. The xB has a cavernous backseat for those with more than one friend in tow. When there's a need to haul stuff, that seat flips down easily to reveal a huge cargo area. Its mileage and price aren't excellent, but there's value in standard features and performance. Research this car      Build this car

Subaru Impreza (2009) Starting MSRP $17,495 Available in sedan or hatchback form, the Impreza offers nimble performance and comes standard with all-wheel drive. There are turbocharged models that increase the fun quotient, but first-time drivers might want to stick with the base engine. Parents will be pleased to know that the Impreza has good crash-test scores and comes standard with important safety features like side curtain airbags and an electronic stability system. Research this car      Build this car

Toyota Tacoma (2009) Starting MSRP $15,170 OK, so you want a pickup truck. The Tacoma is a solid choice, with good reliability scores and a burly optional V-6. Antilock brakes are standard, and the sturdy composite bed should survive plenty of tailgating parties. The interior is short on standard features but high on quality, and did we mention it starts just over $15,000? Research this car      Build this car

Volkswagen Rabbit (2009) Starting MSRP $15,890 An affordable base price and instantly likable styling make the Rabbit a compelling choice for teens. Optional iPod integration puts Britney or Kanye at your fingertips, while its standard safety features stand out in this class. Parents should note that the 2.5-liter engine has more oomph than a Civic or Corolla, but falls well short of a Mustang or Challenger — as a teen's first car should. Research this car      Build this car