When it’s time to buy your teen their first car, you want something that checks all the right boxes: safety, reliability, affordability, and ease of use. While the latest tech and style might matter to your teen, parents tend to look for solid crash ratings, low insurance costs, and cars that won’t leave anyone stranded. The brands on this list offer vehicles that balance all of those needs. Here are the 15 best car brands to consider when buying a car for your teen driver.
Toyota
Toyota has long been known for building reliable, low-maintenance cars that last. Models like the Corolla, Camry, and Prius offer excellent fuel economy, strong safety ratings, and affordable repair costs. The Toyota Safety Sense suite—standard on many newer models—adds features like lane assist and automatic braking. It’s a brand you can trust to keep your teen safe and on the road without breaking the bank.
Honda
Honda cars are reliable, fun to drive, and built to last. The Civic and Accord are both great choices for teen drivers thanks to their strong crash-test results and responsive handling. Hondas also tend to hold their value, so buying one used is a smart move. With good gas mileage and simple maintenance, they’re easy on your wallet and dependable on the road.
Subaru
Subaru stands out for its standard all-wheel drive on most models, which makes them excellent for teens in areas with rain or snow. The Impreza and Legacy are both compact and midsize options with great safety ratings. Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assist technology adds peace of mind, and their cars are built to go the distance. For active or outdoorsy teens, a Subaru is a strong pick.
Hyundai
Hyundai has come a long way in the last two decades, and today it offers some of the best value cars on the market. The Elantra and Sonata are well-equipped, fuel-efficient, and very affordable, especially on the used market. Newer Hyundais also come with a strong warranty and available safety tech that’s perfect for new drivers. It’s a great brand for parents watching both price and performance.
Kia
Like Hyundai, Kia builds affordable, safe, and stylish vehicles that are great for teens. The Kia Forte and Soul are popular picks thanks to their fun designs and solid reliability. Kias are known for generous features and long warranties, making them excellent for families who want peace of mind. They also score well in safety tests and have reasonable insurance rates.
Ford
Ford offers dependable, easy-to-maintain vehicles that are widely available and inexpensive to repair. The Ford Focus and Fusion are good options for teens, especially used models from recent years with upgraded safety features. Ford’s SYNC infotainment system is simple to use, and parts are easy to come by if repairs are needed. It’s a classic American brand that continues to deliver good value.
Chevrolet
Chevy’s small cars like the Malibu, Cruze, and Sonic have been top picks for first-time drivers. They offer good crash-test scores, affordable maintenance, and easy-to-use tech. The Chevy brand also has a wide dealer network, which is helpful when it comes to service and repairs. Whether you’re buying new or used, Chevrolet offers several solid choices for teen-friendly cars.
Mazda
Mazda is a great choice for teens who want something reliable that also looks and feels sporty. Models like the Mazda3 and Mazda6 have excellent safety ratings, a responsive driving feel, and sleek styling that teens appreciate. They’re not only fun to drive, but also offer good gas mileage and affordable ownership. Mazda strikes a nice balance between style, safety, and smart value.
Volkswagen
Volkswagens like the Jetta and Golf are practical and well-built, offering a solid mix of safety and comfort. While VW repair costs can be slightly higher, many used models are available at competitive prices. The interiors are refined, and most models include helpful features like blind spot monitoring and automatic emergency braking. For teens who want a European feel, VW is a great intro.
Nissan
Nissan cars are easy to find, simple to drive, and usually cost less than other brands. Models like the Sentra and Altima are great for new drivers because they get good gas mileage and have helpful features. Older ones are cheap to buy, and newer ones come with safety tools like automatic braking and blind spot warnings. They’re a smart choice for families who want something safe, easy to use, and not too expensive to own.
Buick
Buick may not be flashy, but it makes a surprisingly great choice for teen drivers. Models like the Encore and Verano are safe, comfortable, and typically cheaper to insure than more aggressive-looking vehicles. They’re also often overlooked on the used market, which means you can find well-maintained examples for a great price. Buicks are known for quiet rides, solid safety features, and low repair frequency.
Acura
Acura, Honda’s luxury division, offers strong safety and reliability in a slightly more upscale package. The ILX and older TSX models provide teens with a refined driving experience without compromising dependability. These cars often include extra tech and comfort features but without the high repair costs of European luxury brands. For parents looking to add a touch of premium feel, Acura is a safe bet.
Toyota Scion (Used)
Though Toyota’s Scion brand is now retired, models like the tC, xB, and iM remain popular among young drivers. They’re quirky, reliable, and often very affordable on the used market. Built with Toyota parts and engineering, they’re easy to maintain and tend to be fun to drive. For budget-conscious buyers who want something unique with Toyota reliability, a used Scion is a smart pick.
Volvo
Volvo is known for safety above all else. Older models like the S40 or S60 are built like tanks and have reputations for lasting a long time. They’re not the cheapest to repair, but many parents value the peace of mind they bring. Volvos are great for cautious teen drivers or those in challenging climates, thanks to their rock-solid structure and all-wheel-drive availability in many trims.
Honda Certified Used Vehicles
Okay, not a brand—but worth mentioning. Honda’s certified pre-owned (CPO) program is one of the best in the business. Every CPO Honda goes through a detailed inspection and includes a warranty extension. This means you can get a safe, reliable car for your teen—like a Civic or Fit—with less risk than buying from a private seller. It’s a smart route for parents who want dealership-backed peace of mind.