Passing your driving test and getting behind the wheel of a car on your own for the first time is a momentous occasion.
(This feature was originally published in 2018 but has been updated with relevant information, including 2023 models and pricing.)
The point at which you can legally drive unaccompanied ranges between 16 and 18 years of age, depending on the state you are in. While not everyone will be fortunate enough to get a brand-new car, the safety and reliability benefits of buying something out of the box can outweigh the financial savings of going used.
We have selected some of the best first cars offering a great mix of safety, perhaps a dash of style, and desirable features. These are all affordable good first cars. Don't worry, though, we have also catered for the aspiring gearhead with a few sporty (yet mostly sensible) options too.
If you're a proper gearhead, you might enjoy our list of affordable used fast cars.
1. Nissan Versa
The Versa won't be the car to get members of the opposite sex lining up to go for a drive, and it certainly does not offer much in the way of performance from its 122-horsepower 1.6-liter engine. The Continuously Variable Automatic (CVT) transmission also saps power, but at least you won't be getting any speeding fines.
It makes it onto our list thanks to its extremely keen pricing, comfortable ride quality, spacious interior, and large trunk. At $19,120 for the mid-level SV trim, you get a USB port, cruise control, and power windows.
There is more fun to be had elsewhere, but if your search is limited to "good starter cars," the Versa is worth looking at.
2. Honda Civic Hatchback
Since the compact Fit is no longer available in the USA, the best option from Honda is the Civic Hatchback. Not that it matters because the Civic is one of the best starter cars around.
Prices start at $23,550, and for that, you'll get a weezy 2.0-liter four-cylinder mated to a CVT transmission. While the automatic transmission makes it one of the best cars for new drivers, enthusiasts might want to spend a bit more to get the 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four, which can be ordered with a six-speed manual.
The turbocharged engine produces 180 hp and 177 lb-ft, which is enough to have fun, but not enough to get you into serious trouble. All Civic models also come with all the latest connectivity features, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
3. Mazda MX-5 Miata
This may seem strange, but this is the perfect first-time driver's car. In other words, the ideal first car for a keen driver.
Small convertible sports cars do not come much better than the superb Miata. If you are more interested in excellent driving dynamics rather than practicality and can stretch to the entry-level Sport trim's $28,050 asking price, then this should definitely be on your shortlist.
You get LED headlights, keyless entry, and cruise control as standard. Pick the 6-speed manual transmission to get the best out of the 181-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder motor.
4. Mini Cooper Hardtop
No list of good starter cars would be complete without the Mini, though the modern version is much more expensive than the original.
Stylish and fun, the base Mini Hardtop is the extrovert's choice. It is a great first car with sharp handling and fantastic personalization options. The base price is $25,800, and you get a nippy turbocharged triple that makes a semi-decent noise. Be cautious when it comes to personalization accessories, however. Something as simple as a contrasting white roof will increase the price to well over $30,000.
Stick with the standard car in a striking color, and you'll get a good deal. The 2023 Mini will soon be replaced with an all-new model, so watch for good deals.
5. Kia Soul
The Kia Soul is arguably a better interpretation of the original Mini than the modern Mini pictured above. It's practical, funky, spacious, safe, and affordable. These are all must-haves when it comes to good cars for new drivers. In fact, out of all the models here, this may be the best car for a first-time buyer once you factor in Kia's impressive warranties.
The entry-level price is just under $20k. For that, you get a lazy 147-hp 2.0-liter engine mated to a CVT and driving the front wheels, but the standard specification is good. The base-level trim comes with remote keyless entry, a tilt-and-telescopic multifunction steering wheel, a six-way manually adjustable driver's seat, and an eight-inch touchscreen that enables Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
On the safety side, you get the usual active and passive systems, plus forward-collision avoidance with pedestrian detection and lane-keep assist.
6. Mazda CX-30
The previous entry on this list was the now-defunct CX-3, replaced with the even better CX-30.
Like the Soul above, the CX-30 hits all the right spots but is more conservatively styled. Prices also start at roughly $23,000, placing this at the more affordable side of the spectrum. Thanks to the crossover design, it will also appeal to more people.
Simply put, there's nothing entry-level about the car. Even the base four-cylinder comes with 191 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. Opt for the turbocharged model, and you'll get 250 hp. All models get the essential comfort and convenience features, but the CX-30 impresses when it comes to safety.
All models get forward collision mitigation, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic headlights, a driver monitoring system, a rear-view camera, and the newly-added rear side airbags and seat belt pretensioners. This is the way to go if you're a parent looking for something safe.
7. Subaru Crosstrek
Subaru built its reputation on the world's rallying scene, but the current Impreza is a shadow of its former self. Now that the latter is simply a few feet of generic sedan design, the Crosstrek makes a lot more sense.
The Crosstrek starts at roughly $25,000 but don't expect spectacular performance. All you get is a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter engine producing 152 hp, and the CVT transmission also saps a bit of power. Conversely, you get symmetrical all-wheel-drive and more off-road ability than most people need if you make the right modifications.
This is the way to go if you're an adventurous first-time buyer.
8. Hyundai Kona
The Kona shares much of its DNA with the Soul previously listed. If the Soul's design is too radical, the Kona's rounded styling might be more appealing.
Everything else is true as well. The safety rating, standard equipment, and comfort ratings are right up there. The base engine is underpowered, but if you can stretch the budget to $29,000, you can get a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine that will propel you to 60 mph in seven seconds.
The handling is also good, with an eager front end.
9. Toyota Prius
Being environmentally friendly is one of the main concerns of younger buyers. Unfortunately, previous versions of the Prius always looked like they fell off the top of the ugly tree and hit every branch (twice) on the way down.
The 2023 Prius is a stunner with a hybrid powertrain producing nearly 200 hp. It's good fun to drive, but not a hot hatch. Toyota found the perfect balance between fun and comfort. You get many standard driver assistance features, and the interior is as modern as they come.
The base LE is the most efficient model, with city/highway/combined figures of 57/56/57 mpg. Starting at $27,450, buying a hybrid is no longer a design death sentence.
10. Volkswagen ID.4
The cheapest EV in the USA is the Chevrolet Bolt, and it has been for some time. Mini's electric Cooper is also cheap, but the 110-mile range is simply not enough. Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, the ID.4 is now one of the most affordable EVs in America. Locally built, it qualifies for the full $7,500 tax credit, which brings the price down to roughly $30,000 if you haggle a bit.
For that, you get an entry-level ID.4 Standard with a 62 kWh battery and rear-wheel-drive. It's good for 209 miles, and you get three years of 30-minute charges as Electrify America as standard. The base ID.4 can only charge at up to 125 kW, so even DC fast charging will take some time.
Keep in mind that EVs only tend to work if your commute is short or if you live somewhere that has access to a Level 2 home charger, which you can also finance as part of the purchase.