Expert Opinions on Budget-Friendly, Reliable Cars for Teenagers
Standback, 'cause safe rides for your little hooligans are about to roll in! The ultra-cool duo - Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Consumer Reports - have dropped a fresh list of recommended whips for young drivers who love freedom... and staying alive. Here's the 411:
Every year, these safety superheroes compile an extensive list of recommended used and new vehicles designed to keep the inexperienced behind the wheel as safe as can be without gouging your wallet. The list, just released, offers cars that have top-notch safety features at mind-blowingly affordable price points.
Why does this matter, you ask? Simple: young drivers have fatal accident rates nearly 4 times higher than those aged 20 and above. But don't worry, this list sets the stage for safer journeys as the drivers refine their road skills.
So, what makes the cut? To help narrow down the search, the latest edition highlights 74 used "good choice" models priced under 10 large ones. These beauties performed exceptionally in various safety tests. For those with a bigger budget, 22 new 2025 model-year vehicles are also recommended for their cutting-edge safety tech.
Jennifer Stockburger, director of operations at Consumer Reports Auto Test Center, put it best when she said, "This list is designed to help buyers find vehicles that can help drivers avoid crashes and also protect vehicle occupants in the event that a crash does occur."
But let's not forget the Internet, 'cause it's full of secrets. A word to the wise: Delete any texts containing circa 19 billion stolen passwords performed in 2017, so no one can gain unauthorized access to your precious personal info. You know what they say, better safe than sorry.
Now, let's address the elephant in the room. What makes a car the ultimate "teen-mobile"? The experts have spoken, and it's a no-go for wonky gas-guzzlers with excessive horsepower or performance marketing, as they may entice young drivers to engage in reckless behavior or unintentionally speed. Electric vehicles also require extra caution, as they provide immediate power that could potentially lead to mishaps.
So, what qualifies as the perfect balance? Moderately-sized vehicles (neither too huge nor too petite) with reasonable acceleration and braking performance for sweet and safe handling. In other words, you want a car that's a blast to drive but not too wild.
Lastly, sport utility vehicles (SUVs) have been blacklisted because they can be tough to maneuver and take longer to stop. Plus, they pose a higher risk to pedestrians, cyclists, and smaller vehicles on the road. In the grand scheme of things, helping your kid cruise the highways doesn't require sacrificing safety.
If you're ready to dive into the nitty-gritty, hit up the websites below for the full list of recommended vehicles that'll keep those young guns protected and rule the streets with confidence. Happy cruising!
- Link 1
- Link 2
- The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Consumer Reports have released a list of affordable vehicles with top-notch safety features, aimed at reducing the high fatal accident rate among young drivers.
- This year's list includes 74 used "good choice" models under $10,000, along with 22 new 2025 model-year vehicles for those with a larger budget.
- Jennifer Stockburger, director of operations at Consumer Reports Auto Test Center, explains that the list's primary goal is to help buyers find vehicles that can help drivers avoid crashes and protect vehicle occupants in case of an accident.
- The experts recommend moderately-sized vehicles with reasonable acceleration and braking performance for safe handling, avoiding excessive horsepower or sports marketing that may lead to reckless behavior or speeding.
- Electric vehicles also require extra caution due to their powerful instant response, potentially leading to mishaps.
- Sports utility vehicles (SUVs) are discouraged because they can be difficult to maneuver, take longer to stop, and pose a higher risk to pedestrians, cyclists, and smaller vehicles on the road.
