4 Best Cars for a First-Time Car Owner

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With car prices rising quickly over the past few years, finding the best car for a first-time driver may seem impossible. However, good deals can still be found without compromising on quality.Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026
This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!
Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes. Here are some of the best used and new models with high safety and reliability ratings.1. 2021-2022 Mazda3 Price: $16,400Safety rating: IIHS Top Safety Pick+The Mazda3 offers drivers superior styling compared to similarly sized cars and comes in a sporty hatchback version that will likely appeal to younger drivers. The Mazda3 earned the highest safety rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), comes with automatic emergency braking, and above-average reliability. While modestly priced, the Mazda3’s interior doesn’t skimp on the details. The base model comes with an 8.8-inch infotainment display, and you can shop for higher-end trims to get Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, AWD, and leather seats. Opt for the base 2.0-liter engine with a combined (highway and city) estimated 31 MPG to save on gas money. Car-buying tip: Used vehicles are usually cheaper to insure than new vehicles. No matter which vehicle you choose, shop around to find the cheapest car insurance.2. 2017 Toyota RAV4Price: $14,700Safety rating: IIHS Top Safety Pick+Toyota consistently ranks at the top of reliability ratings, and the RAV4 is no different. The 2017 RAV4 is a recommended pick from Consumer Reports and was listed as “among the most reliable small SUVs you can buy” by the publication. While we’re focusing on the 2017 model, newer models also have high safety and reliability ratings. The base LE model gets a combined estimated 26 MPG, and you can opt for an all-wheel-drive version for additional versatility. With the RAV4’s automatic emergency braking and lane departure alerts, you’ll also have plenty of peace of mind on the road.3. 2024 Subaru Impreza Price: $22,995Safety rating: IIHS Top Safety PickThe Impreza is a well-rounded vehicle for new drivers, combining an adventurous personality (standard AWD) with practical traits (standard automatic braking and emergency steering). The compact hatchback also has a recommendation from Consumer Reports and above-average reliability. A standard 152-hp 2.0-liter engine will easily get new drivers around town, and an estimated 34 MPG on the highway will ensure the fun doesn’t have to stop. A standard 7-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ will keep new drivers connected to their favorite music and podcasts. Related: Your vehicle model, trim level, and size can all impact your insurance premiums. Click here to get quotes from top-rated insurance companies.4. 2024 Hyundai TusconPrice: $27,600Safety rating: IIHS Top Safety Pick+While it is the most expensive vehicle on this list, this small SUV comes with plenty of standard features, including a forward-collision avoidance system and blind-spot collision-avoidance assist. You’ll also get a 187-horsepower engine, an 8-inch touchscreen display, and a coveted “recommended” rating from Consumer Reports.The Tuscon has an estimated combined 28 MPG, and if you opt for the AWD option, you’ll still get an acceptable combined 25 MPG. Upgrade to the SEL trim for larger 19-inch wheels, a wireless charger, and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster.No matter which vehicle you choose, it’s always a good idea to check the IIHS website for its top safety picks and Consumer Reports for predicted reliability ratings. With car prices rising quickly over the past few years, finding the most reliable vehicle you can afford can go a long way to keeping your monthly budget in line. Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026
This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!
Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes. We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.Chris Neiger has positions in Apple. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Apple. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

With car prices rising quickly over the past few years, finding the best car for a first-time driver may seem impossible. However, good deals can still be found without compromising on quality.

Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026

This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!

Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes.

Here are some of the best used and new models with high safety and reliability ratings.

1. 2021-2022 Mazda3

Price: $16,400
Safety rating: IIHS Top Safety Pick+

The Mazda3 offers drivers superior styling compared to similarly sized cars and comes in a sporty hatchback version that will likely appeal to younger drivers. The Mazda3 earned the highest safety rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), comes with automatic emergency braking, and above-average reliability.

While modestly priced, the Mazda3’s interior doesn’t skimp on the details. The base model comes with an 8.8-inch infotainment display, and you can shop for higher-end trims to get Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, AWD, and leather seats. Opt for the base 2.0-liter engine with a combined (highway and city) estimated 31 MPG to save on gas money.

Car-buying tip: Used vehicles are usually cheaper to insure than new vehicles. No matter which vehicle you choose, shop around to find the cheapest car insurance.

2. 2017 Toyota RAV4

Price: $14,700
Safety rating: IIHS Top Safety Pick+

Toyota consistently ranks at the top of reliability ratings, and the RAV4 is no different. The 2017 RAV4 is a recommended pick from Consumer Reports and was listed as “among the most reliable small SUVs you can buy” by the publication.

While we’re focusing on the 2017 model, newer models also have high safety and reliability ratings. The base LE model gets a combined estimated 26 MPG, and you can opt for an all-wheel-drive version for additional versatility. With the RAV4’s automatic emergency braking and lane departure alerts, you’ll also have plenty of peace of mind on the road.

3. 2024 Subaru Impreza

Price: $22,995
Safety rating: IIHS Top Safety Pick

The Impreza is a well-rounded vehicle for new drivers, combining an adventurous personality (standard AWD) with practical traits (standard automatic braking and emergency steering). The compact hatchback also has a recommendation from Consumer Reports and above-average reliability.

A standard 152-hp 2.0-liter engine will easily get new drivers around town, and an estimated 34 MPG on the highway will ensure the fun doesn’t have to stop. A standard 7-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ will keep new drivers connected to their favorite music and podcasts.

Related: Your vehicle model, trim level, and size can all impact your insurance premiums. Click here to get quotes from top-rated insurance companies.

4. 2024 Hyundai Tuscon

Price: $27,600
Safety rating: IIHS Top Safety Pick+

While it is the most expensive vehicle on this list, this small SUV comes with plenty of standard features, including a forward-collision avoidance system and blind-spot collision-avoidance assist. You’ll also get a 187-horsepower engine, an 8-inch touchscreen display, and a coveted “recommended” rating from Consumer Reports.

The Tuscon has an estimated combined 28 MPG, and if you opt for the AWD option, you’ll still get an acceptable combined 25 MPG. Upgrade to the SEL trim for larger 19-inch wheels, a wireless charger, and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster.

No matter which vehicle you choose, it’s always a good idea to check the IIHS website for its top safety picks and Consumer Reports for predicted reliability ratings. With car prices rising quickly over the past few years, finding the most reliable vehicle you can afford can go a long way to keeping your monthly budget in line.

Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026

This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!

Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes.

We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.Chris Neiger has positions in Apple. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Apple. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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