Choosing a first car for a teen son is a delicate balance between safety, reliability, and practicality.
In the U.S., where teens are statistically more likely to be involved in car accidents, the vehicle a parent chooses can make a major difference in both confidence and safety.
Beyond just basic safety ratings, factors like power, handling, and even “cool factor” can influence a teen’s driving behavior. Parents ideally want a car that is reliable, predictable, and discourages reckless driving.
Unfortunately, some cars, while fun and flashy, can tempt inexperienced drivers to push their limits. In this article, we’ll explore seven cars that are excellent for teen sons, and seven vehicles that may be too tempting to race.
Cars That Are Great for Teen Sons
Choosing a first car for a teen son is a balancing act between safety, affordability, and practicality. Parents want something sturdy and predictable, while teens often have their eyes on style, tech, and a little bit of fun.
Fortunately, there are plenty of vehicles that hit the sweet spot, cars that are safe, manageable to drive, economical to own, and built to withstand the daily wear-and-tear of new-driver life.
In this article, we highlight Cars That Are Great for Teen Sons, showcasing models that deliver reliable performance, modern safety features, and enough durability to handle everything from school commutes to weekend outings.
1. Honda Civic
The Honda Civic has long been a staple for young drivers. Its combination of excellent reliability, efficient fuel economy, and strong safety ratings makes it ideal for new drivers.
The Civic is easy to maneuver, has predictable handling, and comes with modern safety features like Honda Sensing, which includes collision mitigation braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control.
While it’s sporty enough to be appealing, it lacks the high horsepower that might encourage dangerous driving, making it a safe and practical choice.
2. Toyota Corolla
Another classic choice, the Toyota Corolla is a safe, affordable, and extremely reliable vehicle. U.S. parents love it for teen drivers because it’s low-maintenance, cost-effective, and equipped with Toyota Safety Sense, which includes pre-collision systems and lane departure alert.
The car’s modest engine performance keeps teens from getting the thrill of speed, but its comfortable ride ensures that daily commutes and school runs are stress-free.
Except for the sportier SE and XSE trims, the Toyota Corolla sedan is powered by a 139-horsepower 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that drives the front wheels through a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
The more spirited SE and XSE models come with a 169-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder, which can be paired with either a CVT or an optional six-speed manual. All Corolla hatchbacks feature the larger 2.0-liter engine, though only the sedan is available with a hybrid powertrain.
Our testing of the 2019 Corolla SE hatchback and the 2020 Corolla XSE sedan showed that even the strongest engine in the lineup struggles to deliver brisk acceleration.
Both the sedan and hatchback are competent around town and composed on the highway, but aggressive acceleration produces coarse engine noise that detracts from overall refinement.
Ride quality is generally pleasant, with both body styles isolating all but the harshest road imperfections while maintaining controlled body motions for improved agility compared with previous generations.
The SE and XSE trims stand out further with stiffer sport-tuned suspensions, while the XSE rides on larger 18-inch wheels, as opposed to the 15- or 16-inch rims on other trims.
The Corolla’s steering, though progressive, falls short of the sharpness and engagement offered by rivals like the Mazda 3 and Volkswagen Golf. Braking performance was modest, with 70-mph-to-zero stops requiring between 174 and 183 feet, but the brake pedals remained dependable and easy to modulate.
Also Read: Top 5 SUVs That Struggle in Strong Winds Vs 5 That Remain Stable
3. Subaru Impreza
The all-wheel-drive Subaru Impreza is perfect for teens in areas that experience inclement weather. Its AWD system enhances traction on wet or snowy roads, providing an added layer of safety for inexperienced drivers.
Combined with excellent crash-test ratings and user-friendly infotainment, the Impreza balances fun and safety without offering a dangerously powerful engine that could tempt teens to speed.
The Subaru Impreza is a tortoise in a class of hares, equipped with a flat-four engine producing 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. With limited low-end power, the Impreza demands considerable revving to reach the range where it delivers meaningful acceleration.
Our Impreza Sport sedan with the five-speed manual felt less lethargic at the track compared with the CVT in our long-term Sport hatchback. Notably, all-wheel drive comes standard, providing extra confidence in various driving conditions.
Despite its modest power, the Impreza excels in balancing ride comfort and handling. The body remains composed through corners, while the responsive steering adds a lively sense of control. The Sport trim’s relatively firm brake pedal and short stopping distances impressed us, standing out as exemplary within the compact-car class.
4. Mazda3
The Mazda3 has a reputation for being fun to drive while remaining manageable for new drivers. It features responsive handling and modern safety technology like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive headlights.
While the Mazda3 has a stylish design, it avoids the extreme performance cues that could encourage racing. Its strong reliability record also appeals to parents looking for a worry-free option.
Both the standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and the optional, far more powerful turbocharged engine deliver smooth and responsive power in the Mazda 3. On our test track, the turbocharged model accelerated to 60 mph in just 6.5 seconds, making it one of the quickest compact cars available.
Both the manual and automatic transmissions shift seamlessly, complementing the car’s refined driving dynamics. The Mazda 3 also offers a smooth ride, effectively absorbing larger bumps on the highway and maintaining composure at higher speeds.
However, there are some drawbacks. Rear visibility is limited due to the hatchback’s small rear window and large roof pillars. Additionally, certain advanced driver-assistance systems, such as the lane-keeping system, aren’t as intuitive or effective as those found on some competitors, including the Honda Civic.
5. Hyundai Elantra
The Hyundai Elantra is a practical, budget-friendly choice with modern safety features that make it an excellent first car.
With features such as forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking, the Elantra prioritizes safety without compromising comfort or style.
Its modest powertrain is enough for city and highway driving but not enough to incite risky behavior.
6. Kia Soul
While unconventional in appearance, the Kia Soul is a practical choice for teens. Its upright design provides excellent visibility, and its compact size makes city driving and parking easier for inexperienced drivers.
Advanced safety features like rear cross-traffic alert and lane departure warning enhance protection, and its moderate engine performance avoids encouraging high-speed driving.
The Kia Soul is an affordable option even within the subcompact SUV segment. While soft-touch plastics are limited, the cabin doesn’t feel cheap. Synthetic leather on the door armrests and a leather-wrapped steering wheel add a touch of refinement, and textured trim pieces help break up the monotony of an all-black interior.
The Soul’s value is further enhanced by its extensive list of standard and optional features, making it a surprisingly well-equipped vehicle even when fully loaded, all for just over $25,000.
Also Read: 11 Cars That Blend Old-School Soul With Modern Tech
7. Volkswagen Golf
The Volkswagen Golf blends practicality, solid build quality, and fun driving dynamics in a package that is suitable for teen drivers.
The Golf’s handling is precise, making it easy for new drivers to control, and the latest models come with safety features like forward collision warning and automatic post-collision braking.
The Golf is stylish but not excessively powerful, striking a balance between appeal and responsibility.
Cars That Are Too Tempting to Race
Some cars practically beg to be driven hard, whether through sharp design cues, punchy engines, or the kind of handling that makes every on-ramp feel like a challenge. And while that might sound thrilling, it can also be a recipe for trouble, especially for inexperienced or overly enthusiastic drivers.
In this article, we take a closer look at Cars That Are Too Tempting to Race, the models whose performance personalities can nudge drivers toward risky behavior. From sporty compacts to muscle-bound coupes, these are the vehicles that make restraint difficult and adrenaline easy.
1. Ford Mustang
The Ford Mustang is an iconic American sports car, but it’s almost synonymous with speed and racing. Even the base model has significant horsepower, responsive acceleration, and rear-wheel drive that can easily overwhelm inexperienced drivers.
For teen sons, the allure of the Mustang’s performance and aggressive styling may lead to dangerous driving habits, making it a poor choice for a first car.
2. Chevrolet Camaro
Like the Mustang, the Camaro is a high-performance sports car that tempts young drivers to push the pedal to the metal.
Its powerful engines, tight handling, and aggressive aesthetics can encourage racing, even if the teen driver intends to be responsible. Insurance costs are also notoriously high for such vehicles, which is another consideration for families.
The Camaro delivers a compelling mix of speed, precision, and driving enjoyment that previous generations never quite achieved. The V8 is robust and our top pick for those seeking the full muscle-car experience, though even the V6 and turbo-four engines feel lively and responsive.
Most Camaro models can slightly out-accelerate an equivalent Mustang, and the brakes are more than capable of bringing the car to a rapid stop.
Handling is sharper with the smaller, lighter engines, while the V8 paired with stickier tires pushes the limits even further. The manual transmissions feature crisp, well-defined gates, and rev-matching ensures downshifts are executed as smoothly as a professional racer’s.
3. Dodge Charger
The Dodge Charger, especially V6 and V8 trims, offers a lot of power for new drivers. Its large size and strong engine make it tempting to accelerate aggressively, and its sporty styling appeals to thrill-seekers.
While the Charger is comfortable and practical in some ways, it’s better suited for experienced drivers than teens just starting out.
The Charger is offered exclusively with a twin-turbocharged inline-six engine known as Hurricane, a variant already seen in the Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer. The standard Sixpack S.O. delivers a healthy 420 horsepower, while stepping up to the Scat Pack model gives you the more potent Sixpack H.O., which cranks output to 550 horsepower.
All gasoline-powered Chargers come standard with all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission, though the AWD system features a mode that converts the car to rear-wheel drive.
Additionally, every model includes modes designed for drifting or performing donuts. In our testing of the Charger Scat Pack, we found it impressively quick and surprisingly engaging on twisty roads, though its large size and weight prevent it from feeling as nimble as a Ford Mustang.
4. Subaru WRX
The Subaru WRX is a favorite among car enthusiasts for its turbocharged engine and rally-inspired all-wheel-drive system.
While AWD can improve handling, the WRX’s rapid acceleration and sporty suspension can make it tempting for a teen to push beyond safe driving limits. Its rally-inspired nature makes it inherently more performance-oriented than a standard Impreza.
The disappointment of not getting a higher-performance STI model for this generation WRX has eased, partly because the standard WRX is quite capable.
On paved roads, it grips like a sports car, giving some smaller luxury AWD vehicles a run for their money. The car remains plenty powerful, and its fingertip-light steering, though numb, is direct. Like most modern compact sedans with seating for five, it is also practical and reasonably spacious.
While fun to drive, the flat-four engine’s narrow powerband and the car’s track-ready suspension keep drivers alert. This WRX is among the slowest WRXs to reach 60 mph in the past 20 years, partly because its heavily damped clutch counteracts the sudden dumps that previously produced rapid acceleration.
Additionally, despite the tough-looking black body cladding, this generation doesn’t fully honor its rally heritage. These, however, are minor quibbles for a vehicle that remains a rewarding driver’s car and a well-rounded sport compact. A more notable drawback is its fuel economy, which lags behind many front-wheel-drive rivals.
The 2023 WRX is equipped with the largest turbocharged engine among its closest sport-compact competitors: a 2.4-liter unit producing 271 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.
Most rivals, such as the 2023 Volkswagen Jetta GLI and 2023 Hyundai Elantra N, feature 2.0-liter powertrains, delivering 228 hp/258 lb-ft and 276 hp/289 lb-ft, respectively, but neither comes standard with all-wheel drive, something Subaru includes on nearly all models (excluding the RWD BRZ).
In testing, the quickest current-generation WRX reached 60 mph in 6.0 seconds using the CVT automatic, while a six-speed manual is standard. This distinguishes the WRX from most competitors, which offer either a manual or twin-clutch automatic. Overall, this WRX is slower than its 2.0-liter predecessor yet slightly quicker than a 2019 Jetta GLI by roughly 0.1 second.
5. Volkswagen Golf GTI
The Golf GTI is a performance-oriented hatchback that is fun to drive but comes with a turbocharged engine that can encourage speeding.
Its nimble handling and sporty features make it enticing for a teen looking for a thrill, which can increase the risk of accidents. For a first car, a standard Golf is safer, while the GTI’s performance edge is better reserved for experienced drivers.
The Volkswagen GTI accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds. While VW no longer offers a manual transmission for the GTI, the dual-clutch automatic is one of the best available, shifting quickly and smoothly.
Drivers can still enjoy gear changes via the paddle shifters if desired. Around town, the GTI feels sufficiently quick, with ample low-end torque to merge into traffic or pass slower vehicles without hesitation.
Handling is a standout feature of the GTI, making it one of the best front-wheel-drive cars on the market. The tires provide generous grip, allowing the car to confidently tackle corners, while the suspension strikes a balance between performance and comfort, making everyday driving enjoyable.
On top of its driving dynamics, the GTI’s suite of advanced driver aids is impressive. Adaptive cruise control functions smoothly, maintaining a consistent gap in traffic and handling inclines and declines with ease.
Blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assistance, and other safety features perform as expected for a vehicle in this price range, adding to the GTI’s overall appeal.
6. Nissan 370Z
The Nissan 370Z is a dedicated sports car with a high-revving engine and rear-wheel drive. Its compact, lightweight design allows for rapid acceleration and nimble handling, which is exciting but potentially dangerous for a new driver.
Teens may underestimate the car’s capabilities, and its performance potential often outweighs safety considerations.
The Nissan 370Z represents the latest iteration of the brand’s iconic Z-Car, a sports coupe with a lineage spanning 50 years and one of the most recognizable enthusiast vehicles on the market.
Despite its heritage, this generation first debuted for the 2009 model year, making it one of the oldest cars still in production.
For 2020, Nissan introduced the 50th Anniversary special edition, which features unique exterior styling and upgraded interior trim compared with lower-level variants. At the same time, the soft-top Roadster variant was discontinued.
The 370Z may appeal to enthusiasts who appreciate its traditional layout and old-school driving characteristics, but it clearly lags behind modern sports coupes.
Over time, however, the 370Z’s age became increasingly apparent. Base models we tested exhibited heavy, somewhat sloppy handling, though they remained reasonably entertaining for the price. The NISMO variant addressed many dynamic shortcomings, but its stiffer suspension produced a harsh ride, and the car still felt plasticky and under-equipped relative to its MSRP.
Driving the 2020 370Z 50th Anniversary edition highlighted the vehicle’s age, even without the retro-styled decals. While the absence of modern tech was oddly refreshing, that novelty wore off quickly.
The six-speed manual transmission with automatic rev-matching remained enjoyable, a small reminder of why enthusiasts still value the Z-Car. Choosing a 370Z in 2020 is essentially embracing a time capsule, its quirks, dated features, and unique appeal are all part of the experience.
Performance-wise, every 370Z comes with a 3.7-liter V-6 engine. Standard models deliver 332 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, while NISMO trims push output to 350 hp and 276 lb-ft. Both variants offer a six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic transmission, sending power to the rear wheels.
Looking forward, Nissan is reportedly developing a successor, tentatively called the 400Z, which is expected to feature two doors, rear-wheel drive, and possibly some form of electric power assistance. For now, the 370Z remains a celebration of Nissan’s past, offering a raw, nostalgic sports-car experience that newer competitors surpass in technology and refinement.
7. BMW 2 Series
The BMW 2 Series, particularly the M240i trim, offers luxury and performance in a small package. While it provides excellent handling, its potent engine and rear-wheel-drive setup can be difficult to manage for inexperienced drivers.
The combination of prestige, sporty feel, and acceleration makes it too tempting for a teen to engage in risky driving behaviors.
When selecting a first car for a teen son, parents must weigh safety, reliability, and practicality against the temptation for thrill-seeking.
Vehicles that are modestly powered, equipped with modern safety features, and easy to handle provide teens with a foundation for responsible driving.
Cars that look flashy, accelerate quickly, or are designed with performance in mind may increase the risk of accidents despite their appeal.
Insurance is another factor that influences the decision. High-performance sports cars often carry higher insurance premiums for teens, reflecting their increased risk on the road.
A car that discourages reckless behavior not only protects the teen but also helps parents manage costs.
Ultimately, the goal is to instill good driving habits that last a lifetime. Parents should also consider additional measures such as driver education courses, telematics-based insurance programs, and setting clear expectations about safe driving practices.
Vehicles like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, or Subaru Impreza provide peace of mind while still allowing teens to enjoy their independence behind the wheel.
In contrast, cars like the Mustang, WRX, or 370Z, while exciting, are better suited for more experienced drivers who can handle their capabilities responsibly.
