Teenagers are among the most inexperienced drivers, but their first vehicle is traditionally an older car without modern safety features. Consumer Reports (CR) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) worked together to determine the best used cars for teenagers. These organizations narrowed it down to 65 vehicles that have modern safety features but also hit the mark of reliability and affordability.

?Our focus has always been safety, as reflected in our vehicle ratings, but we recognize that a lot of other factors go into families? purchasing decisions,? says IIHS President David Harkey. ?This partnership with Consumer Reports will help new drivers and their parents zero in on the best used vehicles overall.?

How The List Was Determined
CR and IIHS divided their recommendations into two categories: Good Choices and Best Choices. Both choices had to meet predetermined safety, performance, and reliability standards set by the two organizations. One of the first requirements was that every vehicle has electronic stability or traction control, which will help a teenage driver during slippery and snowy conditions. Furthermore, every vehicle on the list has above-average reliability ratings and a curb weight no lower than 2,750 lbs.

Consumer Reports and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety have developed a list of the best used cars for teenagers. The list of 65 vehicles takes into consideration things like safety, reliability, and affordability....