Choose the Right First Car for Your Teen

MarketWatch

While most teens would love a flashysports car or luxury SUV for their first vehicle,chances are it will be a used economycar. But which used cars are the safest andmost reliable for your child? According to, half of US parents foot thebill for their child's first car, and 23% sharepart of the cost, meaning mom and dadhave a say in which car their teen drives.The Honda Civic, particularly the 2001 DXmodel, is the number-one choice for bothteens and parents. It's popular and youthfulamong kids, while still safe and reliableto put parents' minds at ease. It also getsgreat gas mileage, which is especiallygood considering 83% of teens pay fortheir own gas. Other cars that made thegrade include the 2002 Toyota Corolla CE,2001 Nissan Altima XE, 2003 HyundaiElantra GLS, 2003 Suzuki Aerio S, 2001Mercury Cougar, 2003 Ford Taurus LX,2000 Chevy Blazer, 1998 Toyota 4Runner,and 2003 Ford Ranger.