If you just got your driving license, chances are you’re in the market for a nice car. One thing that stands out most about owning a car for the first time is affordability. You want a vehicle you can buy, run, insure, and maintain. Since most first-time drivers are teenagers, parents often focus on safety features to help keep their young, inexperienced drivers safe.

At the same time, you seriously want to consider a highly dependable car with proven reliability, and the only vehicles that fit this criterion are used cars. If you’re in the market for a used car, our New Jersey State Auto team has researched and found a few affordable and reliable vehicles for new or first-time drivers.

Honda Accord (2013 or Newer)

The Honda Accord has been on the market for almost 40 years. Among the nine generations, there’s no doubt that you’ll find one that fits your needs. Accord has won several awards for various reasons, such as excellent handling and reasonable prices. This make has been on the market long enough to provide new drivers with all the features they need to drive safely and comfortably on public roads.

The 2013 Accord seems to stand out for its sporty design and performance. With 278 horsepower generated by a V-6 engine and a six-speed automatic transmission or 185 horsepower produced by a four-cylinder engine and a six-speed automatic, manual, or continuously variable transmission, this power gives you more confidence when passing other vehicles on the road. The same year also earned an IIHS top safety pick + rating.

Toyota Camry (2012 or Newer)

The redesigned 2012 Toyota Camry has been a best-seller in America for many years. This seventh-generation Camry offers the comfort, style, and power you need to become a better driver as you get used to the road. It has a great reliability rating with enough room for a comfortable ride.

The 2012 models have better fuel economy and a much nicer interior. Standard features include a USB port, a six-speaker audio system, and Bluetooth. Upper trims include a 6.1-inch touch screen, an infotainment system, and a ten-speaker upgraded audio system. Toyota Camry also features a four-cylinder V-6 engine with a standard automatic transmission that generates 178 horsepower.

Mazda CX5 (2014 or Newer)

The Mazda CX5 can be a great option if you prefer driving an SUV. It has a unique exterior design that shouts power. The interiors are so well-crafted and smartly styled that any teenager or new driver would enjoy driving. Even the older models feature agile handling and feisty engines.

The CX5 provides plenty of passenger and cargo room for drivers who enjoy traveling or taking long road trips. It can seat up to five people with cloth seats for the base models and heated leather seats for the upper trims. The controls are accessible and easy to use for first-time drivers, and every model has a push-button start.

The base model comes with a 2.0-liter engine and five-speed manual transmission. However, if you need an automatic transmission, you can go for the Touring, which features a 2.5-liter engine paired with a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission.

Ford Taurus (2011 to 2014)

Ford discontinued the Taurus in 2019 when sales lagged behind the Honda Accord and the Toyota Camry. Despite being in its sixth generation, Taurus lasted nearly a decade without any significant changes. However, what stands out about this vehicle is its safety features, including side-curtain airbags, which improve protection in the event of a crash.

The 2014 models feature a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that produces 288 horsepower and 254 lb-ft of torque. Safety features include blind-spot mirrors, traction and stability control, antilock disc brakes, and front-seat impact airbags. Overall, it’s a quiet and comfortable ride for a new driver.

Hyundai Tucson (2012 or Newer)

The Hyundai Tucson is another value-packed compact SUV any new driver would enjoy. It offers a nicely laid-back cabin with plenty of luxury and convenience features. You can choose between the 165 horsepower 2.0-liter or 176 horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. Hyundai vehicles have been well-known for delivering high-quality, affordable cars for many years.

Regarding safety, the Hyundai Tucson includes antilock disc brakes, active front head restraints, stability and traction control, front side airbags, hill-holder, hill-descent control, and side curtain airbags. It may not have a big cabin like the Mazda CX5, but it has an attractive, intuitive, and functional cabin that newer drivers will appreciate.

Mazda CX3 (2011 or Newer)

The Mazda CX3 is a hatchback model with great safety features. It’s safe, reliable, and fuel-efficient, which makes it a great option for inexperienced drivers. It’s also fun to drive with sharp handling, a sporty disposition, and good power. Prices for the 2011 to 2013 model can start as low as $5000.

You can go for the 2013 model, which has higher safety ratings and more room. It has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 148 horsepower from a five-speed manual transmission. Safety features include antilock brakes, front and side airbags, an alarm system, and a theft-deterrent engine immobilizer.

Ford Fiesta (2017)

Ford Fiesta is one of the best vehicles you can get if you’re a new driver. It boils down to low running costs and fuel efficiency. It’s also roomy with agile handling and an easy-to-use infotainment system. The vehicle is available in hatchback and sedan body styles and has three primary trim levels. The base models have a standard 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 120 horsepower and 112 lb-ft of torque.

The performance-oriented Fiesta ST features a 1.6-liter four-cylinder that produces 197 horsepower and 202 lb-ft of torque. Only a six-speed manual transmission is available. Now that you know some of the best cars for teens or new drivers, why not place your order with us at New Jersey State Auto? Our extensive inventory provides you with a wide range of options across most brands, such as Nissan, Toyota, Ford, Honda, Mazda, Kia, BMW, Hyundai, Subaru, Volvo, and many more. Contact us to book your test drive today.