Best Cars for First-Time Drivers (And Why Parents Love Them, Too)

Getting behind the wheel for the first time is a significant milestone—and choosing the right car makes all the difference. First-time drivers need something that’s easy to handle, packed with safety features, and reliable day in and day out. Luckily, several top brands deliver exactly that.

Let’s take a look at some of the best cars for new drivers and why parents can breathe a little easier knowing their teen is driving them.

Honda Civic

A longtime favorite, the Honda Civic checks all the boxes: excellent fuel efficiency, a comfortable ride, and advanced safety tech like Honda Sensing®. It’s small enough to park easily but solid enough to feel secure on the highway. Plus, it holds its value, which parents love.

Nissan Sentra

Affordable, stylish, and surprisingly spacious, the Nissan Sentra makes a smart first car. With features like automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert, the Sentra helps build driver confidence while giving parents peace of mind.

Hyundai Elantra

The Elantra offers a bold design and high-end features at a budget-friendly price. It includes Hyundai SmartSense® driver-assist tech as standard and backs it all up with a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty—one of the best in the business.

Why Parents Approve

• Top safety ratings
• Affordable maintenance
• Good fuel economy
• User-friendly infotainment systems

Whether it’s a commute to school, a part-time job, or weekend plans with friends, these vehicles keep new drivers safe, confident, and ready for the road ahead.

Looking for the perfect first car? Stop by your nearest Lia dealership to test drive one of these top picks today!