After getting their license, teens are faced with choosing their first car. There are thousands of options, but which is the best?
When thinking about cars, you should consider their comfort, price, size, looks and speed, but most importantly their safety and reliability.
According to Kelley Blue Book, a reputable automotive research company, the best cars for teens are Toyotas, Hondas and Mazdas. All of these brands consistently rank the highest in safety ratings and reliability. The brands are very affordable to purchase, easy to maintain and have great fuel efficiency.
When thinking about what car you purchase, it’s also important to note its size. Size is an important factor as it affects driver safety in a crash. While smaller cars are more affordable, they compromise safety, putting drivers at greater risk compared to larger cars like a sports utility vehicle. Size is also important when considering what can fit in your car, such as luggage or friends.
A car’s range of capability is also important for safety. For example, if you frequently drive in the snow or off-road, having four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive would make your car much safer.
Now, with all of these considerations, what are the most common cars at Redwood, and are they even worth it?
With hundreds of parking spots and sophomore row, there are many different cars at Redwood, but which is the most common?
According to data from a March Bark survey, the most common car brand at Redwood is Toyota, followed by Ford and Jeep.
The 2025 Toyota Prius starts at $28,350, but you can commonly find a used one in great condition for under $10,000, depending on the year and mileage. The Prius comes with a 2-liter, 4-cylinder hybrid engine making 196 horsepower (hp). Despite its size, the Prius performs exceptionally well in crash tests. Overall, it is a great option, being cheap and safe.
The standard 2025 Ford Bronco comes with four-wheel drive and a turbocharged 2.3-liter, 4-cylinder engine with 275 hp. However, this car is pricey. With a starting price of $39,890 and its status as a relatively new model, finding an affordable used Bronco is nearly impossible. The cheapest ones available are still surpassing $30,000. Given its size and technology, this car performs well in crash tests. Overall, this is a great car, but not necessarily for teenagers due to its steep price.
The 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee manufacturer’s suggested retail price starts at $36,495. The car comes with two-wheel drive and an optional upgrade to four-wheel drive. Depending on the mileage and year, you can find a vehicle in good condition at an affordable price. The Cherokee features a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 293 hp. With it also having great crash safety, this car is a solid option for students.
Of all the cars mentioned in this article—the Toyota Prius, the Ford Bronco, and the Jeep Grand Cherokee—the Toyota Prius is the best car suited for teenagers due to its affordability, practicality and its strong safety features.
Make sure when buying your first car, consider its price, size, reliability, speed and looks to find the safest and best-suited car for you.
