Summer is prime time for teens to get behind the wheel, so Consumer Reports has released its list of best cars for new drivers, who really want to drive the best models on the roads. So here are the top five cars for the teens to go wild over. Check them out.
1. Hyundai Elantra
The 2010 Hyundai Elantra is the most comfortable and spacious cabins in the Affordable Small Car class, the Elantra is well worth a look for those who want a little extra comfort while getting from point A to B. Its warranty is one of the longest in the class and it gets high reliability ratings that make its affordable base price all the more attractive. It handles well, has no problem passing on the highway and offers excellent fuel economy for the class. Additionally, it offers good cargo capacity for a small sedan and has a rear seat that is actually comfortable, a quality that is exceptionally rare among affordable small cars. With a low base price, a low cost of ownership and many virtues, the Elantra earned our Best Compact Car for the Money award for 2010, just as it did for the 2009 model year.
2. Mazda 3
The 2010 redesigned Mazda3′s aggressively sporty performance is notable among affordable small cars, but its once-sleek exterior is now described as goofy-looking by some auto writers. When it came time to redesign the popular Mazda3, most reviewers had the same opinion. In terms of the car’s energetic engine power, solid handling and abundant sportiness, don’t mess too much with a good thing. According to our analysis, Mazda’s engineers listened and delivered a 2010 model that enhances the best-loved attributes of the outgoing 3. The redesigned Mazda3 is already an award winner, having secured a spot on the Car & Driver “10 Best” list for 2010 and earning a “Best Buy” award from Consumers Digest.
3. Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V provides one of the best combinations of safety, utility and affordability in its class. And with increased fuel economy, more power and a more well-liked exterior for 2010, it gets even better. Look past the conservative exterior styling and you’ll find the best-designed small SUV in this price range when it comes to interior aesthetics and day-to-day practicality. The CR-V is often compared to the Toyota RAV4, another class leader. The CR-V is an award winner. In the past, it received Motor Week’s “Driver’s Choice” for Best Small Utility and IntelliChoice’s “Motorist Choice Award.”
4. Nissan Rogue
The 2010 Nissan Rogue is a decent value within its class. Its pleasant on-pavement ride, great cargo versatility, better-than-average fuel economy and affordable price trump many class competitors and make it worth a look. Still, without a V6 engine option, it falls short on power. With a sticker price just over $20,000, the five-passenger Rogue is one of the more affordable compact SUVs. Its 22/27 mpg rating also places it in the top half of its class for fuel economy. “Overall, Rogue’s competitors are quieter and more refined, but this compact Nissan gets points for sleek styling and high levels of interior functionality,” says Consumer Guide. “If you can live with Rogue’s sometimes harsh ride, this little Nissan might make sense.”
5. Acura TSX
The 2010 Acura TSX is a fun-to-drive vehicle at an affordable price. Reviewers especially praise its high-quality cabin and long list of standard features. Reviewers agree the new 2010 Acura TSX is definitely an improvement over its predecessor. The automaker has introduced a V6 engine, the same engine found in the larger Acura TL that offers reviewers and car shoppers the extra power boost they’ve been looking for. The four-cylinder engine remains unchanged for 2010. The TSX with the optional V6 is unquestionably a fun car to drive. However, the car’s steering lacks feedback and the brake pedal could almost be described as sluggish. If you want a small sporty car that is equally fun to drive but that handles more smoothly, you might consider the Volkswagen GTI.
Tags: best cars, best cars for youth, certified, consumer reports best car, honda cr v, hyundai elantra, mazda 3, money award, reliability ratings