There’s nothing quite like the thrill of driving away in your first brand new car. Between the new car smell and the promise of road trips to come, that first big purchase is sure to make memories.
A new car is a symbol of success and of good financial stewardship. It celebrates your sense of style and reflects your personality. And assuming it’s well cared for, that vehicle will be with you for work and play for many years to come.
With new car season now in full swing, we were curious to see which vehicles were most popular among first time buyers. So we fired up the Honk search tool and honed in on young people who recently made that first big purchase.
Owing to economic conditions, we also added in a budget-friendly cap on price at $20,000. Practical sedans and minivans were banned because hey – it’s summer and we wanted to have some fun!
Our final list is full of coupes, hatchbacks, and trucks with plenty of personality. You can read about the Top 10 winners below or take in that new car smell with the complete list of Best Cars for First Time Buyers on Honk.
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The Scion tC proves that you can drive a stylish car and still be able to make those student loan payment at the end of each month. This coupe is easy on the eyes and easy on the wallet. Owners brag about the tC’s panoramic moonroof and bumpin’ Pioneer audio system – both standard – making this Scion a great buy if you want a car that can spoil you without breaking the bank.
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Outdoorsy types love the Jeep Patriot for its ability to tackle adventures and stay composed in rough conditions. Road trips and ski trips will be frequent but trips to the gas station will not thanks to fuel economy that can range as high as 29 mpg on the highway. The Patriot is a great choice if you need extra cargo space for outdoor sports or large pets.
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Fun and flexible, the Honda Fit is loaded with more deep thinking than that philosophy class you took in college. The secret here is the ingenious second row “Magic Seats,” which can fold up or down to accommodate cargo of various shapes and sizes. Despite being small on the outside, the Fit has more cargo space inside than some SUVs. Owners rave that this Honda is fun to drive and has excellent fuel economy, making this hatchback good for the soul and easy on the wallet.
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Compact on the outside and enormous on the inside, this Nissan is notable for space, space, and more space. Rear seat leg room is a step above anything else in the class, as is the quality of interior materials. For such an affordable car, the Versa impresses with high-quality cloth upholstery and premium plastics that are soft to the touch. Nissan didn’t skimp on technology, either: the Versa can be had with navigation, Bluetooth, and an Intelligent Key that lets you enter the car and start the engine without ever taking the key out of your pocket.
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If you’re the kind of person who is into the latest gadgets and technology, you’ll love the SYNC system that Ford has built into the Focus coupe and sedan. It’s a tethered system that connects to your mobile devices via Bluetooth or USB, allowing you to control your devices through simple voice commands. You can use SYNC to search through your music library or to have it read you an important email while you drive. And your inner environmentalist will be happy to know that the seat cushions in the Focus are derived from a bio-based polyurethane foam that’s derived from the oils of various plant seeds.
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One look at the stunning interior in the Golf is all it took for reviewers on Honk to fall in love with this sleek and chic Volkswagen. The design is subtle and sporty with impeccable fit and finish and a level of refinement that betters some luxury cars. Owners love the feisty, fun-to-drive spirit and the ample cargo space. Volkswagen’s optional audio and navigation systems both come with crisp displays and an easy-to-use interface. There’s also an available TDI clean diesel engine that boasts up to 42 miles per gallon.
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With funky styling and a long list of standard features, the Scion xD is a great value for grads who want to stand apart from the crowd. The hatchback bodystyle has lots of space for people and cargo and the four-cylinder engine was praised for a nice balance of power and fuel efficiency. Owner love the excellent value, noting that, “The xD also has the best price compared to other cars in its class, but offers more standard features.”
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Nissan’s Frontier packs fullsize features into a midsize truck. It’s the best choice here if you need a rugged vehicle that can tow a trailer or get you to the outdoors. There’s a choice of economical 4-cylinder or powerful 6-cylinder engine and a fully-boxed frame that allows the Frontier to tow up to 6,500 pounds. Owners love this Nissan’s many clever innovations, like a handy storage bin under the rear seats and a Utili-track system in the pickup bed that can make securing cargo a cinch.
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With highway fuel economy higher than that of some hybrids, the Yaris is a smart move if you’re looking to save money or the environment. In Europe, the Yaris won many awards when it was first launched, thanks to cheeky styling and fun handling. Owners rave about the value, too, pointing out a low sticker price that starts under $13,000.
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The Mitsubishi Eclipse is one of the best options for sleek and stylish transportation on a budget. The design is racy and the engine is thrifty – a great combination for anyone who wants to save money and look good in the process. The Eclipse impresses with a practical side, as well. That steeply-raked roofline hides a hatchback opening and fold-down rear seats that make it easy to bring bulky gear along for the ride.
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