Top 10 Smart Cars for Teens

[kaybeejay]

My Xterra made the list (very odd), but the Matrix/Vibe did not. Weird. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/4136404/ The Xterra is a top heavy SUV that is rear wheel drive. I would never recommend a new driver (teens) to get one.

[kaybeejay]

I counted FOUR typos on that article. Man, I expected better from Forbes.

[joatmon]

Every teen reads Forbes magazine The car I had when I was a teen was one my brother gave me when he upgraded.

[msmyer]

This reminded me that, we talked about the Vibe being aimed at students... http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=4481

[Stang2Vibe]

I have so many issues to argue with that article that I will spare everyone my dissertation on it. I think somebody has their head stuffed up a Honda's tailpipe a bit too far. Anyone ever seen your average wreck involving a Civic? Honda must be paying A LOT through dark channels to keep getting top safety ratings every year on their ever-so-popular death traps.Some of the choices of vehicles and the methodology for determining what is elegible to make the list has left me bewildered. I'd like to follow the money trail on this one.

[ragingfish]

About the only one I agree with is the Corolla. Xterra? Mini Cooper? PLEASE!

[MrRich]

They forgot one word! Top 10 cars for RICH Teens.

[fuel4soul]

Stang, My views EXACTLY!

[Big_Red]

Now, let us check this list properly and keep in mind that these are cars for teens (16-20 years of age)1. 2004 Honda Civic Coupe -I CAN LIVE WITH THIS2. 2004 Mini Cooper Coupe - NOT SURE IF I WOULD WANT TO BUY A SMALL CAR LIKE THAT FOR A TEEN3. 2004 Subaru Imprezza Wagon - I CAN LIVE WITH THIS BUT IT IS A LITTLE PRICEY4. 2004 Toyota Corolla Sedan - OK5. 2004 Volkswagen Jetta Sedan DEPENDING ON WHAT MODEL, PRICE IS A FACTOR6. 2004 Honda Accord Coupe - UHM....NO! INSURANCE WILL BE TOO HIGH FOR A COUPE SUCH AS THIS7. 2004 Honda CR-V SUV - MID $30K FOR A TEEN DRIVER (**** i DON'T HAVE A CAR THAT EXPENSIVE)8. 2004 Nissan XTerra SUV -NO,NO.NO9. 2001 Lexus IS300 Sedan -NOT UNLESS YOU HAVE BELINDA AS YOUR MOM10. 2004 Volvo S40 Sedan -SAFE CAR BUT EXPENSIVE FOR A TEEN

[pwarren4]

I read in a similar story that a good vehicle for a teen is a used Ford F150 or Chevy or Dodge equilvalant. Standard cab.There big so when it's run off the road trees and such don't have as good of a chance.Not much room for passengers so less distractions from friends.Your teen can now haul off the garbage!!I think I like this idea.

[kaybeejay]

Quote, originally posted by Salsa! »WHY? I learned to drive with a Jimmy and never smashed it up.... Then you are the exception.The typical teen around here is usually speeding someplace and taking corners way too fast in whatever beater they can afford.

[Stang2Vibe]

Yeah, that's the typical California teen "I'm invincible" lifestyle.I agree that at least half of these cars are well out of the typical teen's budget unless they have a rather wealthy (and rather stupid) mommy and daddy to buy the car for them. As for the Lexus on the list, to be fair to the article, they did say a USED Lexus IS300. But still the pricetag would be rather high. I think that the IS300 is a pretty nice car, but my eye still sees it as a glorified Camry that is rear wheel drive.I guess every kid is different, though. Some will be really careful with a car and others won't give a crap. My first car (a 1989 Pontiac 6000 STE) was kinda forced on me by my mom, and it needed major work after I had it about 3-4 months and traded it in). I washed it a lot, but otherwise, I was pretty hard on it. I traded it for my 1994 Grand Prix (4 door SE), and man did I ever baby that thing. It was what I really wanted and I loved that car (I still miss it), so I took great care of it. I would have freaked if there was so much as a scratch on it. I got a little crazy with it sometimes, but not really anything that "risky", at least until I was a little older. So I guess it really mostly depends on the individual.

[MailGuy!]

I think our Vibes are usually not considered for lists like these because they are not easily catagorized. Think about it. They can't say, "ok for the wagon segment, the Vibe is tops" or "small suv or sporty hatchback segment." I personally think it would be a great, safe, inexpensive used vehicle for a teenager, but that's life. If you don't exactly fit into any one category you are shunned. That's why I don't think the iihs will ever offset test it. What will they say,"ok for the not quite wagon, not quite hatchback, not quite suv segment the Vibe was a best pick."