One of the fondest memories in the life of any car lover is the moment you get your first car. And if you're a car lover, you most definitely remember how special that moment was. Sure, the vehicle that you got might not have been from a poster on your bedroom wall - in retrospect, it might have been pretty bad. But whether it was a hand-down from your family member or an outright junkyard find - you probably still thought that it was the best car in the world because it was yours and only yours.
Some of us gearheads were luckier than others with their first cars. After all, if you have a passion for automobiles, you don't just want something that will take you from point A to B. You want something charismatic, unique, and, ideally, not too slow. And if you're shopping for your first car ever, but have no idea what vehicle to get that will tick at least some of those boxes - fret no more, because you've come to the right place.
For this article, we've decided to compile a list of cars that we believe are the best choices for new drivers. But beware - this list is different from the usual advice that you will find online since we focus on more than just safety and fuel economy. Because nobody remembers their first car for these things, but for the emotions that it brought and the memories it created.
15 1998-2005 Lexus IS
Even though the IS never managed to pose a threat to German compact executive sedans, it's still an excellent car. Lexus cars from these years are known for their safety, tech, and reliability. We recommend looking for the IS300 model with Toyota's legendary, indestructible 2JZ 3.0-liter inline-six. At 217 hp, it's reasonably quick, but not dangerous. The best part - you can easily find one of these sedans for as little as $5,000.
14 1974–1993 Volvo 240
If you're wondering what car is guaranteed to survive a nuclear war, the answer is simple: the Volvo 240. These old Swedish bricks are known and loved in the car community for just how tough they are. And while five to six thousand dollars might seem like a lot for such an old car in good condition, remember that it will most likely serve you for years with minimal maintenance.
13 1997-2007 Ford Crown Victoria
There is a reason why the Crown Vic was the go-to car for police departments, taxi drivers, and all sorts of car fleets. Its old-school body-on-frame design meant that the ride was as smooth as it could get. Plus, the interior is comfy and roomy, and not to mention how reliable the good old Ford Modular V8 is. It's not exactly a sports car, but at the same time, it won't cause you any trouble - which is excellent when you only pay $3,000 for a car
12 2003-2009 Mazda3
The first-gen Mazda3 is living proof that hatchbacks don't have to be boring. Whether you're getting the hatchback or the sedan, the design is not too bland, and the interior is quite stylish also. The 2.3-liter model is the one to go for: at 160 hp, it's not fast, but the sporty handling makes up for that. A decent example will cost you as little as $2,500.
11 1997-2001 Jeep Cherokee (XJ)
If you're more into off-roading, the XJ Cherokee should be at the top of your list. Not only these old SUVs are incredibly robust, but they are also very simple to service and repair. The dream XJ for us would be the two-door version with the 4.0-liter inline-six. The fuel economy might not be that great, but the other engine choices are simply too underpowered. Prices range from pocket change to around $5,000 for a beautiful example.
10 1998-2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (NB)
One of the first rules one learns when he or she becomes a car enthusiast is that Miata is always the answer. There is a reason why this cute Japanese roadster is so beloved in the car community. It handles great, the maintenance is exceptionally cheap and straightforward, and the fuel economy is not that bad. We're recommending the second generation because it's more user-friendly and the most affordable of all. Your target price should be in the ballpark of $6,000.
9 2002-2007 Subaru Impreza 2.5 RS
When it comes to the Impresa, everyone, of course, wants the WRX. However, they're too expensive to buy, too expensive to maintain, and very costly to insure. That's why for your first car you should consider the second-gen 2.5 RS. It looks similar to the WRX, and with 167 hp, it's not exactly a slouch. And unlike the WRX, you can easily find one for five or six grand.
8 1990-2000 BMW 3 Series (E36)
Despite what you may have heard about the reliability of the E36 3 Series, it's one of the last genuinely reliable BMWs. That's what makes it a pretty reasonable option for a first car. You can choose between a sedan, a coupe, a convertible, or even that weird hatchback thing that nobody likes - all are available in a beautiful condition for around $6,000.
7 1982-1991 Porsche 944
A more refined version of the entry-level 924 model, the 944 might not seem like a reasonable choice for a first car - being a Porsche. But hear us out. Unlike the 911, the 944 is not as expensive to own and maintain. It's also not as fast, but still handles and feels like a Porsche. But most importantly, it's quite cheap, with the average price floating well below $10,000. If you're looking for a more unique, special and sporty car that won't bankrupt you, we suggest looking into a 944. Just steer clear of the Turbo models.
6 1986-1995 Mercedes-Benz E-Class W124
The W124 Mercedes E-Class comes from a different era when the Mercedes badge on a car meant that it was virtually indestructible. Perhaps, this is the only car on this list that can rival the Volvo 240 in this aspect. Mercedes sold a ton of the W124 sedans back in the day, so finding one for very cheap shouldn't be a problem. As a first car, the W124 could be a fantastic introduction to the world of fine motoring - by the 80s standards, that is.
5 1997-2004 Volkswagen Golf (Mk4)
If this article were targeted at European buyers, all the entries would simply read "Mk4 Golf." In Europe, this is the overwhelmingly popular choice for the first car - and not without reason. The Mk4 is more refined than its competitors, but still quite reliable, fuel-efficient, and affordable. One of these hatchback staples could be yours for as little as $2,500.
4 1993-2004 Ford Mustang
The fourth-gen Mustang is yet another vehicle this list wouldn't be possible without. It might not be as pretty or as fast as the fifth-gen, but it's easier to maintain and more affordable. The parts are abundant, and the owner community is vast. Make sure to get the V8 version, though, unless you want your Mustang to be painfully slow.
3 2001-2003 Acura CL
The Acura CL is a somewhat unknown and, hence, an underrated stylish, luxurious coupe that is nevertheless affordable. The 225 hp 3.2-liter V6 offers decent performance and is pretty reliable. But watch out for problematic automatic transmission and get a manual, if you can - it's more fun to drive anyway.
2 2007-2008 Honda Fit
If you're not too into all the old, niche cars that we've included on this list and would instead prefer something newer and more compact, the 2007 Honda Fit is the car for you. It's cheap, reliable, and simple, but not as dull as many people expect it to be. It could even be fun to throw around the corners. 109 horsepower is not a lot, but remember - you'll be driving a car the size of an old Volkswagen Beetle. In the age when the cars just seem to get bigger and bigger, the Fit is a reasonable, smart choice.
1 1997-2001 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
This last entry will be a bit different from the others - because it comes from personal experience. Yes, the author of this article drives one of these CLK coupes and loves it. Just like the E36, 3 Series was the last genuinely reliable BMW, the first-gen CLK-Class is considered by many to be the last genuinely reliable Mercedes.
The engines and the gearboxes are practically bulletproof, the body is made out of good old thick German steel, and the interior is very durable. The exterior styling has aged quite gracefully, and the CLK still looks beautiful. The best part is that an excellent example with all the bells and whistles will set you back only around $6,000 - a small price to pay for a unique, memorable first car.