Best Cars for Teens – 2011 Consumer Reports

When I was 16, I didn't really care what care I had, as long as I had a car. Today, teens are expecting certain things because cars have become cool again. I'm not too sure how cool Consumer Reports is to a 16 year old, but nonetheless they came out with a report of which cars are the best for teens in 2011. When Consumer Reports looks at which car is best for teens, they do so based not on what teens want, which is the ability to modify it, look cool in it, and feel the power, but rather which cars are practical, safe, and have some coolness.

Here are the Consumer Reports picks:

Acura TSX
Good choice consumer reports! This car would be good for teens because it's safe and reliable. However, it's also good because it has a K24 engine that is one of Honda's best VTEC engines, giving this car the ability to be modified beyond parent's comprehension. Turbo TSX for your 16 year old? Keep the credit card away!

2009+ Ford Focus
If you want to be sure that your kids don't have the same ability for modifications as the Acura TSX, go with the Ford Focus. They are less expensive, well built, and full of safety features. They aren't money pits like the TSX, so the kids will likely stay away from more than wheels and a body kit for the car. Then again, a 16 year old can figure out that nitrous is cheap and fun.

2007+ Hyundai Sonata or Hyunday Elantra
This might be a good choice. Of all of the cars listed here, this one has the lowest aftermarket performance following. This would be a good contender for one of the best cars for teens. Teens won't be tempted to modify it, show it off, or light up the tires at every stop light. Best car for teens indeed.

2007+ Mazda3
This car has a strong aftermarket following and many teens like these cars because they look pretty good lowered. However, once you lower a car, you can't stop there. I don't know if this is one of the best cars for teens unless if you have a teen who doesn't care about cars. If they like cars, there is too much of a cool factor with this one... lock away the credit card.

2008 Scion xB
Great car - if you are looking to put a second mortgage on your house to pay for mods. I don't know if this really is a good car for teens, this one has too much of a cool factor, has too many available aftermarket parts, and is too roomy inside which means they are going to stuff in all of their friends, potato chips and have a good time. This xB is the new party bus.

2007+ VW Jetta/Rabbit/Golf
Great cars, and cool enough from the factory that even though there are plenty of aftermarket accessories for these cars, teens might just enjoy them as they are. Probably one of our top picks as the best car for teens.

Here is a video from Consumer Reports explaining their selection for best cars for teens