Ten safe rides for teens
Auto Week recently focused on teen drivers. One article reported on safe cars for teen drivers. "Thinking about what's the best car for your teen when he or she faces the real world of driving?" Auto Week asked. Here are the magazine's suggestions (vehicles listed are 2009 models unless noted).
Dodge Caliber: With five-star front- and side-crash ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and a hatchback body, the Caliber is among the safest and most flexible small cars on the market. Base Price: $17,090
Ford Focus: Ford's continuous refinement of the Focus yields a reliable and fun-to-drive car with respectable crash-safety results. Base Price: $16,690
Honda Civic: The Civic combines a smooth drive train that's historically reliable with good build quality. Base Price: $16,015
Volkswagen Rabbit: This is a top pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Base Price: $17,000
Kia Soul: A cute and stylish box, this model also gets the IIHS's top safety accolades. Base Price: $13,995.
Mazda 3: Sporty and sleek, the Mazda 3 receives high marks from the NHTSA. Base Price: $15,795.
Pontiac Vibe: The last Pontiac to be sold in the United States is safe, spacious and fuel efficient. Base Price: $16,820.
2003-08 Mazda 6: A fun-driving midsize sedan, the first-generation Mazda 6 received five-star crash ratings. Price range: $6,500 to $15,000.
2003-07 Honda Accord: This model has almost all five-star crash ratings across the board. Price range: $7,600 to $12,700.
1979 -81 Mercedes-Benz 300 TD: Nothing will make you cooler and keep you safer than a vintage Mercedes wagon. Price range: $6,000 to $14,000.
