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Nearly every parent wants the best car safety for their child from their very first trip. Although, as the years go by, the grim specter of your teenager getting behind the wheel becomes a reality. Still, there are ways to protect your teen, like buying them a safe car. Here are some cheap, safe cars that you can feel good about buying for your teen. 

  • Mazda 3– 2011 to 2013
  • Honda Civic– 2012 to 2015, and 2019 or newer
  • Toyota Prius– 2011 or newer
  • 2013 Chevrolet Volt
  • Toyota Corolla 2014 or newer
  • Lexus CT200h– 2012 and 2013

Is a Mazda 3 a good car for a teenager? 

The Mazda 3 is a good, safe car for a teenager. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) recommends that parents find an example from 2011 to 2013. There’s a good reason for that, though. The IIHS gave those model years a Top Safety Pick rating. 

Finally, savvy shoppers can pick up one of these cars for as little as $6,000. 

Is a Honda Civic a good teen car?

The Honda Civic is an extremely popular safe car for a teen. First, the Honda Civic from 2012 to 2015 are all safe cars, but the 2013 and 2014 models received the IIHS’ top rating, a Top Safety Pick+. Next, the newest Honda Civic sports a Top Safety Pick+ rating and a much-needed restyling. The best part: Consumer Reports says you can find a preowned example for as little as $7,100. 

The Honda Civic is a cheap, safe car for a teenager.
2013 Honda Civic | Kevork Jansezian, Getty Images

Is Prius good for new drivers? 

While the Toyota Prius is mainly associated with fuel efficiency, it is also a safe car for your teen. The 2011 to 2013 models are IIHS Top Safety Picks, and several of the model years thereafter received Top Safety Pick+ ratings. Also, like the Honda Civic, parents can find a Prius for under $10,000. 

The Toyota Prius is a cheap, safe car for your teen
A blue Toyota Prius hatchback | Getty Images

Does the Chevrolet Volt have a Teen Driver Mode?

Chevrolet says that the 2013 Chevrolet Volt is equipped with Teen Driver Mode, which it calls an “in-vehicle report card.” According to the automaker, Teen Driver Mode allows parents to set speed alerts and track their teenager’s driving behaviors. Furthermore, the IIHS gives the 2013 Chevrolet Volt a Top Safety Pick rating. Finally, patient car buyers could find a 2013 example for as little as $8,800. 

The 2013 Chevrolet Volt is a cheap, safe car for your teen
2013 Chevrolet Volt | Stan Honda, Getty Images

Is a Toyota Corolla a good car for teens? 

The Toyota Corolla is one of the most popular cars in the United States and a safe car for a teen. Toyota’s sensible sedan is safe, with many of the most recent models earning Top Safety Pick+ and Top Safety Plus ratings. Also, Consumer Reports says that you can find a used Corolla for just under $11,000.   

Should you buy your teen a Lexus CT200h? 

While you might cringe at the thought of buying your teen a Lexus, keep an open mind. The CT200h has depreciated to used Corolla prices and is associated with Toyota’s legendary reliability. Furthermore, the IIHS gives the Lexus CT200h from 2012 and 2013 a Top Safety Pick rating. 

Your teen can be safer in one of these cheap cars, but don’t stop there

In addition to buying a safe car for your child, you can teach them good habits. Don’t neglect to reiterate the importance of good practices like signaling, observing safe following distances, and not driving erratically. If you want to read more about cheap cars, scroll down to the following article! 
RELATED: Safety: Is the 2022 Dodge Charger a Deathtrap?

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