[bighonda14]

I have a teenage daughter who will soon be getting her license, and we are trying to decide what vehicle will be best for her as a first car. My priority is for it to be safe, so able to avoid accidents as best as possible, and able to walk away from them as best as possible also.

Additionally, we would like something that is enjoyable to drive, reliable, and a good value.

Our top pics are 4 Hondas:
Civic Sedan Touring
Civic Hatch Sport Touring
Accord Hybrid EXL
CRV hybrid sport touring

We live in the suburbs of New Jersey, and she will likely go to college in New England or the Carolinas.

I know that there is no one right answer, but I would appreciate your subjective and personal thoughts. If you were in my shoes what would your top pick be and why?

thanks!

 

[123456sp]

I vote Civic. I'm assume you mean brand new. I'd wait for the Civic hybrid tho..
The Accord is a big family car to maneuver around town and park imo but it might be safest, the current gen adds 2 more sets of airbags..
I personally don't like SUVs but if she's gonna be hauling a lot, get that.
but really how can a stranger decide and I don't know any first time drivers who drive non-used Hondas, so there's that

 

[WiiMaster]

IMO you can't really go wrong with any of them. Honda does a good job of prioritizing safety. So it really comes down to which class of vehicle she would enjoy and feel comfortable with. The Accord and CRV would have the benefit of great MPG with the hybrid.

 

[bighonda14]

I vote Civic. You don't say what year, so I assume you mean brand new or current generation?
I'd wait for the Civic hybrid tho..
The Accord is a big family car to maneuver around town and park imo but it might be safest, the current adds 2 more sets of airbags..
I personally don't like SUVs but if she's gonna be hauling a lot, get that..
but really how can a stranger decide it?

Yes. Brand new 2023 or 2024.
Thanks!

 

[Ronch]

Will a CRV be too big for a brand new driver's first vehicle? Would a Civic be easier for her to manage until she has more experience on the road, especially if she'll be going to uni in snow country? She should test drive them with you along so you can judge her comfort zone and capabilities for handling each one.

A Civic hatchback could give her extra room/flexibility for moving stuff to/from school, vs a sedan with a trunk....

 

[bighonda14]

Will a CRV be too big for a brand new driver's first vehicle? Would a Civic be easier for her to manage until she has more experience on the road, especially if she'll be going to uni in snow country? She should test drive them with you along so you can judge her comfort zone and capabilities for handling each one.

A Civic hatchback could give her extra room/flexibility for moving stuff to/from school, vs a sedan with a trunk....

Great feedback, I appreciate it!

we actually test drove a Civic sedan and CRV together, both new and top trim. She said she liked them equally! I love the added safety of the CRV, but it is so darn big.

we are due for another test drive! Maybe including the Civic Hatchback.

 

[Ash051]

My Accord is my first car, bought when I was still a teenager as well. Sounds like you all have similar priorities compared to what I had when I was in the market. I vote Accord.

The Accord is smaller than a CR-V and will be easier to navigate (and park!) around a college campus. My Accord was great at fitting in any and all of the tight spaces I encountered in campus parking garages.

Either body style of Civic is smaller than the Accord, and while there are a lot of benefits as a result, its small size does make it less safe in a crash. Sure you have safety features and crash test results... but size really does matter (lol). Let's keep in mind that many Americans are buying SUV's nowadays, so a larger and heavier car like an Accord would offer more protection against one of those things than a Civic ever could. A CR-V would level the playing field even more, though it comes at the costs of maneuverability and fuel economy.

Remember that your daughter can only control what she does on the road- there are many other drivers out there, some of which are risk-taking doofuses. It's best to err on the side of caution.

 

[WiiMaster]

While on the topic, I would argue another must have, perhaps even more so with a younger driver, is a dashcam.

 

[bighonda14]

My Accord is my first car, bought when I was still a teenager as well. Sounds like you all have similar priorities compared to what I had when I was in the market. I vote Accord.

The Accord is smaller than a CR-V and will be easier to navigate (and park!) around a college campus. My Accord was great at fitting in any and all of the tight spaces I encountered in campus parking garages.

Either body style of Civic is smaller than the Accord, and while there are a lot of benefits as a result, its small size does make it less safe in a crash. Sure you have safety features and crash test results... but size really does matter (lol). Let's keep in mind that many Americans are buying SUV's nowadays, so a larger and heavier car like an Accord would offer more protection against one of those things than a Civic ever could. A CR-V would level the playing field even more, though it comes at the costs of maneuverability and fuel economy.

Remember that your daughter can only control what she does on the road- there are many other drivers out there, some of which are risk-taking doofuses. It's best to err on the side of caution.

You say the Accord is smaller than a CRV, but actually it’s 11 inches longer. Shorter, yes, but definitely almost a foot longer.

 

[wickedsgv]

Since your daughter likes the Civic and crv so far, I'd say just test drive the civic hatchback when you can. I haven't driven the current generation civics, but have with past versions. I've only test driven the new crv hybrids. Personally for a new driver, I'd just lean towards the crv. Yes it is much larger than the Civic, but I've seen crvs after crashes and they really protect all occupants with the airbags. But really depends on their capability driving in NE and Carolina weather conditions. If you can wait, I'd wait for the Civic hybrids coming out (I think all they said was that it was releasing at the end of the year, probably oct/Nov?).
But, wish you and your daughter luck in finding what she wants and is comfortable with!

 

[Honda2014]

The short answer to me is all of the above would work.

I suspect the Civic would be sufficient if your daughter doesn’t have a lot of stuff to haul around. It will also be competitive with the other two hybrid choices mpg wise, especially on the highway. Watch out for insurance rates vs other choices, however. I was hit in a Civic a few years ago, and due to the claim from the other driver (50-50 at fault - lie), my insurance rate went through the roof temporarily. I was already past 30, so I’d imagine any at-fault (if it happens) accident for a teenager could potentially be disastrous as far as insurance premium goes.

CRV is great for hauling stuff around, best styling (imo), and obviously higher sitting position if that’s what she’s into.

Personally, styling aside, I’d probably go for the HAH for the slightly more interior space than CIvic, best driving dynamics and likely the best mpg. As mentioned, it is the longest of the 4, so parking at times might not be the easiest.

 

[0dyfamily]

We have four "young" drivers in our family, from high school through one starting graduate school. High schooler has an 8th gen Accord LX sedan, the rest have 9th gen Civic sedans (mix of EX and LX types). They are all great vehicles.

We've lost two Civics. #1 oldest (son) was getting ready to pull out of parking lot (Civic was fully stopped). A driver of an 18-wheeler claimed he "did not see" his silver Civic, and ran over the left side of his car. Despite a crushed left front corner, destroyed door (son had to climb out of the window) and entire left side wrecked, he was able to drive one more block to a repair shop. They took one look at it, and said "How did you even get here?!" Totalled, totally and truly. Semi driver's company insurance paid for a replacement vehicle. Son was not injured.

Oldest daughter was in Civic on interstate highway, dually pickup pulling a double-axle loaded farm trailer changed lanes fast while trailer was still abeam her car, and hit her Civic so hard she spun, hit a concrete abutment, got punted in front of the pickup truck who then promptly hit her car again (yet another Chevy truck driver who doesn't understand that a brake pedal is a good control item to use when needed), she spun across the interstate, hit some other fixed object that punted the Civic back across the interstate again so that she was facing backwards into traffic. Daughter had presence of mind to get the shattered vehicle off the interstate, onto the shoulder. No injuries, vehicle hobbled into town another 30+ miles to a repair facility. Also totalled.

I'm sold on the ACE construction used to build the body shell and frame in unitized fashion for modern Accords and Civics.

OF

 

[PetitFrereAccord]

Teenage daughter getting her license. So, she is probably 16 or 17. Getting a brand new car and driving it in New Jersey, New England or the Carolinas. She is one blessed and lucky girl.

Since all the vehicles you listed are options you are willing to buy brand new, I will vote for the CRV Hybrid Sports Touring.

Compared to the other options, it has the highest ground clearance, it is the largest, it is the safest and it is fully loaded. It can carry the most cargo and people a lot more comfortably. Also, you can buy one with AWD that would be very useful for her since she will drive in snow and is a new driver who is less experienced.

Last but not the least, the CRV will have the highest resale value than all the others if she ever decides to trade or sell it in 5 to 10 years from when she gets it.

If the CRV feels too big and you wanted to add another option, maybe a Honda HRV.

 

[MartyV6]

Teenage daughter getting her license. So, she is probably 16 or 17. Getting a brand new car and driving it in New Jersey, New England or the Carolinas. She is one blessed and lucky girl.

Since all the vehicles you listed are options you are willing to buy brand new, I will vote for the CRV Hybrid Sports Touring.

Compared to the other options, it has the highest ground clearance, it is the largest, it is the safest and it is fully loaded. It can carry the most cargo and people a lot more comfortably. Also, you can buy one with AWD that would be very useful for her since she will drive in snow and is a new driver who is less experienced.

Last but not the least, the CRV will have the highest resale value than all the others if she ever decides to trade or sell it in 5 to 10 years from when she gets it.

If the CRV feels too big and you wanted to add another option, maybe a Honda HRV.

Yeah I was thinking same....my high schooler is going to either inherit our old Odyssey or perhaps we sell that and then get a similarly priced used Civic (I'm thinking something in the 2014 timeframe perhaps). I don't think the Odyssey is an ideal high schooler car actually but it is tempting to just keep it as a stop gap rather than incur thousands of dollars of friction costs selling it and buying another Honda, when I have had the Odyssey since day 1 and I know it is good mechanically. I can't bring myself to just buy a brand new car for a high schooler...feel like they gotta start somewhere haha

 

[Larham]

When choosing a first car for a new driver, safety should indeed be a top priority. Here are some general guidelines to help you select a suitable vehicle for your teenage daughter:

I can suggest a few Honda Civic models that are popular choices for young drivers due to their safety, reliability, and affordability. Please note that the insurance costs mentioned are approximate and may vary depending on factors such as your location, your daughter's driving record, and the specific model and trim level of the vehicle.

Model Year	Honda Civic Model	Approximate Full Coverage Cost
2016	Civic LX	$1,250 - $1,680
2017	Civic EX	$1,500 - $1,900
2018	Civic EX-T	$1,600 - $2,000
2019	Civic Sport	$1,700 - $2,100
2020	Civic LX	$1,800 - $2,200

• 1. Look for a car with a high safety rating: Consult organizations such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for crash test ratings and safety evaluations.
• 2. Choose a vehicle with advanced safety features: Modern cars often come with safety features like anti-lock braking systems (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), traction control, and airbags (front, side, and curtain). Some newer vehicles also include advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring.
• 3. Avoid high-performance vehicles: Fast cars with powerful engines might tempt young drivers to speed, increasing the risk of accidents. Opt for a vehicle with moderate horsepower and acceleration capabilities.
• 4. Consider vehicle size and weight: While small cars may be easier to maneuver and park, larger vehicles with more mass generally provide better protection in the event of a collision. Midsize sedans or small SUVs can offer a good balance between size and safety.
• 5. Research reliability and ownership costs: Look for vehicles with a strong reputation for reliability to minimize repair costs and maximize safety. Factor in the costs of insurance, fuel, and maintenance when making your decision.
• 6. Opt for a newer used car or an entry-level new car: Newer cars typically have more advanced safety features, but they can be expensive. Consider a recent-model used car in good condition to balance safety and affordability.

Remember that each driver's needs and preferences are unique, so it's essential to involve your daughter in the decision-making process. Test drive several vehicles that meet your safety criteria and evaluate them based on comfort, ease of use, and other factors important to your family.

 

[DARKART]

Whatever is cheapest.

 

[AtlantaRene]

A reasonably sized but safe car. I vote Civic. However, there are two thoughts.If you are want a hybrid, a used Insight is the size of Civic. I suspect there may be some in the used market.

Are you in a part of the nation with a lot of snow where AWD is something you may want. Then that puts you in a CRV.

 

[bighonda14]

When choosing a first car for a new driver, safety should indeed be a top priority. Here are some general guidelines to help you select a suitable vehicle for your teenage daughter:

I can suggest a few Honda Civic models that are popular choices for young drivers due to their safety, reliability, and affordability. Please note that the insurance costs mentioned are approximate and may vary depending on factors such as your location, your daughter's driving record, and the specific model and trim level of the vehicle.

Model Year	Honda Civic Model	Approximate Full Coverage Cost
2016	Civic LX	$1,250 - $1,680
2017	Civic EX	$1,500 - $1,900
2018	Civic EX-T	$1,600 - $2,000
2019	Civic Sport	$1,700 - $2,100
2020	Civic LX	$1,800 - $2,200

• 1. Look for a car with a high safety rating: Consult organizations such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for crash test ratings and safety evaluations.
• 2. Choose a vehicle with advanced safety features: Modern cars often come with safety features like anti-lock braking systems (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), traction control, and airbags (front, side, and curtain). Some newer vehicles also include advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring.
• 3. Avoid high-performance vehicles: Fast cars with powerful engines might tempt young drivers to speed, increasing the risk of accidents. Opt for a vehicle with moderate horsepower and acceleration capabilities.
• 4. Consider vehicle size and weight: While small cars may be easier to maneuver and park, larger vehicles with more mass generally provide better protection in the event of a collision. Midsize sedans or small SUVs can offer a good balance between size and safety.
• 5. Research reliability and ownership costs: Look for vehicles with a strong reputation for reliability to minimize repair costs and maximize safety. Factor in the costs of insurance, fuel, and maintenance when making your decision.
• 6. Opt for a newer used car or an entry-level new car: Newer cars typically have more advanced safety features, but they can be expensive. Consider a recent-model used car in good condition to balance safety and affordability.

Remember that each driver's needs and preferences are unique, so it's essential to involve your daughter in the decision-making process. Test drive several vehicles that meet your safety criteria and evaluate them based on comfort, ease of use, and other factors important to your family.

Thanks for sharing this. I'm curious, is there a website or other source where this was drawn from?

 

[StressCraxx]

I have a teenage daughter who will soon be getting her license, and we are trying to decide what vehicle will be best for her as a first car. My priority is for it to be safe, so able to avoid accidents as best as possible, and able to walk away from them as best as possible also.

Additionally, we would like something that is enjoyable to drive, reliable, and a good value.

Our top pics are 4 Hondas:
Civic Sedan Touring
Civic Hatch Sport Touring
Accord Hybrid EXL
CRV hybrid sport touring

We live in the suburbs of New Jersey, and she will likely go to college in New England or the Carolinas.

I know that there is no one right answer, but I would appreciate your subjective and personal thoughts. If you were in my shoes what would your top pick be and why?

thanks!

Just as important as the car you buy for her are her driving skills. Teen drivers often have two challenges in front of them. Overconfidence and inexperience. There are many skills that are not taught in drivers ed, either online or in the car. My neighbors daughter wrote off a new accord last year. She was injured because she didn't wear her seat belt properly even though the airbags activated. She came upon stopped traffic and slammed on the brakes. The ABS kicked in and the pulsating brake pedal made her believe she had "broken" the brakes, so she took her foot off the brake and hit stopped box truck.

We put our sons through "Teen Street Survival School" The first one was through the BMW Club Foundation of America, the other Sports Car Club of America. They learned how to recover if their car dropped a wheel off the edge of the pavement, evasive action if something drops off the vehicle ahead or an animal in the road. They also learned how antilock brakes work (ABS) and how they can still steer evasively to avoid another car or obstacle. Some insurance companies actually give a discount for completing the school. These programs are absolutely not about racing on the street or anywhere else.

School information for students | Tire Rack Street Survival

https://www.scca.com/pages/street-survival

 

[wickedsgv]

Just as important as the car you buy for her are her driving skills. Teen drivers often have two challenges in front of them. Overconfidence and inexperience. There are many skills that are not taught in drivers ed, either online or in the car. My neighbors daughter wrote off a new accord last year. She was injured because she didn't wear her seat belt properly even though the airbags activated. She came upon stopped traffic and slammed on the brakes. The ABS kicked in and the pulsating brake pedal made her believe she had "broken" the brakes, so she took her foot off the brake and hit stopped box truck.

We put our sons through "Teen Street Survival School" The first one was through the BMW Club Foundation of America, the other Sports Car Club of America. They learned how to recover if their car dropped a wheel off the edge of the pavement, evasive action if something drops off the vehicle ahead or an animal in the road. They also learned how antilock brakes work (ABS) and how they can still steer evasively to avoid another car or obstacle. Some insurance companies actually give a discount for completing the school. These programs are absolutely not about racing on the street or anywhere else.

School information for students | Tire Rack Street Survival

https://www.scca.com/pages/street-survival

I agree with what you listed as the two challenges, but also a third one: distractions.