Best Cars for First Time Buyers

Do you want style, safety or affordability? Few decisions produce as much stress, and confusion as choosing your first car.

US News Rankings and Reviews crunched some numbers and came up with this list of 10 cars that are fun, safe and popular among varying age groups. Take a look at what made the list.

Next Slide: MINI Cooper

2008 MINI Cooper

MSRP: $18,700 || Free Price Quote
Fuel Economy: 37 mpg Hwy, 28 mpg City

The Mini Cooper scores a spot on our top 10 list thanks to its fun looks and the advanced safety systems that compensate for its size.

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Next Slide: Toyota Tacoma

2008 Toyota Tacoma

MSRP: $14,280 || Free Price Quote
Fuel Economy: 25 mpg Hwy, 20 mpg City

With its rugged capabilities, the Toyota Tacoma appeals to outdoorsy teens, but its outstanding safety scores please parents.

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Next Slide: Toyota Corolla

2008 Toyota Corolla

MSRP: $14,405 || Free Price Quote
Fuel Economy: 37 mpg Hwy, 28 mpg City

Sure, the Corolla may not be the coolest car on the list, but a low price tag, good gas mileage and safety scores are pretty cool too, right? Right?

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Next Slide: Dodge Charger

2008 Dodge Charger

MSRP: $22,350 || Free Price Quote
Fuel Economy: 26 mpg Hwy, 18 mpg City

Though it has a high price tag, the Dodge Charger delivers muscle car cachet and in-your-face styling. It's not prone to rollovers and its size keeps occupants safe.

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Next Slide: Chrysler 300

2008 Chrysler 300

MSRP: $25,270 || Free Price Quote
Fuel Economy: 26 mpg Hwy, 18 mpg City

Far and away the sharpest looking car on the list, the Chrysler 300 has a low chance of rolling over. Young drivers beware: this is one that Mom and Dad will want to borrow.

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Next Slide: Honda Fit

2008 Honda Fit

MSRP: $13,950 || Free Price Quote
Fuel Economy: 34 mpg Hwy, 28 mpg City

The Fit's stellar fuel economy and low price tag mean that teens (and their parents) won't go broke. A versatile interior ups the hatchback's youth appeal, and excellent available safety features help it make our list.

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Next Slide: Scion XD

2008 Scion xD

MSRP: $15,170 || Free Price Quote
Fuel Economy: 33 mpg Hwy, 27 mpg City

The xD, like most Scions, can be customized, which helps explain its popularity among younger drivers. Its safety features and Toyota-level quality make it popular among parents.

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Next Slide: Kia Spectra 5

2008 Kia Spectra 5

MSRP: $16,620 || Free Price Quote
Fuel Economy: 30 mpg Hwy, 23 mpg City

While Kia may not be the brand most new drivers dream of, it's tough to argue with the Spectra5's low rollover risk, excellent safety features and practical hatchback design.

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Next Slide: Chevrolet Equinox

2008 Chevrolet Equinox

MSRP: $23,355 || Free Price Quote
Fuel Economy: 24 mpg Hwy, 17 mpg City

The Chevy Equinox keeps teens safe, thanks to its large size. Though rolling over is a concern in SUVs, the Equinox has a four-star rollover rating.

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Next Slide: Honda Civic

2008 Honda Civic

MSRP: $14,810 || Free Price Quote
Fuel Economy: 34 mpg Hwy, 26 mpg City

It may be an old standby, but it's an old standby for a reason: The Honda Civic offers a parent-pleasing history of reliability and safety, with a teen-pleasing interior and exterior design.

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