The 10 Best First Cars for Young Drivers in 2025–2026

The source provides an extensive analysis ranking the ten best first cars for young drivers, focusing on a balance of safety, affordability, low insurance costs, reliability, and "cool factor." The criteria used for ranking include crash ratings from IIHS and NHTSA, reliability scores from Consumer Reports, and real-world insurance quotes for a young driver in Nashville, Tennessee. The episode details each vehicle, such as the Toyota Corolla Hatchback and the top-ranked Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid S AWD, providing specific prices, insurance estimates, and pros and cons tailored to college students and new motorists. Ultimately, the text offers practical advice on financing, inspections, and insurance, while warning against problematic categories like muscle cars or heavily modified vehicles.