Ten Top Car Choices for Teens

The biggest surprise to us is the placement of the Scion tC as the number one car on the list.

T

he United Services Automobile Association has used a recent survey to put together a list of the top ten cars for teens—likely with graduation and prom season in mind—and the entrants on the list aren't particularly surprising.

Most of the cars on the list are compacts and subcompacts, many with impressive reputations. That's not shocking, since the list is based on purchase factors that are important to parents—factors like reliability, affordable insurance, and safety. Still, there are some surprises.

2011 Scion tC

We're not sure why Hyundai's solid Elantra and Honda's venerable Civic sit so low on the list (positions eight and seven, respectively). We get that the recent Civic let enthusiasts down, but for teens getting their first car, it's still a solid choice. We think this must have something to do with safety ratings and insurance cost, although the Elantra is an IIHS Top Safety Pick (and 2012 North American Car of the Year) and the Civic is has a well-known reputation for safety and reliability.

The biggest surprise to us is the placement of the Scion tC as the number one car on the list. This would've made sense with the first generation car, but we're a bit shocked to see the second-gen version on the list, since we thought Scion took a step back with the 2011 redesign. Apparently, parents don't think so, since it topped the list.

Two things stick out about the list: three Scions made the list (the tC, xD, and xB), and all ten cars are built by either Korean or Japanese automakers.

Do you think there are any cars missing from the list?

Here it is in full, from 10th to first: Kia Forte, Honda CR-Z, Hyundai Elantra, Honda Civic, Toyota Yaris, Scion xB, Scion xD, Honda Fit, Nissan Cube, Scion tC.

[Source: AutoGuide]