When buying a car for teenagers, parents look at the safety, cost effectiveness and fuel efficiency of the cars. Furthermore, the look and appeal examined by the teenagers determines whether the transaction is made. Here are the top 10 cars for teens based on 3 criteria: safety test results, cost effectiveness and fuel efficiency.
1. Ford Fiesta:
It’s a small car which will be a good starting point for teenagers. It has excellent stability control and crash test results. The cost starts at approximately $13,000. It is very fuel efficient, consuming 4.9L/100km on the highway and 6.8L/100km in the city. Ford is now developing a strategy for electrification slated to start in 2013.
2. Toyota Scion:
This car was specifically made for teenagers. The price for a basic car is around $16,000. The new edition is fuel efficient, consuming 9.7L/100km in the city and 7.2L/100km on highway.
SAB crash ratings are 5/5 for both front and side. It also has side, front and head airbags as well as a 4 wheel ABS system. The car just entered into Canadian markets in 2010. It has been successful so far.
3. Honda Civic
This car is fuel efficient, reliable and has an attractive practicality. It is one of the best selling cars. 16.5 million Honda Civics were sold as of 2007 worldwide, 7.3 million of them were in the United States. When driving on the highway, the latest edition (8th Generation) takes 5.7L/100km and 8.2L/100km on the city roads. The price is also ideal as the base car costs around $15,000.
4. Toyota Corolla:
This is a perfect car to buy for teens. Many instructors utilize this car to begin teaching lessons to first time drivers. Take a look on the road and you will see what I am talking about. The car is very basic, simple and comfortable. One can easily adjust to the system, especially when it was their training car. All cars are equipped with airbags and stability control. You can definitely find the car at a low price around $15,000.
5. Ford Focus:
This is an excellent car for starter drivers who do not have experience with the road. It has a SYNC system which allows the voice to control the Ipod and cellphone commands. It is cost efficient, pricing at around $18,000. It also has a 6 speed and dual clutch automated system.
On the highway it takes about 5.88L/100km.
BMW claim that this is the fastest SUV available in the market and with a speed of zero to sixty in 4.3 seconds, the claim seems to be absolutely correct. The cost is a massive $ 88,900, and at 5000 lbs it is one of the heaviest vehicles in this list. But with BMW’s superb engine power behind it, it is a great machine.
Another product from the BMW stable, this ute is also a great machine. Slightly slower and heavier than the X6, it is however backed by the reputation of BMW’s excellent craftsmanship. BMW’s zero maintenance facility makes it virtually cost-free with regards to any maintenance problems which may arise.
Sleek and sporty, this beauty has been in the forefront of the SUV field for many years. Even the cost factor of $ 104,700 does not seem to deter those who feel it is one of the best SUV’s available. It’s twin turbo-charged V8 engine generates 500-hp with twin-turbo 4.8-liter V8, for a zero to 60 speed in 4.4 seconds.
Mercedes Benz has been renowned for luxury and speed and quality. They have maintained their excellent quality in this V8, 6.3 litre 503 horsepower engine, It has a maximum speed of 155 mph, which may not be as high as the other SUV’s but it is still good enough to make this list.
The fastest model made by Jeep, it breaks all the myths that Jeep only has slow lumbering vehicles in it’s roster. It has a 420 horsepower, 6.4 litre V8 engine and can streak from zero to 60 in 4.8 seconds. It’s price of $ 45,000 makes it a very good buy in this category.
A talking car and the Hoff himself, what more does a TV series need? K.I.T.T can drive itself using Artificial Intelligence and an alpha circuit as it’s main control system. The car could also communicate with Michael Knight using a voice synthesizer, and was fluent in French and Spanish. Other cool features included a turbo boost, a silent mode to avoid detection, oil jets to get rid of pursuing vehicles, a microwave jammer to stop electronic signals, a tear gas launcher and an eject button should the situation arise. This is easily the best car ever; however the original was sold for $150,000 in 2007. There are many replicas out there, but none will have the above mentioned features or have been driven by David Hasselhoff himself.
Dr Emmett ‘Doc’ Brown created a time machine from a Delorean DMC 12 in “Back to the Future”, which was able to travel through time once it hit 88mph which in turn activated the flux capacitor enabling the driver to travel to a specific date. The Delorean factory was closed in 1985 however there are still plenty of replicas and the odd original around.
The GMC Vandura featured disguise kits and surveillance devices but was mainly used to get B.A Baracus, Murdock, Face and Hannibal on the scene of a crime or to help someone out quickly. There are plenty of replicas of the A Team van out there so finding one should be easy.
The Ecto 1 is a 1959 Cadillac ambulance conversion Miller-Meteor, used by the Ghostbusters when they were investigating paranormal activities. Complete with a Proton Cannon mounted on the roof to take on Slimer or Staypuft, the Ecto 1 is one of the most memorable cars out there, although you’ll struggle to find one in the same 1959 model seen in the film.
The original is always the best, and the 1960s version of the Batmobile driven by Adam West is easily the best Batmobile out there. You’ll struggle to find one that has the Bat-ray, the Batsmokescreen, or the Bat-computer.
The first recall, on November 2, 2009, was to correct a possible incursion of an incorrect or out-of-place front driver’s side floor mat into the foot pedal well. The second recall, on January 21, 2010, was because of a possible mechanical sticking of the accelerator pedal causing unintended acceleration. As of January 28, 2010, Toyota had announced recalls of approximately 5.2 million vehicles for the pedal entrapment/floor mat problem, and an additional 2.3 million vehicles for the accelerator pedal problem. Approximately 1.7 million vehicles are subject to both.
In 1971, General Motors recalled 15 models that were built during the 1960s and continued production till 1970. They also recalled a few Chevrolet Bel Airs. These models were problematic because the motor mount had separated which could make the engine move upwards. This would have a negative impact on the throttle linkage which could case the vehicle to accelerate suddenly. About 6.7 million vehicles were recalled.
During the first half 1981, General Motors recalled a few sedans and a number of other models that were launched in 70s till the better half of the 80s. The problem was that the control arm and rear axle could lose control causing the vehicle swerve out of control. 5.8 million vehicles were singled out.
In 2005, Ford recalled those Ford Expeditions that were released from 1997 till 2002. In addition to that, they also felt the need to recall certain models of pickup trucks. They did so because the cruise control overheated and had to be deactivated immediately. This was the largest recall made by Ford and a similar one was made in 2009. About 4.5 million vehicles were affected.
As has already been mentioned, Ford had to recall more vehicles in 2009. This included Explorers that were first launched in 1995 and were popular till 2002. They also recalled 14 trucks- pickups and otherwise. The problem was the same as mentioned above and minivans and SUVs were affected as well. Ford had to recall about 4.5 million vehicles this time too because the switch could burst into flames even when the car was not being used.
It is the most widely used police Interceptor in North America. The V8 engine, rear-wheel drive and body-to-frame chassis makes it suitable for the job. Easily the most recognizable police car, it combines raw power and strength to chase down and ram the cars of fleeing suspects.
This mid-size executive car with its status and price is widely used by Diplomatic Protection Group. The 3.0l diesel engine gives it a high-performance compared to the civilian versions. The Germans use it in both sedan and station wagon designs. Along with its cousins in the previous series, it finds use among the forces in the Low Countries, France and UK.
Product of precise Japanese technology, this 4WD jeep can be seen all over the world serving with various law enforcement agencies, from Japan itself to third-world countries. It is the simple outlook, easy maintenance and cost that make it the first choice for many budget-restrained countries wanting a good vehicle for its forces. It has been in duty since the earliest of its model.
It is the high-performance version of the Lancer since 1992. Its 2.0L engine gives more than 300 horsepower. This large-engine sedan has been chosen by the forces of UK, Malaysia and Australia. It is ideal for sustained car chases and patrols because of its endurance.
Alfa Romeos stand for quality and that’s what the Italians want from their cruisers too. The ‘Gazella’ as all Italian carabinieri cars are called, heavily modified for the task is roaming the highways of the country. With newer generations of vehicles being inducted by the various agencies in Italy this one has been in service since 2006. It is pleasant to look at and not easy to shake off.
The Ford Ka was launched in 1996 and was compared to the very popular Volkswagen Beetle. Ford Ka is very popular in the United Kingdom and has not be introduced in the U.S. as yet as it is felt that the Americans would not accept it.
The Bolloré BlueCar is manufactured in France and though it is among the smallest cars in the world, it can run at a speed of about 80 mph and offers about 155 miles of operating range. In order to fully charge this car, one must take 6 hours out of the 24 in the day. This car is only available in France.
”Think” is a Norwegian-based car company which has been planning to introduce this car in the United States of America within a few years. It was meant to come out during 2009 but due to recession and the consequent financial crunch, production was stopped.
The Daihatsu Copen was launched in 2001 in Japan. It is a two-seater and is extremely compact and comfortable. This tiny car is available only in Japan and most of Europe.
The Smart Fortwo was initially known as the Smart City Coupe. It was launched in 1998 and was quite popular. In 2008, the company launched a new version of the car which is completely electric in nature, called the Fortwo Ed. This car is very environment friendly and easy to drive. While it is only available in the United States at the moment, the company is thinking of expanding production.
With a starting price of $22,540, this vehicle is slated to be the best selling vehicle in the U.S even in the forthcoming year. Sales of F-150, F-250, F-350 and F-450 have all seen an increase.
The Camry is another fast selling passenger car in the U.S with a starting price of $20,145. It comes with a choice of two engines and five trim levels. It also comes in a hybrid version.
Despite suspicions about the future of General Motors, Chevy is still one among the fast selling cars. About 149,949 units were sold last year and the Silverado 1500, 2500HD, 1500 Hybrid and 3500HD were the fast selling models. The starting price of this model is $20,370.
In the 1980’s and 90’s Accord was the fastest selling car till Camry appeared on the scene. In 1976, 19,000 Accords were sold when its price was just $4,000. In 2001 it overtook Camry in sales and occupied the number 1 slot. It comes with a choice of 2 engines and 5 trim levels along with a hybrid version. The starting price of this car is $21,615.
Corolla is the most popular name in cars and has sold 30 million units worldwide. It started selling in the U.S in 1968. Today it comes with a choice of 4 or 2 cylinder engines with five trim levels. The starting price of this model is $16,100.
Well known for its comfortable ride, and spacious interiors, the Camry has been the best-selling car in the US for over 7 years. Internationally also it is one of Toyota’s flagship brands. It has a low entry price, and has long-term dependability, and among midsize cars it rules the roost.
Among affordable small cars, the Honda Fit is a clear winner. It does cost more than the other small cars, but it has great fuel efficiency, and a variable interior, thereby accommodating either cargo or passengers easily.
Frequently ranked as the best compact car, the Elantra has a low base price, and good value over time. It has a comfortable interior and numerous safety features and a strong warranty.
The best midsize crossover, the Highlander boasts of functional interiors, a family friendly car, and an affordable price. The new four cylinder option saves on fuel, and the seven air bags are a welcome additional safety feature.
Normally in a luxury car we do not seek value for money, but the Lexus RX is definitely one of the largest selling SUV’s in its section due to its good value. Luxurious interiors, a fabulous reputation for delivering quality and value, and powerful performance are its hallmarks.
Estimated 46 mpg – The most popular hybrid of the lot, it has a great hatchback body and a Buck Rogers interior. Practical and roomy, it offers a lot of amenities and enough space for a family of five. Only slightly higher in price than a mid-size sedan, it offers the best fuel economy of all vehicles.
Estimated 42 mpg – This hybrid combines Honda Civic’s style and functionality with amazing fuel economy. Priced fairly higher than a normal Civic, it is a normal 5 seat sedan with electric motors, combined with much needed savings on gasoline.
Eestimated 36 mpg – A rear-engine two-seater car, Smart fortwo is an inexpensive car, small enough for two and even comes in a convertible model. A great way to save fuel and money. Fortwo is the most fuel-efficient vehicle in the two-seater class.
Estimated 30 mpg (manual), 29 mpg (automatic) – A mid-size sedan, it is more sportier than most hybrids, and yet has the heart of a big car. Among mid-size cars it is the best option for those who are looking to save fuel, and yet have a car large enough for a small family.
Estimated 34 mpg – Camry lovers will love this new version, cause it combines the beauty and styling of the original Camry with fuel economy and money saving. It has a larger engine than the Prius , ordinary tires and a familiar shape. But it gives 35% more on a gallon of gas.
