Reviews & Features

The 21 best used cars for first-time drivers

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2011 – 2015 Chevrolet Volt

2011-2015-chevrolet-volt

Chevrolet

Starting price: $13,500 and up

IIHS crash test rating: Good

Why buy it: The Chevorlet Volt hybrid is one of most innovative cars to hit the market in recent memory. In operation, the Volt is powered by an electric motor with its on-board gasoline engine used only as a power generator. According to General Motors, the first generation Volt — which was sold from 2011 to 2015 — has an electric-only range of 25 to 50  miles with a total range of more than 350.

2006-2015 Mazda MX-5 Miata

2006-2015-mazda-mx-5-miata

Mazda

Starting price: $14,500 and up

IIHS crash test rating: N/A

Why buy it: When the original 1990 Mazda Miata showed up on the scene, the sporty little roadster all but saved the segment from extinction. With the third generation (now known as the MX-5), the 2006 Miata still gave its owners a fun and thrilling drive, but with all of the creature comforts expected in a modern sports car.

Sold from 2005 to 2015, the third generation MX-5 is powered by a peppy 2.0-liter 170-horsepower inline-4-cylinder engine driving the rear wheels in traditional roadster fashion.

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