Perfect for the brand-conscious teen, but the tC has all the safety features to satisfy a parent. Easy to drive and sporty, with amenities like folding rear seats and a panorama moonroof, you can’t go wrong with this car. 

Don’t be fooled by the cutesy name, this Rabbit has bite. Its powerful drive will appease the most particular teen, and it has practical accessories like a standard auxiliary jack for their mp3 players and an air-conditioned center consol for after-school snacks. The Rabbit also includes your worry-free features like tons of airbags, ABS and 4-year/50,000 mile roadside assistance.

On the pricier end of this list, the Mazda3 is worth the little extra cash. A roomy exterior will hold the mountains of textbooks or friends that your teen carts around. Their friends might be further impressed by the sleek interior, while you’ll be impressed by the safety features and all-around functionality of the car. 

With amazing safety ratings, this small car is more like a tank in disguise. Couple its protective nature with its aggressive new styling, and you’re looking at a knockout competitor in this class. Available in a coupe or sedan, the Focus looks cool as the price stays within your budget.

The Fit is named the Fit for a reason: this car will work for all your teen’s needs. The rear seats fold up in multiple directions, giving the interior a versatility unmatched by cars in this price range. The Fit Sport offers an automatic transmission with paddle shifters, making it even more fun to drive. Check out the mpg too; your teen will thank you for the gas money savings.