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Are Ford Fiestas good first cars?

We’re searching for my teen’s first vehicle before their 16th birthday, and we’re having trouble narrowing it down. We found a good deal on a Ford Fiesta, though. Is that a good option for a new driver?

avatar
Macy Fouse · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Yes—for the most part. When deciding on your
teen’s first car
, it’s important to take a few factors into account, like the car’s size, safety, handling, and value. Here’s what makes Ford Fiestas good first cars:
  • Perfect power. No teen needs much muscle for their first vehicle, and the Fiesta’s 120-hp engine is the ideal amount for safe and efficient driving.
  • Frugal fuel economy. The Ford Fiesta averages around 31 mpg in combined city and highway driving, which is decent for teens paying for their own gas.
  • Small stature. Finding a car that’s easy to drive and park is crucial for new drivers, and the Ford Fiesta’s compact body and lightweight steering do the trick.
  • Inexpensive insurance.
    Ford Fiesta car insurance
    is generally more affordable than average—which can go a long way in lowering those expensive
    teen car insurance premiums
    .
That’s not to say the Fiesta doesn’t struggle in a few areas. The 2019 Ford Fiesta earned four out of five stars for safety from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and it earned a reliability rating of three out of five from RepairPal. Finally, the Ford Fiesta tends to cost more in annual maintenance expenses—so when it’s time for an
oil and filter change for your Ford Fiesta
, your teen might feel the pinch.
If these pros and cons don’t even out for you, there are plenty of other
affordable used cars
that may be a better fit, like the
Toyota Yaris
or the
Honda Fit
.
View full answer 
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