SAFE, AFFORDABLE CARS FOR FIRSTTIME DRIVERS
Ford Fiesta The Fiesta offers oh-la-la styling in a safe, affordable package. In addition to its 5-Star safety rating with the NHTSA, the Fiesta offers 7 standard airbags. The Fiesta also comes standard with stability control, ideal for beginning drivers learning to navigate corners and curves. Antilock drum brakes on the rear and disc on the front offers phenomenal stopping without skidding in most situations. The Fiesta has a sporty feel, perfect for young drivers, and a sense of safety for concerned parents.
Kia Forte Kia has come light-years in the last decade in terms of safety and reliability.
With a 5-Star rating from the NHTSA, the Forte has six standard airbags, stability control, and 4-wheel disc brakes with an antilock braking system. The Forte is surprisingly peppy, making it easier for learning drivers to merge onto interstates or pull out into busy roadways. The Forte is extremely affordable for its looks, styled by a former Audi designer. Add in the 100,000 power train warranty, and the Forte is a true steal of a deal.
Jeep Compass The Compass offers the rugged versatility of its big brother, the Grand Cherokee, plus the easy drivability and youthful styling of its cousin, the Patriot. Built onto a car frame instead of a truck chassis like most SUVs, the Compass offers optimal stability for young drivers without sacrificing coolness. The Compass is equipped with 4 air bags, stability control, and 4-wheel disc ABS. The Compass doesn‟t guzzle gas like the larger SUVs, achieving up to 30 mpg on the highway. With 54 cubic feet of cargo space, it‟s ideal for toting sports equipment, tons of friends, or even mom‟s groceries.
Kia Rio The Rio is another Kia getting rave reviews from the NHTSA, achieving an impressive 5-Star safety rating for its thrifty price tag. With 6 standard airbags, stability control, and 4wheel disc ABS, it helps parents feel comfortable with kids on the road yet offers a high-quality look and feel both inside and outside. The short wheel base allows for a fun drive without compromising the safety of the driver and passengers. The hatchback is extremely popular with young drivers for its great looks, while parents approve of the affordable insurance premiums and excellent fuel mileage.
Nissan Cube Another 5-Star safety rating from the NHTSA, the Cube offers a funky styling that young Japanese drivers have enjoyed for years. Now the unique look is taking off with America„s youth. The Cube offers 6 standard airbags, along with stability control, front disc and rear drum brakes with antilock braking. The Cube isnâ€&#x;t just affordable, cute, and safe; it offers ample cargo space for musical instruments, camping gear, or a load of friends headed out for a weekend adventure.
Honda Fit The Honda Fit is fit as a fiddle, with a super compact body thatâ€&#x;s easy to park on crowded campus or in busy mall parking lots. The small exterior is deceptive though, as the interior provides the generous cargo and passenger space of a crossover SUV.
A fun drive is a safe drive in the Fit, which took the honors of 2014 Top Safety Pick from the IIHS. With rollover sensors, an electronic stability control system (ESC), antilock brakes, and daytime running lights, the Fit packs the same safety and drivability as the larger, family-size Hondas.
For parents who want to encourage their young drivers to learn how to operate a stick shift, the Fit offers an easy-to-handle manual transmission. Plus, sticks are just more fun when cars are this sporty-looking.
Ford Focus The price tag of the Focus is a tad heftier than most of the others on this list, but the Focus offers some fine qualities that many parents of young drivers are happy to spring for. Even with its larger front-end cost (still well under $18,000), the Focus gets great gas mileage with the capable 160HP engine, which boasts 40 mpg on the highway. The Focus offers a premium driving experience akin to some of the entry level luxury cars on the market. With a steel reinforced safety cage, airbags, personal safety system, ESC, ABS, and tire pressure monitoring, itâ€&#x;s easy to rest well knowing your teen is behind the wheel of a Focus. The MyFord Touch infotainment system is available on some Focus models, which is handy for young drivers out in bad weather or in need of directions.
Kia Sportage As the third Kia on the list, itâ€&#x;s clear just how far Kia has come in terms of safety and reliability, even while keeping prices affordable for young drivers. The Sportage is a compact crossover, making it attractive and versatile, as well as fun to drive. The Sportage features a functional interior ideal for young drivers learning to use controls while at the wheel. Its small size makes it a peppier, more enjoyable drive than larger crossover vehicles available. In addition to the exhilarating SX turbocharged 4cylinder engine option that offers an impressive 260 HO, the Sportage offers lots of passenger and cargo space for hauling siblings and friends to school, practice, and out on Friday nights.
About Jack Key Auto Group Jack Key offers a variety of versatile, reliable, fun-to-drive vehicles that are ideal for the young driver. Working hard to keep prices low, Jack Key also has a full-service repair shop for the inevitable “woopsies!” that are just part of the territory when learning to drive. Jack Key‟s finance specialists can work with you to help you finance a vehicle at great interest rates with terms you can be happy with. Visit the lot to kick tires with your new driver and teach them how a test drive goes. Or spend some time browsing Jack Key‟s inventory online and come to the showroom ready to make your youngster the happiest kid on the block! Please visit www.jackkey.com for more information.