What’s the Best Car for New Drivers? Our Picks for 2025 Graduates!

Graduation season is here, and there’s no better way to celebrate a major milestone than by helping a new driver hit the road with confidence! At Dream Work Automotive, we’ve handpicked a few of our current inventory favorites that are perfect for first-time drivers.

Whether you're shopping for a graduate in your family or looking for your own first set of wheels, these cars are affordable, reliable, and stylish.

Here are our top picks available now:

2020 Volkswagen Jetta 1.4T SE

• Why it’s great for new drivers:
• Safe, easy to maneuver, and fuel-efficient! The Jetta offers modern tech like Apple CarPlay and a smooth driving experience that’s forgiving for those still gaining road confidence.
• Bonus: Its sleek design doesn’t scream "starter car" — it’s a smart, stylish pick that grows with the driver.

2018 Honda Accord Sport

• Why it’s great for new drivers:
• Hondas are legendary for reliability. The Accord Sport gives a little extra fun with sporty looks but still delivers excellent safety ratings, comfortable space, and great gas mileage.
• Bonus: Known to last for 200k+ miles with proper care, making it a great long-term investment.

2019 Toyota Corolla LE

• Why it’s great for new drivers:
• The Corolla is often considered the ultimate first car. It’s practical, efficient, and easy to maintain. Plus, newer models come with advanced driver assistance features like lane departure warnings and adaptive cruise control.

2017 Subaru Impreza Premium AWD

• Why it’s great for new drivers:
• For graduates planning to move to new cities or states (and uncertain weather), the Subaru’s standard all-wheel drive is a huge advantage. It’s also compact enough for city driving but tough enough for road trips.

2018 Mazda3 Touring

• Why it’s great for new drivers:
• If your new driver wants something with a little more personality, the Mazda3 offers sporty handling without sacrificing safety. It’s fun to drive, easy to park, and loaded with features like a rearview camera and Bluetooth connectivity.