Most Reliable Cars for First Time Drivers

When you get the keys to your first car, a lot of things happen. You're getting freedom. You're getting responsibility. You're also getting a bunch of car bills that you will have to pay off at one point or another.

Despite all the practice you may have had as a driver, the truth is that your car driving skills aren't going to be stellar right off the bat. In fact, your first car will probably be covered in dings and dents by the end of the year.

Ideally, your first car will be reliable enough for you to get to work — and won't be too expensive to fix, either. In this sense, 2017 has been a great year for first time drivers and first time buyers.

Many awesome cars have been made, but only a handful can truly be considered to be the best in their class. According to experts, the cars below are ranked as the most reliable cars for first time drivers this year.

Toyota Yaris iA

The Toyota Yaris iA is one of the best subcompact cars to show up on dealership lots this year, and this is great news for new drivers.

Small yet roomy, and easy enough to maneuver in tough traffic, the Toyota Yaris iA is a great car for new drivers who may feel shaky about their skills. With its compact size, it can easily fit into parking spots and is a breeze to parallel park.

Experts believe that the new Toyota Yaris iA is one of the most reliable cars for first time drivers, as well as longtime commuters, too. Great safety features, a fun drive, and good gas mileage make this a winner in our books, too.

Toyotas are also known for being affordable to maintain and low maintenance cars, which makes the Yaris iA a win-win situation for both you and your mechanic of choice.

Toyota Corolla

Another good Toyota on our list is a real classic sedan in every sense of the word. The Toyota Corolla series has long been known for its zippy engine, high quality safety features, and for being one of the most reliable cars for first time drivers.

In fact, US News recently awarded the 2017 Toyota Corolla a perfect score for its reliability. So, if you're looking for a new car that will not leave you stranded on the side of the road, getting a Corolla is a brilliant way to make sure you stay driving.

It's also worth noting that Corollas are very good with car mods, so if you want to unleash your inner mechanic, this is also a pretty darn good choice to consider.

Chevrolet Equinox

If you are a fan of American-made cars that offer a lot of bang for your budget, then the Chevrolet Equinox is a good option. Much like the Toyota Corolla, US News awarded a very high score to the Equinox in terms of reliability.

However, there are a couple of differences that may make first time drivers a bit wary of these cars. Unlike the Corolla and the Yaris iA, the Chevy Equinox is a relatively large car. In fact, it's an SUV — a compact one, but still an SUV.

As a result, it may be a bit trickier to park this car. However, it's still small enough for new drivers to acclimate rather quickly. Moreover, the amenities and safety features are definitely nothing to sneeze at.

Overall, we can see why the Equinox has been rate as one of the most reliable cars for first time drivers on a budget. Starting at around $23,000, it's a steal.

Kia Optima

Surprise, surprise! If you're a first time driver looking for an easy-to-manage mid-sized sedan, you might want to look at the new Kia Optima. This mid-sized beauty has recieved high marks for reliability and drivability.

A great turning radius, good gas mileage, quality parts, and a slew of top rated safety features make the Kia Optima a very smart option for people who are buying a new car on a budget.

Along with being a very reliable sedan, the Kia Optima also is fairly stylish. As a result of the nice features and nice exterior, the Kia Optima is one of the most reliable cars for first time buyers who absolutely have to travel in style.

Honda Fit

Honda is one of those car manufacturers that people either love or hate. Much like Toyota, it's a car company that is known for making affordable, reliable, and generally driver-friendly cars. Unlike Toyota, it's a favorite brand among Cars.com staff for first-time drivers.

Their top recommendation? The new 2017 Honda Fit, which was basically designed for the first time driver. This compact car has awesome safety features, good gas mileage, and a rearview camera that makes parallel parking a breeze.

Parents will love the car's roomy, adjustable cargo space. Teens will love the fact that it looks cool. As a result, the Honda Fit deserves the applause it's received for being one of the most reliable cars for first time drivers.

Mazda3

The Mazda3 is one of those cars that looks sporty, feels sporty, but also happens to be one of the most reliable cars for first time buyers with a need for speed. The steering on the Mazda3 is impeccable, and with its cute 4-cylinder engine, it's capable of packing a lot of speed.

That being said, the Mazda3 is a good model for people who want a sports car but worry about unleashing the full power of a strong I-6 or V-8 engine. It's low maintenance, has good gas mileage, and just plain looks sharp.

As of right now, the Mazda3 is one of the biggest steals under $20,000 — especially when you factor in how reliable it is as a commuter car. So, if we seem like we're gushing about it, it's only because it's such a great value for its price.

Nissan Sentra

Nissan Sentras are dirt cheap and have good gas mileage. That's why commuters adore them. However, though they may start at around $19,000 brand new, Sentras do not feel cheap in the least bit.

The engineers at Nissan brilliantly put together a car with a nice range of safety features — including a backup camera, keyless entry, and Bluetooth capability. Great safety belts, a loud sound system, and a very customizable car body make this one of the most reliable cars for first time drivers.

Cars.com also elected the new 2017 Nissan Sentra as one of the most reliable cars for first time buyers, so you can rest assured that you're in good hands with a Sentra.