What is the best kind of car for beginning drivers

Big, automatic, 4 door = lower insurance, cheaper taxes and if the inevitable happens (an accident) you have extra sheet metal around you to "take the blow" before you do. Think big sedan, wagon or pick up truck (though trucks don't handle as good in the rain or snow and you will have a rear blind spot issue being the tailgate).

I'm an advocate of keeping the HP down and the car mid to full size for younger, inexperienced drivers. A safe and reliable car should be top of mind as well. A used 4 cylinder Toyota Camry with Auto Trans. would be just fine...I say avoid 6 and 8 cylinder cars for the kids, since more HP = more potential problems (excessive and reckless speeding). Just my opinion...I'm NOT saying anyone else here is wrong, btw.

In he old days, and yes I'm dating myself, my father would go for the Forrestal Class car which may more may not been the best idea, because I think being able to avoiding an accident is better then have the front wheels fold up like a Hoboken whore, and you still hit what ever it was you were trying to miss. The good news, there was an incredible amount of sheet metal front and rear that did protect you assuming you were belted in. For todays market, a Used Altima S as it has enough power to get you up to speed, It also had a boatload of air bags, ABS, VDS, Traction control and ABC etc. It handles well, is good in snow and rain (get some really good all season tires; it makes a world of difference. I don't think it comes in a five sped, but that's one less thing to worry about. One of the best things is you can see out it. Good luck, and contact me if you need anything else. John

omg.....guess I've never seen Hoboken, NJ in it's darker times (Now it's upscale and yuppy-land...filled with NYC white collar folks and luxury apartments).....Assuming you haven't been there in a while, huh? Yes, the Clam Broth House is still there serving up large portions of inexpensive chewy like a rubber band Calamari..LOL! -----Signed, someone born in Jersey City, NJ, but now living near Philly :)

Maybe I should have said Jackson Heights New York