-Great choice, Subaru Impreza. It's light, AWD, and get's good fuel economy.
Avoid trucks, even AWD trucks, and SUVs. They're tall and really suffer in emergency avoidance makeovers during low traction weather (snow, ice, standing water).
-Good choice: Newer small to midsize four-door sedans are great when equipped with snow-tires. e.g Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Chevrolet Cruze, Nissan Altima. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) became mandatory on all 2009 model year cars and onward, however many cars before 2009 may have ESC.
-AWD German cars BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz have excellent winter weather handling characteristics, however, they are more expensive to purchase initially, and Consumer Reports usually polls more maintenance and repairs as they age compared with the Asian and American top performers. Also, higher cost per repair.
—Provided it's not two+ feet of snow, most of the four-door sedans equipped ESC and good snow-tires such as Bridgestone Blizzak or Michelin X-Ice will be perfect. Ask you local tire specialist if it's legal to get the tires studded, as this will greatly enhance handling dynamics on hard snow pack and ice. (You'll want to swap back to the all-season tires during warmer months.)
*Note, the following is only opinion: If I was in this market, weighing in on price, fuel economy, reliability, and usability, I'd likely go with a 2011–2012 Hyundai Elantra, which should price between $10,000 and $12,000 with around 40,000 miles on it. Get a second, inexpensive set of wheels with snow-tires on them.
There is no best NEW car for a teen. Look for a used car from a new car dealer ship. Try for one that is good on gas, front wheel drive or all wheel drive. Drive it your self and let your dad or someone that knows cars to test drive it. stay with a 4year old or less, low mileage, clean inside and out, plan on having the car for at least 5 years so be wise in your choice. if you buy from an add or other than a dealer. find a good car repair shop to give the car a full check. Do not buy a GM product. I have owned Nissan for over thirty years and would tell you to look at them, but always know safety and condition counts more than the color of the paint
There are no "safe" cars. All cars crash and all cars kill and maim and hurt people. ALL. The only safety feature in any car is the driver. What you need are lessons from professionals to give you confidence and experience. Did you have lessons? I suggest you do. Driving is a complex action. Not easy. Teens alone crash one million times per year BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT TRAINED PROPERLY. Most people know 10% of what they should know. The speed because they know not any better than to imitate. Drivers do all sorts of incorrect things that make driving more expensive and dangerous. People think that AWD or 4 X 4 vehicle are magic. They are not. Drivers lose control in these vehicle and hit people sliding in these vehicles, again, because they are not properly trained. May I ask, Ms. Teen College Student, have you asked your parents for information and help? Asking in generalities such as MPG or "safe" is not going to get valuable information. I read what you selected as BEST and I got totally confused. I bet money you did not understand any of the automotive glop of information. And I know about cars. Get help with your parents and local driving schools. Google "Teen driving courses" and find some near you.
FWD or AWD something 4cyl like a civic, camry, corolla, sentra type of car. good on gas and front wheel drive will be safe in winter. If you want a real tank look at some subaru's as most are AWD and will drive through anything. They are all reliable cars and easy on maintenance compared to most.
Your parents should look at all well or front well drive. Look at Honda,Toyota or many GM cars.
They are safer and easier to repai
