Cars are significant investments, which is why looking at good used cars often makes good fiscal sense. That’s particularly true if you’re shopping for a car to suit a teenage driver. Fortunately, the experts at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, and the venerable, respected publication, Consumer Reports, puts out an annual list of “Best Cars for Teenagers.” Seven used Nissan models were rated either “Good” or “Best.”

The vehicles that made the Best Cars for Teenagers list were chosen from model years after 2012, when the federal government began to require electronic stability control. Going back to when they were new, models had to have earned the highest ratings in five tests conducted by IIHS, including three crash tests, a roof crush resistance test and a test of how well head movement was controlled in a crash by the headrests.  

From the Consumer Reports side, the vehicles scored adequately on emergency and routine handling and braking, as well as having displays and secondary controls that were easy to use and not too distracting. They had to have loud reminder tones that said “Buckle Up!” because ... well ... younger drivers. Very large, heavy or too small vehicles similarly didn’t make the cut, nor did cars that were too powerful for their size. 

These are the Nissan Used Cars that measured up and made the Best Cars for Teenagers list:

Nissan Good Used Choices

• Nissan Sentra (2015 or newer) Small cars 
• Nissan Maxima (2016-19) – Midsized cars
• Nissan Rogue (2014-20) – Small SUVs
• Nissan Murano (2021 or newer) – Midsized SUV
  
  

Nissan Best Used Choices 

• Nissan Maxima (2020 or newer) – Midsized cars
• Nissan Rogue (2021 or newer) – Small SUVs'
• Nissan Murano (2021 or newer) – Midsized SUVs
  
  

Used vehicles can represent great values, and consumers can ensure they are getting an even better value by looking into our Certified Used Nissan vehicles. Our client advisors at Schomp Nissan can help you find just the perfect – safest – ride for your most precious possession: your child. Having this list of Best Cars for Teens can certainly help guide you, too.