Best Hondas for New Drivers: Safety and Value

Even seasoned drivers occasionally struggle to decide which cars to purchase, let alone new drivers.  So what cars are suitable for new drivers? The two most important factors are arguably safety, dependability, and features that make driving easier. With this in mind, there’s one manufacturer that stood out the most: Honda. 

If you’re a new driver and looking for some advice on what vehicles to buy, you’re in the right place. Below you can learn more about the best Hondas for new drivers. 

What Makes a Honda a Good Choice for New Drivers?

Strong Reputation for Safety

Although safety is an important factor for all drivers, it is particularly important for new drivers. Unlike seasoned drivers who have years of experience and understand the general operation of a vehicle, new drivers may still need to learn all aspects of driving, including how to drive safely. Honda has a long-standing reputation for safety, which provides peace of mind to all drivers, especially new ones.

Reliability That Lasts

The second reason why Honda is the right option for those new to driving is its reliability. When you’re just starting out, you want a vehicle that’ll get you to your destinations with confidence, not stress. Reliable cars are built for endurance and to maintain performance for years to come, so drivers aren’t spending most of their time at the repair shop.  

Excellent Fuel Economy

Many new drivers also look for ways to save on their budget by choosing efficient vehicles. And Hondas are renowned in this department. Many Honda models provide excellent fuel economy, so drivers don't have to worry about skyrocketing gas costs when commuting daily or even going on road trips with friends and family.

Easy to Drive and Park

What makes a car easy to drive? Maneuverability, responsive handling, and of course, advanced driving assistance. Honda ticks all the boxes. With its intuitive design, it ensures that drivers, including those new to driving, can comfortably navigate the streets and park confidently.

Honda Civic: A Classic First Car

Easy to Drive Around Town

The first on the list of best Hondas for new drivers is the iconic Honda Civic. If you’re looking for a ride that offers a smooth ride and has a long history in the automotive world, consider the Honda Civic. For beginner drivers, it offers predictable, responsive driving dynamics that make driving, whether on city streets or the highway, more manageable. 

Excellent Fuel Efficiency

In regard to fuel economy, the Honda Civic is an incredibly smart choice for someone starting out. It delivers stellar fuel efficiency that keeps weekly commuting costs low, protecting a student or young professional's budget from the pump. Depending on the model year and style, the vehicle’s EPA estimates range from 30mpg city/41mpg highway to 50mpg city/47mpg highway. 

Advanced Safety Features

Another good reason to choose a Honda Civic is its advanced safety technology. The Civic is equipped with the Honda Sensing® safety suite, a complete set of driver-assist and collision mitigation technologies that can provide you with peace of mind during those critical first years of driving.

Great Long-Term Value

With excellent dependability and reliability scores, you’re looking at a robust vehicle built with quality components that help prevent frequent breakdowns. This also contributes to a remarkably low depreciation rate, ensuring great resale or trade-in value down the road.

Honda HR-V: Small SUV, Big Confidence

Higher Driving Position

For first-time drivers, building confidence is the critical first step. An elevated driving position with clear sightlines helps a lot. This is because when your driving position is high, you’ll be able to see clearly and easily what’s in front of you, making driving less stressful, especially during parking and going into tight spaces. 

Flexible Interior Space

The Honda HR-V is a compact SUV designed to provide adaptable interior space, creating more room when needed. It features 60/40 rear seatbacks that can fold completely into a flat surface that can fit bulky items. It also has hidden storage like clever cubbies and under-floor compartments to keep those extra small items out of sight. 

Safety and Driver Assistance

Just like the Civic, the HR-V is equipped with Honda Sensing safety features, including collision mitigation, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and much more, helping beginner drivers avoid the common mistakes caused by inexperience. 

Perfect for Pennsylvania Weather

As you all know, the climate in Pennsylvania has hot summers and cold winters. With its all-weather capabilities, the HR-V is an ideal vehicle for this changing weather. Real-time Intelligent AWD helps shift power to the rear wheels when traction is required, and dedicated snow mode, which adjusts itself to improve traction during slippery conditions. 

Honda Accord: A Comfortable Choice for New Drivers

Smooth and Comfortable Ride

Driving a comfortable car helps reduce fatigue, hence maximizing focus on the road. And with new drivers, you want all the focus and energy you can for the road ahead. 

Unlike many compact cars, which can often feel bumpy and loud, the Accord is different. The difference comes from its refined suspension system and longer wheelbase, which make driving a much smoother experience.  

Advanced Technology 

The Honda Accord is equipped with an intuitive tech layout that is easy for new drivers to navigate, communicate with, and monitor their vehicle. Smartphone integration, a large touchscreen, a head-up display, and Google built-in are all features that make it easy for new drivers to access information without taking their eyes off the road. 

Safety Comes Standard

For a beginner driver opting for a Honda car, safety standards are not a concern. All models come with top-tier safety standards to ensure journeys with Honda are protected with a comprehensive safety system. For a new driver, this means premium, life-saving protection is built right into the base price without requiring an expensive upgrade.

Great for Young Professionals

If you’re a young professional who just happens to start driving, you probably want a car that is reliable, comfortable, and sophisticated. With the Honda Accord, you can be sure you’ll get all these qualities, so that you can drive safely, comfortably, and with premium style. 

Honda CR-V: Safe and Practical for Everyday Life

Spacious Interior

The last on our list of best Hondas for new drivers is one of America’s best-selling compact SUVs. The Honda CR-V blends reliability and practicality perfectly. If you’re looking for a robust vehicle that offers a spacious interior and cargo, the Honda CR-V is the choice. The car boasts up to 76.5 cubic feet of space that can handle grocery hauls, road trips, and college moves. 

Excellent Safety Ratings

One of the reasons many people choose the CR-V is its excellent safety ratings. It consistently earns 5-star ratings, including NHTSA ratings and Top Safety Pick+ awards. With a top-tier safety system in place, you can drive with greater ease and confidence. 

Dependable Performance

The CR-V is built to last. With robust engine options, low-maintenance powertrains, and a refined CVT transmission, you have a vehicle that minimizes mechanical failure and maximizes longevity- all the reasons the CR-V is an everyday reliable car perfect for new drivers. 

What safety features should a first car have?

Honda Sensing® Suite

The most important consideration for new drivers is safety. With little experience, you'll need a vehicle with complete safety features to help you avoid accidents and drive more focused. With Honda Sensing® Suite, you can be confident that your Honda vehicle is outfitted with advanced safety features. 

Blind Spot Monitoring

As driving skills are still developing, blind spot monitoring (BSM) becomes an important safety feature for your first car. A BSM helps to watch the hard-to-see zones along the sides of the vehicle and illuminates an icon on the side mirrors if a car is hiding in your blind spot. This feature can help with anxiety that’s common among new drivers. 

Automatic Emergency Braking

Automatic Emergency Braking is a safety net that’s essential to have in a first car. The system is helpful during times when a driver’s reaction time falls short. For beginners, this technology eliminates the common rear-end accidents caused by sudden traffic stops, city distractions, or misjudging stopping distances.

Is a certified pre-owned Honda good for a first car?

Pros and Cons

If you’re seeking to buy a used car, a Honda certified pre-owned (CPO) can be an excellent option. Unlike other non-certified used vehicles, a Honda CPO has undergone rigorous inspection to ensure it's still in good condition. So what you’ll get is a quality used car that has been professionally checked and carries a factory-backed warranty.

Certified pre-owned vehicles do have some downsides. The price tag is higher compared to non-certified Hondas, and the options are limited since Honda CPOs are vehicles under 6 years old with less than 80,000 miles. 

Tips for Choosing the Best First Honda

Consider Your Budget

One of the most deciding factors when looking to buy a car is your budget. The good news is that there are many options for different budgets, especially with Honda. However, keep in mind that besides upfront cost, new drivers must also consider ongoing operational expenses. Think of fuel consumption, maintenance needs, and insurance premiums. Compare your budget with your daily driving needs. 

Think About Daily Driving Needs

Review your daily driving routine so you can be sure you are getting a Honda that fits your lifestyle and not paying for features you do not need. For example, needs will differ for students, young professionals, and families. Also think about the climate you live in. If you frequently encounter harsh weather, you'll need a Honda vehicle with advanced features to handle various weather conditions. 

Take a Test Drive

The best way to fully experience a car is to get behind the wheel. Take a test drive of the vehicles you're interested in. Compare them and choose the one that makes you the most comfortable. While experts can provide valuable advice about a vehicle's performance, reliability, and features—and those factors should absolutely be considered—your own experience behind the wheel is an essential part of making the right decision.

Why Shop at C. Harper Honda?

Large Selection of New and Used Hondas

If you're a new driver looking for your first vehicle, C. Harper Honda is the best place to start. Our inventory includes a wide range of quality new and used vehicles. We provide an easy-to-use website where you can browse our selection, sort it by your preferences, and find all the information you need in one place. 

Friendly, Knowledgeable Team

We understand that providing a solution is only one aspect of customer service; it is also important to do so in a warm, genuine, and knowledgeable manner. So, whether you're simply browsing your options, have specific questions about a specific model, or want to make a purchase, our friendly team is here to help. 

Financing Options

We have a dedicated Honda Finance center that specializes in helping build personalized loans for a wide variety of financial backgrounds. Our team can help you get the best deal in a simple and easy way, all from the comfort of your home.

Ongoing Service and Support

Owning a car requires long-term care to keep it in good condition. C. Harper Honda can partner with you to provide the best service possible. We provide quality maintenance, repairs, and other services that a new driver may require. Contact our team today and tell us what you need.