I think my first car was the best first car I could have imagined. Jeep Wrangler. They don't break easily, they can be modified infinitely many ways, you can't go fast in them, and they suck down gas, so they'll need to work a lot just to drive it. Plus, wranglers are extremely fun, and if maintained correctly you can literally and figuratively run them into the dirt. They also hold their value pretty well and have a good market for resale. Man I loved that thing.

As a parent of two children who are not yet at the age to drive, I have no intention on ever giving them a car. I see a car as a(nother) great way for them to learn about hard work, saving, and responsibility. They can get a job to earn the car so they can more appreciate it. Same goes with the insurance, gas, and any other upkeep payments. One more thing I will tell them is to never take out a car loan. Only buy what you can afford.

Enthusiast or not, the first car is not going to be any type of sports or muscle car. 1) Insurance is already stratospherically high for a new teenage driver 2) There is a reason why #1 is what it is. Young drivers are inexperienced enough as it is. Giving them something that they can potentially get a wild hair you know where and get really, really stupid with it,.... we all know what can happen. My oldest son's first car was a 1998 Taurus. He drove it for a few years until it literally died. Then he got a 2004 Taurus which he owns and still drives to this day. The youngest is getting his license soon, as long as he re-reads the manual well before the test. He drives very safely. But, his first car has yet to be determined. Anything that is 'fun' should out of the question. But this son is a car nut. But I have to foot the bills for now, so it's really not his decision. Will it be a Civic? I'd never even think of looking at one. I require something with a little more heft and length for my comfort zone for the first car they drive for themselves. It's not my sons I'm worried about creating a wreck. It's all the other dumb, inattentive, impatient, cellphone attached, simply should not be operating a motor vehicle period drivers out there creating the wreck. I want as much crush zone and airbags as can be had, and not look like an old man's land yacht.

Porsche '98 goes for 20k

Honestly I'd cringe if my kid wanted a civic. I'd find some older muscle car that needs a bit of work so he can learn. I'd like to think my kid would want a 70's big block.

They can get enthused about getting that son of a bitch running.

G35

I would say first gen MX-5, but they stopped making parts for it. It was dirt cheap to repair