[derek murray]

My 17 year old is driving a 2005 Subaru WRX. It's been a great first car for a bunch of reasons: reliable and good on gas, all-wheel drive (we live in a winter city so handling and safety are an issue, especially for a new driver), parts are relatively cheap, insurance is relatively cheap, and there's a huge after-market / tuner culture associated with it - which offers an outlet for a blossoming, new-age car guy.

I should add, that he's an incredibly responsible and level headed kid - which factored into what car he was allowed to get.