One's first car is a special milestone in a person's life. Make it the right car. Listed by price range: (All prices USD) (SUV's, Trucks and Minivans not included. I don't think the F-350 is on your list.)
(Under $15,000)
1. VW Rabbit & Jetta. + Safe, lots of standard features. - Stupid name(Rabbit). Not for everyone.
2. Nissan Versa. + Safe, kinda fast, roomy. -Styling.
3. Mazda 3. + Styling, Performance, Safe, lots of features. - Gets pricey.
4. Honda Civic. + Reliability, safety, roomy. - Styling, performance, and it's boring.
5. Honda Fit. + Cool, zippy engine - Small interior, qwirky looking.
($15,000-25,000)
1. Subaru Legacy. + Very safe, fast, styling, AWD -Fuel economy, small backseat.
2. VW Passat. + Safe, big, roomy, styling, ESP* - Price can climb high, could be too big.
3. Ford Mustang V6 + Ultra-cool, safe(w/abs), power - small backseat, not as practical.
4. Hyundai Sonata + Great Value, lots of airbags, ESP* - It's a Hyundai, Side impact scores (IIHS)
5. Ford Fusion + Good value, good power -Safety
6. Honda Accord + Resale value, Safety, ESP* - Boring. Pricey$$
7. Toyota Camry + Value, Safety - ULTRA BORING
8. Mazda 6 + Zoom Zoom, sporty - Outdated
9. Nissan Altima + Roomy, power - Wait for the 2007 Model.
10. Dodge Charger + Big, fast, cool - Side impact safety. Styling.
So those are my choices. Feel free to leave coments.
* ESP= Electronic Stability Program