Cars: What's the Best Car for a College-Bound Kid?

A traditional gift for a high school graduate can be as small as a watch or as big as a car. If you are able to afford a car for your graduate, AOL Autos has some great advice when shopping.

Avoid SUVs and small cars

"A higher center of mass in SUVs usually gives them unforgiving handling characteristics compared to passenger cars. Small cars should be avoided because they do not always provide the passengers the same protection that larger cars do, especially in collisions with other larger vehicles."

Steer clear of sports cars

"According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, an insurance-industry affiliate, the statistics show that younger people are more likely to be in a speed-related crash in such vehicles."

Newer vehicles are generally better

"Newer models offer more safety features, plus they have better structural crash protection (i.e. the car will sacrifice itself for the driver, not the other way around). Newer cars are also less likely to suffer from stalling problems or other component failures that might cause a lack of control, especially for inexperienced drivers."

Based on this advice, check out these models:

Chevrolet Impala

Buy it locally: Carter Chevrolet of Manchester, Davidson Chevrolet Inc of Collinsville, O'Neill's Chevrolet Buick of Avon, Northwest Hills of Torrington

Ford Taurus

Buy it locally: Bill Selig Ford in Windsor, Family Ford of Enfield, Ray Seraphin Ford in Vernon

Honda Accord

Buy it locally: Hoffman Honda of West Simsbury, Manchester Honda of Manchester, Liberty Honda of Hartford

Toyota Camry

Buy it locally: Hoffman Toyota of West Simsbury

Nissan Altima

Buy it locally: Hoffman Nissan of West Simsbury, Harte Nissan of Hartford, DeCormier Nissan of Manchester