If you’re looking for your first car, you might be looking for a practical SUV, a city car, or just something fun to drive. It’s hard to find a manufacturer that offers something for everyone, but the current Ford lineup has a fantastic range of models for new drivers.
We wanted to help you find out the best Ford models for you, so we’ve put together a guide to our favorite Fords. These aren’t the fastest, most spacious, or most luxurious models, but they are the cars we’d pick if we wanted a great first car.
In the guide below, we’ll cover each Ford model, why we like it, and what specs we’d choose. We’ve also got a short guide to the preowned market as an alternative to a new model.
Let’s get started!
Ford Escape Active
- From $29,345
- 2.5L Hybrid Engine
- 163 BHP
- 30 MPG Combined
The Escape is Ford’s entry-level SUV, and for newer drivers, we’ve picked the Active trim here. This might surprise you, as it’s not an entry-level car, but we think the upgrades justify the $1,400 increase compared to the Base model.
As an SUV, you get the option for front or all-wheel drive. AWD is standard on higher-spec models and an optional extra here, but for most new drivers, the front-wheel drive system will be fine. The Escape isn’t the largest SUV by any stretch, but it’s got a balance between interior space and handling that will suit anyone will less experience of driving large cars.
Part of the reason for choosing the Active spec was the additional options and features over the base model. With extra driving aids, infotainment upgrades, and more – it makes sense to go for this model if you want an enjoyable Escape.
Our favorite Escape Active build
There are nine paint colors to choose from on the Escape. Most are your usual options of white, grey, and black, but we like the Vapour Blue, and overall there’s enough variety here. You only have one choice of alloy wheel (at 18-inch) which is disappointing, but this isn’t a premium vehicle.
Inside the Escape, there are two interior colors, white and black. Both offer cloth seats and for practicality, we’d have to go for the black seats here, even though the white looks more premium. We would go for the panoramic glass roof, which helps the cabin to feel more spacious, even though it’s an expensive addon.
Options-wise, we are tempted by the $2,000 addition for all-wheel-drive, but in reality, if you want this setup, get the ST-Line trim, where it’s standard. The Tech Pack is another expensive option at $2,200, but there’s a lot of value in this package. You get B&O speakers, a range of driving aids, an upgraded driver’s display, and plenty more.
- Panoramic roof: $1,595
- Tech Pack: $2,200
Our Guide to Preowned Escape Models
For the same price as a new Active model, you have the option of a 2022 Escape SE or SEL. These are minor upgrades on the Active spec, and the cars we found range from 1,000 to 20,000 miles on their clock, but there’s definitely some value here.
Higher spec Active models will cost you anything from $35,000 upwards if you want a 2022 model, so if you’re after more features, an older model is the best route. 2020 & 2021 Titanium Escapes can be found for under $30,000, but you’ll be looking at over 30,000 miles for these versions.
Finally, if your budget is closer to $20,000 you can pick up a previous-generation Escape from 2019 or earlier. These are mostly high-mileage cars so check them carefully, but it’s a worthwhile option if you have a spending limit.
Ford Mustang Fastback
- From $31,000
- 2.3 Liter EcoBoost Engine
- 315 BHP
- 26 MPG Combined
We couldn’t make a list of Ford vehicles without including their most iconic vehicle. The Mustang is probably the car most of you think of when imaging the Ford name, and the current range offers a great model for new drivers; the Fastback.
When you think of a Mustang, like any muscle car, you think of power. As the entry-level model, the Fastback has a reasonably tame 315 bhp, but that’s more than enough for any new drivers. Even in this basic form, the Fastback still looks every inch the muscle car – you have quad exhausts, the option for performance brakes, and plenty of visual upgrades.
For just over $30,000, the Mustang Fastback is a no-brainer if you want something new and exciting to drive. It has its limits; rear passenger space isn’t great, and overall practicality is not the focus here. Saying that, if you’re looking at a Mustang, you know all that already. And if you don’t have unlimited cash, the Fastback might be just what you need.
Our favorite Mustang Fastback build:
There is a wide range of colors to choose from on the current Mustang. The Grabber Blue is our favorite of the standard colors, but the $495 Rapid Red is also a top choice. Along with general paint, you have the option to add racing stripes to the hood and the sides of your Mustang, and it’s definitely a tempting option.
Alongside these options, you have packs to change the look of your Mustang significantly. The Nite Pony pack adds darker badges and new alloys, and the High-Performance pack adds a different set of wheels too. Our pick, though, is the EcoBoost High Pack. It’s expensive, but you get a range of exterior and interior upgrades alongside some better wheels. There are brake caliper upgrades too, but we don’t think they are value for money.
Inside the Fastback, you have the choice of two colors for your cloth seats. There is an option to add bucket seats, but for some reason, you can’t have these and the EcoBoost high pack, so we’d stick with the latter. The bucket seats definitely look the part though, and we’d have them if they were available.
Options are varied in the Mustang, although the Fastback misses out on the best features. With the EcoBoost high pack you get heated front seats and an upgraded Soundsystem, two features I’ll always go for. Aside from that, some owners might go for the performance exhaust, but at $1,225, it feels like too much on a $30,000 car.
- Metallic Paint: $495
- EcoBoost High Pack: $2,600
Our guide to preowned Mustang models
With a wide model range, there are preowned Mustangs of every kind on the market. For nearly new 2022 examples, you won’t find many cars under $30,000, but you can make significant savings on the more expensive trims in the Mustang range.
For models between 2020 and 2021, there are some high-mileage cars available for $25,000, but most options are still close to $30,000. The majority of Mustangs have a few options and extras, so this helps to keep prices high in the used market.
Go older than 2020, and you have a lot of options to pick from. There are plenty of high mileage Mustangs between $20,000 and $25,000 depending on their spec so that you can take your pick. Any lower and the mileage gets too high for our liking, but there will be some great examples out there.
Ford Edge SE
- From $38,000
- 2.0 Liter Ecoboost Engine
- 250 BHP
- 23 Combined MPG
Our next Ford is the Edge SE. This is the entry-level model to Ford’s mid-size SUV, and although it lacks most of the premium options you can find on higher-spec Edges, it’s the only version you get can get for less than $40,000.
Being an SUV, the Edge needs to offer practicality, and it mostly delivers. Trunk storage space is excellent, and there’s enough space for 5 passengers here, albeit on shorter journeys. Longer journeys are easy with 4 occupants and plenty of gear too so the Edge will suit new drivers looking for something practical.
The Edge isn’t the most exciting SUV to look at, and the interior of the SE won’t make you rush out to buy it. It’s functional though, and the higher-grade interiors on other Edge models won’t hold up as well. The SE version doesn’t offer you a huge amount of optional extras, but if you’re looking for your first Ford SUV, it’s got almost everything you need.
Our favorite Ford Edge build
The Edge SE comes with seven paint colors, all standard. There’s not a huge amount of variety here, and if you want a more vibrant SUV, you’ll probably be disappointed. Still, if you want something different from the usual silver, grey and black, Forest Green is our favorite. Upgrading from the standard 18-inch wheels will cost you $1,300, but the black 19-inch wheels are a great visual upgrade.
Inside the Edge SE, there are two seat colors, both in cloth material. It’s easy to maintain, but leather options are restricted to higher-spec Edges. There are no choices for dashboard trim, so you’re stuck with the matte paint option and hard plastic. These make the Edge SE an easy car to keep clean, and they are great protection from scratches, but it doesn’t feel like a premium interior.
Options on the Edge SE are limited. There are no technology upgrades available, but you can add a variety of practical features. These include the basics, such as mudflaps, roof rails, and a cargo mat. You can also add a lockable center console and plenty of storage space add-ons, but I don’t expect these will be too popular.
- Black Appearance Pack: $1,300
- Roof rails: $165
Our guide to preowned Edge models
1-year-old SE models start at around $35,000, which is a reasonable saving off the new price tag. If you want a higher-spec Edge, like the ST, then you’ll need to find $40,000 to grab one of the lower mileage options that we found.
Moving down to 2020 and 2021 models, you can find plenty of examples under $30,000, although most have high mileage. There are a few 2020 models under 30,000 miles that offer good value too, but these will probably go quickly.
For Edge models older than 2020, the least expensive models we could find on Ford Approved vehicles were 2017 models. These were sitting at under $20,000, but all had over 40,000 miles on the clock. If you want a higher-spec Edge, there are some ST and Titanium trim models for around $30,000 too.
Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend
- From $31,200
- 1.5 Liter EcoBoost Engine
- 181 BHP
- 26 MPG Combined
Next, we have the Ford Bronco. Reborn in 2021, the Bronco lends its name to two Ford models; the standard Bronco and the smaller Bronco Sport. For new drivers, the Bronco Sport is a clear choice, mostly due to price differences, and our pick is the Big Bend spec.
The Bronco Sport isn’t the most practical SUV and rear passenger space is limited, but this isn’t the focus of this car. The smaller style of the Sport model makes this an easier car to handle, both on and off-road. The 181 BHP is manageable, and for new drivers, this will be more than enough.
For anyone after a true off-roader from Ford, the full-size Bronco will still be the option for you. However, the cost difference of around $10,000 feels too much for new drivers, and the Bronco Sport has everything most drivers will need.
Our Favorite Bronco Sport Build
There are 11 color choices for the Bronco Sport Big Bend, including a few optional extra colors. Our favorite options are actually two of the standard colors, Atlas Blue and Eruption Green, but there will be something for everyone here. If you’re taking the Bronco Sport off-road, then I’d recommend sticking with the standard 17-inch wheels. The upgraded choices look better, but the larger alloys are more likely to damage.
The Bronco doesn’t come with fully off-road tires as standard, but you get a range of options for the rest of the car. These include a Black Diamond Pack (adding underbody protection and new 17-inch wheels) and a couple of Fender Flare kits. If you’re thinking about using your Bronco Sport off-road, these extras are a great addition.
Inside the Bronco Sport, we’d stick with the standard black seats. The only option here is seat color, and the two-tone grey/black design isn’t for us. You can add a moonroof for $920, which we’d consider, but apart from that, options are thin. The Convenience pack adds a number of features, including heated seats, wireless charging, and rear parking sensors, and we’d include that on our Big Bend if the budget stretched.
- Black Diamond Pack: $1,295 (if you’re off-roading)
- Moonroof: $920
- Convenience Pack: $1,785
Our guide to preowned Bronco Sport models
For 2022 Bronco Sport models, these are currently sitting at higher prices than new versions. One Big Bend model we found was going for $35,000 with 16,000 miles on it, so it’s a sign these cars are in demand right now.
Even 2021 models don’t offer a major saving. There were a couple of Big Bend models we found for less than $30,000, but the market is too competitive at the moment, and Bronco Sport models are holding their value well. As this is a newer model too, the oldest version you can buy is the 2021 model, so there are no other options.
The Best of the Rest
Aside from these models, there are some other Fords worth checking if you want a great first car. The EcoSport model has been discontinued in 2023, but preowned models are easy to find, and these are some of the least expensive SUVs on the used market.
If you want a truck, the Ford Maverick is a low-cost option, with new models around $23,000. The incredibly popular F-150 is another option, but at $34,000 for the lowest spec, this will be out of reach for most first-time buyers.
For electric options, you only have the Mustang Mach-E, which starts at over $40,000. We know electric models aren’t cheap from any manufacturer, but it would be good to see Ford introduce a lower-cost model.
If you found this article helpful and would like to find out more about Ford, and great options for new drivers, check out the links below:
