US News: These are the 6 best cars for teens

Mazda

Turning 16, getting a driver's license, and access to a car is a time-honored tradition that has become engrained in American culture. But the choice of which car to buy a young, first-time driver is one that's fraught with difficult decisions.

US News and World Report's automotive department has a few solid recommendations for teen drivers and their parents. On Tuesday, the publication released the latest edition of their Best Cars for Teens rankings.

"We wanted cars that would keep teens safe in an accident, but more importantly, prevent accidents from happening," U.S. News Best Cars managing editor Jamie Page Deaton told Business Insider in an interview.

As a result, US News used crash safety, accident prevention technology, purchase price, and cost of ownership as the criteria for the list which is broken down by best options for each price bracket.

However, Page Deaton cautioned that as important as safety tech is in the buying decision, it's even more important to mentally prepare your teen for the responsibilities of driving.

"One thing parents need to think about when it comes to purchasing a car for their teen is whether he or she is mature enough to be behind the wheel," Page Deaton said. "It's the parents' responsibility to make sure their teen is ready. You'd rather have a unhappy teen than an injured teen."

Have a closer look at the US News Best Cars for Teens winners.