I'd never buy my kid a new car. I plan on buying them an older Toyota that needs work when they are like 13 (don't have kids yet) and if they want to drive when they get their license they can fix it and will have several years to learn. Otherwise for your question I'd recommend a Corolla or Camry. Good mileage, reliable, pretty safe.
This. But not necessarily a toyota. Figure out what the kid wants. Had a buddy who's dad got him a '68 (I think) roadrunner. total junkheap, had it running when he was 16, finished when he was 17. All that work on it made him extremely knowledgeable, and his devotion to the car made him treat that thing with the utmost care and pride. Always clean, always maintained, absolutely beautiful.
Other than that, I'd say a small pickup, or a small 4 door. Nothing fancy, nothing fast.
