Memories of First Cars: A Journey with iBestTravel

1982 Plymouth Reliant

When I graduated high school in 1989, my present from my parents was Mom’s 1982 Plymouth Reliant—the infamous first-gen K-car. His name was George P. White, a white four-door with a red interior. Power, what little of it there was, came from Chrysler’s 2.2 “trans-four” topped by a diabolical Holley feedback carburetor that consumed nearly as much carb cleaner as gasoline. One time, the automatic transmission’s shifter cable broke, and for a week, I had to open the hood and shift into drive using the lever on the tranny. This would have been no big deal if the parking brake would stay in adjustment, which it wouldn’t. George was nerdy and slow, but reliable and great in the snow. His front bench seat meant my girlfriend, on the rare occasions I had one, could snuggle up next to me and still wear her seat belt. However, the best thing about him is that any car I’ve owned since has seemed like an improvement.—Aaron Gold, Automobile Senior Editor

The School Bus

I couldn’t afford a car and insurance in high school, so my ride was the yellow not-so-magic school bus. It certainly couldn’t navigate a nostril yet ran on diesel and could swallow up to 90 hormone-addled teenagers. While NVH levels and seat comfort were nothing stellar, it transported me to school safely for three years. Fun fact: The bus’s yellow paint is officially known as National School Bus Glossy Yellow, sRGB code (255, 216, 0). According to colormatters.com, yellow grabs attention faster than any other color in peripheral vision.—Alan Lau, MotorTrend Road Test Analyst

1986 Ford Escort

I didn’t own a car in high school, so I was forced to borrow wheels from my parents. The car I drove most that year was my mom’s gray 1986 Ford Escort, by then on its last legs. This base model had no air conditioning, crank windows, and a four-speed manual. For some reason, my best friend and I called it “The Batmobile,” a mockery of just how bad it was. But it offered me my first experience driving a manual transmission. In retrospect, I probably enjoyed more stupid antics in it than I deserved, especially in the snow. However, my mom eventually donated the car to charity after the clutch gave out, leaving me stranded two miles from home. Nonetheless, memories of the good old Batmobile will stay with me forever.—Mac Morrison, Automobile Editor-in-Chief

2003 Honda Accord EX

There are few things I regret in life; however, my bratty attitude toward getting a low-mileage, less than three-year-old 2003 Honda Accord EX sedan from my family is something that regularly weighs on my mind. You see, I had been saving up for years for my own car, and when my grandma passed away, my mom pressured me into buying the Accord for an amount I had saved for an old beater. Instead of being ecstatic about it, I was annoyed and wanted my first car to reflect the savings I’d accumulated. If I could turn back time, I would tell my younger self to appreciate the gift. Not only did they provide me with a modern, reliable car, but they also gifted me an investment. I really don’t remember what I sold the Accord for, but I know it was significantly more than I paid for it.—Greg Fink, MotorTrend Senior Editor

1996 Audi A4

Despite the issues I faced with my well-used 1996 Audi A4, I still miss that car. From its sharp exterior design to the flashy wheels, I felt incredibly fortunate. While I encountered flat tires and complaints from my family about ride comfort, I was happy. The A4 was thrilling to drive, especially when navigating beautiful winding roads. Thanks to its strengths and faults, my first car helped me hone my sense of what’s important in vehicles. For that, and the fact that I had a car at all, I’m grateful.—Zach Gale, MotorTrend Senior Production Editor

2003 Honda Odyssey/CR-V

Although I started driving at 16, I didn’t own a car in high school. Instead, I had access to my mom’s 2003 Honda Odyssey or my dad’s 2003 Honda CR-V. I got my first ticket while driving the Odyssey; however, my dad’s CR-V was the hotter ride for taking out friends. Both cars hold a special place in my family’s heart as they represented our new beginnings in the U.S.—Miguel Cortina, MotorTrend Managing Editor

1970 Chevrolet Impala

This car was the perfect shade of brown to hide dirt and mud from unpaved roads in northern Ontario. I cherished seeing the 1970 Chevy Impala arrive at my parents’ cottage as it meant a visit from my grandparents. When my grandfather passed away, he left me the Impala, which easily carried me and a group of friends. We affectionately called it the IMP-ah-la, mimicking my grandparents’ pronunciation. Memories of driving it barefoot to teach swimming stand out as great summer experiences during my high school days.—Alisa Priddle, MotorTrend Detroit Editor

1999 Chevrolet S-10

This 1999 Chevy S-10 was my pride and joy after getting my driver’s license in high school. I customized it heavily, lowering it on my 17th birthday, and by graduation, it featured air-bags and custom flame paint. I even setup an engine-driven compressor and electric compressors for ultimate control. It’s still in my possession and remains a cherished memory of my high school years.—Monica Gonderman, Four Wheeler and Truck Trend News Editor

1964 MGB

At just 15, I discovered a 1964 MGB at a used car dealership, which led to some chaotic adventures. I messed around with its carburetors, painted flames on the hood, and made a cut-down windshield. Before upgrading to my even more treacherous High School car, I made improvements to it that led to multiple memories. Even today, just seeing an MGB reminds me of those youthful days and the passion for British sports cars that I held in my heart.—Kim Reynolds, MotorTrend Technical Editor

The Subway

Among the unfortunate ones without a car in high school, a MetroCard served more purpose than a vehicle. It allowed me free trips on New York City public transit, providing access to all parts of the city for school and daily life. While I wished for a car, the subway’s reliability offered a unique freedom that was difficult to replicate. Each journey felt like an adventure, opening up numerous opportunities for exploration and social engagement in a bustling city.

1999 Toyota Avalon XLS

I was three years old when my dad brought home the brand new 1999 Toyota Avalon XLS. When I passed my driving test years later, the 14-year-old car was still in our possession. Though slow, it offered comfort and ease of driving, running without issue until crossing the 200,000-mile mark. Though I didn’t appreciate it while I owned it, now I smile seeing one on the road and think, “that’s a fine motorcar.”—Nicholas Yekikian, MotorTrend Associate Online Editor

1998 BMW 528i

My high school experience was centered around my parents’ cars, particularly the 2002 Honda CR-V. However, my memory strays back to my father’s E39-generation BMW 528i. Even though it wasn’t the most powerful model, it remains one of the best cars I’ve had the pleasure of driving. There were many instances where my brother and I attempted foolish stunts, but thankfully, the BMW remained intact, producing a lasting admiration for its engineering excellence.—Alexander Stoklosa, MotorTrend Senior Editor