1988 Toyota Corolla. While that wasn’t the vehicle I officially passed my driving test in – that was a rather dreary Ford Ka – it was my daily driver after finally ridding the back bumper of the learner plate. It had no anti-lock brakes, steering so heavy at slow speeds that it could crack your collarbone, and a peppy 1.6-liter GT-i four-cylinder that would come alive only when the engine revs drowned out the aftermarket stereo. And I loved it immensely, and anyone who did not have an ’88 Corolla hatchback as their first car, to this driver at least, is a fool. Sadly, since none of our editors started their motoring journeys in the Corolla, and since they’re a spiteful bunch, the below list of perfect cars for first-time drivers does not include even one Corolla.
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