Are the kids driving your old Ford Taurus? You may want torethink what vehicle they drive, based on the results of theInsurance Institute for Highway Safety's list of the safest used vehicles for teenagedrivers.

IIHS compiled its list based on important safety criteria withteens in mind. Recommendations for teen autos are based on fourcriteria:

1. Young drivers should stay away from highhorsepower. Vehicles with more powerful engines can tempt themto test the limits.
2. Bigger, heavier vehicles protect better in a crash. Thereare no minicars or small cars on the recommended list. Small SUVsare included because their weight is similar to that of a midsizecar.
3. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is a must. Thisfeature, which helps a driver maintain control of the vehicle oncurves and slippery roads, reduces risk on a level comparable tosafety belts.
4. Vehicles should have the best safety ratings possible. Ata minimum, that means good ratings in the IIHS moderate overlapfront test, acceptable ratings in the IIHS side crash test and fouror five stars from the National Highway Traffic SafetyAdministration (NHTSA).

Those vehicles considered “best” choices are under $20,000 used(prices from the Kelley Blue Book on July 1, 2014). All therecommended used vehicles have standard ESC and provide goodprotection in moderate overlap front crashes. These autos also havegood ratings for side crash protection, good head restraints andseats for rear crash protection, and good roof strength to protectoccupants in rollover crashes.

IIHS' best used midsize cars for teens are listed below and onthe following pages, from most expensive to least expensive:

Toyota Prius V
Year: 2012 and later
Used price: $19,100

Mercedez-Benz C-Class sedan
Year: 2009 and later
Used price: $16,000

Honda Accord Sedan
Year: 2012 and later; coupe 2013-14
Used price: $14,400

Audi A4
Year: 2009 and later
Used price: $14,300

Toyota Camry
Year: 2012 and later
Used price: $14,300

Buick Verano
Year: 2012 and later
Used price: $14,100

Subaru Outback
Year: 2010 and later
Used price: $14,000

Lincoln MKZ
Year: 2010 and later; built after April 2010
Used price: $13,500

Kia Optima
Year: 2011 and later
Used price: $13,300

Hyundai Sonata
Year: 2011 and later
Used price: $12,100

Subaru Legacy
Year: 2010 and later
Used price: $11,900

Dodge Avenger
Year: 2011 and later
Used price: $11,600

Audi A3
Year: 2008 and later
Used price: $11,300

Volkswagen CC
Year: 2009 and later
Used price: $11,200

Chevrolet Malibu
Year: 2010 and later, built after November2009
Used price: $10,900

Chrysler 200 sedan
Year: 2011 and later
Used price: $10,700

Mercury Milan
Year: 2010-11; built after April 2010
Used price: $10,700

Ford Fusion
Year: 2010 and later; built after April 2010
Used price: $10,200

Volkswagen Passat
Year: 2009 and later
Used price: $10,000

Volvo C30
Year: 2008 and later
Used price: $9,800

Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen
Year: 2009 and later
Used price: $9,400

Volkswagen Jetta
Year: 2009 and later
Used price: $8,200