Holy crumbs, I am nearly 21 and am contemplating buying a car for that much because all my other cars have been sold/died.
My first car was a little Honda Civic. And my husband and I bought it together, my parents didn't pay for shit haha.
I loved my Jeep Grand Cherokee SO MUCH. Ford is only good for trucks. Honda/Toyota make cars that run for EVER if you treat them right. Foreign cars are harder to get a hold of parts for when they need fixed. Volkswagen makes like the sturdiest and dependable cars ever - as does Volvo, but if you don't treat them right and they need fixed, it can get pricey.
For ~$15K I'd recommend something like a Corolla which are reliable and have great resale value for when you want to buy another car. Honda Accord is good too though they've been known for hit or miss brake issues that can lead to more frequent than average brake jobs.
15k$ that's a ton!!! You're very lucky! I own a mitsubishi eclipse year 2000, they are GREAT cars that last FOREVER! But mustangs are very nice too though! Previously owned one*
Couple of people mentioned Toyota's - my toyota camry is from 2003, it's got about 200k miles, looks great, is in great condition, I haven't had a single issue with the engine or mechanics other than tires/brakes. It will hopefully last me another 100k miles too!
It wouldn't be a BMW or an AUDI, but shit you can buy other cars.
I'm not sure how much is Nissan Sentra or Chevrolet Cruze where you live, but with 15K you should be able to buy one of them, either brand new or used.
Personally I've drived a Cruze and FUCK!! It's so damn awesome!!
And the new Sentra is just fabulous. It's like a mini-altima.
It's also awesome to bring your friends. It has a Start/Stop Engine button, so you no longer need the key. Your friends will be amazed
Also, more than "size" on a crash, check on AIR BAGS. These are what saves you.
Selling Almost Any NC item! Selling Balthazars Bag of Bottled Faeries - $150 Selling SEVERAL EPIC Main Accounts and Robotification Zappermajigs!! Custom NeoPoint Orders? PM me! Selling Shells, $2 each :3
My first car was a Honda Accord and it was a great little car with amazing gas mileage.
But like everyone else has said, Toyotas are good little whips too. (: