THE LATE 90s and early 2000s was a glorious time to be young and learning to drive.
There was no better feeling either than switching out those red L plates for the green P ones either. Once you passed your driving test, it felt you were being handed the keys to the kingdom and a wealth of extra-curricular activities.
Cinema trips, bowling and Pizza Hut were just a few of the glorious opportunities that awaited you, alongside other, more mature stuff. Once you owned a car you also had significantly more credibility as an adult in the eyes of any would-be date.
Everyone had the same first cars too, usually down to the make, model, and paint job. So join the Irish Post as we take a look back at 11 classic first cars we all drove (and loved) as teenagers.
11. Vauxhall Nova
A boy-racer classic capable of accommodating a two-litre engine for putting the peddle to the metal.
10. Volkswagen Polo
What the Polo lacked in looks it made up for with sheer reliability.
9. Rover Metro
Often handed down from older relatives, this was a steady drive among teenagers and OAPs alike.
8. Peugeot 205
A speedy little number, especially if you happened to own the GTi version.
7. Renault 5
The Holy grail of hatch-backs and an effortless joy to drive.
6. Ford Escort
Perfect for anyone seeking something a little more spacious for their mates.
5. Nissan Micra
Not the coolest automobile in the car park but a tough and reliable little number.
4. Fiat Panda
The Panda was perfect for anyone seeking a cheap car that was inexpensive to run.
3. Ford Fiesta
A stone-cold classic. Everyone had at least one mate with a Fiesta – it was that popular!
2. Citroen AX
A nice little nippy number that had us going “ooh la la!” for French cars.
1. Austin Maestro
Retro styling aside, the Maestro was pretty majestic. Came in beige too.
