I was just browsing through Forbes Auto’s “Top 10 Cars Teens Want Most,” when I came across a peculiar listing:

7. (tie) Chevrolet Impala

Aspiring teen buyers: 1.76 percent*
MSRP: $22,400 – $29,780
Miles per gallon: 13-18 city/24-29 hwy (gasoline); 13-14 city/20-21 hwy (E85)

A shift in focus torward a level of utility beyond that of small cars helps explain why the large and seemingly staid Chevrolet Impala might resonate with young drivers, TRU’s Wood says. Though it’s not a standout, the Impala has a lot going for it, including a slew of standard tech options like an auxiliary input jack and a three-month trial subscription to XM satellite radio. It also includes a number of safety and convenience features, including anti-lock brakes, remote keyless entry and an oil life monitoring system, which alerts owners when it’s time to change the oil.

What? Chevrolet Impala? You’ve got to be kidding me. The research done by TRU (not sure what that is, let me know) has got to be flawed. Even listings like the Toyota Camry and the Honda Accord are sketchy, because although they’re great family vehicles I really don’t think teens would be overwhelmed by Mom and Dad handing them the keys to such vehicles that aren’t as small or as efficient or as fast as compacts.

Anyway, the Chevrolet Impala is more well-known amongst security and police forces and the elderly generation; do teens really want to be associated with these groups, especially since they’re young drivers who are stereotypically known for being reckless and fast on the road? Doubts.

Youths are, well, poor of course, but also “eco-conscious”, “anti-establishment”, and energetic. The Impala is anything but. It’s bulky, slow, and not very good in any aspect, unless you’re a fan of driving American bricks. And how is it that a total “eco-hippie” car like the Toyota Prius didn’t make the list, if even a cop car can?

Not that Forbes Auto really needs (or wants) the help, but I’ve made additions (replacements?) to the list to be more accurate of what cars teens want (being one myself):

• BMW Mini Cooper - Classic and iconic, but would require Dad’s financial assistance.
• Any GM compact - How did the list not manage to include Cobalts, Vibes, or Astras? I swear, I see teens driving these cars the most of any.
• Dodge Caliber - Rental car = teen car, it’s nice and cheap. But it’s got aggressive looks.
• Volkswagen City Golf/Rabbit - Cheaper, more compact, and has a better reputation amongst youth than the Jetta.
• smart fortwo - It may be ultra-small, but hey it’s very efficient and spacious. Though pricey.
• Toyota Matrix - Um, Toyota advertising like mad in movie previews HAS to equate to something?!
• Nissan Versa - Same goes for the Versa.
• Mazda3 - AND the Mazda. In fact, I see lots of youths zipping around in the 3, too.

I will admit that some of my list “revisions” may not reflect what teens want, but what they actually get. Still, though, I can’t imagine teens wanting a cop car more than a Prius or a Mini, or frankly any of the cars I listed above.

And sidenote, I think there is a significant percentage of male teenagers who would go for a car that can be modded.

(click on the pic above for an interesting link)