Choosing the right first car in Gran Turismo 4 can significantly impact your early game experience. Selecting a vehicle that balances performance, handling, and affordability is crucial for conquering races and earning credits to expand your garage. Let's dive into some of the best starter cars that will give you a competitive edge right from the beginning.

Honda Civic SiR-II (EG)

The Honda Civic SiR-II (EG) is a fantastic choice for your initial car in Gran Turismo 4. This vehicle is celebrated for its exceptional handling and responsiveness, making it perfect for navigating the game's diverse tracks. The Civic SiR-II boasts a well-tuned suspension and a lightweight chassis, allowing for precise cornering and nimble maneuvering. Its naturally aspirated engine delivers a smooth and predictable power curve, which is particularly beneficial for new players learning the intricacies of the game's physics. Moreover, the Civic SiR-II is relatively inexpensive, leaving you with ample credits to invest in performance upgrades such as improved tires, suspension enhancements, and engine tuning. These upgrades further amplify its capabilities, transforming it into a formidable contender in the early races. The Civic's reliability also means you'll spend less time in the pit lane and more time on the track, maximizing your earning potential. For players who appreciate a balanced and engaging driving experience, the Honda Civic SiR-II is an excellent starting point that sets the stage for a successful Gran Turismo 4 career. Its combination of affordability, handling, and upgrade potential makes it a standout choice for beginners and seasoned players alike. The Civic SiR-II is also a great car to learn the basics of tuning, as its responsiveness to adjustments is quite noticeable. This allows players to experiment with different settings and understand how they affect the car's performance on the track. Whether you're tackling tight corners or navigating high-speed straights, the Civic SiR-II provides a rewarding and enjoyable driving experience that will keep you coming back for more. Its versatility and ease of use make it an ideal platform for honing your skills and mastering the art of racing in Gran Turismo 4.

Mazda Roadster RS (NB)

The Mazda Roadster RS (NB) is another stellar option for your first car in Gran Turismo 4, especially if you're a fan of rear-wheel-drive dynamics and precise handling. This roadster is renowned for its near-perfect weight distribution and responsive steering, providing an engaging and enjoyable driving experience. The Roadster RS's lightweight design allows it to excel in corners, making it a joy to drive on winding tracks. Its modest power output is more than sufficient for early races, and the car's inherent balance makes it easy to control, even for novice players. Furthermore, the Roadster RS offers significant upgrade potential. Investing in suspension and tire upgrades can dramatically improve its grip and handling, while engine tuning can unlock additional horsepower. These upgrades, combined with its already excellent chassis, make the Roadster RS a serious competitor in its class. The car's affordability also means you'll have plenty of credits left over to explore these enhancements. In addition to its performance benefits, the Mazda Roadster RS is simply a fun car to drive. Its open-top design and nimble handling provide a sense of freedom and excitement that is hard to match. Whether you're drifting around corners or cruising down the straights, the Roadster RS delivers a visceral and engaging driving experience. For players who appreciate a car that rewards skillful driving and offers a blend of performance and fun, the Mazda Roadster RS is an excellent choice. Its combination of balance, handling, and upgrade potential makes it a standout option for starting your Gran Turismo 4 journey. Plus, its iconic design ensures you'll look good while dominating the competition. The Roadster RS is also a great car for learning the nuances of rear-wheel-drive handling, as its predictable behavior makes it easy to control even when pushing the limits.

Toyota MR-S

The Toyota MR-S is a fantastic choice for players seeking a unique and agile starter car in Gran Turismo 4. This mid-engine roadster stands out due to its exceptional balance and responsive handling, offering a driving experience that is both engaging and rewarding. The MR-S's mid-engine layout contributes to its excellent weight distribution, making it incredibly nimble and easy to rotate in corners. This characteristic is particularly advantageous on tight and technical tracks where precise handling is crucial. While its stock power output may not be the highest, the MR-S compensates with its lightweight construction and aerodynamic design, allowing it to maintain momentum and carry speed through turns. Moreover, the Toyota MR-S boasts significant upgrade potential. Investing in suspension upgrades can further enhance its already impressive handling capabilities, while engine tuning can unlock additional horsepower and improve its acceleration. These upgrades, combined with its inherent balance and agility, make the MR-S a formidable competitor in the early stages of the game. Its affordability also means that players will have ample credits to invest in these performance-enhancing modifications. Beyond its performance attributes, the Toyota MR-S is simply a joy to drive. Its responsive steering and communicative chassis provide a direct connection to the road, allowing drivers to feel every nuance of the car's behavior. Whether you're carving through corners or cruising down the straights, the MR-S delivers an exhilarating and immersive driving experience. For players who appreciate a car that rewards skillful driving and offers a blend of performance and fun, the Toyota MR-S is an excellent choice for starting your Gran Turismo 4 adventure. Its unique mid-engine layout and agile handling make it a standout option for those seeking a different kind of driving experience. The MR-S is also a great platform for learning advanced driving techniques, such as throttle control and weight transfer, as its responsiveness allows drivers to experiment and refine their skills with precision.

Nissan Silvia (S13)

The Nissan Silvia (S13) is an excellent choice for a first car in Gran Turismo 4, particularly for players who enjoy drifting and customization. This rear-wheel-drive coupe is renowned for its balanced chassis, responsive handling, and extensive tuning options, making it a versatile platform for both grip racing and drifting. The Silvia (S13) boasts a potent engine that can be easily upgraded to produce significant power, allowing it to compete effectively in a variety of races. Its rear-wheel-drive configuration makes it ideal for learning drifting techniques, as it is easy to initiate and control slides. The car's predictable handling and forgiving nature make it a great choice for beginners who want to explore the art of drifting without being overwhelmed. Furthermore, the Nissan Silvia (S13) offers a wealth of customization options, both visual and performance-related. Players can personalize their Silvia with a wide range of aftermarket parts, including body kits, spoilers, wheels, and interior modifications. This allows players to create a unique and personalized car that reflects their individual style and preferences. Performance upgrades are also abundant, with options ranging from engine tuning and exhaust systems to suspension modifications and brake upgrades. These upgrades can significantly enhance the car's performance, transforming it into a formidable competitor on the track. In addition to its performance and customization benefits, the Nissan Silvia (S13) is also relatively affordable, making it accessible to players who are just starting out. Its combination of performance, handling, and customization options makes it a standout choice for a first car in Gran Turismo 4. Whether you're interested in grip racing, drifting, or simply cruising around in style, the Silvia (S13) offers a rewarding and engaging driving experience that will keep you coming back for more. The Silvia (S13) is also a great car for learning the fundamentals of car modification and tuning, as its extensive aftermarket support allows players to experiment with different parts and settings to optimize its performance.

Choosing Your Ride

When selecting your initial car in Gran Turismo 4, it's essential to consider your personal driving style and preferences. Each of the aforementioned cars offers a unique driving experience, catering to different tastes and skill levels. Whether you prioritize handling, power, customization, or affordability, there's a starter car that's perfect for you. By carefully evaluating your options and investing in strategic upgrades, you can transform your first car into a formidable competitor and set yourself on the path to success in the world of Gran Turismo 4. Remember to experiment with different tuning options and driving techniques to maximize your car's potential and hone your skills as a driver. With the right car and a bit of practice, you'll be dominating races and earning credits in no time. So, buckle up, hit the track, and enjoy the ride! The journey of becoming a Gran Turismo 4 champion starts with that first car, so choose wisely and make the most of it.