What is a good first car? Around $1,200-$1,500?

Hi currently I have $750 in my savings for a car & my birthday is on the 24th this month, & I usually get a lot of money for my birthday (i'm going to be 19 so if anyone asks what I want I just say money, since I'm getting older) & my next paycheck is on the 31st so I will have about $1,200 to maybe $1,500. I'm looking for my first car. I'm getting my license by the end of this month beginning of next. & I have mostly driven big vehicles, my mom has a ford expedition & my dad has a chevy silverado. I have driven a car a few times but I'm used to being higher up, plus I feel a lot safer because I'm petrified of being in a terrible accident & dying lol. I know being in a bigger vehicle won't save me from being in an accident but there's a greater chance of not getting as injured as to being in a smaller car. I mean I will get a car if I have to, but I'm really into SUVS. I really love dodge durangos. If I could find one I would be so happy! But anyways, I can't really think of another big vehicle that I could find in my price range obviously used. My boyfriends stepdad is a mechanic so I'm not too worried about minor fixes. If not an suv what is another decent first vehicle for me?

$1500 will get you a high mileage Civic, Accord, Camry, Tercel, Corolla, etc. Not going to find a driveable 4x4 SUV for $1500 that isn't a money pit.

The best first car for around $1200-1500 is the one that runs. People are focused on fuel costs which isn't bad. But in your price range repair costs and frustration of going back and forth to a mechanic will far outweigh the cost of fuel very quickly. Avoid the sought after "conventional wisdom" makes. They sell for a premium and were previously owned by people like you - those who didn't have the funds to maintain and repair properly.
Instead look for a 1999 - 2002 Buick Century or La Sabre, a Ford Focus sedan [avoid the base SMPT engine], a PT Cruiser. A Chevy Malibu. Avoid a Chrysler product with the 2.7 Liter V6 until after 2008 model year but the 4 cylinder Chrysler and Dodge are good. Something owned by an adult or senior citizen who had the means to keep it up. Never pass up an otherwise good car because it needs tires. Tires are not expensive and you will get your use out of them. You can purchase 2 at a time if need be. If there are retirement homes near you ask at the front desk if they know of any resident who has a car to sell.

When you're dealing with cars in that low price range, you will only find older and/or higher mileage vehicles.

I'd worry less about finding a specific model of vehicle but rather any vehicle that is in good shape for its age/mileage.

Some things to look for:
-a one or two owner vehicle ( generally people that keep cars for longer periods of time look after them more
-no major rust
-no major collision damage
-up to date maintenance records.