Top Mazda Models for High School and College Students

Not long ago, we shared the news that the 2016 Mazda3 earned the top spot in U.S. News and World Report’s analysis of the best car for teenagers in the $25,000 to $30,000 range. That got us thinking about what Mazda models we would suggest for students and their driving needs.

Below, we’ve outlined the top Mazda models for high school and college students. Though the driving needs of a student aren’t always that unique, there may be a few vehicle qualities that students in high school and college alike will definitely want to have on their new vehicle. So parents, if you’re considering buying your son or daughter a new car for their school commuting needs, listen up.

Mazda Vehicles We Recommend Parents Buy for Their Students

2017 Mazda3

Most high school students simply need a vehicle to get them from point A to point B; from home to school/work and back. But even with limited driving, few high school students will want to be spending a ton of money on fill ups at the gas station, making a fuel efficient car crucial to their driving enjoyment.

That’s why we suggest the 2017 Mazda3. Fuel ratings for the 2017 model are not yet available at the time of this posting, but they should be the same or similar to the 2016 model, which was capable of as much as 41 mpg highway. Plus, it’s a blast to drive, making it a great way for teenagers to start enjoying driving.

See how the Mazda3 ranked in a battle of the top cars for teenagers

2017 Mazda CX-3

The Mazda CX-3 is a crossover vehicle for those who don’t necessarily need an SUV on a daily basis. It drives like a car, yet has a subcompact crossover size and hatchback that make cargo carrying easy. Plus, its smaller size is much more welcoming and forgiving than a larger SUV for younger, inexperienced drivers.

What type of student is the CX-3 for? For one, it’s a great option for college students who may frequently need to haul their belongings to and from campus during the year. It can also be great for high school students who may need the extra space to load equipment for sports practice or band concerts. For you as the parent, you’ll likely love the fact that it is available with Mazda’s impressive i-ACTIV AWD® system.

2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata

Few parents would consider getting their son or daughter a sports car, but it actually can be a great vehicle for both high school and college students. For inexperienced drivers, the Miata is a fantastic vehicle to learn to drive on with its precise handling and easy control. You might even consider getting the roadster with a manual transmission and teaching your teen how to drive stick.

For college students, the Miata may not have the cargo space for moving in and out of the dorm, but it is great for those going to college in busy cities. Its small roadster size makes parking and navigating crowded downtown areas a breeze. Plus, it’s an exhilarating car for cruising around campus.

So, these are our suggestions for the top Mazda models for high school and college students. An honorable mention might be the 2016.5 Mazda CX-5 due to its extensive cargo space, excellent handling and great fuel economy. If you’d like to learn more about any of these models, just contact us at Mazda of Lodi.