Which Mazda Vehicle Made AutoTrader's 'Best Cars for Grads' List?

The class of 2021 has had to face a different set of challenges than most graduating classes. Students have spent the past two years getting used to online school, attending classes without the physical presence of their peers, and making the adjustment to our “new normal.” After years of studying, hard work, and achieving their academic goals, it’s time to celebrate! And what better way to take the first steps towards independence and adulthood than with the purchase of their first vehicle? 

Our friends at AutoTrader know that your tassel was worth the hassle, so they wanted to help take the hassle out of searching for the best cars on a student budget. They set out to find the best vehicles that offer good value, efficient fuel economy, and strong records for safety and reliability for recent graduates. In order to qualify, vehicles had to be priced under $25,000 and achieve a combined fuel economy rating of at least 30mpg.

And guess what? Mazda’s very own 2021 Mazda3 made the list! Of the Mazda3, AutoTrader says “for something on the sporty side of practical compact cars, consider the athletic Mazda3. Available as a sedan or hatchback, the Mazda3 is fun to drive at any speed with agile handling, an eager base engine, and a more exciting available turbo engine. It also has available AWD, which is rare in this segment.”

Named AutoTrader’s Best Compact Car for 2021, the fourth generation Mazda3 is available with the choice of 2.0L or 2.5L Skyactiv-G naturally aspirated engines, or a 2.5 Turbo engine and 6-speed Skyactiv manual (on select models) or automatic transmissions. Even the base model (GX) comes fully equipped with push-button start, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Mazda Harmonic Acoustics with eight speakers, and SMS text message capabilities.