From MazdaPedia.org:

At some point, your kids are going to outgrow the family station wagon (do they even manufacture station wagons anymore?) Whether your teen does it on their own, you pay, or it's a combined effort, they are going to need a car. With so many automakers on the market today it's hard to decide where to start. Amongst their peers, teenagers want to be a cool kid sporting the baddest ride. Your chief concern is safety (though, honestly, who wants to see their child cruising around in an embarrassing-looking vehicle). Here are MazdaPedia's top five reasons why a Mazda is best for new drivers.

1. Safety


For well over a decade Mazda vehicles have been acing front and side impact tests. As of late, Mazda's CX-9 received numerous awards, including nods from America's <a href="http://www.mazdapedia.org/2008/03/06/mazda-cx-9-awards-upon-awards/">National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety</a>. Passenger-side air bags are standard as well as a multitude of side-impact bags. Not that you should worry about junior getting use from them, since models like the Mazda3 require less than 200-ft of braking distance from 70 to 0 mph. Mazda also sponsors "<em>Driving Clinics</em>" in many countries, which help newbies age 17 - 21 through dangerous road situations on closed tracks.

2. Style


It's easy to spot a Mazda driving down you block - can't miss that distinctive logo or their curves. Sure, your kid needs to be safe behind the wheel, but status is major when you're a teen. Luckily, Mazda's have been proven to provide outstanding design, and even <a href="http://www.mazdapedia.org/2008/02/11/mazda-concept-designs-take-home-double-awards/">win awards for it</a>! If you think Mazda looks good in 2008, wait until the new <a href="http://www.mazdapedia.org/2008/01/28/mazda-taiki-concept-%e2%80%93-japan-meets-batman/">Nagare (<em>Flow</em&gt designs</a> hit Japanese streets.

3. Fuel Efficiency


In 2006, Mazda pledged "To reduce vehicle CO2 emissions...to enhance fuel economy to meet the fuel efficiency standards for 2010 for all weight classes of passenger vehicles in Japan." By mid-year they achieved this goal throughout the majority of their fleet. That's THREE AND A HALF years before its deadline, showing dedication, if nothing else - along with promoting fuel-efficiency in vehicles throughout the world. And as the chart above shows, you have at least 30 mpg to work with on average. Says a lot when you may be paying $3.50/gallon for unleaded gasoline.

4. Envy


Much of today's youth seems to turn away from old fashion American cars. Their reasons vary from American design to how something like a Chrysler or GM product handles, to how well (or not) they're constructed. Some of it boils down to how other drivers or students will view them in parking lots or at a stop light. Your child's status will certainly jump a few points when they pull into school with a Protege5 or Mazda3.

Now, how can you or a 17-year-old working in a deli or clothing retail chain on weekends afford such a sweet ride?

5. Cost


The numbers speak for themselves. You can purchase a brand-new Mazda3 or 5 for a base price ranging from $13,000-17,000. Between these prices you receive a variety of standard safety and performance features that will cost you thousands extra with most other automobile makers. Affordability, sleek looks, dependable, and most of all - Safe. When your children are at stake, why look anywhere else than a car manufacturer covering all these avenues.

 

im 18 and i bought a mazda3./

 

I 1-upped you and bought a mazda6 at that age.

 

Well that sounds like some pretty good reasons..Iwas 19 almost 20 when I bought my 3 andcost, fuel efficeiency, and safety werethemajorpointsI looked at...im satisfied

 

Very well said. That's the basic attributes new car buyers should always consider. Mazda cars matches the lifestyle we have today. It's affordable but it has class. And Mazda parts are tough and durable. So get a Mazda now, and I'm sure, you'll never regret it

 

I Bought a Mazda RX8 at the age of 19 lol

 

i bought my first house when i was 21.