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Developing and designing a satisfying car is a long, arduous process. Usually, when a car enters development, there is a target audience in mind. For a minivan like the Toyota Sienna, the target audience is largely young families with children, and the design speaks to their needs. For a sports car like a Chevrolet Corvette, the focus of the car design can fall more on style, speed, and aggression rather than comfort and passenger room.

But to design a car that appeals to every driver, from a newly licensed first-time car buyer to a retired baby boomer, it takes a lot of skill, research, and quality to meet every customer’s needs and have everyone feel satisfied with their purchase.

According to a Consumer Reports study, only four new cars are the most satisfying cars for every generation of car buyers on the road today, and you may be surprised when you see which cars made the list.

The Tesla Model 3 is a satisfying car for multiple generations

The Tesla Model 3 started production in 2017, and it was the first Tesla with affordability in mind. The predecessor to the Model 3, the Model S, changed the world forever with its long-range battery and luxury interior, all the while boasting performance car speed and unprecedented levels of technology throughout the car. At around $100,000, however, this was a car that many couldn’t afford.

With the introduction of the Model 3, a more compact luxury sedan that gave you many of the perks of the Model S but in a much more affordable package, it was an instant hit for every driver on the road. At $46,990, this is an affordable Tesla that is comfortable, smooth driving, fast, and capable. With a starting range of 267 miles and a possible 334 miles with the long-range package, there is no wonder why Consumer Reports included the Model 3 on its list of the most satisfying cars across generations.

The Tesla Model Y appeals to many types of drivers

The age of the compact family car has been waning in recent years. Many families have moved away from the small, limiting platform and have moved on to crossover SUVs. These crossovers bridge the gap between large truck-based SUVs of the past and compact cars of today to give you a vehicle that drives like a car with the space of an SUV.

With the success of the Telsa Model 3, the offering of a crossover SUV on the bones of the top-selling compact Tesla was a no-brainer, and it has caught the attention of many drivers looking to make the jump to an EV with a little more room and style.

Along with the extra room found in the Model Y, Tesla has found more range as well, marketing the base model of the Model Y as the long-range model, giving you 318 miles of range. With this Tesla giving you all the perks of a Model 3, but with more room on the inside and more standard range, it is easy to see why it is one of the most satisfying new cars on the road today.

The days of Kia playing catch-up are over. Kia has officially arrived with the Kia Telluride, the largest vehicle the Korean company has produced for the American market. It has immediately taken over as a favorite for many SUV buyers all around the country.

The Kia Telluride, named after Telluride, Colorado, is a midsize SUV offering three-row seating. It also has a 3.8-liter V6 engine capable of towing 5,000 lbs. You can also expect a luxury interior, and heaps of technology, including tri-zone climate control, 6 USB ports, a huge display, forward collision detection, blind spot collision detection, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control standard with optional all-wheel drive.

The Telluride immediately became a large player in the midsize SUV market with its quality and vast array of features at a low price. The Telluride starts at $33,390, making it an affordable SUV for first-time buyers, and its build quality and luxurious interior make it comfortable for drivers of any age.

The Mazda MX-5 Miata earned itself near-perfect ratings

A red 2022 Mazda MX-5 Miata driving down a street
2022 Mazda MX-5 Miata | Mazda

Since its inception in 1989, the Mazda MX-5 Miata, or ‘Miata’ for short, has been the gold standard for affordable top-down fun and performance. The Mazda Miata is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and can be had with either a manual or automatic transmission. With many Miatas lasting well over 200,000 miles through the years, the Miata is a fun, top-down sports car with all the reliability you would expect from Mazda.

With near-perfect scores given by many automotive media outlets, the Miata stands tall as a satisfying car to own regardless of age. New drivers will feel the excitement of shifting through the gears whether they are commuting to work or taking their Miata on the track, and older drivers will love the feel of cruising down the road with the top down, all for a great price.

With a lasting image, unmatched reliability, and legendary drivability, all in an affordable package starting at just $27,650, the Miata is an excellent choice for any driver on the road today that can afford to lose a back seat.

These models are the most satisfying cars across generations

Some consumers need cars to fit a certain need, whether that is hauling a lot of people or an emphasis on durability for work. While some cars may work better for some than others, these four vehicles appeal to all drivers thanks to their reliability, affordability, quality, and drivability. So get out to a car lot and see for yourself just what makes these cars so special!

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