The Tesla Model 3 revolutionized electric cars, but not all model years are created equal. Which should you buy, and which should you avoid?
We’ve analyzed the numbers from NHTSA, Consumer Reports, and Kelley Blue Book to bring you the definitive Model 3 guide.
From efficiency to dependability, tech to resale values, we’ve got you covered.
Ready to find your dream Tesla?
Let’s separate the luminaries from the duds!
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Tesla Model 3 Generations
When Tesla unveiled the Model 3 in 2017, it wasn’t just another car launch – it was a seismic shift in the auto industry. This was Tesla’s bold move into the mass market, offering a blend of performance, safety, and affordability that turned heads and opened wallets.
What made the Model 3 stand out? For starters, it packed sophisticated autopilot features that made other cars look like they were stuck in the Stone Age. The interior? Minimalist sleek, dominated by a massive touchscreen that controlled practically everything. And let’s not forget the impressive range and acceleration that left traditional gas-guzzlers in the dust.
No wonder the Model 3 swiftly became one of the best-selling electric cars worldwide. It wasn’t just a car; it was a statement on wheels.
Here’s a brief overview of the Tesla Model 3 generations:
| Generation | Years |
|---|---|
| 1st generation | 2017-Present |
This rundown gives you a lucid picture of how the Model 3 has evolved. But which years really excel?
Let’s find out.
Tesla Model 3 Best, Neutral, and Worst Years
When it comes to picking the cream of the crop (or avoiding the lemons) in Tesla Model 3 years, we don’t mess around. Our analysis digs deep, considering:
- What real owners say about reliability
- How much you’ll shell out for annual maintenance
- Safety ratings (because who doesn’t want to feel like they’re driving a tank?)
- Consumer Reports’ reliability scores (they’re tough critics, and we like that)
- How satisfied owners are, according to Consumer Reports
- NHTSA recalls, investigations, and complaints (the stuff that keeps engineers up at night)
- Ratings from Edmunds, JD Power, Kelley Blue Book (KBB), VehicleHistory, and Cars.com (because one opinion is never enough)
We’ve crunched all these numbers and opinions into one handy graph:
Now, let’s break it down into the good, the meh, and the ugly:
| Generation | Best Years | Neutral Years | Worst Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st generation | 2023 2024 | 2022 2017 | 2018 2019 2020 2021 |
Those “Neutral Years”? Think of them as the middle child of the Model 3 family – not outstanding, not terrible, just… there. They offer Tesla’s cutting-edge EV tech with decent reliability and owner satisfaction.
Remember, factors like NHTSA recalls are the party poopers here. More complaints and recalls? That’s a red flag for potential headaches down the road.
Ready to dive into the nitty-gritty of each Model 3 year?
Let’s go!
Best & Worst Years for Tesla Model 3 1st Generation (2017-Present)
The 2017 Tesla Model 3
When Tesla dropped the Model 3 in 2017, it wasn’t just launching a car – it was throwing down the gauntlet to the entire auto industry. This was Tesla’s “people’s car” moment, aiming to bring their electric magic to the masses with an ideal mixture of performance, affordability, and tech wizardry.
As Tesla’s most affordable offering, the Model 3 quickly became the talk of the town. Its sleek looks turned heads, its remarkable range silenced range anxiety, and its driver-assistance features made other cars look like they were running on Windows 95.
The Best Years: 2023, 2024
Want to know which Model 3 years are the cream of the crop? Look no further than 2023 and 2024. These models are the result of Tesla’s engineers burning the midnight oil, fine-tuning every aspect of the car.
The significant news? The refreshed “Tesla Model 3 Highland” model. It’s not just a facelift; it’s a full-blown evolution.
Let’s talk power: The improved long-range battery now offers up to 358 miles on a single charge. That’s like driving from New York to Pittsburgh without stopping to plug in. And when you do need to charge, it’s faster than ever.
Performance? Hold onto your hats. The top-tier model boasts over 450 hp, rocketing from 0-60 mph in a mere 3.1 seconds. That’s supercar territory, folks.
But it’s not just about raw power. The latest Autopilot hardware and Full Self-Driving (FSD) software are so sophisticated, the car’s virtually begging you to sit back and enjoy the ride.
Step inside, and you’re greeted by premium features galore. A custom audio system that’ll make you feel like you’re at a concert, heated seats for everyone (because why should the driver have all the fun?), and a 15-inch touchscreen that controls everything short of making your coffee.
Now, no car is flawless. Some owners have reported minor software hiccups and hardware issues. But here’s the kicker: Tesla’s over-the-air updates mean your car gets better while you sleep. Problems get fixed faster than you can say “software update.”
The Neutral Years: 2022, 2017
The 2022 and 2017 Model 3 years? They’re like the middle child of the Tesla family – not the star, not the black sheep, just… there.
2022 brought some nice tweaks to the table. Battery efficiency got a boost, and the software received some nifty upgrades. The Long Range model could now cover up to 358 miles on a single charge – not too shabby. And with dual motors providing all-wheel drive, it handled like a dream.
But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Some 2022 models faced recalls due to display malfunctions. Imagine your infotainment system going haywire mid-drive – not fun.
As for 2017, well, it was the Model 3’s debut year. Groundbreaking? Absolutely. Perfect? Not quite. It faced its fair share of teething problems, including recalls related to autopilot and rearview camera systems.
The Worst Years: 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021
Now, let’s talk about the years you might want to think twice about: 2018 through 2021. These were Tesla’s formative pain years, and it shows.
What went wrong? For starters, Tesla was scrambling to meet the enormous demand for the Model 3. Great for sales, not so good for quality control.
Electrical gremlins were common, with some power conversion systems deciding to take unscheduled vacations. Not exactly what you want when you’re cruising down the highway.
The forward collision avoidance system and suspension components also had their moments of insurrection. And let’s not forget the infamous “phantom braking” issue – nothing wakes you up quite like your car deciding to slam on the brakes for no apparent reason.
These years saw recalls addressing everything from uncooperative rearview cameras to overzealous emergency braking systems. It was a bumpy ride, to say the least.
Want to see the full list of headaches?
Check out the NHTSA recalls and complaints for the 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021 Model 3s. It’s quite the fascinating read.
Tesla Model 3 Resale Values
Curious about how well the Model 3 holds its value? Take a look at this graph:
Conclusion
So, what’s the assessment on the finest Tesla Model 3 years?
If you’re in the market for a Model 3, the 2023 and 2024 models are your top choices. They’ve ironed out most of the kinks and come packed with the latest and greatest Tesla has to offer.
On the flip side, you might want to approach the 2018-2021 models with wariness. They’re not bad cars by any means, but they do come with a higher risk of complications.
Have you had any experience with these Model 3 years? We’d love to hear your story.
Drop a remark below and join the conversation!
