Used 2014 Mazda 3 i Sport Sedan Review
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2014 Mazda 3 i Sport Sedan.
Most helpful consumer reviews
Love This 3
fluffyan, Smyrna, DE, 02/17/2014
2014 Mazda 3 i Sport 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6M)
[Great car -- see updates below!]
I have owned this 2014 Mazda 3 for two months, have a little over 1,000 miles on it.
So far, I am very happy with it, although I wish it got closer to the 30 mpg rating.
I looked at Toyotas, Scion FR-S, and checked online on Fords, Chevys, and Nissans.
The Mazda 3 MANUAL is so much more fun to drive than anything else I drove, and it met most of my other … criteria.
I had driven a Camry stick for the last 12 years.
The Mazda 3 is a little smaller, but also quicker and way, way more fun.
It has a little more style than the same-old-same-old looks of most sedans.
I am getting 26mpg, wanted more, but I recommend this car!
UPDATE -- Two and a half years later, 8/16 -- MOST FUN CAR I HAVE EVER OWNED. Only wish I had a second one for whenever I wear this one out. MPG is now up to 30 overall. 8/17 updated update, nothing new, all comments still apply, excepting the desire for improved gas mileage -- it did improve. Terrific car. Still love it with over 30K miles and well into its 5th year, 9/18. A falling tree branch did dent the roof, which seems very soft metal.
UPDATE 9/19 -- Still loving this 3. Trying to think objectively about its lesser features. Metal a little soft; backseat not world's most comfortable ride. Finally realized it looks so fast that other drivers resent it and react as though they imagine that I'm pressuring them. Not so, car just moves so well.
VERY tight and quality built auto!
Jerry, Vancouver, WA, 02/06/2022
2014 Mazda 3 i Sport 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6M)
The 2014 i Sport model I bought had 66K on it. The Mazda 3's were known for being a tight vehicle but they actually made it 30% tighter! I can go over speed bumps faster than my 2013 Elantra easily. The interior is comparable in some reviews to a more upscale BMW considering the quality look and feel. I agree.
The skyactive 2.0 actually got me 41mpg on the road and most the time between … 27 and 31 in town. And plenty of hp but I don't get into it much as I like to see how high my mpg can go.
The skyactive redesigned engine needed more engine room with a longer hood to accomodate the exhaust redesign which makes it more sleek looking and aggressive overall, love that!
The car as a whole was somewhat noisy over certain road surfaces so I spent many hours insulating inside all 4 doors plus all the trunk. Also sprayed 6 large rubberized undercoating in all wheel wells and underneath car. That made a heck of a lot of difference! It has a more expensive car feel being more quiet.
The transmission shifts very smoothly (changed the fluid) plus full synthetic in engine. Very smooth idle as well.
I have been all through this car especially underneath and took note of how they built it. It is one very well built car, they did not cheap out. In fact I was reading that they put more money into the interior appointments AND components to make it handle like a sports car. In fact I took three curves in a row with my Elantra which wasn't too bad but when I took the same curves with my Mazda 3, I had to double check to see if those were the same curves. The Mazda took them with so much ease it was like it was asking me, 'is that all ya got?"
I have never paid the bigger money for a BMW etc but this by far is the tightest and most fun car to drive except for my 1993 Miata which I owned for 16 years.
It doesn't have a lot of extras in terms of accesories and the stock non-Bose radio kinda sucks but I can upgrade down the road. I did upgrade both front speakers with 6 1/2" Kickers which did help in addition to the insulation in the doors.
Today after getting out, I turned around and admired my car saying I am so thankful for this car! I have done that many times after owning it 7 months. That is a very good sign of my satisfaction.
Thanks Mazda!
Reliable, Economical, and Fun to drive!
jb57, Soddy Daisy, TN, 10/28/2014
2014 Mazda 3 i Sport 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6M)
This is our 2nd Mazda (wife owns 2012 Mazda 5) and we've been very pleased with both vehicles. Mine is the 2014 Mazda 3 sedan sport edition w/ manual shift. Am averaging 36 mpg. Before buying, I test drove a Civic, Corolla, and Cruze. All seemed to be good vehicles but the Mazda stood out for its handling and appearance. Leg room and head room are just fine (I'm 6' 2"). Trunk space … is larger than I expected. The engine is quiet as a kitten. My only knocks are the average looking cloth seats (I replaced w/ leather) and road noise on select highways. But, boy are these cars fun to drive!
Not my type of Car
pj_flygare, Orting, WA, 12/29/2014
2014 Mazda 3 i Sport 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6M)
Bought a brand new 2014 Sport3I with 35 demo miles ODO Dec 19 2014.
After some 100+ miles testing in various environment I found the seats uncomfortable, long miles is not for this car, even after the few miles I driven. Mpg's not to what estamimatied, but lower.
It is very underpowered, overtaking another car in left lane demands a lot of considerations.
Interior noise very loud. … My wife Rav4 (2005) is quieter (more responsive). The Cx5 was quieter at test drive, the streets are very raw.
Missing back up camera, (not required by law, but will be) from my 2006 Lexus.
Stereo system not upgradable except in-mount speakers.
Rattling noise around windows at idle. ??
Edmunds Summary Review of the 2014 Mazda 3 i Sport Sedan
Pros & Cons
- Pro:Precise handling
- Pro:very good fuel economy
- Pro:quick acceleration
- Pro:refined interior with intuitive controls
- Pro:available hatchback body style
- Pro:many advanced features are available.
- Con:The 2.0-liter engine is a bit noisy under hard acceleration
- Con:dash-mounted touchscreen display looks aftermarket.
Full Edmunds Review: 2014 Mazda 3 Sedan
Edmunds Insurance Estimator
The Edmunds TCO® estimated monthly insurance payment for a 2014 Mazda 3 in Ohio is:
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