Used 2011 Mazda 3 Hatchback Consumer Reviews
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Well I have owned 2 that should say something
Kevin Spears, 11/28/2016
updated 06/05/2019
2011 Mazda 3 s Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.5L 4cyl 5A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
My first mazda 3 was an 08 2.3L hatch. great car did not have cool tech features like the newer one but reliable and fun to drive, got totaled in a wreck so I decided to buy another. The 2011 is a big step forward tech wise, granted I cannot fairly compare as the 08 was a touring (middle trim) and the 11 is a Grand Touring(Top trim and fully loaded on top of that) but the HID lighting is superb(did run into a rather expensive issue right after purchasing the car used with the HID assembly leaking water but it was fixed and just a seal issue that can be remedied easily by a home mechanic or shop), lights up the night very well the adaptive HID is nice it turns with the steering and has auto height and vertical adjustment built in. LED tail lights are nice, less maintenance more brightness for people behind to see. The bose stereo is really nice has good mix of treble mid and bass and plays loud for a oe stereo. bluetooth pairing is easy and has not given me any problems on the car end (all my issue have been phone compatibility and minor, more like things my phone cant do) the 6 cd changer does mp3 cds which is nice the sat radio is great (bought used and it functions, for now will not buy it when it stops though) the nav screen is too small for a nav screen (newer 3's have better screens, and i did not care mine even had this) and updates for the maps in the nav are $200 from mazda so its practically useless, the fuel economy, range and maintenance reminder are much more useful features this screen displays, it can also display music info their as well. it gets what i expected and a little bit better mpg wise, its not as good as other cars this size but not the worst, and the fun driving experience is worth some extra gas. it has a ton of "personalization" features but only a handful can be changed without a special computer plug in at the dealer costing $125 locally at the time of writing. the power driver seat is nice and comfortable, the leather seems to be of good to great quality especially at this cars' original msrp. the dash is rubbery and feels solid and upmarket, the materials inside are nice and seem to last, the exterior paint is good, gets rock chips on the front somewhat easy but nothing bad. it handles excellent, my 08 was a 5 speed manual and unfortunately I could not find a good manual one this time so the 11 is an auto but it shifts smooth and decently fast, the manual mode helps alot and be warned it acts like a manual and will let you over rev. the brakes are about my only bad spot, as they seem a little weak, However after doing further research the car has a pressure sensitive pedal, not really a pedal position sensitive so the feel is just different than I have been used to, its part of the brake assist. I went and tested and sure enough if you hit the pedal hard but don't push it far it responds more than if you push it far but light. I think the brand and hardness of the ceramic on the pads I put on right after purchase affect this as well and will probably change to different pad material next time. on my star ratings newer mazdas after 2014 are far better not using ford parts for headlights and engine mounts among various other items the ford made headlights were the reason i got rid of this car 6 months after buying it but would not hesitate to buy a non HID equipped mazda 3 from before 2014 or any 2014+ mazda with HIDs
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Bittersweet
holybull, 01/29/2014
2011 Mazda 3 s Sport 4dr Hatchback (2.5L 4cyl 5A)
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
I wasn't totally in love with the looks of this car but I do like hatches so I test drove it and fell for it right away. It fit me like a glove. A tailored glove. Handling is the best that could be expected from a front-wheel-drive compact. Engine has 175 HP and plenty of torque. The cosmetics are a different story. Windows rattling after not too long of owning it. Cylinder key lock in steering column replaced twice. And now, as if that weren't enough, I've been told I have a cracked piston ring and the thing is SLURPING oil. Not good for a car with only 51000 miles. Never again do I buy a Mazda. first and last. I'm spending more and getting a mini next.
Nice but not for me.....
pure_hp, 09/27/2011
2011 Mazda 3 s Sport 4dr Hatchback (2.5L 4cyl 5A)
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
I purchased the Sport hatchback, automatic. I love the bluetooth and the way it drives, lots of fun. Unfortunately, the wheel doesn't telescope out far enough for me without me being on top of the steering wheel, I'm 6'1. Because of this, the window switches are too far up the door handle; I'm constantly letting the rear windows down.
Fun, excellent performance
crystal, 10/21/2010
2011 Mazda 3 s Sport 4dr Hatchback (2.5L 4cyl 5A)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
Like reviewer Tom Tom, I was looking at a Honda Fit. I chose this Mazda 3 because it drove better: smooth and responsive, quietly powerful, nimble and sexy. I almost got the touring model, but in Seattle, not much need for a moon roof. It feels luxurious inside and a lot better maneuverability than a Fit. Great trunk space.
Bang for the Buck...
kurtri, 02/02/2011
2011 Mazda 3 s Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.5L 4cyl 5A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I wanted a small car, with utility options, to replace an Audi A4. Like many people, I am trying to stay financially keen in current times. Is there a car with semi-luxury features, good safety reviews, acceptable gas mileage - all within the Compact $ range? Yes - the Mazda 3. The car handles nearly as well as my Audi and has respectable power. The front seats are very spacious and I do not feel 'jammed' in like the Audi. The seats are comfortable and the dash controls are intuitive. The Mazda 3 is larger on the inside and the versatility of the hatchback was a key factor for me. Looking for more personality than a ho-hum Civic? Give the Mazda 3 a try! 26 MPG mixed driving.