Used 2012 Mazda 3 Sedan Consumer Reviews
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60,000 MILE UPDATE
hoveringfalcon, 02/11/2015
2012 Mazda 3 i Touring 4dr Sedan w/SKYACTIV-G (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
70 of 72 people found this review helpful
Ive returned to update my review with three years of ownership and 60,000 miles under my belt. I take back what I said last time about the lack of driver seat comfort; a couple months after writing that I found a seating position that works for me. I lowered the seat all the way and that has eliminated all of my leg room problems. Piloting the Mazda is now a pretty comfortable experience if driving for less than a few hours. Steering and handling is still great. I replaced the stock tires with some Bridgestone Potenza summer rubber and this thing sticks to the pavement like glue.
Amazing, Fun Car with great gas mileage!
rbtower2, 11/12/2011
2012 Mazda 3 i Touring 4dr Sedan w/SKYACTIV-G (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
57 of 59 people found this review helpful
I just bought this car a couple days ago but already am in love with it!! The new SkyActiv technology is incredible. I have driven 250 miles 80% highway 20% city and am averaging 39 MPG! I love the Mazda3 styling inside and out. I got the Dolphin Gray Mica and the color is beautiful. Inside everything is really great too. I am learning all about the bluetooth system and Its amazing being able to play my Iphone music over the stereo as well and send and recieve calls =) I cant wait to be over the break in period so I can try out the engine to its full potential. The handling is outstanding as well.
2012 Mazda 3 for sale near you
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- i Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback w/SKYACTIV-GMSRP: $9,977140 mi away
- i Touring 4dr Hatchback w/SKYACTIV-GMSRP: $4,595169 mi away
- i Touring 4dr Hatchback w/SKYACTIV-GMSRP: N/A143 mi away
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Great Value
dakotabmr, 11/20/2013
2012 Mazda 3 i Sport 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5A)
24 of 24 people found this review helpful
I bought this used 2012 Mazda 3 isport , Automatic 4dr, 2.0 28K miles for my daughter her senior yr in high school to last through college. We compared the used Corolla, Sentra, Elantra, Civic for a max price of $12000 and found the Mazda3 the best value. It has a "Good" rating from the IIHS-which is the highest, 4 wheel disc brakes, ABS, stability control, multiple airbags. Good reliability, Great handling, comfortable, easy to use controls and layout. 60/40 split folding rear seat. We get 35mpg/highway, 14.5 gallon fuel tank makes for 450 miles on a tank!. I do most of the regular service, so the oil, air filter, cabin filter, wipers were fairly easy to change out.
Mazda3 skyactiv
rxb3, 01/18/2012
2012 Mazda 3 i Touring 4dr Sedan w/SKYACTIV-G (2.0L 4cyl 6M)
32 of 33 people found this review helpful
Traded my 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT with 200k on it. Great car and it got me 30mpg! The only reason I got the Mazda3 sedan was for the 39mpg (manual trans). So far, with 3k miles, I have been avg 38.2. That's better than my last car but... Pros: when in the right gear, it has some get up and go (for a 4cycl) Bluetooth is great. Works very well with iphone, hands free calls that are voice controlled are great, and streaming music. Handles well, seems sporty Of course the MPG is the real sell. Cons: the seats are horrible! I commute 1hr20min each way every day. 78miles each way every day adds up. This is a huge deal for me. The savings in gas is great but the seats suck!
2012 Mazda 3 with 1200 miles on it now.
sirturkey, 03/16/2012
2012 Mazda 3 i Touring 4dr Sedan w/SKYACTIV-G (2.0L 4cyl 6M)
25 of 26 people found this review helpful
I got my Mazda 3 when it had 15 miles on it, and now it has around 1200. I love this car. I upgraded from a 2004 Passat. The SKYACTIV-G engine truly performs. I've been getting a combined 34.8 mpg with mostly city driving but with a few long distance bouts. On my distance trips, I've been getting 40-44 mpg at around 70 mph. I generally drive like a grandpa but it's difficult NOT to accelerate quickly in this car! The seats are not nearly as bad as what other people say. I'm 6'0 and they fit me rather well. As for the complaints about the interior controls, I find them rather intuitive. In regards to weird noises from the engine, I haven't heard anything.
excellent car....wife "loves her zoom zoom"!
ajax13, 04/13/2012
2012 Mazda 3 i Grand Touring 4dr Sedan w/SKYACTIV-G (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
21 of 22 people found this review helpful
First car review I have ever written, at 59 yo too. But this car warrants the review!! We have had this car since the end of Nov., & 3500 miles on it now. Is my wife's car & her choice after driving the Hyundai Elantra, Ford Focus, VW Jetta...this was her choice hands down, & mine too! This is the first car my wife says, "she loves, & loves to drive", that she has ever had! She calls it her "ZZ"=zoomzoom-lol. When reading the original reviews of this car before buying it, I noted that the word "love" was used by most reviewers in the 1st paragragh=now I/we know why-it is plain fun to drive! Excellent car in all ways, as my ideal owned past car was a 1990 Nissan 300ZX, & this car matches it!!
25,000 MILE UPDATE
hoveringfalcon, 04/26/2013
2012 Mazda 3 i Touring 4dr Sedan w/SKYACTIV-G (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
19 of 20 people found this review helpful
I've had my 3 for just over a year, and have put 25,000 miles on it. I still think it's a fantastic car. It's not perfect, and I will soon explain why, but it provides a superb combination of sportiness and fuel efficiency that is unmatched in its class. If you love driving but need something that sips gas, look no further. However if you prioritize comfort and luxury options above all else, you might want to cross shop before you buy.
Easy to drive. Easy to live with. Worth a look
D del Rosario, 07/18/2015
2012 Mazda 3 i Touring 4dr Sedan w/Prod. End 09/11 (2.0L 4cyl 5A)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
It's been a terrific car with no problems whatsoever. It's funner to drive than your typical civic or Corolla and gets as good if not better fuel economy. I think the design interior and exterior wasn't the most impressive - goofy front end, dash layout while functional not very appealing. But that's easy to live with given the other attributes of the car. Back seat is pretty tight, ride firmer than others but not uncomfortable and quite a bit of road noise. Steering is as good as it gets, impressive for this class. Handles well despite not having the grippiest of tires. Gas mileage is great, acceleration on par with others- patience is a virtue here as I've never driven a car in this class that pushes you into the seat save for a wrx or golf gti among others. I'd certainly consider getting another one of these in the future again and would recommend others to consider.
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35 MPG Combined Thus Far
sn04, 02/28/2012
2012 Mazda 3 i Touring 4dr Sedan w/SKYACTIV-G (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
I have had the vehicle for about 2,000 miles now, and am extremely pleased with the gas mileage. The 35 MPG average came from my own log of gas price/quantity/mileage driven. That being said, there are a few areas that need improvement. The seats are very uncomfortable (you'll feel it after about an hour on the road). The car does rev itself on start-up, and remains that way for a good 20 to 30 seconds before calming down. I haven't seen anything adverse to this, but I don't like to drive until it's calmed down. The center consol has a whirring sound - almost like an A/C fan is on, but it's low pitched and usually doesn't bother me. I have a creak in the back during low speeds.
Smooth engine and transmission
durval20120m3, 08/24/2012
2012 Mazda 3 i Touring 4dr Sedan w/SKYACTIV-G (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
In shopping for a new car, I evaluated the following Mazda 3 i Touring Chevy Cruse LT Hyundai Elantra GLS Honda Civic EX Ford Focus SE Kia Forte EX I chose the Mazda 3. Pros for the Mazda 3 Fun to drive. Smooth engine and transmission. Nice interior. 5K miles later, I am averaging 37 MPG in mixed driving. Cons for the Mazda 3 More rattles than I am used to in a new car. Not as stable on highway on-ramps as I am used to. This is probably due to the tire choice, they are high pressure and don't seem to offer the best grip. Of course this is probably part of the reason I am getting 37 MPG. The Cruze and the Elantra were also pretty good, but the engine in the Mazda won me over.
Another Mazda in the Garage
rangermutt, 12/06/2011
2012 Mazda 3 i Touring 4dr Sedan w/SKYACTIV-G (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
We purchased a 2012 Mazda3 i Touring w/Skyactiv engine and auto tranny in Blue Sky Mica a couple of weeks ago and so far could not be happier. The combined mpg is 35 at present which includes about 40% in-town. This is our first new car since 1985 so hoping for many happy, trouble-free miles. We did, however, hedge our bet with the purchase of the extended warranty.
Very Impressed
ms_addy, 04/02/2012
2012 Mazda 3 i Touring 4dr Sedan w/SKYACTIV-G (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
10 of 11 people found this review helpful
I spent a whole day with my father test driving cars. It was around 6pm that I had my chance to test drive my Mazda 3. Let me tell you, it is an awesome ride! I was trading in my 07 eclipse and looking for a four-dour under 20k. I tried hyundais and honda but I felt like I was driving a car for my mother. The mazda 3 I got had everything I wanted and then some! I'm a young lady finishing College and needed something with good gas mileage without being weak and slow.
My first Mazda
reillyj6, 12/20/2011
2012 Mazda 3 i Touring 4dr Sedan w/Prod. End 09/11 (2.0L 4cyl 5A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
I purchased my 2012 Mazda iTouring a little over 2 months ago after selling my Acura tsx and I could not be happier. I am just about to his my 5,000 mile mark and so far it has been great!! I also am 6'3" and there is plenty of room for me in the drivers seat, but no one can sit behind me in the back. The car has plenty of "get-up-and-go" for getting on the highway. I have a family member who has a cx-9 that loves it and I test drove the three and I was set! One of my favorite cars I've had!! Also, the SkyActiv technology came out the week after i bought the car so I do not have it, but I average 35 mpg anyways.
Fun Drive
hmm3, 08/28/2012
2012 Mazda 3 i Grand Touring 4dr Sedan w/SKYACTIV-G (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
I have driven the car for about 600 miles. It is fun to drive, steering is precise and gives a great feel for the road. Acceleration is plenty good for an engine this size. I have bee n getting 38-40 miles per gallon driven 2/3 highway 1/3 city. The ride is firm, much more than a Corolla or a Accord. I think it is great for the driver, not so great for every body else. Seats are comfortable with good lumbar support. The blind spot warning system and the adaptative lights are great and function flawlessly. The Bose stereo is very good but not outstanding. Trunk space is limited but OK for a commuter car.
Follow-up Review: 12K miles later UPDATE!
surfnjm3, 09/24/2012
2012 Mazda 3 i Touring 4dr Sedan w/SKYACTIV-G (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
9 of 10 people found this review helpful
So i posted a review about 6 months ago when i had about 2K miles on my Mazda3 SkyActiv and wanted to follow-up for any who is still looking into the car. After 12K miles I must say the car has been extremely reliable which was one thing I was worried about at first. I have had 0 problems and only maintenance has been the usual oilchange/tirerotation at 5K & 10K miles. Internally the car has held up GREAT! (i use the car for plenty of projects around the house and have been hauling all types of items) car fits anything in it. As for the engine, it seems to actually be running better after breaking it in, I recently got approx. 33mpg average on 950 miles of driivng about 25% highwy 75% city,
Only thing lacking is comfort
Gregg Nice, 11/23/2015
2012 Mazda 3 s Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Bought this car as a dealer demo in December 2012 with 8200 miles on it. Car is almost perfect. Stick shift was smooth and short. Acceleration with the 2.5L engine was more than enough. And the car handled great. Easily the most fun I've ever had driving a car. Also loved the dash. Dual climate control a plus and the AC was ice cold in the S-touring version. Also had buttons in easy to locate places. Never was distracted by needing to look around too much to find a button. Bose sound system is great. Love the exterior and interior looks, clear rear lights and blinkers on the side view mirrors are nice touches. I received lots of compliments on this car. Averaged about 26 MPG combined. Could get 31-32 highway only with No AC, but that's about the best I got. The one big negative......COMFORT. Because it has a sporty suspension you feel every bump. And the front seats are simply not made very well. Also at 6'2 I'm probably an inch or 2 too tall for this particular car. I needed the seat all the way back and the steering wheel just doesn't telescope far enough out for a comfy driving position. Also the seat back adjusters are very cheap. You'll notice the chair takes a while to click in place when adjusting. Within the first month I noticed it was aggravating my back and hips, and unfortunatly I finally had to move on from it last month as the discomfort just became too much for me. However if you are under 6'0 and/or comfort is not a huge deal to you, then I would highly recommend this car. I put about 21k miles on it in the year and a half I had it and never had a single problem. Drove and handled like a dream. And the stick shift was really fun to drive. It's clear Mazda put most of the money under the hood of this car. Which I don't think is a bad thing. Interior doesn't have the greatest materials but I never had a problem with them. If you want a car that's fun to drive that is reliable, safe, and good looking, this is the way to go. If you want a sedan with a smooth ride, look elsewhere.
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Love my Mazda
jonno86, 04/22/2014
2012 Mazda 3 i Touring 4dr Sedan w/SKYACTIV-G (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I've now owned my 2012 Mazda3 Skyactiv (auto) for almost 21 months, and I still love the car as if I bought it yesterday. In true Mazda fashion, the 3 delivers the fun-to-drive factor - it has razor-sharp steering and handling. It really makes the car handle predictably and makes me feel very connected to the road. However, that close connection to the road reduces ride comfort because of the firmer suspension. This is usually the compromise with a sporty-handling car. Reliability has proven to be rock solid. I was very nervous about purchasing the Skyactiv model with its completely new engine and transmission design, but my fears were unfounded.
My Fourth Mazda and the Best Yet!
guitar_guy, 12/02/2011
2012 Mazda 3 i Sport 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I bought this after finally retiring and selling my 2003 Eclispe, that was still running strong after 200,000 miles. I love this car. I had test driven others in this class, but the 2012 Mazda 3 could not be matched in terms of combination of preformance, comfort and styling. The build on this car is solid. The manual shifting on this car is smooth as silk, and the gear ratios are very good. I love that the car is equipped with timing chain and stainless steel exhaust, which make for a relatively maintenance-free vehicle. Looking forward to the next 200,000 mile in my fun-to-drive Mazda 3. A great transition from sports car to great performace sedan.
25K miles update
mokosh, 05/21/2014
2012 Mazda 3 i Touring 4dr Sedan w/SKYACTIV-G (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
After 25K miles of ownership I would still give it 3 out of 5 for comfort. Had a computer recall update, (high idling rpm) now it's much better (visit your local dealer and let them update the computer and you'll see the engine difference.) Still too low, new model is 3'' higher. Good for commuting, sucks for long trips. Good mpg. Many useless buttons on a cd player. Rear seats don't have enough leg room. Still reliable. Sitting position not as high as other models. Just understand me right, suspension is perfect on a race track, but not very good on a daily basis - the way too firm. Good for the price, however I would take a look on corolla or civic if you prefer more comfortable ride.
44.6 mpg!!!
caloyski, 09/18/2012
2012 Mazda 3 i Touring 4dr Sedan w/SKYACTIV-G (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
8 of 9 people found this review helpful
İ have the new skyactiv automatic with 6,000 miles now. Recently, wife moved to a new work and still in process of relocating---in short i travel 180 miles and 5hrs per day, 80/20 mixed highway/city driving at 60mph in highway. İ got 44.6 mpg! İ didn't rely on the trip computer, i did manual math to be sure. İ love this car, handles so well. A bit tight in space, but if you wanted space, go buy an suv and gas up always. Lol. İ drive a 1999 crv same route, i get 22mpg. Transmission changes are so smooth, wow.
Doubting this vehicle
mazda3owner1, 01/03/2012
2012 Mazda 3 i Touring 4dr Sedan w/SKYACTIV-G (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
11 of 13 people found this review helpful
I bought the 2012 Skyactiv engine, 4-door sedan a few weeks ago and I, hear weird engine noises. I would describe it as a whistling sound under the hood. I thought it was a serpentine belt issue, and took it back to the dealer. They told me I had to give the car 200-500 miles to break-in. I still heard the noise after 500 miles, so I took it back today. Now, they are saying the noise is coming from the electronic steering and is a normal sound. I don't believe this. I think it is a skyactiv issue and they really don't know how to fix this.
The love of my life.
Nicole, 12/01/2015
2012 Mazda 3 s Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5A)
19 of 24 people found this review helpful
This is my first car (I'm 17 years old). I bought it used with 90,000 miles, chips and dings, and a spoiler, all directing to the fact that the person before me had a blast with it. Still, I've had the car for around a year and haven't had a single problem with it. It's not a sports car by any means, but it is very, very quick. It accelerates like a bolt of lightning, takes corners at any speed you'd like without squealing or pulling from the ground, and the steering is taught and responsive. The turning radius is incredibly tight, and the whole car feels extremely aerodynamic and sporty, especially for a pretty normal mid-size sedan. The cargo space is roomy, enough for me to put my cello in the back if I fold one of the back seats down, in addition to a stand, a backpack, and a fold up chair (which is a LOT). My favorite part, however, is the styling. I have the dark grey touring sedan with a spoiler and tinted windows. The sides are subtly curved, the back is rounded beautifully, and the front... Well, I can't put it any other way. It's the happiest car I've ever seen. The great big smile on the front of my car is what made me fall in love with it. I have a jolly sense of humor, so I don't take my car very seriously; If you want your car to look serious, skip on this one, you'll hate it. But if you want to drive the jolliest mid-size sedan in your neighborhood, you'll fall in love with the clever (and puzzlingly controversial) grille shape. The bonus to all of the above is the gas mileage. I have the skyactiv engine which allows me to get around 30-40 mpg (and it's also bright blue). I'm so very proud of my car, and I treat it like a baby. I hope to be driving it for a long time from now.
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I wish I could say I love the car but...
jl2157, 12/14/2014
2012 Mazda 3 i Grand Touring 4dr Sedan w/SKYACTIV-G (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
10 of 12 people found this review helpful
I wanted more than ANYTHING for this car to be the last one I purchased for a while. Fuel economy was great (Avg. 30 MPG City) and it's so much fun to drive. Sadly, at around 11K Mi. one of the transmission valves blew. Mazda replaced all the trans. valves without issue. Fuel efficiency dropped to 28 MPG. Then at 19,500 Mi. the transmission gave out entirely. Mazda Roadside was quick to response and the dealer has been excellent. Still, I've only had the car 2 yrs. and the entire transmission is now being replaced!? This was a $24K car. To say I'm very disappointed is an under statement. Sadly, I'm now considering trading this in on a more reliable brand once repairs are done.
The real truth
Stefanie Coombs, 11/19/2017
2012 Mazda 3 i Touring 4dr Sedan w/SKYACTIV-G (2.0L 4cyl 6M)
23 of 30 people found this review helpful
I bought my Mazda 3 last summer after researching what used model would be best for the best price. I was initially impressed with the car for the price and mileage on the car. The reviews were so strong on the resale and longevity that I was comfortable paying a higher price for a certified used car. After a week the cabin noise was driving me nuts so I took it to my mechanic for a once over. He told me that nothing appeared to stand out as the culprit for the noise. I began looking on other websites to find a solution. The consensus was that the light body weight that allows for speed also allows for road noise to invade the cabin. For over a year I have just amped up the radio to cover the noise. A week ago I received a notice from Mazda about a gap above the temperature and time display that separates during high temperatures. They called it an "extended warranty program" and not a recall. I took my Mazda back to the original Mazda service company. During the repair, they did an inspection of the car and found the #3 motor mount had started to crack and leak. These motor mounts are oil filled apparently. Again, I researched before allowing them to fix it. What I found was that the Mazdas have a problem with their motor mounts and this is a common repair. I thought great, maybe this is why the cabin is so loud. When I picked up my vehicle from the service company, I could not start the car until the third attempt. The front end shook like the engine was seizing. But the car eventually turned over and was running. The "repaired" dash also had a bigger gap above the time/temperature display. (add a lot of arguing, cursing, and freaking out here and then we will fast forward and save you the drama). The service manager then told me that the Mazdas (particularly around my year) are known to have difficulty with "cold" starts after a "rich" start. A "rich" start being the very first start, then if the car is not allowed to warm for ten minutes and is turned off and started again, it fails or delays to start. He also informed me that the "gap" in the dash board is not actually what the repair was for, and since the dash does not have clips to pull the dash down to the clock, that this is what the repair will look like. So this is the real truth, the Mazda 3 is known for it's loud cabins, cold start problems, bad motor mounts and gapped dashboard problems. And all these things can't help you sell it and run like hell.
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love this car
luvmymazda1, 07/24/2012
2012 Mazda 3 i Grand Touring 4dr Sedan w/SKYACTIV-G (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I just got my Mazda 3 4 days ago and I love it. I had been looking at buying a new car for about 5 months and I was trying to decide between the mazda and the dodge dart. As of now I think I made the right choice The only negatives to this car is I don't recommend if your going to have frequent passangers in the back seat it is a little tight. If you really need a navigation system this one is not adequate but for me I live in a small city so to me it is cute decoration. The heated seats will be nice in the winter I like how you there are 5 settings instead of just on or off. The seats are comfotable. I will wait to review more when I drive it in winter
Really nice car and great fuel economy
moog555, 06/05/2013
2012 Mazda 3 i Touring 4dr Sedan w/SKYACTIV-G (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I have been driving this car for a month now. The fuel economy in this thing is really incredible. I've had five Honda civics in the pass... but this little Mazda beats them all !!!. Also handles the road really nice.. This Sky-activ engine is super smooth and refined... The value in this car is hands down unbeatable.
2nd Mazda3 for me in 4 years
gr8mazda3, 09/22/2012
2012 Mazda 3 i Touring 4dr Sedan w/SKYACTIV-G (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
After doing a lot of research and comparing the Focus, Dart, Sonic, Cruze, Golf, etc., I just kept coming back to the Mazda3. I had to trade in my previous one, a 2008 GT loaded, due to the manual tranny. I loved that car, but back issues have gotten into my left leg now, and shifting became a safety issue. I passed on the GT model and got the SkyActiv I Touring sedan with 6A. After health issues forced me out of driving for pure fun, I used to hypermile with my 08 model. With K&N filter and using 100% gasoline, I could get 33-35 mpg consistently. It has taken some time for me to get used to that auto, but I got 37 mpg on 1st tank. So much easier on my back, leg, but still zooms.
Still loving my Mazda
Laurel Abreu, 06/09/2016
updated 06/16/2022
2012 Mazda 3 s Grand Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Update: I've had my Mazda for 6 years now and I love it as much as I did when I got it. I've had to do normal maintenance on it: tires, brakes, shocks, etc. But it still runs beautifully and it now has about 120,000 miles on it. I really feel I can get another 5 years or more easily. The car's strength is definitely it's performance. It's a manual transmission and it accelerates well, it handles the curves well, it shifts well. It's a lot of fun to drive. The main issue would be the size and comfort, but it's what is expect with a small car. The front seats are comfortable for short rides, but for long rides I need a cushion. The rear seats also are comfortable but don't have a lot of room. The ride is a bit bumpy. The trunk is small. Mechanically, it's in solid shape and it still is fun to drive. Over 100,000 miles on it and I still don't have any trouble with it. I'm still loving my Mazda.
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So much fun to Drive
niskoman, 01/25/2014
updated 07/29/2016
2012 Mazda 3 s Grand Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I love everything about this car.I have 26 k on it and runs like a champ! 2,5L engine makes such a difference ! Received so many compliments about my car.Most people loves Mazda's design. Handling by far is the best feature in this car and it makes it so fun to drive. The seats could be more comfy but it is a sports car! Raced a guy with Golf GT Turbo and zoomed him out lol . Interior is very appealing and cool. Bose speakers absolutely ROCK ! The sunroof is cool for the summer. To save gas strongly recommend to use cruise control and drive around 60mhph. I'm a huge fan of MAZDA and would recommend this car to everybody.
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Sporty Performance AND Good Fuel Economy
hoveringfalcon, 03/24/2012
2012 Mazda 3 i Touring 4dr Sedan w/SKYACTIV-G (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
The beauty of the SKYACTIV Mazda3 is that it achieves good gas mileage without making any sacrifices when it comes to agility. I'd estimate my driving to be around 2:1 highway/city. I get on the highway for about 35 minutes going to work, and 35 minutes coming back. On my days off, my driving would mostly be considering "city driving"-- short bursts of movement between stoplights. I average 36 to 38 miles to the gallon with those driving conditions, which I find pretty darn impressive. If I was driving exclusively on the highway I have no doubts I could hit 40 mpg. All the while, if push comes to shove and I've gotta get my Zoom-Zoom on, SKYACTIV doesn't disappoint.
best car for the $
sorento2006, 01/27/2013
2012 Mazda 3 i Touring 4dr Sedan w/SKYACTIV-G (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
11 of 15 people found this review helpful
i did a lot of research before deciding on this car,and everything i have read from road tests is almost true.i got my 4-door with fog lights,spoiler,bose/moonroof package.looks great in dark grey.
58K And Going Strong
Clifton J., 12/07/2016
2012 Mazda 3 i Touring 4dr Sedan w/SKYACTIV-G (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
7 of 9 people found this review helpful
I bought this car for my wife back on the Skyactiv-G motor's introduction back in 2012 to replace her aging (and ailing) Nissan Altima sedan. I knew I was taking a bit of a risk here with a newly introduced system that had no proven reliability - especially in one with a sky-high 12:1 compression ratio, low-friction pistons, direct injection, all mated to a tricky semi-conventional 6-speed automatic transmission. But we were both smitten with the car's perpetual smile - and the grins it produced behind the wheel. So, we bought it. Four years and nearly 58,000 miles later, the car still drives as if it were brand new, and I've not spent a dime in repairs. The car regularly gets 35 mpg on the worst of days, climbing to very nearly 45 mpg in cruising-right-at-70 conditions. It's not a "quick" or a "fast" car, but it's sprightly and eager, and the 155hp on tap gets the vehicle out of it's own way easily. With it's taut, Porsche-like steering feel and stiff handling, it's a very fun car to toss around back-roads in the "driving a slow car fast is more fun than driving a fast car slow" kind of philosophy. The 6-speed automatic is also a work of art, choosing, holding, and (rapidly) shifting gears with an almost psychic temperament - and in manual mode, it will even let the driver bounce off the rev limiter, providing even this hard-nosed manual-lover with some genuine driving thrills on a twisty country road or in a quick freeway pass. Zoom, zoom, indeed. However, there are trade-offs: This is an exceptionally stiffly-sprung vehicle, and navigating pothole-riddled city intersections can be a teeth-chattering experience. It's also a very small car with a curiously ADHD-diseased interior design motif - mine is two shades of tan, with no fewer than 3 separate monochrome LCD displays (all different colors), 18 (!!!) buttons on the steering wheel, and an unnecessary giant, third rotary knob for controlling audio system functions. Get past all this and you still have to contend with the front seats, which are a strangely special kind of uncomfortable - very supportive for the aforementioned driving dynamics, but hard and unpleasant for long drives (even short rides require taking my wallet out of my back pocket to avoid a totally-numb right cheek upon egress). Still, the fuel mileage, reliability, and overall fun factor of this car make it a long-term keeper. Should the direct injection system ever - expectedly - give me issues requiring a pricey repair/maintenance in the near future (60K-100K miles), I fully plan to pony up and keep on driving this car. It's been such a pleasure to own and drive that it is now my own, and has convinced me to upgrade to a contemporary CX-9 this year. Great value, great fun, I can't recommend this car enough.
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Endurance Impressive
Chicago Commuter, 04/27/2021
updated 05/07/2025
2012 Mazda 3 i Touring 4dr Sedan w/SKYACTIV-G (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
I've had my Mazda 3 for 9 years now. 165,000 miles. I've not kept up with the maintenance as I should. I've only ever replaced the battery, tires, breaks, headlamps, and serpentine belt. Nothing else. I had a rock jam up a pully which snapped the belt, but I ran it for 2 days to/from work before I figured out that the battery charging wasn't the alternator but the belt was missing. And the car never overheated and I still drove 70 miles on a fully charged battery. I still get the same gas mileage I did when i bought it 42 hwy 35 local. I'm absolutely impressed by my first new and non American car. it stings to say it but facts are facts. 178,000 miles and still haven't replaced any non-consumable parts 5/5/2022 200,000 miles today 11/6/2023. I have my first failure of a part on the car, but it's not mechanical or power train. The switch to roll down the drivers side rear window only works downward, it no longer works upward. The window works, the switch on the rear door works, just the switch on the Drivers Panel for it doesn't work 100%. That's it, that's the extent of my cars problems after 11 years and 200,000 miles. Gas Mileage is still 42 hwy , 35 local. I'm not trading this thing in for anything. I feel as though it's got atleast 100,000 more miles in it. I couldn't recommend a better commuter car. I don't know if the newer models are as dependable but the 2012's are work horses for sure. 2025, 210,000 miles (worked from home for a year), first repair to solenoid for evap system.
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Fun on Four Wheels and a Budget
cleverjason, 08/20/2013
2012 Mazda 3 i Touring 4dr Sedan w/SKYACTIV-G (2.0L 4cyl 6M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
After driving the car a while, it's easy to forget how peppy this little compact really is. So, to remind myself, I let my friends take it out for a spin every now and then, and when they push the pedal down and let off the clutch, and when you watch the inevitable Zoom Zoom smile spread across their faces, you remember why you bought it. Make no mistake: The 3 is no sports car, and calling it sporty for its class is like calling a Mr. Coffee pot "gourmet." But the Mazda 3 feels like a sportier car than it is, and that's why most people love driving it. If you can get your hands on a SkyActiv with a manual like I did, you'll realize those modest 155 ponies pull more than their weight.
Love My Mazda
Amy, 04/06/2019
2012 Mazda 3 s Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I currently have 189,000 miles and it runs great. The only thing I have had to do other than genral maintenance is a clutch and master cylinder which is actually maintenance. Traded my 2006 for a 2012 and LOVE IT!
Unbelievably Good Car
Anthony James, 10/25/2022
2012 Mazda 3 i Grand Touring 4dr Sedan w/SKYACTIV-G (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
As a car guy at 74, I have owned a lot of cars in my lifetime. Dollar for dollar, the only other one that comes close to my Mazda 3 is my 1990 Miata (which I still have). I bought my Mazda 3 slightly used from our local dealer where I also get it serviced. The car is a wonder. Comfortable, nippy, attractive, and very well built. It gets amazing mileage on regular fuel and is just about the perfect vehicle for two adults. The only thing that will ever pry me out of this car is a yet to be made. That will be whenever Mazda, Honda or Toyota makes a PHEV or EV using solid state batteries to match the 600-700 mile range of this baby. I can wait.
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I got the skyactiv mazda3!
caloyski, 01/06/2012
2012 Mazda 3 i Touring 4dr Sedan w/SKYACTIV-G (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
8 of 11 people found this review helpful
I love the new skyblue for skyactiv---a real standout from the silver, white & black cars you see on the road. I considered the new elantra, it was a sleek car and gets great mpg like the 3, but I was still biased towards the reliability of japanese cars. And the civic & corolla looked so plain---they were everywhere. I have read some user reviews here about the sound they hear from the engine is a problem. When not used to something, it doesn't neccessarily mean it's broken. It has a new engine, so don't exepct old school appeal. It may make more noise to warm it up than a standard gas engine, but after that it's great. I tried the new impreza w/ cvt, the sound was weird but not broken.
Insurance is high
3_mazdas, 03/27/2012
2012 Mazda 3 i Grand Touring 4dr Sedan w/SKYACTIV-G (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
10 of 17 people found this review helpful
I own 3 Mazdas, all from 2012 (cx9, 6, and 3). I agree with all regarding this car's excellent performance, gas mileage and design. I have the Grand Touring i with Skyactiv and Tech Package and my wife and I love it for all the reasons above. One word of caution though. Insurance is quite high. The premium for my mazda3 is 50% higher than that of my brand new CX-9 which is worth $10k more than the mazda3. And my wife and I are considered the best drivers by Geico. So, if you think you save lots on gas mileage, think twice, after valueing insurance. THis is considered a sports car, unlike competitors such as Civic or corolla. If you like a fun and green car, then get the mazda3.
Solid Performance Continues
El Jeffe, 06/18/2018
updated 12/27/2023
2012 Mazda 3 i Touring 4dr Sedan w/SKYACTIV-G (2.0L 4cyl 6M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
@140K still getting Great Milage 32MPGs +, I did Have a Battery Fail which left me locked out. Fortunately was home. BT continues to perform flawlessly.
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Nice carl
Tom bailey, 04/04/2016
2012 Mazda 3 i SV 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Excellent valuel steering&a handling set this car apart from competition. Good. Power;plenty of room.
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Quick, Reliable, Fun
Matthew, 07/24/2018
updated 01/25/2019
2012 Mazda 3 s Grand Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Purchased as a daily driver. Wanted something with a manual transmission without the anemic HP of a Civic or Corolla. The 2.5l I4 punches with 176HP. It's not blistering fast by any means but is comparably more spirited than others in its class. Good value and reliable for the money.
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Love it !!!
snowman80, 03/01/2012
2012 Mazda 3 s Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I purchased this car last week while looking at a mazda3i basic.The dealer didnt have what i wanted so i ended up test driving this model instead. needless to say i fell in love with it.Good power for a 2.5, responsive steering great clutch and shift feel.i highly reccomend this car to any dailey commuter looking for something classier looking then a Prius with more spunk. im averaging 30mpg right now which is better then advertised.
Super reliable
Tom, 03/16/2018
2012 Mazda 3 i Touring 4dr Sedan w/Prod. End 09/11 (2.0L 4cyl 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
90,000 miles ...have only needed oil changes and tires!!! Not even a light bulb .
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Good car after 2 months
amoozed, 02/19/2013
2012 Mazda 3 i Touring 4dr Sedan w/SKYACTIV-G (2.0L 4cyl 6M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Quite a nice ride so far. I'm averaging 30 mpg 50/50 city/highway. My question for those pushing 40 mph-how do you drive 60 mph on the freeway? I live in San Francisco, CA, and you will literally get run off the road for driving under 70 mph on the freeways here.
Best car for the price
montanac, 03/12/2013
2012 Mazda 3 i Touring 4dr Sedan w/SKYACTIV-G (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I see a lot of picky reviews. I wanted a car as cheap as I could get it. I was unwilling to sacrifice gas mileage, cosmetics, reliability, and a sporty ride. That's hard to find in these price ranges. This car provides. Would I like the ride of the Mazda 6 better? yes..oh but different price range. This car smacks the competition for someone looking at new for under $17k.
Regarding engine noise
skyinactiv, 02/17/2012
2012 Mazda 3 i Touring 4dr Sedan w/SKYACTIV-G (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Had the car for about two months now. I reviewed all the comments here about engine noise. My family drives the car most of the time and they don't pay careful attention to weird sounds. The only comment I have now is the louder engine noise after cold start in the morning which gets better after about 1 minute. I sent an e-mail to Mazda about it but no response. My dealers response was " bring the car in we will check it out" . The problem is when I take it to the dealer it will not be cold start situation anymore. I will have to take the car out for a drive more often to listen to engine noise during normal use which others are claiming. Other than that everything seems to be okay so far.
Wonderful Little Car
HB, 07/25/2019
updated 07/27/2021
2012 Mazda 3 i SV 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
This is a perfect, basic car. The design is really unique and stylish and the colors add to that. I've had mine for 6 years (purchased used) and have had to do zero maintenance on it apart from standard oil changes/windshield wiper blade replacement/ tire changes. It runs great, a little slow on acceleration up hills but for a 4cyl it does pretty well for itself. It drives effortlessly and has great visibility. It does incredibly well on wet and slick surfaces. It's definitely a fun and comfortable car to drive, the steering/breaking/acceleration are very responsive. Fuel economy is pretty good, notice it's become less efficient over time. It usually gets about 30mpg city and probably more highway if it wasn't always stuck in LA traffic. The interior is very spacious, it fit a rolled-up mattress and smaller pieces of furniture. The sedan beats the hatchback in that respect as there seems to be a little extra length to work with (the seats fold down). The interior feels very light and open, though it does get fairly hot in the sun. The interior is very basic but user friendly. Little tricky to set-up blue tooth. Headlights work great and the windscreen and windows don't fog up like other cars that I've had. The fabric seats are really comfortable and easy to clean and there's a good amount of leg room in the back. The interior has help up perfectly even with sunlight hitting the dash and standard wear. Overall this car is super reliable. I drove it coast to coast with no stops in between and it didn't break a sweat. As for safety, mine was totaled when a driver ran a stop sign and I was unhurt. It definitely doesn't have a great resale value but that might work in your favor if you're looking to buy now, it will definitely last you a long time.
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Good smaller car
retired; grandfather, 05/16/2018
updated 05/16/2019
2012 Mazda 3 i SV 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
I'm a difference finder .. I find what could be better, rather than what's good or great. 2012 Mazda 3 -- i've only got 30,000 miles on it. ZERO mechanical issues so far. ZERO repairs or maintenance [except normal oil changes, etc.]. Visibility from inside is good. I'm retired and so rarely drive during busiest times on highways. Acceleration is what you'd expect from a 4 ... not huge -- and mostly not needed anyway. I'm just on 6 feet ... yes, a Mazda 5 SUV would "sit" better for me. No, I'm not going to rush to buy one ... cost too much for a retiree. I do recommend that you get first quality tires; the original equipment ones didn't make over 27,000 miles. Truly good tires [Michelins or Pirellis] will improve your traction and handling. I chose the lowest model for the cloth seats -- this is Florida and I dislike having my back sweat because the seat is hot. Same engine technology ["skyactiv"] as in newer models. Overall, a fine alternative to a more pricey Toyota or Honda.
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Watch out! Rolls backwards when in auto-drive on hills
sfmaggie, 10/25/2012
2012 Mazda 3 i Sport 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5A)
11 of 23 people found this review helpful
The automatic transmission doesn't behave like other automatics. I learned this at a stop sign on a steep hill. It was frightening to roll backwards uncontrollably. Took it to the dealer and mechanics said they hadn't heard of such a thing. They tested it on a steep ramp and confirmed what I said. They couldn't find any documentation on how to fix this, so they called their helpline and were told that's just what these automatic transmissions do. There's an item in the owner's manual they were pointed to that instructs drivers to slowly accelerate the gas while letting out the brake pedal. I had more control on hills with a standard stick shift.
Not as good as toyota
alex_z, 12/29/2012
2012 Mazda 3 i Touring 4dr Sedan w/SKYACTIV-G (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
7 of 15 people found this review helpful
Have 5000 miles on it. I like interior, Bluetooth, steering, seats. Now about bad things: suspension sucks. It's o.k. for commuting and that's it. Took it for a long trip once and hate it now. It drives o.k. on a smooth road but once you go on a crappy one, your butt will feel every bump. Another bad thing about this car- it's too low. I already hit the bottom a couple of times and now I'm very careful. Visibility is o.k. but not as good as Corolla. I took my wife's old corolla for a 2000 miles trip last week, and it's day and night in comparison of driving. Yes, Toyota sucks in interior and has only 4 speed auto, but much better in comfort. Take it on a crappy road before you buy it.