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Amazingly fun for the price
I've have my 2014 Mazda3i sedan for a year, and it's been outstanding--no problems, very fun to drive, good gas mileage. It's tremendously fun to drive, and comfortable. Even my lowest-trim-level car feels upscale, not cheap. 2016 UPDATE: Still going strong after 2 straight years. No issues at all. UPDATE: 35,000 miles and still going strong. No problems at all. UPDATE: 57,000 miles, still love it. Need rear brakes and rotors yearly, but that's partly due to driving a lot and living in Pittsburgh (hills!). UPDATE: 71,000 miles, still going strong. No maintenance problems, I am following the "Severe" schedule in the user manual. Had to replace the low beam headlight bulbs but that is simple (the manual is clear on where the screws are). Update: 100k miles and found strong, no issues. Update: 113K miles, I drove it Pittsburgh to Delaware and back this weekend. No issues or repairs, I had the transmission and brake fluids replaced last winter.
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Great car!
This is the second Mazda I have owned. I was car hunting and decided to take a look at Mazda after looking at the other brands. The first thing that got me was the redesigned look. The previous models look good (better than the protege i had) but this new design looks real good. I thought I end up with the 2.5L engine so I have that extra power to it, but after test driving the 2.0L model, I figure i didn't need it. This is the same engine that goes into their CX-5 CUV model. So with this engine in a much lighter frame, it has a lot of zip to it .
- i Sport 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $12,495100 mi away
- s Grand Touring 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $14,495In-stock online
- i Touring SedanMSRP: $9,99578 mi away
Luxury build, Mazda Pricing
I trade in for a new car every 2 years so have lots of comparison. My last car was a BMW Z4 and this car handles just as well but with better interior build quality and runs on Reg unleaded. I'm glad I got the upgraded 3S engine b/c it never feels underpowered, its quite quick. I love all the standard GT features, but didn't opt for the tech package as I don't want my car bossing me around, let alone the added cost. I just completed a 300 mile highway road trip and got 37.8 MPG, driving 70-85mph. However, MPG for me drops considerably in city driving around Dallas as I average 25-26 in town. I've had no problems with Mazda Connect or Navigation, everything works flawlessly for me.
Commuting is fun again
I have been driving 45 mi. per day in an older Tacoma, so perhaps I am too easily impressed... but this car is amazing. Exterior looks, check. Just look at one. Interior is wow! for a Mazda, and the seats are very comfortable. This model is loaded with tech, like the radar blind spot detection, pacing cruise control, impressive and intuitive infotainment system, adaptive headlights that steer, etc. But driving is what it's all about and it's what this Mazda is all about. It is fast and nimble. Until you hit the Sport mode button, it is really just a very tight and competent little car. The Sport mode unleashes it's inner potential and it just wants to go. I am glad I got the 2.5L!
4,000 miles in a month!!
Yes this car is that fun to drive while also being frugal. I'm averaging 35mpg combined. The sport mode when left in drive shifts like a dual clutch (it keeps it's torque converter locked all the time) the interior could be at home in a German sedan. It gets looks everywhere. Basically a smaller Mazda 6. Only complaint is the almond leather which stains on the left thigh bolster from jeans. I clean it once a week. Side mirrors are noisy due to wind (they are big!) sometimes the voice recognition for nav doesn't understand a full address. Sunroof is noisy at freeway speeds when open. Can be pricy fully loaded like mine. Close to $30k. But it's a lot of car for $$ refined, sporty & FUN!!!
Awesome
Excellent car. 2.0L 6M Touring w/o infotainment system. Handling is precise, enabled by a decent engine and slick manual tranny, Performed admirably in the great Buffalo blizzard of 2014. ESC was great. AVG 39MPG on the highway, and 34MPG in mixed driving. Noise is minimal for the class. Ride is superior for the class--feels like a luxury sedan. Standard radio/speaker is plenty for audio. I test drove the $1600 technology package and was not impressed. Most of that value can be covered by any decent smart phone. Overall an excellent, reliable vehicle, that excels as a true driver's car. If you want to love your commute and not break the bank, pick up a Mazda 3.
First time Mazda Owner
This car rocks!!! I traded in my 2010 Infiniti M35s - excellent car - but wanted something smaller, good looking, better on the gas mileage (main reason) but still spirited and responsive. I opted for the top of the line S Grand Touring hatchback with tech package that includes IELoop, LED brake lights, Bi-Xenon headlights, NAV, blink spot warning, etc...in pearl white. Overall I am extremely impressed with the quality of materials inside and it's handling characteristics. Driver feedback is good and it grips the road extremely well. Came with 18" stock wheels. It is just as much fun to drive than my Infiniti. The 2.5L motor is REQUIRED if you want a spirited, more aggressive experience.
1 Year Later
In June 2017 I purchased a CPO 2014 Mazda 3 HB S GT in black with black leather. I purchased the car with about 36,000 miles on it and it is now just over 50,000 miles. The reason I chose the mazda was for the looks, gas mileage, and the drive. Prior to the mazda, I had a 2011 Ford Tuarus SHO with a twin turbo V6. I needed something a little better on bas since my commute is about an hour each way. While the Taurus was a great cruiser and would keep up Mustangs, Camaros, and an Audi A4 (once) I would struggle to keep my foot out of it and I would average less than 20 MPG with premium gas. My first impressions of the mazda were great! It was small, kinda sporty, and great on gas. After having put about 15,000 miles on it and a year of ownership, I think I can give it an honest review. The good: driving the mazda definitely adds a bit of sportiness to your boring daily commute. I find I'm more tempted to take back roads, put it in sport, and have some fun. It's not setting any lap records, but the experience you have driving it makes up for it. The steering is very responsive, the suspension keeps it gripped to the road pretty well, but it feels very eager and lively on the twisty sections of road. When you're done carving out some mountain roads, put it back in normal and it becomes a great little city car and a pretty good road trip car. And you start to notice how premium it feels inside. The dash is a soft feeling material, the piano black trim around the command knob, the faux aluminum trim across the dash is a nice touch as well. My father has a 2016 Mercedes E-350 and even he was impressed with the quality and feel of the interior. The sound system is great, it helps block out some of that road noise, but we'll get to that later. The front seats are supportive and comfortable enough for long trips and you have plenty of storage in the back. Even with the seats up, the back is wide enough to fit my golf clubs, which was an absolute requirement for me. With the seats folded down, you have a ton of room to haul stuff around. The steering wheel controls are definitely much better than they were on my Taurus. They're firm, but not too firm and I've never had an issue with them not registering inputs. The infotainment system is definitely a step up from what I had previously. I didn't think I was going to like the command knob, but I actually really like it! The not so good: While I do enjoy the heads up display, it's kind of bland and just looks too plain for me. I know the newer models have addressed that issue, but it's worth noting. The A-Pillars are just a shade too big and it can be difficult to see traffic when you're at an obscure intersection. The infotainment system has it's quirks; I know it's a safety feature, but I hate that we can't input gps information while the car is in motion. The favorites menu is a bit frustrating for me. I wish they would categorize them. I wish my XM Channels were one set, FM Channels another set, but they're all lumped together. So if you do find a station you like, whether it's AM, FM, or XM it just adds it to the bottom of the list. Now, you can go in and edit them, but you can only move them once space at a time and it's really annoying to be honest. The HD Traffic map is a joke, it's basically a googlemaps screenshot looking image of the traffic in like a 50 mile radius. It's never up to date and it's too small to see. I don't even bother using it anymore. Driving the mazda 3 makes me wish it had just a bit more power. I know it's an economical little hatchback and it's not meant to be a Golf GTI, Focus ST, or Civic SI, but it just needs a bit more punch. I'd say it needs about 15-20 more bhp to make it a really great all around car. Now, my big issue with this car is the road noise. Driving around town isn't too bad since I usually have the windows down or the sunroof open, but on the highway it's a different story. Cruising around 55-60 is when it starts getting a little obnoxious, then getting to 70-80 it's getting kind of loud, and anything beyond that it becomes a serious drain on your drive. I did notice a big improvement when I replaced the OEM Dunlop tires to Continental Extreme Contact DWS-06 tires, but the noise is still there and it's still annoying. Overall: This car has never left me stranded, nor have I had any maintenance issues with it other than the regular oil, filters, brakes, and tires. It's a joy to drive and definitely punches above it's class. It's a sporty little hatchback that will get you to and from with a smile on your face. Like I said, it's not setting any records, but you wont care because you'll be enjoying the drive and the experience. I think that's more important in your daily driver. It doesn't have to be the fastest car out there to enjoy the drive and Mazda definitely showed me that with this car. I would absolutely recommend this vehicle to friends and family. Don't believe me? Go test drive one and you will see.
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This is an upgrade for me
After 3 years ... Car runs great ... When you pull out fast into traffic it really has a lot more pick up than I thought and the shifting in automatic engine is very smooth.... MPG is awesome ... I get about 34 average.... Just an awesome sporty looking car on the cheaper side.... I put some nice wheels on it and it stands out like its a Lexus ..... Great mpg but i am not a floor it driver. gives me the awesome sports car look without paying for the gas. I just wanted something more sporty and fun to drive but not have to fill the tank every week. color i got was meteor gray mica and looks sharp. it is a head turner at a lower end cost level. i had a basic nissan versa ( crank windows ) which i just wasn't thrilled with. wanted some up to date inside car features with a sporty looking car on the outside at a low 200 payment. i call this the lexus i can afford. I also purchased the hatchback because I just wanted a car where the seats come down for more room to haul a picture or something large and long.
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Best C-Segment car with potential to be even better
This car is really fun to dive and it is also nice to look at. After making a compromise with my wife to get a four door hatchback, I assumed that driving excitement would have to be banished. Not so! This car is a blast to toss around in the corners. The seats hold you very well in place and manual transmission is one of the best I have sampled. With all of that said I do wish that some of the money spent on technology whiz-bang was diverted to more sturdy interior materials. The stalks coming off the steering wheel feel like they might break if hit too hard and the silver plastic door handles remind you every time you exit the car that this is no BMW.
the good, the bad, and the ugly...
The good: Sharp looking car. Looks more expensive than it actually is. Seats are so comfortable I wish I could install them in my office. The (Potentially) Bad: 1) Car slides all over the place in the snow (my guess is because the back end is so light), so if you live in a place that gets winter weather, you should probably budget for a set of snow tires. (My prior 2005 Mazda3, did fine with all season tires in the same location. With snow tires, the 2014 handles fine.) 2) The navigation system looks like a cheap aftermarket add on; it is easy to see where it is located, but it doesn’t look integrated into the car. The Ugly: I’ve had repeated problems with my car. The infotainment system crashed multiple times, ultimately requiring a complete replacement. An ABS wiring module failed, and the car couldn’t be put into gear and had to be towed; it was out of service for over a week. Now my push button start has failed; the car can only be started using the emergency procedure and the doors won't lock. The key fobs are good; the problem is with the car. Overall, I'm disappointed with the number of electrical problems I've experienced with my car, particularly as two of them have resulted in major safety concerns. **Updating for February 2020** I've now had my Mazda3 for 5.5 years, and I have about 61K miles on it. After the initial problems, it has been a solid car, although I had to replace both front and rear brakes at 39K miles even though I drive 85-15 highway/city driving which seemed premature. It also seems to eat through keyfob batteries; I have to replace them every 9-12 months.
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Fun but Issue Prone
I bought the 2014 Mazda 3 iSV brand new. Either i have the jynxed version or this car isn't designed to survive Boston. My inner fenders and engine cover came undone even in nice weather. Both front brakes and rear breaks had to be changed within the first year of driving. Also randomly turned off on me once in the highway and lit up like a Christmas tree. This car does however handle well and is a fun car to drive. Great on gas. Car is great for a commuter.
BEST CAR EVER!!
I went from a BMW 325i to this and do not miss it at all. It turns with no effort and no body roll even taking a turn at 40 mph! I drive about 30 miles a day and I average 32 mpg having a mixed road type (7 miles city, 23 highway) and it takes me about 2 weeks to get to empty. Ever since I got it, I have never spent more than $35 to fill it up on regular where as the BMW cost about $70-$80 on premium. The infotainment does get a little used to but its mostly simple. I have the feature where it can read my text messages while I'm driving (Doesn't show you the actual message for safety reasons) and it works fine with an iPhone 5c.
Best car in its class
I got my 2014 Mazda 3 GS a couple of months ago, after extensive research of the compact car market. My conclusion was that Mazda 3 is simply the best non-luxury compact car money can buy in 2014. The car: excellent handling, exceptional fuel economy, lively engine that lets you have some fun, great chassis and body. The features: obviously, there are a lots of differences with all the trims and options, but my GS has everything I could ever possibly need; I especially appreciate the back-up camera, navigation system, heated seats and automatic headlights & wipers. The not so great: manual control of the A/C and road noise at highway speeds.
Good but Flawed
The M3 has nice, soft-touch interior materials and a sleek exterior design that helps it stand out from the crowd. MPG is good, but not quite as good as advertised; I usually average 32 while commuting with a roughly 60-40 split between city and highway driving. Roof/head space can be a bit tight if you sit close to the wheel like I do, but otherwise room and space in the M3 seem fine. Although I find it tolerable, many have said the radio is ugly. Headrests are uncomfortably angled. My biggest gripe though is that the A-frame pillars create blind spots towards the front of the car that I find very noticeable when turning/pulling out at intersections.
Some early impressions
I've only been driving this Mazda 3 Touring hatchback for a little over a week, so take what I say for what it's worth. However, I am comparing this 2014 to my 2004 Mazda 6 i manual 5 speed which I traded for the current car. First, let me say I'm loving the looks of this car and enjoy the overall performance. While it's no powerhouse, the 2.0 has enough Zoom-zoom to feel spirited and enjoyable to drive. Unfortunately with the combination of 155 hp and auto transmission, there is a noticeable lack of power compared to my 10 year old Mazda 6. By comparison, I was able to attain at 0-60 time of 8.4 seconds in the 6 but only a disappointing 10.5 seconds in the new Mazda 3.
First New Car
Purchased 07/05/14 Enjoying my new white Mazda3 S Touring Hatchback, so far. Only complaints would be the road & interior noise. MPG below EPA estimates. Ride is a bit stiff but still comfortable. Just about everything else has been above my expectations for the compact class. The engine is quick, quiet & smooth & I really enjoy the extras like the HUD & Blind Spot Monitor. A great purchase overall!
Upbeat Mazda 3
Mazda has done something weird and wonderful with their Skyactiv technology. This car drives like a diesel: lots of torque, changes gears quickly, and sports spectacular fuel consumption. I get why it was nominated for car of the year. I felt the Corolla was like driving something front another era, another world compared to the Mazda-3.
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Exciting car to drive!
This is the first Mazda I have owned I decided to get one after my wife had bought a mazda cx 5 and I enjoyed the way it drove. I really love the way my Mazda 3s handles and how it seems to be a much more expensive car than it is.I love engaging the sport feature with the 2.5 engine the acceleration and handling are amazing!
Great car, great price point
I've put 10,000 miles on my 2014 Mazda 3 since buying it in March. It's a comfortable ride (excluding some road noise), well styled, and turns heads. It has zip / zoom zoom. My car is mica black, with the basic sound system since I already had a high end GPS system and couldn't justify the additional cost of the XM / GPS feature. Even the basic sound system is more than acceptable, with my iPod docked to it. I'm getting 35 mpg consistently (mostly highway, some in-town mileage) without going hybrid. Moving from a Ford SUV to the Mazda 3 took some getting used to, but I've made the transition and I'm a convert. This car deserves all of the accolades it's receiving.
Love This 3
[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.
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Finally Bought one. I shouldn't have waited.
So I started reviewing the Mazda 3 2 years ago. I was fascinated with the way it looked, and the great reviews. But I never drove one, the nearest dealer is 100 miles away. Then I turned 60 and decided it was time to have so fun before I retired. I Was lucky enough to find a 2014 GT S sedan with a technology pkg for $23,400. Morries Mazda sold it to me as a certified used, but it only had 60 miles on it. Where to start. First of all, the ride is firm, yet refined. It is NOT harsh, even over uneven pavement. It is not cush, but I had more than enough of that in my Malibu. This thing sticks to the pavement like glue, even in tight corner, kind of fun to just put the pedal down and accelerate thru a turn. The steering is great, firm and quick. It accelerates nicely, enough to make you smile. Want more fun? Hit the sport switch, it really makes a difference on the responsiveness. The adaptive headlights are great, never seen them before, very refined. I like how the brights switch themselves on and off as needed, and it works really well. I bought the sedan because of the deal, and honestly, I'm glad I did. It is one beautiful car. A real attention getter. And the Silver mica paint is amazing in the sun with the 18" wheels. And the interior is understated but elegant. Lots of nice small touches.This car punches WAY outside it's class. I am getting 28 combined in 50-50 traffic, but I'm playing with it pretty hard with a heavy foot. I'm pretty happy with that, my 2013 Malibu was getting me under 20 combined. This is the car I always wanted. I just don't see a compromise in it. Fun, frugal and drop dead beautiful. If you think you want one, just drive it.
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2.5 years and still enjoying this car
Model S Grand Touring. Purchased brand new in the summer of 2014. Plusses: - Nice looking, comfortable interior (almond). - Zoom Zoom (see below) - keyless doors, hatch, and start button - Adaptive Headlights - parts of the Infotainment Minuses: - Fuel efficiency *far below* what's advertised: I average only 29mpg when driving conservatively (with hardly any air conditioning). - no ashtray / hidden trash area - Infotainment system is good, but not great. Road/tire noise: a bit loud on certain roads Water hides in cracks after car washes, and comes out after driving away from car wash; creates water spots I have to remove myself.
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5 Years, Zero Problems
My 2014 Mazda 3 iTouring hatch with the 2.0 engine has been a terrific car. It is safe, comfortable, versatile and fun to drive. While purchased primarily for maneuvering in the city and suburbans, I have driven it on several 4-6 hour trips on Interstates and it keeps up just fine while delivering great mileage. This remains a solid car, with no rattles or other age-related signs of decline. Seats are exceptionally comfortable, and seating position is perfect. It’s also remarkably quiet. There have been NO problems. My wife bought a 2018 CX5 and we love it for all the same reasons.
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Definitely a great value.
With the highest package, it's an entry level luxury car. If you can handle not having a luxury badge, the finish, tech, and style are definitely nice. Compare maybe to an optioned out Honda Accord or a base Acura TSX. It's got options I've never seen in anything in the $20's. Rain sensing wipers? Wow. Most people probably won't use all the Tech package features though. The 2.5L is pretty average off the line - no drag races here - but the mid-range passing power you can notice. It gives power when you ask and you can up/downshift if needed. Sometimes the car stays in Automanual mode and you have to put it back in Drive to change gears. Upgraded wheels look really cool. Handles very well around corners. Weaves around traffic easily. There is definitely road noise and you do feel bumps but it's still a fairly smooth ride. Interior is upscale for a non-luxury car. Materials have a soft finish. The tablet-like screen is a little intrusive but works better than anything I've used. Does not allow you to operate via touch when moving. The knob works nicely though. Bose and HD radio sound great. Not amazing but still very good. Visibility can be limited by the frame at times. If you were looking at cheaper small cars and want to treat yourself, you will be impressed. It's not true luxury but it is upscale for sure.
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After 3 years of ownership...
Here are some things to consider if you are looking to purchase this vehicle. I own a 2014 Mazda 3 GS Sport (Hatchback), 2.0l gas engine with automatic transmission. I have had this car in my possession for a little over 2.5 years. Keep in mind I bought the vehicle used in 2017 with 30 000km Pros: - Sportier ride compared to other vehicles in it's class. The chassis is impressive on how it likes to be tossed around. - Good acceleration (even for a 2.0l) - Seats are quite comfortable and supportive - Nicely designed and somewhat upscalisssh interior - Intuitive infotainment (I love the feel and position of the central control knob) - Handsome & mature exterior styling (In my opinion) Cons: - Very noisy vehicle (If you decide install cheap tires on the car....good luck!) - Firm ride since its tuned a little more sportier. - Gas mileage is not great and seems to get worse with time (Pretty disappointed considering this was a key reason I bought the vehicle). Note, the engine is Direct Injection which means with time you are prone to carbon build up which would explains the gas mileage and performance decrease. Things I had to repair since my ownership: - Front struts at 50,000km - Key battery had to be change twice since I have owned the car A few weird things with the car: - I have had the engine struggle a few times on a cold start (Has happened a handful of times, brought to Mazda, they were not able to reproduce). - Lots of little creaks and cracks inside the cabin - A weird little front suspension thumb from time to time (Mecanics claim there's no issue with the suspension).
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Big Step Up for Its Class: The Poor Man's Beemer
My brand new 2014 Mazda 3 S Grand Touring Sedan is my 5th Mazda, and by far the best of a good lot from the highly consumer- and critic-rated series released between 2006 and 2013. At this early juncture, so far this model -- entirely re-designed from front to back outside and inside appears to be every bit as good as claimed by the automotive reviews that have lauded it as best in the compact class. I chose the classy, sporty-looking sedan over the odd-shaped hatchback that I dont feel and most critics agree is anywhere near as nice-looking. I LOVE this baby to the point that even after my long daily commute to work from near Annapolis, MD to-and-from downtown Washington, DC, I dont
Great car with a couple concerns
A great car overall for it's class. You should definitely test drive one if you are considering a similar class car. You'll be impressed.
Meant to Be
I bought a 2014 Mazda 6 in Jan 2014. Unfortunately, I was hit by a van which slid and hit me on my door. Safe Car! but damaged beyond repair. I decided, in its replacement to get a 2014 Mazda 3 4 door sedan Touring; . I have to say it was meant to be. This car practically drives itself; I feel the road, I feel safe and I enjoy driving again!. Its beyond perfect for me and I am so thankful to Mazda for producing such a gem of a vehicle!
Amazing Vehicle
I just picked it up on Wednesday, September 25th. iTouring hatchback automatic. I traded in a 2008 Mazda3 iSport manual for this. The gas mileage on this car has been incredible. It has been improved by a land slide compared to my '08. Much smoother ride, great interior fit and finish, and the exterior is beautiful. The interior reminds me a little bit of an Audi, and someone told me they almost thought the exterior was Lexus-like. It has already done well on a road trip. Although the 2.0L isn't the beefiest in power, and yes there is some road noise, it is still an economy car, and for its price it can't be beat, so I give everything 5 stars. I highly recommend this car to anyone.
My 4th Mazda, and not my last
I am in love with this car. I have owned a 2004 Mazda 3 sedan, a 2008 Mazda3 GT sport (hatch), and a 2013 Mazda cx-5. I traded my CX-5 in for the 2014 Mazda 3 and do not regret it at all. The car handles like a dream, hugs the road and corners perfectly. The interior is simple and modern, and the exterior is striking. I am getting 6.7L/100 (or 43 MPG) with combined city/highway, which is more than I expected to get. If you are looking for an affordable car that is fun to drive, gets great fuel mileage and is reliable, this is it. I have the GS (middle model) with sunroof package, and comfort package. I also had custom white leather interior installed.
2.0L i touring hatch
picked up and drove it home (1000 miles). 44 and 45 mpg on two stretches (not all flat), 35mpg through high mountains/hills at 65 mph. best handling car i've had, feels like rwd. if you can get the 2.5L model, esp w/ a 6 speed it would be a blast. i couldn't swing the extra money at the time.
2014 Mazda 3 Sedan iSV-M 6-speed
Bought this car in July 2014 after comparing it to the Honda Civic. I have owned 15 new Honda's since my first in 1983. Most were Accords but I had a 2010 Civic coupe. The reason I decided on the Mazda:1)Technology2)Mileage3)Fit and Finish4)Price. Always liked the fact that Honda doesn't have option "packages" but for under $18000 the Mazda is a no brainer, Civic is too far behind in power train technology. The base Civic still doesn't have direct injection, 6-speed manual or a new dash design. The Manual Civic LX can't touch the Mazda on mileage. My average(combined) mileage for the first 5000 miles is steady at 42.8mpg(50%city/50%hwy.Thats in Alaska.
A new kind of compact
Forget everything you know about compact cars. I traded in my 2013 Mazda 3 for the just released 2014, and it's a totally different kind of car. Interior is fitted with high-end materials for the dash and controls, and feels more like a luxury car. The handling and suspension are both top rate... you can be aggressive with your drive with good steering feel, and the harshness of the prior model has all been eliminated. The 2.0 engine is fine for day to day driving, but it lags a little when full power is required. UPDATE: Three years later now, and the car continues to be excellent. No regrets at all about buying this car and will keep it for years to come.
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Great Car
Replaced my 2010!GTI and I love everything about this car especially Interior, Features, Performance. Awesome to have Sport Mode in this car as well as paddle shifters. Love the Almond Interior.
Over 360,000 trouble free miles so far
Yes I am reviewing a 2014 Mazda 3 hatch s grand touring, in the year 2025! Somebody should know what a great car it's been. Mostly trouble free over 360,000 miles so far, no significant repairs. Always kept the oil changed Mobile1 and Lucas fuel treatment every dozen tanks. Occasionally plugs/injectors or whatever they call them, occasionally new front brakes, very rarely rear brakes, and been through at least 8 sets of tires. Quibbles are few, the low profile tires are harsh and should have put new rims on at the start with thicker rubber, the gas tank is a bit too small. Loaded with 2014 tech like very accurate adaptive cruise, self leveling and dimming LED lights, heads up display, paddle shifter, i-eloop capicator, etc. Car still wants to go fast! I'm always the first to launch at the green light and and watch them shrink in the rearview mirror. Basically drove it like I stole it all those miles/years. Even after all the aggressive driving, lower 30s mpg regular gas. It burns almost no oil even at 360,000 miles. However the transmission slips a bit in 3-4th gear. Mazda says it's a lifetime transmission never needing service but probably not expected to go this many miles. I'll try doing a fluid & filter service to see if it lost viscosity and perhaps the fluid is low after so many years and miles. Only slips when the motor is hot so hopefully. But worse case I'd put in another transmission and keep on flying down the road tapping the horn at the grandma's in my way.
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Zoom Zoom
Bought the S grand touring hatchback version used and got a pretty good deal on it. Had everything that i wanted in a car i was looking for without breaking the bank. Not much has changed from the 2014 version to the 2017 so i was happy with buying the 2014. Handles the road perfectly, not to stiff but fun to drive with and without sports mode. Interior and exterior are sleek and beautiful. Back seats can be cramped with two/three large adults but perfect if you have kids or small adult friends. Fronts seats are the most comfortable front seats i have experienced in a long time. If you can get a good deal or is willing(can) to spend the extra money should go for the Grand Touring models as the safety and tech packages are worth it.
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3 Years and 35000 miles, want another
The new car smell is long gone, the parking lot dings have all happened (I hope), and the first date is long over. I still love this car and want another (that's why I stopped in). I will tell you what lived up to promise, and what did not, after 3 years and daily 21 mile commutes each way, part of which is twisty mountain road, and part jammed SoCal freeway. The best features are the performance, reliability, looks and trim, storage area for a little car, and the little things like the HUD display and standard blind spot monitoring. I want to drive and this car lets me do it, whether playing F1 on the mountain curves, or shooting into that gap in traffic. Mileage is excellent especially considering that I drive like an adolescent. The car is for drivers. Little things that detract: HUD occasionally fails to stay up in cold (restart car), bluetooth occasionally comes and goes, nav is a bit lame, but I'd rather use my phone anyway (and the voice recognition/search is just ridiculous). I have not had bluetooth nightmares, perhaps it's more traumatic for some, restart usually solves. Dealer is usual POS but that's not brand specific. I still can't believe how much car this was for the money, and the Edmunds review that pointed me to it in the first place was spot on. If only I could find another s Touring model within a 4 hour drive... I think the 2.5l premium is totally worth it, but Grand Touring extras do nothing for me at the price point. The s Touring seems like the sweet spot for an aggressive commutemobile. I have not yet found another vehicle in class that delivers this much value for the $$$.
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Loved this car until it hit 80K
I am a commuter and I fell in love with this car at first sight. It had everything I wanted: great gas mileage, bluetooth, and even a great look. The first 80k miles were bliss. I recommended this car to everyone that asked. Then it all went downhill. Be prepared for sensor failures to leave you stranded. I am outside the warranty because of mileage (almost completely highway). The brakes feel shaky. This is NOT a car to buy used beware.
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Zoom Zoom
I'm enjoying driving my 2014 Mazda 3. It's taken awhile to adjust to the sight lines, which are not nearly as good (due to low ground clearance) as my prior SUV. The tradeoff is much better gas mileage, though as others have noted, I haven't achieved nearly the mileage I expected (roughly 30 mpg combined). Ride is much quieter and softer than I expected. Handles like a nimble sports car. Stick with the basics, and add on your own aftermarket bells and whistles for a great car under $20K.
Disappointed now....
I love this car until the transmission went out at 2800 miles. Now back in the shop for a seal leak at 8000 miles. Maybe I just got a bad one but I'm not happy with it so far. Never had a problem with my GMC Terrain or any of my 4 Honda Civics. I bought this Mazda because of the excellent reviews.
Fantastic car except for one thing . . . . be forewarned
Performance, comfort, ride, the interior design and overall quality of this car is fantastic. The BIG ISSUE to date is it's INFOTAINMENT system. As of the writing of this review, I've had two updates to the software for the INFOTAINMENT system. Many bugs have been fixed over the first years of frustration, but then MAZDA does something REALLY STUPID! They grey out and disable the local search feature on the GPS as well as the ability to wifi hotspot your phone to the system to get uptodate traffic and and weather. Basically you are now stuck with a GPS that has less features than a $100 Garmin you can buy on NOMORERACK.com Neither owners nor any MAZDA dealership knew this.
Completely satisfied and utterly impressed
Tough to review this car in 700 characters, but look at me go wasting them. This is a great car. It's faster than I thought it would be. The automatic gearbox is terrific. The sport mode and paddle shifters are awesome. I averaged 38.5 mpg on my drive from the Bay Area to San Diego (mostly on the highway) and I get probably 28 mpg around town, so it's definitely fuel efficient. The interior is great and so is the exterior. Feels very deluxe. Only put 1.5k on it thus far, so I can't speak for reliability or value, but from what I hear Mazda's do alright in those categories.
Not Like My PR5 or Speed3
I hated to sell my 2002 PR5 which drove like a sport car ... was a Miata in wagon. It had 234M and worried about breaking down on long trips My 2014 3 rides quieter (not a bad thing), gets better gas mileage 40 vs 30 highway but not as fun driving as the PR5. For me, this car drives "numb" ... I can't a feel of it because it's so smooth. I owned a 2007 Speed 3 as well so my other Mazda's were sporty, driver's car. If you want a "smooth", sporty Vanilla car with very good gas mileage, I recommend this car. 2.0 has strong enough power for my needs, but do miss the other cars.
Amazing for the Price
For the price of the car, the 2014 Mazda 3 is a fantastic vehicle. Exterior looks more expensive than it is. It's unique but doesn't stick out like a sore thumb. Interior is great, although I wish the radio/audio controls didn't look like it was put into the car aftermarket. Performance wise it's also great. A little more road noise than some other cars in this same category that I test drove, but I found this to be the most fun. Sometimes I find that the acceleration is a tiny bit lagged, but it's not bad. All in all, fantastic car for what you pay. And the gas mileage is GREAT.
Great-looking, reliable car
Pros: Great-looking, reliable, fuel-efficient, with nice safety features. Cons: Ride is noisy.
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Reliable little car that's not a Corolla or Civic
I have had two Mazda Protégé 5's before purchasing a Mazda 3 and am still an owner of a 2003 P5. It was great timing as I was in the market for a new daily driver as 2014 was when Mazda 3 first came out with the new design. At that time, the SkyActiv engine had already been out a couple of years and I have had great experience with Mazda products in terms of reliability, so it was not a hard decision to go back to Mazda even though most of my friends and/family members were driving Civics or Corollas. Those are definitely great cars , but I wanted something that handles well, saves gas and looks cool at the same time. The Mazda 3 has not disappointed even as of today as the vehicle was purchased brand new almost 5 years ago. Throughout my years of ownership (M3 Hatchback I GT ~56K miles), I have only been to the dealership twice - once for a recall related to GPS map update or something while the second visit had to do with a the hydraulic belt tensioner leak which were both covered under warranty. The hydraulic belt tensioner was replace by the dealership but it started leaking again after another 10K or so. If anything, the tensioner leak is the only complaint that I have with the car. The Mazda infotainment system has also acted up a handful of times (frozen screen), but it would fix itself after restart. The most recent maintenance item was the rear brake pads which were replaced at 56k. I believe the rear driver-side pads were seized for some reason which caused premature wear as the front pads were still the OEM pads from factory with healthy amount of pads left. I could have fixed the issue earlier as the rear driver-side wheel was always covered with the most brake dust but I was too lazy to inspect the pads. The Mazda 3 has never left me stranded and has been a comfortable commuter. Everything in the car is still working perfectly fine as day one. My favorite part of the car is the blind-spot monitoring system. it's especially handy during pouring rains. The heated seats are also a plus. The infotainment system is intuitive and user friendly. I love the fact that the reverse camera's parking guide doesn't turn when you turn the steering wheel as a lot of cars on the market do (personal preference). The visibility is not as great as the older cars as the rear windows are smaller. The 2.0 liter engine is not powerful, but it's sufficient for what the car is built for, a gas saving commuter. The engine noise can be a bit noisy going uphill or accelerating with 4 passengers; however, there's plenty of power to get the car moving for highway merging at around 3k-4k rpm. The interior of the car is well built and cabin noise is well controlled. The materials used and fit and finish of the car is solid and probably one of the best in its class. Trunk space can be limited if you have a growing family (i.e. strollers...). Overall a great car! In August 2019, the Mazda 3 was sold to a family member and a 2019 CX9 was brought home. As of today (9/5/2020), at around 64k, the oem tires and the battery are the only items that will need to be replaced. My opinion on the car still has not changed. Great little car that looks great, feels great (interior), drives and handles well.
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Only two complaints
I like everything about mine, I get good mileage, it's fun to drive, etc. I have had zero reliability issues. Great styling. Great handling. Almost perfect, but not quite, IMHO, see below.
Fun to drive, good on gas
Fun to drive. Good on gas mileage. Not quite what it says for combo driving. Get average 30 with mostly hwy. Took a long trip with no heat/little AC and got 40/41. (Using the heat/seat warmers will lower the MPG quite a bit if the "average this drive" mpg's is accurate) Paid quite a bit more for Navigation (which I didn't really want) and heated seats & they still can't fix the tech package even after update. Majority of time I can't use the touchscreen. And although seats still heat, they are not working like they were at first. I purchased it in Dec, and so far no problems engine wise. So if this car is reliable long-term, I will still be happy.
We love this car!
We traded in our 2011 Ford Fiesta for this car. While the Fiesta was fun to drive on short trips, going any distance caused my husband to have to see his chiropractor! After trying out five different vehicles and doing tons of research, we knew this was the car for us! We have two crew cab 4WD trucks and a minivan. We just wanted another car for when he and I take long road trips, skiing, running errands, etc. and still get great gas mileage. We found it! Update...19 months later and we still are happy with this car. We have since sold our two pickups and minivan and bought a 2016 Ram pickup and 2014 Buick Enclave to haul the grandchildren. The gas mileage with the Mazda is amazing and it's just plain fun to drive. Update 6-6-18...still a great car!!! Review has wrong year and model though...it’s a 2015 Mazda 3 hatchback. Still gets the same great gas mileage and fun to drive!
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