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Used 2015 Mazda 3 Consumer Reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
75 reviews

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5 out of 5 stars

Zoom Zoom - Great all rounder

Chopper, 02/15/2016
updated 03/01/2021
2015 Mazda 3 s Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
11 of 11 people found this review helpful

I've owned this car (Mazda3 S GT hatch) for a little over a year; and so far it's been a great car all around. It's really an awesome vehicle for the class. The driving dynamics are excellent (fun to drive and handles well), and the steering is most precise I've ever used. Mazda is also still willing to offer a manual for us enthusiasts to enjoy. The interior is really good, especially for the class, and I find it comfortable. Mazda did a really good job with the gearbox, the shiftier feel is good, especially for a cable shifter. The engine is very good for a 2.5...you can keep it down low if you want mileage, but if you keep it above 3k you can really throw yourself around. Still smooth near the readline. What's so great is you get all that in a package with excellent utility (if you get the hatch), and real world MPGs that match the sticker. You also can, for a reasonable price, get all the important options (Xenon headlights, seat heaters, blind spot monitoring, rear camera, etc) that previously weren't in cars of this class. I haven't really had any issues with the infotainment systems, I think they finally sorted that out. My only gripe is that I wish the car had better tires from the factory, but to be honest, I have never found a factory equipped tire I liked in any brand. You can always get a better tire, and for less. Sure, you could get another Japanese brand, but this one is a lot more fun. You want this car? Go get it. 08.24.2016 update - So far, not a single problem. Great car. 02.27.2017 update - Still no problems, still really happy with this car. 08.28.2018 update - Same as it ever was, still a great car, still no problems. 02.28.2020 update - Same as it ever was, still a great car, still no problems. 08.28.2020 update - Same as it ever was, still a great car, still no problems. 03.01.2021 update - Same as it ever was, still a great car, still no problems.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars

New Car Owner

mememe9, 04/08/2015
updated 11/12/2024
2015 Mazda 3 i Sport 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful

Only had the car 4 months. But generally pleased with it. It is slightly wider and taller than a Honda Civic, but a little shorter. Nice to be a bit higher up. Good sound system. Controls nicely designed, though all the do-dads take a bit of time to get used to. Only knocks as far as I'm concerned are the back seat is a bit small and so far the mileage has been disappointing. However the car is still getting "burned in", so the jury is still out on that one. I've had the car now for a little over 3 years. Still functioning well. Gas mileage good on the highway, but at best average in the city. It is a nicely designed little car. As per above, the back seat is a bit tight. Okay for small kids. But a bit of a squeeze if you have tall adults. It has a GPS I never had installed. That probably isn't a great buy as after 3 yrs you pay for map updates. I can't see that feature having a long life what with GPS in phones now a days. So I'm glad I didn't take it. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Update Oct 2017 Car is still running quite well. Milage? 5.5 - 5.3 Liters/100 km under "ideal" conditions highway; 7 - 8 Liters/100 km in the city. Car has a reasonable amount of horsepower under the hood so you can boot it if you want. Overall, no problems. Car has approx 29,000 km. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Oct 2020 Car has about 61K km on it. No real problems with it, though it has had a fairly gentle life, hiding away in an underground garage most of the winter. The rear-view camera is a very useful feature. Also, the cruise control. The engine has enough power such that if you need to floor it, such as when you get on the highway, you've got it. The only complaint I have is the back seats are a bit small. So if you are regularly going to have people in the back seat, you might want a slightly bigger car. -------------------------------------------------------------------- 2022-04-13 The car has had a relatively easy life (only 74Kms on the odometer, or 46,000 miles). The only "surprise" I had was last fall the engine light came on and . . . well, off to the dealer. A heat sensor had failed on the engine and a bit of cash had to change hands. I was a bit surprised that this wouldn't have been covered by some sort of recall. But I guess they figure an electronic sensor failing after 7 years is "normal". ------------------------------------------------------ Update 2022-10-14 Mazda 3 is still working fairly well. The car is nearly 8 yrs old and has about 78K on it. Normally it is parked in an underground parking garage in the building I live in. It probably gets out into the ice, snow, salt during the winter (Jan --> Mar) maybe something like 50 times. So not too hard a life. Last year, despite being taken 2 X a year to Midas Muffler, when I took it back to the dealer for a thorough checkup, the mechanics found that the brake pads had worn out and the rotors needed to be replaced. I was rather shocked as I'd assumed, y'know, Midas would have been regularly checking the brakes. But when I checked my service statements, nothing was ever checked off wrt the brakes. That's a real head-scratcher, as normally all garages and what-not do a "free check" on things to try and find things that needed to be fixed. (So, not the fault of Mazda or the dealer on this one.) But the engine light came on this year and I took it back to the dealer who diagnosed that the sensor on the engine had failed. I was a bit surprised that "this sort of thing" wouldn't be covered by a warranty. But it wasn't. Despite its easy life, the car is getting a little old and, as we all know, the bills when you take your car in for service start creeping up. My only complaints about the car itself are: a) The back seats are pretty tight if you have adults (or teenagers) sitting in them. b) Occasionally when my wife and I go on a trip where we need to take a bunch of stuff with us, the car is pretty darn full when we've finished packing everything in. 2023-05-06 -------------------------------------------------------------------- The car is about 8 1/2 yrs old with about 80K milage. Mostly routine maintenance so far, aside from the engine light thing and brakes (mentioned above). 2023-Nov-08 Car is still running well. So no great problems. The only important thing about the car to note is that the back seats are a bit cramped. They are okay for small kids. But adults, for instance, can fit. But it is a bit of a squeeze. And when we have gone away on a trip with a lot of luggage, the car is definitely full. So if you are interested in this car (and the design hasn't changed much over the years), keep those things in mind. 2024-11-08 Car is now up to 91K and nearly 10 yrs old. No major issues. A couple of minor/not-all-that serious problems, however: a) As previously noted, a sensor in the engine compartment had to be replaced. It looked like something that "ought to have" been covered by a warrenty. However, it wasn't. But the "Check Engine" light went on, so I pretty much had to take it into the dealer since I didn't know what it was. b) The rear camera has gone off a couple of times. Usually it works again the next time I put the car into reverse. I've received 3 notices that this is something that is covered by a recall. However, when I take the car into the dealer, they always say they don't have the part. I have to wonder why they keep sending me notices to bring my car in when they can't do anything. c) About 2 months ago, the driver's side window suddenly wouldn't go down. I took it into the dealer and, it seems, the oil in the motor that raises/lowers the window had become all gunky and so the motor had siezed up. The dealer cleaned it all up and the window is working again. But a few hundered dolllars then escaped from my wallet. As cars get older, more things need to be fixed.

Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
3 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars

Just Purchased

lithium76, 06/08/2015
updated 06/09/2016
2015 Mazda 3 s Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful

I was the owner of a 2013 Mazda 3i Touring, the 2015 S - Grand Touring is a HUGE departure. The interior and feature are that of a much more expensive car. I've owned an Audi, BMW and Lexus, and the fit and finish rivals them, not to mention, the $2200 tech package includes items that would cost 2-3 times as much on a German car. The 2.5L is punchy and has a nice note to it. I am VERY happy with this purchase.

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

An Awesome Car That Drives and Looks A Lot More

Scott, 07/26/2015
2015 Mazda 3 i Sport 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
13 of 14 people found this review helpful

Please take this for granted because I've had my Mazda 3 iSport for only three days and am VERY MUCH in the honeymoon phase...this car has blown me away. Every time I walk by the car, I swear it's a Lexus or Infiniti. It looks nothing like a compact car. It drives, handles, and looks like a mid-size six cylinder. My 2010 Ford Focus SE wasn't a shabby car, but oh my goodness...the 2015 Mazda 3 blows the water off of it. I would recommend this car to the moon and back. It's perfect for me and also...41 MPG AND 155 HORSEPOWER?!?!? Wow. That's a lot of car for the money you pay for. If it helps anyone reading this I test drove the Chevy Cruze and Kia Forte. As soon as I test drove the Mazda 3 I had to have it. It feels so premium.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Bimmer on a Budget.

mimazdaman, 01/21/2015
updated 01/23/2018
2015 Mazda 3 s Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
22 of 25 people found this review helpful

Just turned in my 2012 Mazda 3 GT hatchback which I thought was a great car . . . practical but sporty. My few minor complaints have been addressed by this new model. Better styling, particularly up front. More power , especially when in sport mode. Six speed transmission. Really wanted the manual, but left that to my Miata. Back up camera. Shopped this car against a BMW 4 series Grand Coupe. Almost as much car at half the price! 1/23/2018 Just completing 3 year lease . . . can't say enough good things about this car. Good looking, sporty, practical and reliable. I have had no problems with this car. A bargain at $26,000 for a fully loaded Grand Touring. It would be perfect if they offered all-wheel drive.

Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

The Very Best Bang for your Buck out there!!!

Stacy, 09/23/2015
2015 Mazda 3 i Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful

This car is so loaded with safety features that when I traded my 03 Jeep Gr Cherokee I insurance actually lowered!!! This car has features that you would find mostly on the high end cars. Blind spot monitoring, rear back up camera, cross traffic alert and that is just to name a few. I drive 20 miles to work each day, and the gas mileage is spot on. I love the car overall and would buy this car again if i had to do it all over again!

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4.5 out of 5 stars

Great value

tomlovescars, 03/27/2015
2015 Mazda 3 i Touring 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful

So far, the car is great. averaging 31mpg overall with a 50/50 mix. the car is easy to drive with a light foot. I have the tech package, the bose stereo is a big upgrade from standard, and the automatic climate and sunroof basically make the car 'loaded' I was worried the 2.0 would not have enough power, but it is more than sufficient, and now I think I would push the car harder with the 2.5 and get crappier gas mileage.

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5 out of 5 stars

mpg overall mileage not to good theses days

chuck williams, 07/01/2016
updated 01/13/2025
2015 Mazda 3 i Sport 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 6M)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful

bought the mazda3 hatchback on basis of unanimous positive reviews, the extra cargo space in square feet from the sedan, and the skyactive engine which purportedly yields 40 mpg highway (in hatchback version w/ the 2.0). turns out that even with very conservative driving habits and driving mostly highway miles, I am NOW getting around 28 mpg combined, or around 320 miles on a tank. it is for this very reason that i purchased a subaru outback for my new 2nd car, instead of the mazda cx-5 i had originally intended to buy.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
3 out of 5 stars
Comfort
3 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars

Good but not Great

Luke, 08/31/2015
2015 Mazda 3 s Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
9 of 10 people found this review helpful

Like: 1. The eye-catching exterior design. 2. Simple minimalist interior layout. 3. Responsive and peppy engine and good steering. 4. Relative good fuel economy. 5. Safety technology(blind spot monitor, Back-Up Cameras, cross-traffic alert, Heads-up display) Dislike: 1. Dashboard cracking noise and popping plastic noise (been to dealer three times and have parts replaced twice, but still cannot reduce the noise) 2. Prominent road and wind noise 3. A-frame pillar blind spot 4. Headrest is hard and too Far forward. Long distance driving will cause sore neck(neck pillow doesn't help much).

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Delighted With MY Mazda 3

Wade LaPan, 12/12/2015
2015 Mazda 3 i Sport 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful

Bought my Mazda 3 at the end of July, 2015 and have been delighted. I'll start with the single slight negative: the A-pillar is thick, and the rear view mirror is sort of big, low and close, so that I have to move around a bit to get a good view, especially on left-hand turns. But I can get used to this. Positives: awesome gas mileage of about 38 mpgs in combined driving, which is twice as good as the 2001 Taurus I was daily driving. Noise, I agree, is subjective; the 3's road noise is greater than the heavy old Taurus,s, but way less than a rental Chevy Spark I recently drove. I find it tolerable. Suspension is similarly in-between, and quite adequate. Styling is pretty cool; not as cool as the RX-8, maybe, but close. I'm a '96 Miata owner -- haven't tried to drive the 3 in a sporty way, but figure it would hold its own. I tried the mode where you can manually shift the automatic transmission, but will need to practice that, as it seems confusing in contrast to driving the manual Miata. I wish the display would tell you, when driving in that mode, what gear you're in. Maybe it's there, but I don't know where to look for it?

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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