Looking for a great sedan that's entertaining, versatile and classy? The 2017 Mazda 3 might be a good match. Here's a quick rundown of what we like, what we don't and the bottom line from the Edmunds editors.
Transcript
TRAVIS LANGNESS: I'm Travis Langness, Edmunds editor. And this is our Expert Rundown in the 2017 Mazda 3. The Mazda 3 gets a variety of updates this year, new front and rear bumpers. And on the inside, there's an updated dashboard design, more standard equipment, and some bigger door pockets. Mazda's also added G-Vectoring Control to the 3 to improve handling. And re-tuned suspension makes for a smoother ride. Two of the Mazda 3's best features are its precise handling and responsive steering. The ride quality can be choppy with the big 18-inch wheels, but we think it's worth the trade-off. There's also a lot of desirable features available as well as quick acceleration, top crash test scores, and a refined interior. The Mazda 3's excellent interior feels more luxurious than some of its top class rivals. And it's also got intuitive controls to remind us of brands like BMW and Mercedes. Bottom line? The 2017 Mazda 3 is one of our favorite cars on the market. Some other class leaders include the Civic and the Ford Focus. But with the Mazda 3, we really think you can't go wrong. For more reviews of key competitors, go to YouTube and check out more of the Edmunds Expert Rundowns.
To those who believe that buying a compact sedan means making compromises, we present the Mazda 3, a car we love for its classy interior, simple infotainment controls, and fun-to-drive personality. With a fresh round of improvements for 2017, this car just keeps getting better.
Buyers look to compacts for frugal fuel economy, and the Mazda 3 delivers. Two engines are on offer: A 2.0-liter four-cylinder that delivers 155 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque and a 2.5-liter that provides 184 hp and 185 lb-ft. Both engines are paired with front-wheel drive, and in keeping with Mazda's focus on fun, both are available with both manual and automatic transmissions. The most frugal version, the 2.0-liter, automatic-equipped sedan, is EPA-rated at 32 mpg combined (28 city/37 highway), and even the thirstiest version, the 2.5-liter manual hatchback, is rated at a respectable 28 mpg combined (25 city/33 highway).
The Mazda 3 is efficient, and it is also quick: Edmunds clocked a 3 sedan with the 2.0-liter engine to 60 mph in a faster-than-average 8.3 seconds; a hatchback with the 2.5-liter engine needed just 7.5 seconds. We've always loved the Mazda 3's agile and responsive handling, though we've found the ride to be a bit harsh with the optional 18-inch wheels. Mazda has updated the suspension for 2017 in an effort to smooth the ride, and although we've not yet had a chance to thoroughly test the new setup, our experience with other Mazda models has us optimistic.
We're quite fond of the front seats, which provide great support for enthusiastic driving (something at which the Mazda 3 excels) and comfort for long journeys. The interior feels upscale, the control layout is logical and easy to use, and the Mazda 3 offers "class-above" features such as leather upholstery (real and imitation), adaptive headlights, rain-sensing automatic wipers, and a head-up display (which changes from monochrome to color for 2017). The Mazda 3's infotainment system can be controlled from either a knob on the center console or via the touchscreen. In our opinion, it's one of the best systems in the segment. We've always thought the screen looked a bit tacked-on, and one of the improvements for 2017 is a new housing that gives it a more integrated look.
One downside to the Mazda 3 is backseat space: Though the seat itself is comfortable, the Mazda 3 offers less legroom than some of its competitors. Mazda offers both sedan and hatchback versions; we appreciate the versatility, though cargo space in both body styles comes up short compared to the competition.
Mazda offers the 3 in Sport, Touring, Touring 2.5 and Grand Touring trim levels. The Sport comes with all the power basics we expect, with some surprisingly luxurious bits offered as options. Most of this equipment comes standard in the Touring, and the top-of-the-line Grand Touring offers even more features while maintaining the 3's sporty personality. Which model is best? Let Edmunds help find the perfect 2017 Mazda 3 for you.
2017 Mazda 3 Overview
The 2017 Mazda 3 is offered in the following submodels: Hatchback, Sedan. Available styles include Sport 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A), Touring 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A), and Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.5L 4cyl 6A). 3 models are available with a 0-liter gas engine, with output up to 0 hp, depending on engine type. The 2017 3 comes with front wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 6-speed shiftable automatic. The 2017 3 comes with a 3 yr./ 36000 mi. basic warranty, a 3 yr./ 36000 mi. roadside warranty, and a 5 yr./ 60000 mi. powertrain warranty.
What should I pay for a new 2017 Mazda 3?
2017 Mazda 3 Grand Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
The 2017 Mazda 3 Grand Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $27770. The average price paid for a new 2017 Mazda 3 Grand Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A) is trending $6160.9 below the manufacturer's MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $6160.9 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $21609.
The average savings for the 2017 Mazda 3 Grand Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A) is 22.2% below the MSRP.
We are showing 2 Grand Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A) 2017 Mazda 3 Grand Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2017 Mazda 3 Grand Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
The 2017 Mazda 3 Grand Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $25620. The average price paid for a new 2017 Mazda 3 Grand Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M) is trending $3407 below the manufacturer's MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $3407 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $22213.
The average savings for the 2017 Mazda 3 Grand Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M) is 13.3% below the MSRP.
We are showing 3 Grand Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M) 2017 Mazda 3 Grand Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2017 Mazda 3 Grand Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
The 2017 Mazda 3 Grand Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $24020. The average price paid for a new 2017 Mazda 3 Grand Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M) is trending $4143 below the manufacturer's MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $4143 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $19877.
The average savings for the 2017 Mazda 3 Grand Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M) is 17.2% below the MSRP.
We are showing 1 Grand Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M) 2017 Mazda 3 Grand Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2017 Mazda 3 Grand Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
The 2017 Mazda 3 Grand Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $26670. The average price paid for a new 2017 Mazda 3 Grand Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A) is trending $6097.3 below the manufacturer's MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $6097.3 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $20572.7.
The average savings for the 2017 Mazda 3 Grand Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A) is 22.9% below the MSRP.
We are showing 2 Grand Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A) 2017 Mazda 3 Grand Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2017 Mazda 3 Grand Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
The 2017 Mazda 3 Grand Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $27020. The average price paid for a new 2017 Mazda 3 Grand Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M) is trending $4563 below the manufacturer's MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $4563 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $22457.
The average savings for the 2017 Mazda 3 Grand Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M) is 16.9% below the MSRP.
We are showing 1 Grand Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M) 2017 Mazda 3 Grand Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2017 Mazda 3 Grand Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
The 2017 Mazda 3 Grand Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $25070. The average price paid for a new 2017 Mazda 3 Grand Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A) is trending $3583 below the manufacturer's MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $3583 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $21487.
The average savings for the 2017 Mazda 3 Grand Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A) is 14.3% below the MSRP.
We are showing 1 Grand Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A) 2017 Mazda 3 Grand Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2017 Mazda 3 Touring 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
The 2017 Mazda 3 Touring 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $23925. The average price paid for a new 2017 Mazda 3 Touring 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A) is trending $1094 below the manufacturer's MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $1094 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $22831.
The average savings for the 2017 Mazda 3 Touring 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A) is 4.6% below the MSRP.
We are showing 1 Touring 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A) 2017 Mazda 3 Touring 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2017 Mazda 3 Touring 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6M)
The 2017 Mazda 3 Touring 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6M) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $23120. The average price paid for a new 2017 Mazda 3 Touring 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6M) is trending $4282 below the manufacturer's MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $4282 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $18838.
The average savings for the 2017 Mazda 3 Touring 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6M) is 18.5% below the MSRP.
We are showing 1 Touring 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6M) 2017 Mazda 3 Touring 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6M) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
Is the 2017 Mazda 3 a good car? Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2017 Mazda 3 and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2017 3 featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process All of our reviews are written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
What do people think of the 2017 Mazda 3? Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2017 Mazda 3 and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2017 3 a 4.7 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2017 3.
Vehicle Grand Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
Review I bought a 2015 Mazda 3 GT two years ago this month and loved the car. I'd done a lot of research before the purchase. However, there were a few things I wanted appearance-wise that were just not available in the 2015 model. Fast-forward to 2017 and they are available now! It was an easy decision to trade my 2015 for the 2017 - same exact color and trim, just a newer - more beautiful - version. The update to the turn signals in the side-view mirrors was something I wanted and now I have. The interior is comparable to the Mazda 6 now and is absolutely breathtaking. I feel the car is timeless and I will be happy with this purchase for the next decade at least. The ride is more quiet, too. That was one of the few areas of improvement I felt the 2015 model needed and they have definitely delivered on improving the road noise in the 2017 model. The car is so elegant and looks just like a luxury car without the luxury price tag. The headlights are awesome. I had LED's before but now the fog lights are also LED and the fact that the headlights turn in the direction your steering wheel is going in is such a nice touch. The heated steering wheel is also a welcome addition to this car as I have used it a few times since I got the car a week and a half ago. Also, the tires seem to grip the road more. I drove in rain today and did not have any instances of fear (I am not the best rain/sleet/snow driver, lol; I drive 20 mph on the highway). But I was pleased with the drive. Everything about this car screams class and style. The interior is so much more of an upgrade than its predecessor. I did not like the red stitching throughout the leather seats and this car does not have that (yay). The dashboard materials are nicer and the center console is really nice, too. I have seen complaints about the car not having an armrest - well the entire center console IS an armrest and is not low at all. It feels the same as the 2015 model to me. I could go on and on about this car. If you are interested in it, I'd get it! You won't be disappointed. Even the changes to the digital tachometer and speedometer and the heads-up display lettering changing (it was green and is now white), I really think Mazda paid so much attention to detail on this vehicle. Luckily, I have not had to use the Smart City Brake System yet (fingers crossed I never have to), but I am glad it is an available feature. So once again, if you are in the market for a car and are eyeing the 2017 Mazda 3 (especially the GT trim), you will not regret your decision if you purchase it. Love, love , love mine!!!
See all consumer reviews and retings for the 2017 Mazda 3
2017 Mazda 3 inventory listings Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2017 Mazda 3 for sale near Ashburn VA. There are currently 611 new and 755 used and CPO 2017 3s listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as 14244 and mileage as low as 0. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a vehicle you're interested in, check the Carfax and autocheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2017 Mazda 3. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to 6661 on a new, used, or CPO 2017 3 available from one of 2630 dealerships in your area.
How can Edmunds help? Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color
MPG
2017 mazda 3 Sport 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A), 6-speed shiftable automatic, regular unleaded 32 combined MPG 28 city MPG/37 highway MPG
Available Mazda 3 2017 Submodel Types: Sedan, Hatchback
Available Mazda 3 2017 Trims: Grand Touring, Touring, i Touring, Sport, i Sport, s Grand Touring, i Grand Touring, s Sport, s, i SV, s Touring, i, i Touring Value, Touring 2.5
Exterior Colors: Jet Black Mica, Soul Red Metallic, Deep Crystal Blue Mica, Snowflake White Pearl Mica, Machine Gray Metallic, Liquid Silver Metallic, Eternal Blue Mica, Black Mica, Meteor Gray Mica, Titanium Flash Mica, Sonic Silver Metallic, Graphite Mica, Crystal White Pearl Mica, Blue Reflex Mica, Dolphin Gray Mica, Titanium Gray Metallic, Gunmetal Blue Mica, Sunlight Silver Metallic, Galaxy Gray Mica, Copper Red Mica, Strato Blue Mica, Velocity Red Mica, Crystal White Pearl, Stormy Blue Mica, Sunlight Silver Mica, True Red, Indigo Lights Mica, Rally White, Lava Orange Mica, Metropolitan Gray Mica, Shimmering Sand Metallic, Sky Blue Mica, Winning Blue Mica, Aurora Blue Mica, Icy Blue Metallic, Whitewater Pearl Mica, Celestial Blue Mica, Ice Blue Metallic, Phantom Blue Mica, Phantom Purple Mica, Winning Blue Metallic
Interior Colors: Black cloth, Black Leatherette leatherette, Black Cloth cloth, Black Leather leather, Parchment Leather leather, Black premium cloth, Black leatherette, Black leather, Dune cloth, Beige cloth, Sand Cloth cloth, Sand cloth, Black, Almond leather, Black/Red, Black/Blue, Black/Red cloth, Black/Blue cloth, Sand Premium Cloth premium cloth, Gray cloth, Sand premium cloth
Popular Features: Fold Flat Rear Seats, Rear Bench Seats, Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel, Tire Pressure Warning, Aux Audio Inputs, Stability Control, Bluetooth, Trip Computer, USB Inputs, Post-collision safety system, Alarm, Back-up camera, Blind Spot Monitoring, Automatic Emergency Braking, Pre-collision safety system, Auto Climate Control, Multi-Zone Climate Control, Keyless Entry/Start, Heated seats, Power Driver Seat, Sunroof/Moonroof, Leather Seats, Upgraded Headlights, Navigation, Heads up display, Upgraded Stereo, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, Remote Start, Upgraded Engine, Parking sensors
Engine/Mechanics: 4 cylinders
Transmission: AUTOMATIC, MANUAL
Fuel Types: regular unleaded
Drivetrains: front wheel drive
Edmunds attended a manufacturer-sponsored event, to which selected members of the press were invited, to facilitate this report.
