more about this model 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.
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.
How do people like 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 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
How can Edmunds help?
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What options are available on the 2017 Mazda 3?
Available Mazda 3 2017 Submodel Types: Sedan, Hatchback
Available Trims: i Touring, i Sport, Touring, Grand Touring, Sport, i Grand Touring, s Grand Touring, s Sport, s Touring, s, i SV, i, Touring 2.5, i Touring Value, SP23 Special Edition
Exterior Colors: Deep Crystal Blue Mica, Jet Black Mica, Soul Red Metallic, Snowflake White Pearl Mica, Liquid Silver Metallic, Black Mica, Machine Gray Metallic, Titanium Flash Mica, Eternal Blue Mica, Meteor Gray Mica, Graphite Mica, Sonic Silver Metallic, Blue Reflex Mica, Gunmetal Blue Mica, Crystal White Pearl Mica, Copper Red Mica, Galaxy Gray Mica, Sunlight Silver Metallic, Dolphin Gray Mica, Velocity Red Mica, Crystal White Pearl, Titanium Gray Metallic, Strato Blue Mica, Indigo Lights Mica, True Red, Winning Blue Mica, Metropolitan Gray Mica, Phantom Blue Mica, Stormy Blue Mica, Sunlight Silver Mica, Celestial Blue Mica, Rally White, Shimmering Sand Metallic, Phantom Purple Mica, Sky Blue Mica, Whitewater Pearl Mica, Aurora Blue Mica, Ice Blue Metallic, Lava Orange Mica, Winning Blue Metallic
Interior Colors: Black cloth, Black Leatherette leatherette, Black Leather leather, Black Cloth cloth, Black leatherette, Black premium cloth, Parchment Leather leather, Black leather, Sand cloth, Dune cloth, Black, Sand Cloth cloth, Almond leather, Beige cloth, Black/Blue, Black/Red, Black/Blue cloth, Black/Red cloth, Gray cloth, Beige, Dune leather, Black (Sand Seat), Black (Sand Seat) cloth, Sand premium cloth
Popular Features: Fold Flat Rear Seats, Rear Bench Seats, Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel, Aux Audio Inputs, Tire Pressure Warning, Stability Control, Bluetooth, Trip Computer, USB Inputs, Post-collision safety system, Blind Spot Monitoring, Alarm, Back-up camera, Auto Climate Control, Sunroof/Moonroof, Multi-Zone Climate Control, Heated seats, Power Driver Seat, Automatic Emergency Braking, Pre-collision safety system, Keyless Entry/Start, Navigation, Leather Seats, Upgraded Headlights, Heads up display, Upgraded Stereo, Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, Upgraded Engine, Remote Start, 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.
