The 2018 Mazda 3 isn't the quickest car in its class, but it is the best to drive. The Mazda 3 doesn't have the biggest cargo capacity in its class either, but it will certainly hold a whole lot of stuff. This is a clear case of the raw numbers not telling the entire story.

Inside and out, the Mazda 3 is attractive, and plenty of elements give it a more upmarket appeal. On the road, it's not just competent; it's actually entertaining and sporty to drive. Even if you're not into performance, this translates to a feeling that the car will respond to emergency maneuvers with confidence and ease.

In the competitive budget-conscious compact sedan and hatchback class, the 2018 Mazda 3 is a rarity for exceeding expectations and delivering far more than its price would suggest. We bore this out in a yearlong test of this car's current generation as well as subsequent evaluation of newer variants. You'd be remiss not to have it on your short list.

Trim levels & features

The five-passenger 2018 Mazda 3 is available as either a sedan or four-door hatchback. Both body styles are offered in either Sport, Touring or Grand Touring trims.

The Sport trim is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (155 horsepower, 150 pound-feet of torque). The Touring and Grand Touring models get a 2.5-liter engine (184 hp, 185 lb-ft). A six-speed manual transmission is standard for all Mazda 3s, with a six-speed automatic available as an option.

Standard Sport trim features for the sedan include 16-inch steel wheels, remote keyless entry, keyless ignition, a 60/40-split folding rear seat, Bluetooth, the Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen, a rearview camera, low-speed forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking, emergency telematics, and a six-speaker stereo with two USB ports. The hatchback adds the upgrades of alloy wheels and a rear spoiler.

The sedan is eligible for the optional Preferred Equipment package that adds alloy wheels, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, heated mirrors, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, upgraded upholstery and a rear-seat armrest with cupholders.

The Touring trim includes all of the above, along with 18-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, simulated leather upholstery, a six-way power driver seat and heated front seats.

At the top of the range, the Grand Touring model gains LED exterior lights (headlights, foglights and taillights); a sunroof; a digital speedometer; an upgraded display in the instrument panel; leather upholstery; a nine-speaker Bose surround-sound system; and satellite radio. To this, the Premium Equipment package adds adaptive headlights, automatic high beams, a heated steering wheel, paddle shifters (for the automatic transmission), an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a navigation system, lane departure warning and intervention, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning and braking for higher speeds, and a traffic sign reader.

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2017 Mazda 3 Hatchback Grand Touring (2.4L inline-4 | 6-speed manual | FWD).

Driving

3.5

The Mazda 3 isn't the quickest car in its class, but it does deliver a bright and engaging experience that will be appreciated by drivers who enjoy cars beyond the transportation aspect.

Acceleration

3.5

The 3's 2.5-liter is one of the nicer small displacement inline-fours that isn't turbocharged. It's not a high-revving engine but makes a decent amount of power and torque from a relatively low rpm and will get you to 60 mph in 8.1 seconds. There isn't much aural character, but it isn't unpleasant.

Braking

This Mazda has smooth brake feel during casual driving. The effort is light, the brakes aren't grabby, and there's no unnecessary play in the pedal. They work exactly how you'd expect. Our tester needed 122 feet to stop from 60 mph, which is a bit longer than average for the class.

Steering

3.5

The steering delivers excellent on-center feel at highway speed, and your inputs feel direct and precise. Road feedback isn't exceptional in any way, but you still have some sense of how well your front tires are gripping the road surface.

Handling

The Mazda 3 is playful even if it isn't all that quick. The front tires will squeal around turns without much effort. Overall grip is modest. But the suspension does a nice job of keeping the body in control. The 3 maintains composure and gives the driver confidence.

Drivability

3.5

The clutch pedal is light and easy to push in, but its engagement can be a little tricky to predict. Thankfully, the engine's power delivery is linear and smooth. The gearbox has a light and relatively precise throw, but it's not nearly quite as nice as the Mazda Miata's direction shift gearbox.

Comfort

3.5

The Mazda 3 is appealingly comfortable, from its surprisingly smooth ride quality to its climate control that provides plenty of cooling capacity. However, the cabin does let in more noise than other cabins in the class. The seats are decently supportive but not perfect.

Seat comfort

There's good lateral support from the front sport seats, but we could've used a little more front tilt adjustment. More breathable leather upholstery would be appreciated, too; you might feel a bit swampy after a long drive. The armrest padding is excellent.

Ride comfort

4.5

For a compact hatchback, the Mazda 3 achieves a nice balance between ride comfort and composure. The ride isn't floaty, yet the 3 handles bumps and undulations without issue. This is a compact car you won't mind driving long distances.

Noise & vibration

Over a lot of road surfaces, and not necessarily rough surfaces, there is a moderate amount of road noise that comes through the cabin. A little wind noise is also ever present but is less intrusive. The level of noise isn't unpleasant, but there are quieter compact options.

Climate control

3.5

We found the controls easy to access and clearly labeled. On the auto setting, the system does a good job of maintaining your desired cabin temperature. The seat heaters take a few extra moments to warm up but are fairly toasty once up to temp.

Interior

The best part of the Mazda 3 could very well be its interior. Controls are easy to use and allow you to focus on driving, and there's ample room up front for people of all sizes. Rear passenger space isn't great for taller passengers, but overall this cabin has been well designed.

Ease of use

4.5

We found nothing in the cabin difficult to use or figure out thanks to nice redundancy of controls and clear and simple labeling. The infotainment interface has an efficient menu structure, and it's easy enough to figure out on the fly. And it becomes a touchscreen when you're at a stop.

Getting in/getting out

Front entry is a cinch, with wide door openings that offer plenty of clearance for the head and knees. The 3's roofline also doesn't drop down right at the rear doors, which helps preserve head clearance for rear passengers. Rear leg clearance is roughly on par with other compacts.

Driving position

3.5

The steering column has a fairly wide adjustment range for most drivers to get comfortable with the pedals and situate the steering wheel where they want it. There's enough spacing between the brake and throttle pedals for easy heel-toe downshifting if you're into that sort of thing.

Roominess

3.5

There's ample room up front, with leg-, headroom and shoulder room to spare. Rear headroom isn't as generous and might be insufficient for taller passengers. A good amount of foot space underneath the front seats helps maximize available legroom in back.

Visibility

3.5

You get an expansive view out the front and to the sides in the 3. However, the sloping rear hatch window is a little short and cuts down your view out the back. Chunky rear roof pillars create a small blind spot when backing up, but this is addressed by the rearview camera.

Quality

4.5

Mazda has stepped up its game and really pays attention to the look and feel of materials. The build quality at this price level is strong and is a cut above most of its competition. The only thing that looks kind of chintzy is the flip-up head-up display, though functionally it's brilliant.

Utility

It's hard to fault a hatchback for utility, but compared to other hatchbacks in its class, the Mazda 3 offers slightly less cargo room and isn't as clever when it comes to maximizing small-item storage in the cabin. LATCH anchors are easy to access despite being tucked away between the cushions.

Small-item storage

There's a decent-size door pocket that will fit a slightly oversized water bottle and a few other items, a front tray for your smartphone or wallet, two front anti-tip cupholders, and a small armrest bin with a 12-volt outlet. The rear door pockets will fit a standard bottle each.

Cargo space

The 3's 20.2 cubic feet of luggage room is small for the class, even if it looks pretty spacious in back. There's no additional underfloor storage because the spare is there, but the rear seats are split 60/40 and essentially fold flat. Maximum cargo space in the hatchback is 47.1 cubic feet.

Child safety seat accommodation

LATCH anchors are tucked away in between the cushions, but the cushions are soft enough to push away for access. There are two sets of anchors for the outboard seats and three overhead tethers. Unfortunately, larger rear-facing car seats will impose on front passenger space.

Technology

3.5

Mazda's got one of the best infotainment setups out right now, and the optional Bose audio system produces some fantastic sound for a car of this size and class. We applaud Mazda for offering a fairly comprehensive list of driver's aids but are unimpressed by how most of them function.

Audio & navigation

The navigation doesn't have fancy graphics but is easy to operate on the fly, and becomes responsive to touch at a stop for easy map panning using your fingers. The GT trim Bose audio system sounds great, the bass hits strong, and the audio stays clean regardless of how high you crank it up.

Smartphone integration

Mazda's device integration is quite good despite the lack of Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. When connected to the USB you can access all media, including podcasts, and there are even controls to fast-forward, pause and rewind. You can also stream music through Pandora, Aha and Stitcher through the system as well.

Driver aids

Mazda's active driving aids aren't all that great. The lane departure warning and keeping system isn't very effective, and the adaptive cruise control quits below 15 mph. The blind-spot monitoring system suffers from mild paranoia.

Voice control

Voice controls work well and provide guidance for available commands. We were able to navigate to our office and route to the nearest gas station on the first try. Nothing exceptional, but it works well with the functions that it does have, which doesn't include voice access to Siri or Google.

Top consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the 2018 Mazda 3.

21 reviews

My 4th 3

Doctor J,12/28/2017

My wife and I are sold on Mazdas. She has a 2017 CX5 and I just purchased a 2018 3 Grand Touring with 6 speed manual. They are designed well, good workmanship, up to date electronics, and very reliable. The 6 speed manual is great fun, an easy and tight throw to the shifting and very responsive in every gear. On highway trip yesterday got 37.1 mpg.

2018 mazda3 sport Excellent car.

Wstraube,06/10/2018

2018 mazda3 sport with PREFERRED EQUIPMENT PACKAGE $1,000 16-inch Alloy wheels Bright beltline trim Heated body-color dual power doormirrors w/ turn signal lamps Premium cloth-trimmed sport seats Rear seat armrest w/ cupholders Auto On/Off headlights Rain sensing windshield wipers Advanced Blind Spot Monitoring14 with Rear Cross Traffic Alert15 With rebates and dealer sale price just under $20k out the door. We purchased this car for our daughter who is starting to drive in the next few months. I know new car for a teenager! I felt the same way, but we looked at late model used cars and what you got for $10k-12k was not worth it. Four year old Chevy Cruze with 65k miles for 10k. No warranty no history. Real crap shoot. In my opinion most people who buy inexpensive small cars can’t afford much and don’t do the routine maintenance. By the time you put tires, brakes and change all the fluids etc. you are close to what something new would cost. The dealer we purchased the car from is my wife’s Mercedes dealer and we really like them. So we had history with them and that was another deciding factor. Other cars in this category were more expensive, Kia, Cruze, Honda and Toyota. All over 20k before tax and title. All except the Ford Focus. They are closing them out and the SE was just over 15k. We did a test drive and I got to tell you what a cheep car the focus is! Just inside and out no comparison to the Mazda. It’s not surprising that ford is going to stop making cars and move towards trucks / SUV’s. I think you can tell a lot about a car company by how much effort they put into their small cars and the focus seems like ford needed a car for this category and didn’t put much effort into it. At retail of 22k there is no way you would buy this over the others. Even the Chevy Cruze is a better car and I’m not a GM fan. The only way I see ford selling these cars is to heavily discount them. First impression of the Mazda3 is how nice it is inside. For the Botton of the line “sport” it doesn’t feel cheep. Again compared to the ford, wow. It’s amazing how these small car have evolved. Just all the small touches, all the safety features, airbags, backup camera, Smart City Brake (very important for new drivers), blind spot warning. Push button start, temperature gage, two trip computers, auto lights and wipers, cruise control, A/C, locking gas cap, mpg computer, etc. In the old days bottom of the line cars didn’t come with any of these features. You didn’t get A/C or an automatic transmission. Now it’s all pretty standard. With the smaller 155 HP motor this car has plenty of pep. With three of us in the car and the A/C on it had plenty of passing power on two lane highways. It even has a “sport”mode that I haven’t tried yet. So far we are very impressed with this car. We got the mica blue with the aluminum wheels. Beautiful little car. I think Mazda make some of the most beautiful cars and suvs out there. Toyota’s have gotten so bizarre looking these past few years. There was a red mazda6 on the lot with a black and cream interior for $30k. Just a beautiful car. Looks like a much more expensive car. Much better looking than the Mercedes on the same lot for $20k less. If Mazda can make their “cheep”car this nice I’m sure their other higher models are excellent. I think Mazda is doing a complete model change on the 3 in 2019 so I’m guessing why we got this under $20k. I know other cars in this class rate higher but this car is worth a look at if you are in the market for a $20k-22k car.

Excellent car with great price

Mangesh,08/16/2018

I got Mazda 3 Grand Touring 2018 Automatic, Its overall an excellent sedan as compared other similar prized sedans. 2.5 L Engine with 184 HP power is absolutely great as compared to Honda Civic and Corolla. handling and ride is perfect. The only issue I feel with Mazda 3 Sedan is less cargo space and rear seats are good for the kids but for adults with more heights its tough to get in.

Rented for four weeks

Deedee,07/08/2018

Out of the dozen cars I rented over the years I found this to be a Car I am interested in buying now. It was enjoyable to drive, good on gas and comfortable.

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2018 Mazda 3 video

CARLOS LAGO: I'm Edmunds senior writer Carlos Lago, and this is a rundown of the features you'll find on the 2018 Mazda 3. The Mazda 3 is a compact sedan or hatchback that's one of our favorites, due to its classy interior and highly enjoyable personality. Of the three trims, the Touring provides the best mix of features, along with the bigger 2 and 1/2 liter engine. The less expensive Sport trim comes with a good amount of infotainment features and forward collision warning, but it's otherwise pretty basic. The sedan is eligible for the optional preferred equipment package that adds alloy wheels, automatic headlights, blindspot monitoring, and upgraded upholstery, among other features. If you can afford it the Grand Touring opens up the door to leather, navigation, sunroof, and advanced safety technology. We love the look and functionality of the hatchback, but while the 3 has plenty of space, it's cargo area is a little smaller and not as clever as some competitors'. Rear headroom isn't as generous and might be insufficient for taller passengers. A good amount of foot space underneath the front seats helps maximize available leg room in the back. The standard six speed manual shifts nicely and provides some driver engagement. A six speed automatic is optional. The navigation is easy to operate on the fly, while the available Bose audio system sounds great with audio that stays clean regardless of how high you crank it up. The best part of the Mazda 3 could very well be its interior. Controls are easy to use and allow you to focus on driving, and there's ample room up front for people of all sizes. Mazda 3's top competitors include Honda Civic, Ford Focus, and Kia Forte. The bottom line? In the competitive, budget-conscious compact sedan and hatchback class, the 2018 Mazda 3 is a rarity, for exceeding expectations and delivering far more than its price would suggest.

2018 Mazda 3 Features Rundown

The 2018 Mazda 3 is one of our top picks in the class for its fun-to-drive persona and classy interior. It may come up short in a few categories on paper, but in the real world it's more than capable and definitely worth your attention. In this video, we highlight the key features that matter most. From mpg, interior space and technology to design and comfort - these pros and cons will help steer you toward a perfect car.

Features & Specs

MSRP

$19,145

MPG

28 city / 37 hwy

Seats 5

6-speed shiftable automatic

Gas

155 hp @ 6000 rpm

MSRP

$21,140

MPG

27 city / 36 hwy

Seats 5

6-speed shiftable automatic

Gas

184 hp @ 5700 rpm

MSRP

$24,195

MPG

27 city / 36 hwy

Seats 5

6-speed shiftable automatic

Gas

184 hp @ 5700 rpm

MSRP

$18,095

MPG

28 city / 38 hwy

Seats 5

6-speed manual

Gas

155 hp @ 6000 rpm

See all 2018 Mazda 3 Sedan features & specs

Safety

Our experts’ favorite 3 safety features:

Smart Brake Support: Warns if a front collision is deemed imminent and automatically applies the brakes if you don't react in time.
Lane Keep Assist: Alerts the driver if the car begins to drift out of its lane and performs steering corrections if the driver does not.
Advanced Blind-Spot Monitoring: Alerts the driver if a vehicle is approaching or lurking in your blind spot and chimes if you signal for a lane change in that direction.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger4 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver4 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover10.5%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Side Impact Test
Good
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good
IIHS Small Overlap Front Test
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test
Good

Mazda 3 vs. the competition

2018 Mazda 3

2018 Mazda 6

Mazda 3 vs. Mazda 6

The Mazda 6 is Mazda's larger midsize sedan. Compared to the Mazda 3, it has a more powerful engine and more legroom for rear-seat passengers. Both cars share upscale interiors, especially in higher trim levels. The Mazda 6 is more expensive, but it's a great alternative if you like the Mazda 3 but need more room.

Compare Mazda 3 & Mazda 6 features

Mazda 3 vs. Honda Civic

The Honda Civic is an excellent small car. It's available as a hatchback, sedan or even a coupe. The turbocharged 1.5-liter engine on higher trim levels is both fuel-efficient and powerful, and the Civic challenges the Mazda 3 in terms of driving engagement. In sportier Si guise, the Civic makes a great driver's car that's also practical. We gave the Civic 4.5 stars.

Compare Mazda 3 & Honda Civic features

Mazda 3 vs. Mazda CX-3

The CX-3 is a small crossover SUV that shares some mechanical similarities with the Mazda 3. While it offers more cargo space than the 3 sedan, it's actually less accommodating than the Mazda 3 hatchback. It's also a little slower to accelerate than the Mazda 3, but it does offer a more commanding view of the road and optional all-wheel drive. We gave it 4 stars.

Compare Mazda 3 & Mazda CX-3 features

2018 Mazda 3 Sedan for Sale

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New 2018

Mazda 3

Sport

(3)

Brown's Chantilly Mazda

9.1 mi away

MSRP~~$21,340~~

Est.Loan: $368/mo

View Details

New 2018

Mazda 3

Sport

(2)

Priority Mazda Tyson's Corner

15.1 mi away

MSRP$20,040

Est.Loan: $346/mo

View Details

Dealer Notes

**Priorities for Life on All New Priority Vehicles** Engine Guaranteed FOR LIFE** No Cost Oil & Filter Changes FOR LIFE** Parts & Service Guaranteed FOR LIFE** see dealer for details.2018 Crystal Blue Mazda 4D Sedan Mazda3 Sport Automatic 2.0L 4-Cylinder FWD 37/28 Highway/City MPGAt Priority Nissan / Mazda we believe in MARKET VALUE PRICING all vehicles in our inventory. We use real-time Internet price comparisons to constantly adjust prices to provide ALL BUYERS The BEST PRICE possible. Check Out these other Great Features! 4-Wheel Disc Brakes, 6 Speakers, ABS brakes, Air Conditioning, AM/FM radio, Anti-whiplash front head restraints, Brake assist, Bumpers: body-color, Cloth Seat Trim, Driver door bin, Driver vanity mirror, Dual front impact airbags, Dual front side impact airbags, Electronic Stability Control, Emergency communication system: MAZDA CONNECT, Exterior Parking Camera Rear, Four wheel independent suspension, Front anti-roll bar, Front Bucket Seats, Front Center Armrest, Front reading lights, Illuminated entry, Low tire pressure warning, Occupant sensing airbag, Outside temperature display, Overhead airbag, Panic alarm, Passenger door bin, Passenger vanity mirror, Power door mirrors, Power steering, Power windows, Radio data system, Radio: AM/FM/HD Audio System, Rear anti-roll bar, Rear window defroster, Reclining Front Bucket Seats, Remote keyless entry, Speed control, Speed-sensing steering, Split folding rear seat, Steering wheel mounted audio controls, Tachometer, Telescoping steering wheel, Tilt steering wheel, Traction control, Trip computer, Variably intermittent wipers, and Wheels: 16 x 6.5J Steel w/Full Wheel Covers We utilize state-of-the-art technology to constantly monitor pricing trends in order to offer our shoppers the best competitive pricing and value. Our entire team is committed to helping you buy a car the way we would want to buy a car! Proudly serving Virginia, Maryland, Washington DC area along with these great communities: Tysons, Vienna, Dunn Loring, Arlington, Merrifield, Annandale, Springfield, Wolf Trap and surrounding areas. Call 703-442-8700 for more Information! Price does not include Tax, Title, License, Destination Charge and Processing Fee; Price does include: $1,500 - Customer Cash. Exp. 10/01/2018, $500 - Customer Cash Enhancement. Exp. 10/01/2018

Mazda 3 2018 Grand Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A)

5,152 miles

Used 2018

Mazda 3

Grand Touring

(2)

Priority Mazda Tyson's Corner

15.1 mi away

List$22,468

Est.Loan: $409/mo

View Details

Dealer Notes

Passed Dealer Inspection, Recent Oil Change, Vehicle Detailed. CARFAX One-Owner. Clean CARFAX. Certified. Mazda Certified Pre-Owned Details:* Roadside Assistance* Powertrain Limited Warranty: 84 Month/100,000 Mile (whichever comes first) from original in-service date* Includes Autocheck Vehicle History Report with 3 Year Buyback Protection* Limited Warranty: 12 Month/12,000 Mile (whichever comes first) after new car warranty expires or from certified purchase date* Transferable Warranty* Vehicle History* Warranty Deductible: $0* 160 Point InspectionAll Pre Owned vehicles receive Priorities for Life which includes Complimentary oil changes for life , Complimentary VA state inspections for life and Complimentary towing to dealership. ****Priority Certified vehicles receive Complimentary Lifetime Powertrain warranty with unlimited mileage for as long as you own the vehicle !! ***Please ask your sales person for additional details.At Priority Nissan / Mazda we believe in MARKET VALUE PRICING all vehicles in our inventory. We use real-time Internet price comparisons to constantly adjust prices to provide ALL BUYERS The BEST PRICE possible. We do not mark them up, to mark them down! We utilize state-of-the-art technology to constantly monitor pricing trends in order to offer our shoppers the best competitive pricing and value. Our entire team is committed to helping you buy a car the way we would want to buy a car! We sell and service all makes and models of Pre-owned / Used Vehicles Used Cars, Used Trucks, Used Sport Utility, 10K under used cars, Cadillac, Ford, Chevrolet/Chevy, Honda, Toyota, Porsche, Land Rover, Jaguar, INFINITI, Audi, Nissan, Mazda, Hyundai, Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, SRT, Mitsubishi, Lexus, Kia, Volkswagen, Mini, BMW, Mercedes, Fiat, Volvo, GMC, , Lincoln as well as other brands. Proudly serving Virginia, Maryland, Washington DC area along with these great communities: Tysons, Vienna, Dunn Loring, Arlington, Merrifield, Annandale, Springfield, Wolf Trap and surrounding areas.

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More about the 2018 Mazda 3

The 2018 Mazda 3 is available as either a four-door sedan or four-door hatchback. Both come in three trim levels.

Standard feature highlights for the base Sport include 16-inch steel wheels, cruise control, air-conditioning, cloth upholstery, Bluetooth phone and streaming audio, a 7-inch touchscreen, a rearview camera, low-speed forward collision warning and mitigation, emergency telematics and a six-speaker stereo with HD radio, streaming internet radio apps, two USB ports and auxiliary input. The hatchback gets upgraded with alloy wheels and a rear spoiler.

The Mazda 3 Touring trim adds 18-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry, heated mirrors, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, dual-zone automatic climate control, simulated leather upholstery, a power driver seat and heated front seats.

The top Grand Touring model gains LED headlights, a sunroof, leather upholstery, a Bose surround-sound system and satellite radio. The Premium Equipment package adds adaptive headlights, automatic high beams, a heated steering wheel, paddle shifters, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a navigation system, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning and mitigation for higher speeds, and a traffic sign reader.

The Sport trim is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine good for 155 hp. The Touring and Grand Touring models get a 2.5-liter engine that produces 184 hp. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, and a six-speed automatic is optional.

In terms of price, the 2018 Mazda 3 is right in line with its primary competitors that include the Ford Focus, Honda Civic and Volkswagen Golf. The Mazda gets an edge, however, for its more generous features list, engaging driving dynamics, upscale interior and excellent infotainment system. These all contribute to the Mazda 3 remaining as one of our favorites in the class. Use all of Edmunds' tools and services to find the right one for you.

2018 Mazda 3 Sedan Overview

The 2018 Mazda 3 Sedan is offered in the following styles: Sport 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A), Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A), Grand Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A), Sport 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6M), Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M), and Grand Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M).

What do people think of the 2018 Mazda 3 Sedan?

Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2018 Mazda 3 Sedan and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2018 3 Sedan 5 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 2018 3 Sedan.

Edmunds Expert Reviews

Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2018 Mazda 3 Sedan and all model years in our database. Our rich analysis includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2018 3 Sedan featuring deep dives into trim levels including Sport, Touring, Grand Touring, etc. with careful analysis around pricing, features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving and performance. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.

Read our full review of the 2018 Mazda 3 Sedan here.

Our Review Process

This review was 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's a good price for a New 2018 Mazda 3 Sedan?

2018 Mazda 3 Sedan Grand Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A)

The 2018 Mazda 3 Sedan Grand Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $25,085. The average price paid for a new 2018 Mazda 3 Sedan Grand Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A) is trending $3,293 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.

Edmunds members save an average of $3,293 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$21,792.

The average savings for the 2018 Mazda 3 Sedan Grand Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A) is13.1% below the MSRP.

Available Inventory:

We are showing 47 2018 Mazda 3 Sedan Grand Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.

2018 Mazda 3 Sedan Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A)

The 2018 Mazda 3 Sedan Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $22,030. The average price paid for a new 2018 Mazda 3 Sedan Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A) is trending $3,419 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.

Edmunds members save an average of $3,419 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$18,611.

The average savings for the 2018 Mazda 3 Sedan Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A) is15.5% below the MSRP.

Available Inventory:

We are showing 78 2018 Mazda 3 Sedan Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.

2018 Mazda 3 Sedan Sport 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A)

The 2018 Mazda 3 Sedan Sport 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $20,035. The average price paid for a new 2018 Mazda 3 Sedan Sport 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A) is trending $3,456 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.

Edmunds members save an average of $3,456 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$16,579.

The average savings for the 2018 Mazda 3 Sedan Sport 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A) is17.2% below the MSRP.

Available Inventory:

We are showing 53 2018 Mazda 3 Sedan Sport 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.

2018 Mazda 3 Sedan Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)

The 2018 Mazda 3 Sedan Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $22,480. The average price paid for a new 2018 Mazda 3 Sedan Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M) is trending $3,216 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.

Edmunds members save an average of $3,216 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$19,265.

The average savings for the 2018 Mazda 3 Sedan Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M) is14.3% below the MSRP.

Available Inventory:

We are showing 7 2018 Mazda 3 Sedan Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.

2018 Mazda 3 Sedan Grand Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)

The 2018 Mazda 3 Sedan Grand Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $25,635. The average price paid for a new 2018 Mazda 3 Sedan Grand Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M) is trending $3,141 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.

Edmunds members save an average of $3,141 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$22,494.

The average savings for the 2018 Mazda 3 Sedan Grand Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M) is12.3% below the MSRP.

Available Inventory:

We are showing 4 2018 Mazda 3 Sedan Grand Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.

2018 Mazda 3 Sedan Sport 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6M)

The 2018 Mazda 3 Sedan Sport 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6M) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $18,985. The average price paid for a new 2018 Mazda 3 Sedan Sport 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6M) is trending $1,738 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.

Edmunds members save an average of $1,738 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$17,247.

The average savings for the 2018 Mazda 3 Sedan Sport 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6M) is9.2% below the MSRP.

Available Inventory:

We are showing 3 2018 Mazda 3 Sedan Sport 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6M) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.

Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on new cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.

Which 2018 Mazda 3 Sedans are available in my area?

2018 Mazda 3 Sedan Listings and Inventory

There are currently 373 new 2018 Mazda 3 Sedans listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $18,985 and mileage as low as 0 miles. Simply research the type of used car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap used cars 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 2018 Mazda 3 Sedan. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to $4,191 on a new, used or CPO 2018 Mazda 3 Sedan available from a dealership near you.

Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2018 Mazda 3 Sedan for sale near you.

Can't find a new 2018 Mazda 3 3 Sedan you want in your area? Consider a broader search.

Find a new Mazda 3 for sale - 4 great deals out of 16 listings starting at $15,018.

Find a new Mazda for sale - 9 great deals out of 10 listings starting at $11,434.

Compare prices on the New Mazda 3 for sale in Ashburn, VA to other major cities

City
Great Deals
Cars for Sale
Starting Price

Los Angeles, CA
Great Deals64
Cars for Sale8339
Starting Price$10,044
San Jose, CA
Great Deals83
Cars for Sale5201
Starting Price$15,446
San Francisco, CA
Great Deals65
Cars for Sale1365
Starting Price$16,992
Jacksonville, FL
Great Deals11
Cars for Sale1682
Starting Price$13,617
Fort Worth, TX
Great Deals31
Cars for Sale1136
Starting Price$10,395
Charlotte, NC
Great Deals59
Cars for Sale1780
Starting Price$7,523
Memphis, TN
Great Deals53
Cars for Sale2701
Starting Price$15,142
Washington, DC
Great Deals76
Cars for Sale4653
Starting Price$8,416
Tucson, AZ
Great Deals75
Cars for Sale3187
Starting Price$18,043
Fresno, CA
Great Deals89
Cars for Sale505
Starting Price$17,872
Sacramento, CA
Great Deals16
Cars for Sale6567
Starting Price$14,482
Raleigh, NC
Great Deals59
Cars for Sale6848
Starting Price$10,050
Tulsa, OK
Great Deals26
Cars for Sale4989
Starting Price$10,422
Minneapolis, MN
Great Deals71
Cars for Sale6085
Starting Price$17,232
Honolulu, HI
Great Deals33
Cars for Sale8255
Starting Price$8,050
Arlington, TX
Great Deals86
Cars for Sale800
Starting Price$7,399

Why trust Edmunds?

Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including all models of the 2018 Mazda 3 Sedan and all available trim types: Touring, Touring, Grand Touring, etc. Rich, trim-level features & specs and options data tracked for the 2018 Mazda 3 Sedan include (but are not limited to): MSRP, available incentives and deals, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (interior and exterior color, upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, cruise control, parking assistance, lane sensing, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy and MPG (city, highway, and combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (interior cabin space, vehicle length and width, seating capacity, cargo space). Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds expert review, safety rating, and color.

Should I lease or buy a 2018 Mazda 3?

Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.

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2018 Mazda 3 Sedan Grand Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A)

2018 Mazda 3 Sedan Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A)

2018 Mazda 3 Sedan Sport 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A)

2018 Mazda 3 Sedan Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)

2018 Mazda 3 Sedan Grand Touring 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)

2018 Mazda 3 Sedan Sport 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6M)

Which 2018 Mazda 3 Sedans are available in my area?

Can't find a new 2018 Mazda 3 3 Sedan you want in your area? Consider a broader search.

Compare prices on the New Mazda 3 for sale in Ashburn, VA to other major cities

Why trust Edmunds?

Should I lease or buy a 2018 Mazda 3?

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