Fun to drive.
I purchased new in 2022 and have owned for 3 years and 20,000 miles. Went with the naturally aspirated vs. turbocharged motor desiring long term reliability mated with the six-speed automatic transmission. Maintenance has been inexpensive, and it is a joy to drive. The stock Toyo tires provide a cushier ride and improved fuel economy, but they are also puncture prone. I switched the tires out with some Firestone Firehawk AS V2, the fuel economy went down but remains as advertised vs. slightly better with the Toyo. The performance and handling are much improved, on par with certain European luxury sedans as to the overall experience. I love the Mazda Connect Services App where I can remotely crank the car, send the destination to the Mazda Navigation system. In combination with the built-in Pandora services, I have no interest in using the Android or Apple Car Play. Mazda Navigation maps are easier to read albeit not as feature rich as Google Maps. The seats are very comfortable, the sound system is a cut above and like that I can set it up to cater to the driver's perspective. The trunk will hold two sets of golf clubs. I put a small hitch on the back to haul a bike. Added some all-weather mats, door visors, a few other items to make it my own. I'm 5'10" and have no trouble riding with sufficient space in the back seat. So long as the driver isn't 6' 2". If you're thinking about getting one and interested in longevity, suggest going with 5000-mile oil changes, running top-tier gas. Running a fuel system cleaner through ahead of each oil change and flushing the brake fluid every 3 years. Perhaps, even a periodic injector cleaning. These motors are solid but they're carbon build up prone due to the high compression. Steps suggested are to help keep the carbon build up down and help avoid more expensive repairs down the road. Being able to change the speedometer display is also very nice, it's not difficult to find a perfect driving position. I enjoy the driving dynamics as much as the 2013 Subaru BRZ, which had the lowest center of gravity as any production car in history, only this Mazda 3 has more torque. If you are single, it's perfect, if you have a small family with younger children it'll work. Some might prefer more space in the back seats, but to me there's plenty of room. It's amazing what I've been able to haul and pick up, no need for an SUV. Only negative I can think of, it's true, the paint will chip if you just look at it, so keep it waxed and clear the bird poo asap. My greatest concern is finding a comparable replacement down the road. Overall, I just love it, like getting a little luxury feel, reliability and Zoom! Zoom!, at a great bang for the buck price!
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Very good choice
I bought a red Mazda3 hatchback over a year ago and it’s been a very good car. Highlights are a fantastic driving experience, premium interior, excellent Bose sound system, likable engine, and beautiful styling. I’ve had minor issues with the electronics, like adaptive cruise control cutting out on the highway and wired CarPlay crashing or not connecting for a few weeks. One major flaw: lane keep assist is awful and overcorrects to a concerning level, and I usually turn it off immediately after startup. The car had an interior rattle that the dealer couldn’t figure out after two tries, so I had to fix it myself. Yes, the back seat is cramped and rear visibility is poor, but those have not been issues for me. Despite all that I have no regrets buying this car as I think it excels in so many areas over other compacts. It’s good in the little things, like having an awesome steering wheel, HUD, and floor-mounted gas pedal. Fuel economy has been 32 mpg in mixed driving, beating its EPA rating, and I have had no mechanical issues with 10,000 miles on the odometer.
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- Premium 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $22,97521 mi away
- Carbon Edition SedanMSRP: $19,99913 mi away
- Select 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $22,99939 mi away
review of Mazda 3 hatchback 2,5 L
I have a Mazda 3 since June 2021. Good features: nice ergonomic interior, nice finish, good steering, sport feeling, nice handling, good power. Bad features: location and radio controls, very bad and difficult to use Mazda navigation system, annoying parking brake button. Consumption lower than expected: about 20.0 mpg, driving mainly in the city with 20% highways
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Second Mazda, Second Great Experience
I brought a 2021 Mazda 3 Turbo Premium Plus Hatchback almost a month ago and I absolutely love it! After searching for the right vehicle for almost a year, I decided to go with Mazda because of its rave reviews by both consumers and critics. Nothing drives and feels like a Mazda. The materials feel superb and the car takes curbs more smoothly than any vehicle I have ever driven. My mom even commented on how impressed she was with how the car takes curbs. I also went with Mazda after having a great experience with my 2007 Mazda 3 Hatchback. It has been a good car and only has 120,000 miles on it. The only problem I have had with that model is the paint not holding up as long as I thought it should have. However, every brand has its own particular issues. I am hoping the paint on this one lasts much longer (this one is also white where the 2007 is purple). Regardless, the quality of Mazda is up there with Lexus. I joke with my mom and tell her I feel like I am driving a Lexus. Right now, I have almost 900 miles on it and have had no issues (e.g., technical, electrical, quality, safety, etc.). The only con I would list is that the back is tight. I would not buy it as a family car (unless it was for a small family). However, if it is mostly you and say a spouse, and you love to drive a car for the experience, then this is definitely the vehicle for you. I will try to give an update around 3000-5000 miles.
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I don’t get it. Cramped cabin. Base lacks torque.
I was so expected to go test drive and buy this car. I test drove the base and wow was I underwhelmed. The engine was base and lacked acceleration/torque. Sure turbo might be nice but it’s quite a price jump. The cabin is super cramped. The rear cabin was super narrow and could barely fit car seat. The front seat felt super cramped, like I was driving a Miata without the run.
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