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We have a limited number of reviews for the 2023 3, so we've included reviews for other years of the 3 since its last redesign.
You Don’t Want to Stop Driving It
Clayton R, 06/09/2021
2021 Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
73 of 73 people found this review helpful
There’s one huge problem with this car— it is so fun that you don’t want to stop driving it! The 2.5 turbo is superb. It has plenty of power and torque but is also efficient. For the first few days, you’ll want to drive it like you stole it because it seriously takes corners like no other car I’ve driven and has acceleration and passing power like something out of a luxury car. The AWD paired with the turbo really helps keep the car planted and under control when aggressively stepping down on the accelerator. While it’s very peppy, the engine remains very modest and quiet when you’re driving normal or idling. I will also add that it’s paired with a silky smooth transmission that shifts effortlessly. No CVT or DCT! Just a perfect transmission made directly by Mazda. The safety features on this car are also fantastic. The adaptive cruise control is very smooth and offers four different spacing options between you and the car in front of your. The lane keep assist is not very evasive in its steering or keeping you in the lane, which is great, and the blind spot monitor is extremely helpful given the huge blind spots in the hatchback. Those are the only safety systems I’ve tested so far, and they’ve excelled my expectations. Also, the safety systems link into the head up display, which is even more brilliant. The audible warnings associated with the systems sound great and don’t scare the heck of you when they go off. The infotainment system and interior components… WOW. Amazing. I love the fact that it doesn’t have a touchscreen, honestly. Mazda makes you use a rotary dial, with a cool clicking sound as you turn it, to control all aspects of the infotainment so that you keep your eyes peeled on the road. At first it thought that would’ve been an issue, but after using it, I wouldn’t want it any other way. Not only is it much easier than having to reach for the screen, but it keeps fingerprints off the screen, which are huge pet peeve of many. The infotainment system itself is very fast, has no lag navigating from menu to menu, and the graphics are super bright and crystal clear. When you use this, you know you’re in 2021. Next level technology. There is no wireless CarPlay, but with the center compartment having enough room to fit your phone and hide cords out of the way to keep a clean look, it doesn’t bother me one bit. In fact, it forces you to not look at your phone while driving, which I’m sure is what Mazda intended. The seats along with any place that’s in reach and meant to be touched regularly feel AMAZING. The arm rests in the center and on the door panels are like memory foam! Comfort you can literally see with your eyes. The knobs have great haptic feedback and clicking sounds that are satisfying if you’re weird like me. Everything feels very high quality and like something that will hold up beautifully for many years to come. Very little plastic pieces inside with the exception of the gear shift panel that will scratch if you’re not careful. The exterior on this car speaks for itself. My car has black paint with black rims. It looks stunning with the design of the body. The paint quality is great with the metallic flakes that flicker in the sunshine. I would recommend, as with any car, to get a paint protection film, because of how close the car is to the ground. You are very likely to get rock chips—huge ones if you like to drive fast like me! Overall, Mazda hit the ball out of the ballpark with the Mazda 3. I’ve read reviews where people complain of the high price point, but it’s worth every penny & you see why it’s more expensive than other rivals the moment you get behind the wheel and drive it. I’m not sure if I’ll want to leave the Mazda brand after driving this car, and I’ve driven MANY car brands. It’s that great of a car. Plus, you get a car that’s actually made in Japan and the Japanese are huge perfectionists when it comes to their work, which explains a lot in this car. If you’re on the fence, just do it. I promise you will not regret it.
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Beautiful car
Ione, 03/28/2022
2022 Mazda 3 Select 4dr Hatchback (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
37 of 37 people found this review helpful
I have the Mazda3 2.5S hatchback Select trim in platinum quartz metallic. This is a really beautiful car that looks and feels much more expensive than it actually is. It is fun to drive, has lots of power for a car of its size, and makes my daily commute pleasurable. Only two downsides I can think of. First, the backseat is pretty cramped, but not such an issue for me since I don't have kids and I rarely have passengers back there. Second, the fuel economy is a little below average which is rather unfortunate. Lots of people complain about poor visibility due to the wide C pillars and small rear window, which I get, but it doesn't feel like a huge issue with the blind spot monitoring and backup camera. Overall, I have no regrets and am very happy with my purchase. Civics and Corollas are good cars, but the Mazda3 is more refined and enjoyable. Very sophisticated and classy vehicle.
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2023 Mazda 3 for sale near you
3 of 57 listings
- Premium 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $25,9952 mi away
- Preferred 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $19,756In-stock online
- Preferred 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $18,9952 mi away
See all 57 listings
Absolutely incredible car
Peter, 01/03/2021
2021 Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
75 of 79 people found this review helpful
I test drove and bought the turbo model with 4 doors without any hesitation. The driving experience is 10, not 8. The interior is also 10. Some journalists are wondering who will pay $31000/$34000 for this car. I will tell people don't even compare this car to Honda civic or VW Jetta or Subaru. Mazda built this thing to compete with Audi and BMW. If you think from that perspective, it is a steal. I drive to work that has a mix of highway and curvy roads that cut through several lakes. I cannot imagine there is a car that can outperform Mazda. This car is that good. The 6 speed transmission shifts and works better than any other car I've had before. You can read articles that explain why it is so. Or just drive it and you will know in 5 minutes. It has AWD for safety and better handling. Mazda says that premium gas makes a difference at above 4000 rpm. So since I am not racing in real life, I will be happy to use regular gas. This car is not for teenagers or those who want BMW. It is for adults who appreciate thoughtful engineering, innovation, and design at a reasonable price. Thank you Mazda for building incredible cars like this. It is just what we need in a world that has turned to CVT transmission and Tesla nonsense.
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Very Nice Car for Enthusiasts That Commute
WSM456, 10/06/2021
2021 Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
39 of 41 people found this review helpful
First of all this is a great car, which is why I'm giving it 5 stars. I will outline some negative aspects of the, but it should be noted that these aspects weigh much less heavily on the total experience of the car than the positive aspects - if I outlined the minor positives like I will the minor negatives there would be way too many. I just want everyone to know the parts of this car I wish were better. The good: The interior; if you've been looking at this car you already know the interior is amazing. I know there are some complaints about the new infotainment center but I like it and agree with Mazda that a touchscreen is definitely not what you want to be messing with (or what you want the other people on the road messing with) while driving. The acceleration and AWD are a great...I really don't have more to say about it. My commute to work is mostly highway/interstate and on the highway I average around 35 MPG, surprisingly. Now to average that I do use the radar cruise control basically the whole way - you would be surprised to see the difference between gas mileage while using radar cruise vs your foot. Radar cruise is smooth and doesn't repeatedly accelerate too quickly to speed that is too fast and then have to slow down like when you drive with your foot (this cycle can be subtle depending on how you drive but, trust me, everyone does it). The comfort of the car is really great. The seats are very comfortable and have much more adjustability than my previous vehicles. They have 2 memory seating positions, which is nice, especially for people like me that can never get the seat back to that same spot after someone moves it. The ride is smooth and cabin noise is okay - my Audi A4 I had before was definitely quieter but it was also more of a cruising car than this car, which is a little more sport-oriented. Don't get in the turbo and expect the luxuries of a vehicle meant for a quiet smooth (boring) ride. That's not the point of this vehicle. The exterior design of this car is amazing in my opinion (and most other enthusiasts seeing as the 3 won 2020 world car design of the year at the WCAs).I have the Soul Red sedan with black wheels and a black lip on the spoiler. It looks great, the red is probably the best red on the market today and really highlights the curves on the car. The bose sound system is awesome. The tech is great. So many driver support and safety features make you feel comfortable driving. Love the heads up display, too. Gripes: The rear torsion beam instead of independent suspension. Mazda has done a really good job keeping the effects of this covered up (apparently they have something in the computer that does something to counter the negative effects of a torsion beam but I don't know the specifics) and 99% of the time you won't know but occasionally you'll hit a bump just the right way and the car takes a slightly funny bounce. It's not something that you have to correct, it just feels "off" in relation to the regular feel of the ride. Like I said driving 2+ hrs each day I don't experience this every day, maybe you won't even experience it every week, but it is something that happens. It beeps at you a lot. The parking sensors are mainly what I'm talking about. If you pull into a parking spot and get close enough to anything that the sensors alert you and you park there, when you get back in and start up it will immediately beep at you to let you know you're close, even though you're in park. The navigation is nice...if you don't live somewhere with constant traffic jams and road work. I'm sure this is the same for all manufacturer's navigation system but it doesn't have any real-time data. It doesn't know when there's a traffic jam, it doesn't know when there's road work that makes a route slower. This means you're just going to use google. The good news? It has wireless android auto and apple car play so it's still easy to use. It's just slightly annoying that you have a feature that doesn't work as well as you want it to and you end up using data on google maps. Like I said - this isn't necessarily a Mazda or Mazda3 problem but don't get this car with maps expecting to not use data anymore. Rear seats are a little tight on leg room (not the worst I've been in by a long shot), but the they are still very nice, comfortable seats - more so than other small cars I've been in. Overall, this is a fantastic vehicle. I have always wanted a WRX/STI, Civic Type R, Focus RS but I have lots of driving to do every day and...I'm not as young as I used to be and my taste has changed. I enjoy not having an extremely stiff ride, sub-par interiors/tech, and I like the more sedentary styling because I'm not 18 yrs old anymore. That being said this is a great middle ground between still wanting a sports car and a wanting a comfortable driver.
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Awesome Hatchback
Rhyno, 02/10/2021
updated 02/22/2024
2021 Mazda 3 Premium 4dr Hatchback (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
73 of 79 people found this review helpful
I test drove two different Mazda 3 Premium hatches before buying the second. The first one was the "soul red" color with black leather interior which was a beautiful paint job. The one that I purchased is "polymetal gray" and I ended up liking this color better, it looks sort of blue-gray on cloudy days and more gray-gray on sunny days. The interior is red leather which looks much more like an "ox-blood" color in person than it does in pictures - absolutely gorgeous and a very premium look and feel. This car does drive very well overall and has a sporty feel to it without really being a sports car. The 18" wheels do look very nice especially in the gloss black color and I find it's contrast to both the Polymetal and Red colors to be pleasing to the eyes...however this does translate to some roughness on rougher roads...not a deal breaker for me though. I did not initially intend to get such a high trim level, but buying a car with a manual transmission was an important factor to me so I ended up with the premium trim. The MT is VERY smooth in my opinion and took very little time to get adjusted to since I have previous experience with manuals. The clutch is light and easy to push and the shifter is smooth. This is a very forgiving car for someone to learn to drive MT, especially with the hill-hold button. The features and tech in this car are fantastic and way more than I had ever intended to get. I find the heated seats and heads up display to be particularly useful. The infotainment system is a little cumbersome to get used to in regards to using the different menus but after getting the hang of it it's not so bad. The hand controls for the infotainment are really nice to use once getting accustomed to them and I find the location to be perfect for my hand in its resting place. You can tell that these cars really are designed around the DRIVER as everything is pretty intuitively placed. The backseat is definitely a little cramped but my wife and I do not have kids so this was not much of a concern for us. I have not yet had to load anything massive into the cargo area but am looking forward to testing out the space with the seats folded down. The appearance of this car is just stellar to me and looks much sleeker and sexier than most any small hatchback I have seen on the road... and I do not see many of these updated 3's on the road (especially in hatch form) so it is nice to not have the same box that everyone else has. The other cars I was considering before purchase was the Honda Civic Hatch and the Subaru Impreza Hatch. The Civic looks like a transformer to me (very angular) and the Subaru just didn't float my boat... kind of dull. As much as I would like to say it doesnt matter to me, the aesthetics of what I was going to spend my money on was pretty important to me. I want to smile and be excited when I look at my vehicle and this is definitely a much better looking vehicle than my aging 06' Ford Ranger lol. I bought my new car on January 16th 2021 at Flow Mazda of Greensboro NC which was a good experience overall. I only have about 600 miles on the car but 1st impressions are good and I am happy that I purchased this car. This is my first Mazda but it looks like it won't be my last as long as I continue to be happy with this purchase. My wife may end up in a CX-5 when she is ready to upgrade. -Rhyno (happy new Mazda Owner) Update 08/10/2021: The Mazda 3 Premium Hatchback with MT is still a joyous car to drive and I do not have any complaints about the vehicle. I only have about 4,800 miles on it after 8 months as I am babying it to preserve its glory lol... Very fun with the MT, takes off and shoots through traffic when I need it to, runs smooth as butter around town. I am glad I purchased this car and hope that it has much longevity over the course of my ownership. Thanks Mazda, keep up the good work! Update 02/11/2022: Just a little over a year after purchase and I still very much enjoy driving this car! It looks fantastic and I have honestly gotten countless compliments on its sexy appearance - definitely stands out as a looker compared to most other things I see on the road. The manual transmission is still fun and I am glad I went that route. The fuel mileage seems to have improved slightly over time... Not sure if this is due to just being more broken in or if it is just my improved smoothness with shifting since being used to it at this point. Wonderful car, please do not stop making these Mazda and consider bringing back the "Speed 3" so a version with turbo + MT can be obtained! I will probably be upgrading my exhaust/intake/tune once my factory warranty has expired :-P Update 08/18/2022: The car is still fantastic at 14,xxx miles, drives/handles/shifts/rides very nicely. The car does have some pretty bad blind spots but that is the tradeoff for such sexy styling! Update 02/21/2023: I have a little <20,000 miles on the 3 hatch now and have had no true issues to speak of. It is still a fun car to drive, I enjoy the manual transmission very much. When I step out my back door and see it sitting there waiting on me it definitely puts a smile on my face. Update 08/22/2023: Still a great car. Go get you one before manual transmissions go the way of the dinosaurs. WU-Tang is for the children yall Update 2/23/24 She's a keeper, and a lover. Get yourself one while you can.
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Finally satisfied
Ontheroad, 03/22/2022
2022 Mazda 3 Preferred 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
33 of 35 people found this review helpful
Though I've only had my car for one week, I am in love. I have always been a auto enthusiast, spending hours watching videos and scouring the internet for both professional and lay reviews of automobiles from makes A to Z. Before deciding on this vehicle, most of my research kept pointing to Mazda. Over and over again, this company scored high in almost every category that really matters. For some reason, I just kept looking at Honda and Toyota, until I took a test drive! This car sells itself! Both of the latter brands are good cars, but if you want good AND fun AND fashionable, go with Mazda! The exterior is stylish, but the interior is leaps and bounds better than the rivals! Absolutely beautiful! The car provides a connected driving experience with the road, yet is always smooth, composed and refined. AND, they use a tested, tried and true 6 speed automatic transmission which finds the gears quickly and exactly when needed. Honda Civic has a 1.5 Turbo with known oil dilution problems and a CVT. The Corolla is very dependable, but lacks the athleticism of the 3, as well as the upscale leather and soft touch materials. The infotainment system works remarkably well using the rotary dial system employed by Mazda. I found it so intuitive that I was using it by the time I pulled out of the dealership! Also, I have a great AWD system not available in either the Corolla or Civic! Mazda simply punches above it's class in every way! So, if you want to look forward to driving again, please do yourself a favor and test drive the Mazda!
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Saved by the Manual
Matt, 09/09/2022
2022 Mazda 3 Premium 4dr Hatchback (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
12 of 12 people found this review helpful
First off, love this car! It has style, class, engagement and you don’t see many of them. My black-on-black hatch in particular looks way more exotic than anything from the other comparable brands. Can take it to meet a client where a Civic or Corolla would look “cheap.” This is a second vehicle, we also have a CX-5 for family duty. Cross shopped the civic manuals for this car, which I purchased in February. It is a notch below the Civic SI in tuning, but I think a notch above the Civic Touring manual. However it is much better than either for the regular 200+ mile road-trips I’ve taken it on (MUCH quieter than the civic!). I also found the seats to be better for me than Honda’s. I also preferred Mazda’s NA 2.5 engine to Honda’s turbo. The power is similar enough however you get the more linear and predictable delivery of a naturally-aspirated engine. The manual is good (not Miata Great, but better than many others out there). It has a predictable clutch and with the 186hp and torque it is easy to chirp the tires on the 1-2 upshift. Having owned other recent Mazda products the dial controller isn’t an issue for me. Recent rental cars also confirmed how difficult it can be to hit the right button in a touch-screen while driving, Mazdas system does take this hunt and peck out of the equation, for better or worse. I’m fine with it. Also on technology, very glad this manual comes with Mazda’s full safety suite (looking at you Subaru!). You can even shift while using Adaptive Cruise Control and it will keep your speed and distance. Of course there is no low-speed traffic assist, but that is part of the deal deal with a stick. I would like a but more advanced lane-centering for the long road-trips, Mazda’s system is a few rungs behind Hyundai and others who really help relieve some of the burden when cruising on a highway. All in all, a great car. Probably the last manual I’ll own unless I get a “classic” ND.2 Miata someday
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Great Commuter - Prior Model Seemed Better
MazdaDash, 09/18/2022
2022 Mazda 3 Premium 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
15 of 16 people found this review helpful
I bought a 2022 Mazda 3 2.5 FWD Sedan in Premium trim back in February of 2022 for use as a commuter. I had previously owned a 2014 Mazda 3 2.5L Grand Touring for this purpose. Car is very nicely equipped and looks great given the price point. Very good in traffic and quick enough with the 2.5 naturally aspirated (didn’t opt for turbo). The combination of the 2.5 engine with the reliable 6 speed transmission is perfectly matched for this car for most people, and will deliver a satisfying performance experience. Overall decent gas mileage as well on longer highway runs - better than the 2014 I had with the same engine and transmission. Generally happy with the vehicle and was able to get one vs a new Civic (cross-shopped these), which were unavailable at dealerships when I was looking/or with high markup. I had owned the previous body style and while the new car looks more upscale, the older version seems to have had a slightly better ride and performance. Not enough difference, however, to say the new model isn’t great and the upgrade was worth it. Having lived with the car now 7 months, some minor negatives to consider are as follows if you are considering this car. It is a bit loud inside (which is typical of Mazda), although it seems a little louder than previous model to me. I had expected it to be quieter. Ride is a bit rough imo with lots of road noise coming from expansion joints and road variance, and the wind seems to blow the car around a bit on the road. This could be the OEM tires though, and changing tires might improve this behavior. Wind noise coming into the cabin can be a bit much during higher wind days and any cross-winds on the highway cause an odd noise at the top of the driver’s side door (seems to flex this area blowing under the seal). From what I read, I did expect noise and ride to be improved over the previous model but it doesn’t seem to be the case. Other items that could be improved are placement of the cup holders and the infotainment/navigation. The cup holders in the new iteration are placed too far forward under the climate control-dash overhang and somewhat difficult to use (esp if cup is larger). The new infotainment is great overall and I like the simple Mazda interface and the I find the common knob to be great (no issue for me without touch screen). The issues I’ve had are quirkiness with Apple Car Play (poor quality transcription of texts, sometimes commands on the screen are unavailable for no reason - cannot be selected). Also the navigation always seemed slightly off and as a result the street sign recognition/speed limit is often incorrectly displayed on the dash and heads-up. For example, on an interstate, the system will often show the frontage road speed limit instead. I have had the system reset/reloaded but with no correction on this. I have another newer model Mazda (CX-9) that does not do this and tracks accurately. Finally, the front lower fascia seems easier to scuff on curbs than the 2014 I had, so have some touch-up paint on hand and be cautious parking. Other than these minor items the car has been great overall for my intended purpose. All-in-all the vehicle is great, however, the outgoing model may have actually been slightly better. That could be because I had higher expectations with respect to interior noise with the newer interior (Mazdas except for the CX-9 have always had somewhat higher interior noise to me). I also expected the ride to be slightly improved given they had moved away some from performance to increasing luxury. This doesn’t seem to be the case. Before buying I would recommend driving some of the other cars in this class to be sure and also trying to do a longer highway drive to ensure you are okay with the noise quirks of this car.
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The perfect little hatchback!
Joe, 05/31/2021
2021 Mazda 3 Premium 4dr Hatchback (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
15 of 16 people found this review helpful
This is such a fun car to drive. Got the Wolf Gray (the blue gray) with the red interior. It's such a nice combination, but I didnt get this vehicle for the aesthetics, which are so much better than anything in this category. I bought this car because of the fun to drive ratio! Its a refined GTI, with Audi styling, Toyota reliabilty! The infotainment is very simple and easy to use, even the Android Auto interface, while not touchscreen, is sooo intuitive. Back to the driving dynamics, its a Miata with cargo space. I cannot sing enough praises of the PURE DRIVING JOY this car offers. I'm coming from a Kia Stinger GT2 with 365hp, while that car was way more refined and luxurious (commuting to work, had to get something economical, wish I could've kept both cars!), this car has a purity of driving pleasure behind the wheel that is unmatched. The Stinger was a pure joy on the freeway, the Mazda 3 is a pure joy everywhere else :) Test drive one, you wont forget it! This thing gets amazing gas mileage, Miata driving dynamics, with decent cargo space. Luxury cars you lease, this car you BUY!
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Sleek Sporty Style
Dawn Rivero, 01/30/2021
2021 Mazda 3 Preferred 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
14 of 15 people found this review helpful
Love the new interior design changes from the 2017 model. A bit more spacious than the 2017 as well.
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Greatest value on EARTH!
Simpsonite1216 , 04/19/2021
2021 Mazda 3 Premium 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
Youre getting luxury trim features at budget car pricing! You won't believe and you cant comprehend the value! Just go look at one, you can always walk away!
Great car with one huge problem
CS, 07/09/2023
2022 Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
22 of 25 people found this review helpful
So far I'm enjoying this car. It's loaded with options including a terrific Bose stereo. Gorgeous interior with easy access controls. The car is pretty darn quick too making it fun to drive. It's a very good looking car and an attention grabber in soul red metallic which is where the problem lies. The paint is garbage. It looks terrific but very prone to damage whether it's chips from debris or stains from bird mess. I keep the car clean and have a fresh coat of wax on it but still a mark was left from a bird dropping. I wash off any marks on my car as soon as I see them so this bird crap couldn't have been there for even a full day. Car has 3000 miles and already issues with paint. Not good.
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Great Overall Car
Zach Robbins, 12/12/2021
2021 Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
I did a lot of research before buying a car because I’m pretty picky. The Mazda3 hatchback turbo checked a lot of boxes for me, and in my opinion, at a great price. The driving experience is great overall. I love the engine, and it packs a lot of punch. It’s definitely one of the best turbo 4s out there. It could use a little more horsepower though as the thrust peters out when you get higher up in the rpms. The handling is great and inspires a lot of confidence even though the steering doesn’t offer much feedback. The styling is great inside and out. Definitely one of the prettiest hatchbacks on the market right now with an interior rivaling much more expensive cars. I love the simplicity of the design. The sound system is great and so is the infotainment system which features an Audi style rotary controller instead of a touchscreen. My only complaint there is there is a minor glitch when using Spotify with Apple CarPlay where it sends you back to the Spotify Home Screen sometimes after you go to Now Playing. Visibility out the back isn’t great, but the driver assistance systems make up for it. Another minor annoyance is that the parking brake is always on in park, meaning when you put it in drive you still have to disable the parking brake. Also I’m not a big fan of the cup holders being placed under the dash instead of near the armrest. Aside from my few minor grievances, this car is really great and offers a ton for the money. After putting 1000 miles on it, I can highly recommend this car for someone who wants something practical, fun to drive, with a lot of features and doesn’t want to break the bank.
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Beware of faulty parts!
Scott Zschappel, 02/16/2022
2021 Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
33 of 39 people found this review helpful
I purchased the 2021 Mazda 3 turbo hatch in November and it has never been 100%. From the first week I had it the airbag light came on and I had it looked at by three different dealerships that have told me nothing is wrong. Finally found the problem almost four months later to be the airbag sensor in the drivers seat which happens to be backordered until the summer. The diagnosis itself caused even more problems. Now the car randomly vibrates somewhere and it’s not a safety feature or road related. No idea what’s causing it. And several very loud weird rattles that are road related coming from the back of the car, the seatbelt adjuster, and even from the HUD being loose. The installation of the sensor itself is invasive and they have to take apart the seat to get to it which leads me to believe that won’t be the last of the constant stream of issues I’ve been dealing with. Very disappointing as I have been a Mazda enthusiast for years. Other than the annoying problem and possible lack of airbag function, the car drives well and is very comfortable other than the strange noises that drive me crazy. The Bose sound system is the best feature in my opinion and the updated infotainment system is great.
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Classy Looks, Cheap Rattlebox.
Michael, 10/01/2023
updated 10/10/2024
2021 Mazda 3 Premium 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
19 of 22 people found this review helpful
Bought a 2021 Mazda 3 based off my previous 2015 Mazda 3. That car was a dream. This car has been frankly a nightmare of interior rattles, one after another. Its from cheaply made plastic parts, and the rattles are in the same spots in most Mazda 3s of this generation. Dealership cannot fix the rattles as most are so deeply built into the dash that there is not much else to do but sell it and pray someone who cares about ride quality will not notice. Speaker rattles during driving, glovebox rattles, my infotainment rattles, my seatbelt receiver rattles, and some other weird rattles during acceleration behind my infotainment center. Havent been able to enjoy a single day in my car.
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Superb in white
Jorge in Forest Hills, 08/17/2021
2021 Mazda 3 Select 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
Luxury is affordable. This car is has a gorgeous dashboard that belies its price. The 6 speed automatic transmission combined with a great Skyactive G engine makes driving fun. We enjoy driving the car in manual mode since we currently own a 2011 Mazda 3 with five speed manual. Mazda is a small company that works hard at making great cars. Love our new 2021 Mazda 3 model. We test drove other cars with the CVT transmission like Honda and Subaru but we just could not be happy with the boring gear shifts and overall lack of roar.
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This feels like a more refined VW GTI!
Gordo, 12/13/2021
2021 Mazda 3 Premium 4dr Hatchback (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
This car has been such a hoot to drive! I moved cross country and sold my 2021 VW GTI manual; it was a second car that I didn't want to drag with me. After I moved and got settled in, I decided to look at a Mazda3 hatchback-I loved the styling and saw it also had a manual. I test drove it and fell in love! Great handling, it shifts smooth as butter, and is a very nice design overall. I added the larger spoiler from the Turbo model (it's a dealer accessory) and it looks absolutely sinister haha (black on black). This was to be my weekend fun car to drive in the country; my other vehicle is a Kia Stinger. As fun as the Stinger is, I find myself driving this Mazda everywhere more often. It does seem a little small on passenger room but I'm a single person so that doesn't really concern me.
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Very poor paint quality.
Fernando, 10/30/2021
2021 Mazda 3 Premium 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
34 of 42 people found this review helpful
With about 3500 miles and 1 year of ownership, my hood started to experience paint peeling from the rear edges of the hood (area closest to wipers). The car is parked in a heated garage year-round. Mazda has denied our warranty claims stating it is not a manufacturing defect, however, with just a little research you will see that Mazda uses a thin layer of water-based paint to cut costs and "reduce emissions". Too bad, since this car is okay otherwise. I just can't recommend it knowing the bare metal will begin rusting come winter.
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Fun to drive
Steve, 05/08/2021
2021 Mazda 3 Select 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
22 of 27 people found this review helpful
This car has more standard features than the other competition in its class like Toyota, Honda, Kia etc..most feature that I love is the extra horsepower even with a natural aspirated engine.
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Defective Airbag
JB, 09/19/2021
updated 12/20/2022
2021 Mazda 3 Select 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
18 of 22 people found this review helpful
Nice car. Purchased new but two weeks later a sensor said the airbag system was malfunctioning. I thought it was a bad sensor but when I brought it back to the dealer they said it needed a new driver side airbag. Yikes. They offered me a loaner but I wanted my car and I thought it would only be a couple of days. Three weeks later and no word on when they might be able to fix it. Have looked online and it seems to be a common problem. Update: Airbag was eventually replaced after waiting 5 weeks. About 6 weeks later the defective air bag sensor came on again. Pretty frustrating on a new car.
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2021 Mazda 3 Turbo Premium Plus - Amazing!
MazdaMan, 08/26/2021
2021 Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
8 of 9 people found this review helpful
I have had this vehicle for 1 week and absolutely love it. One might be surprised to find that I switched from a 2019 BMW 330i x-drive (retail $49,000) to this 2021 Mazda 3 Turbo PP with no regrets at all. This car interior is more refined, it's faster, and it rides better due to NO run-flat tires (i.e. BMW). You will NOT miss the 8-speed, since the torque is available at EVERY gear. You will fall in love with 3rd and 4th gears during acceleration runs. And when you want to relax, this car acts like a kitten, smooth as silk. For $34,000 retail it cannot be beat when you consider the entire package. I have driven the car with 87 and 92 octane so far...highly recommend the 92. I am still looking for 93 octane to see what the full 250hp and 320 torque can do, but I would assume it is minimal. And did I mention the AWD and all the safety features...it's a great package. Take it for a test drive, you will not regret it.
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Sport/Luxury/Utility in One? Yes, Please!
2 Many Cars, 12/07/2022
2022 Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
8 of 10 people found this review helpful
What a great little hatch! Enough room for an empty nest couple and all our suitcases. (Or for a trip to Costco). High end materials throughout the interior make for a civilized cockpit environment. The performance and AWD are more than adequate for confidence when dealing with weather and traffic. The exterior styling is very Italianesque for a Japanese car, and gets lots of admiring looks. Fit & finish is impeccable. The only demerits I can think of would be the so-so gas mileage, the tiny gas tank, and the slightly flinty ride on rough roads, (which - to me - is a fair trade-off for the sporty suspension.) Mazda doesn't sell a lot of units in the USA, so they are almost a boutique carmaker compared to the big boys. You won't see yourself coming and going at every other intersection. If you love Made in Japan reliability, and like a growly rush when you step on the long pedal, I strongly suggest you consider one these little gems.
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Good car overall
Gaucho 87, 01/28/2024
updated 07/30/2024
2023 Mazda 3 Preferred 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
8 of 10 people found this review helpful
I’ve had my 2023 Mazda 3 Preferred edition sedan for a year now, and overall,, it’s a good car with some caveats. The pros are that it is very reliable, fuel efficient, and stylish inside and out. It rides and handles well, particularly at higher speeds and on curvy roads, and there is a general feeling of sportiness and quality in both the ride and build of the car. It also feels solid and safe (and has received top safety pick ratings from NHTSA and the IiHS). The trunk, though small for its class, has not disappointed. It’s been suitable for my needs. The radio is also very good, and the volume/mute/power knob on the center console is placed in the perfect position, right within reach. The power driver’s seat is great, particularly the lumbar support. You feel supported and bolstered but not too much so. Finally, the rotary dial interface, while at first a bit cumbersome, has gotten much easier to use over time, and it really reduces distractions. Now on to the downsides. The car is definitely tight in terms of space. Head and leg room up front and in back are tight, and the storage space inside the cabin (not counting the trunk) is limited. The automatic electronic safety features are nice to have, but they can be overly aggressive and loud. Fortunately, some of them can be adjusted or turned off if you desire. While I like the rotary interface overall, it does seem limited compared to a touch screen, and it’s still slower to perform basic functions like changing a radio station. The front of the car is very low, so it’s very easy to scrape it against a curb in a parking spot. There is also a slight blind spot out of the rear due to the curved design, but this is pretty minor. Finally, the engine sometimes jumps a bit when going from stop to start. This isn’t dangerous, but just annoying. Overall, the Mazda is sporty and pretty fun to drive (and very good on the highway and at higher speeds), though comfort and convenience definitely take a back seat here, so if those are priorities for you, it might not be the best choice.
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2022 Mazda 3 premium plus sedan
JoAnn, 02/16/2022
2022 Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
14 of 19 people found this review helpful
I absolutely love almost everything about this car except the following: The infotainment system lack touch and makes you use a toggle wheel which is very distracting while driving. Secondly, the gas mileage is not the greatest for such a small car but it is a bit of a trade off to have turbo and AWD. I would have definitely rated it much higher if the infotainment center was more intuitive.
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Just bought a 22’ carbon edition sedan
Jer, 06/14/2022
2022 Mazda 3 Carbon Edition 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
7 of 9 people found this review helpful
People are looking and I feel like a million bucks, it’s insane having this feeling from a Mazda. Plus they’re rare. Everyone has a Corolla, forte, or civic zzzzzz
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AWD is a nice addition, but also a step backwards
RichJ, 12/15/2022
2021 Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
12 of 17 people found this review helpful
Having owned both a 2015s GT and a 2018 Mazda 3 GT hatchback it's probably easier for me to compare my current 2021 Mazda 3 AWD turbo hatchback to the previous years models than it is for many Mazda owners. There have been some noticeable changes over the past six years, most of which are improvements and greatly appreciated. A perfect example of that is the turbo in the 2021 model, which is what this car has needed for a very long time. No, it's not a Mazdaspeed, but it gives car a definite and much needed boost in performance and driving enjoyment. Contrast that to the rear suspension in the AWD model. As pitchy as the rear end was with the rear independent suspension in the FWD model, the switch to a fixed rear axle suspension in the AWD model can be positively brutal on pavement bumps and potholes. The driving experience improvement brought about by the addition of the turbo is often compromised by the solid rear axle, and it can make for a much less enjoyable ride. The reduction in rear cargo space in the AWD model is noticeable to my eye and not a welcome change. The front end suspension also seems to be less responsive and nimble than my 2018 model was, making for a bit less enjoyable experience. My 2021 model also has far more rattles than either of my two previous Mazda 3 hatchbacks. Other than those issues, I do enjoy my 2021 Mazda 3 hatchback and it still makes for a mostly enjoyable driving experience.
Love the new 3
Dave, 02/11/2023
2022 Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I previously had a 2017 Mazda 3, which was a great car but lacking in power and with too much road noise. The new 3 Turbo is smooth and really powerful. The AWD puts the turbos power down very nicely and the new one rides smoother despite the torsion beam. The steering has been slowed down a bit and has slightly less feel than the prior generation, but the small difference is well worth the extra smoothness. Interior is fantastic and everyone who rides in it comments about how nice it is. I’d suggest Mazda focus on slightly more rear leg room.
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Nice car
Penny, 07/23/2024
2023 Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
My son got this car. It is very nice with all the fun features. However there is no leg room in the backseat. Amd the ac is great for the people up front but the people in the back suffer. We drove 13 hrs and there was no way to get backseat cool without freezing front seat.. definitely needs ac vents in back of car and more leg room. The lane correction is nice but can be really aggressive at times. Lile if you forget to use your blinker. But nice car
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Red leather! A stick!
KJ, 04/09/2023
2023 Mazda 3 Premium 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Love it!!! White with a maroon red leather interior! MT! So fun to drive. Looks great! Smallish back seat and hatch space, but rarely a factor since I’m the only one in the car. Clean design and lux inside and out. So much better looking than the “better” Civic. Get one!
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BUMPY AND SMALL
Richie j, 04/08/2023
updated 10/11/2024
2022 Mazda 3 Select 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
20 of 30 people found this review helpful
The cars suspension was dissapointing. not independent. felt far too many bumps. front seat was tight. no elbow room. what a disapointment!!! fortunately i sold it and got my money back they hold their value
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Oil thirsty
Mr.S, 07/12/2022
2022 Mazda 3 Premium 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
21 of 32 people found this review helpful
Performance, interior quality, handling, fuel consumption, power accessories are all great BUUUUUUUT that car has less than 3500kms on it and the oil lights on and sure enough it's down that much not what I'd expect for 48000 taxes in???
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Mazda3 Carbon Edition Sedan 2.5L NA is a Great Car
Mullah, 12/15/2023
updated 12/20/2024
2023 Mazda 3 Carbon Edition 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
Great car; happy buyer! There is a lot of great stuff about the car, the enjoyment of driving it, and people's impressions when seeing it. For the money, you can get a sudo entry-level luxury experience even at lower trim levels (preferred and up). I love this car over the older used Acura I/TLX models with similar features I was comparing it to when making my buying decision. A few nits: no rear seat passenger lights (unless both front lights are on), front door handles have an opening instead of a small pocket, the base on the 12 speaker Bose audio system had to be turned down slightly, the trunk light is weak in the dark, and the front seats feel like a midsized sedan most of the time but sometimes feel squished. Honestly, the rear torsion beam doesn't reduce the quality of the ride when compared to the 2020 mazda6, which I believe has an independent or multilink rear suspension. The rear seats can fit two average-sized adults relatively comfortably. I prefer the rotary dial over touch screens, which is easy to get used to. Wired CarPlay works better than Bluetooth especially when the car is shared between multiple people. This car does everything besides gas mileage better than the Toyota Corolla and differentiates itself enough from the Honda Civic to be a competitor. I miss the turbo, but I love hearing the car rev out and sport mode can help you get that extra torque faster for highway merging/passing with little effort. For my needs, this car is fun and perfect. If you know what and why you are buying, you won't feel like you missed out on comparable vehicles. You can still get this car for at or under MSRP (some haggling required), plus rebates. 1-year ownership update: 24000 miles driven. No issues. Piano black wasn’t as bad as I thought. Minimal scratches and dust build up. A bit of wheel hop when making fast turns in the cold but I’m running on all seasons. Considering winter tires.
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Hugs the road
einstein, 02/12/2021
2021 Mazda 3 Select 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
5 of 7 people found this review helpful
Best driving experience ever!
Great but...
L.G, 03/09/2021
2021 Mazda 3 Premium 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
44 of 77 people found this review helpful
I absolutely love everything about this car except the seats. They are awful. I didn't notice in the test drive and coming from a Toyota Matrix seat comfort wasn't even on my radar as I had never had a problem with car seats in the past (Matrix's have some of the most comfortable seats). I have had the car for two months now and still can't find a comfortable position to drive in for longer than 30 mins. The bolstering is really narrow and I find that it hits me in a weird spot making it uncomfortable for long drives. Unfortunately I can't make the seat work and will have to trade it in for something else. I wish they would make new car seats with less "hugged" sensation. Some of us don't want to be aggressively hugged by our seat.
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I don’t get it. Cramped cabin. Base lacks torque.
Rick, 05/22/2022
2021 Mazda 3 2.0 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
23 of 42 people found this review helpful
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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Fun, underrated little hatch!
Pito, 05/31/2023
2023 Mazda 3 Select 4dr Hatchback (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Absolutely love this vehicle, I have owned over 7 vehicles and working at a dealer I get to test drive many brands and models. Mazda 3 hatchback I own it’s right there, I honestly have not find anything to complain about, just perhaps not going for the Turbo model (I own the S with Select package).
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review of Mazda 3 hatchback 2,5 L
Dante, 01/28/2022
2021 Mazda 3 Premium 4dr Hatchback (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
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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Very good choice
Chris D, 11/26/2023
2022 Mazda 3 Premium 4dr Hatchback (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
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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Second Mazda, Second Great Experience
Robert, 11/04/2021
2021 Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
5 of 8 people found this review helpful
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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Deep Crystal Blue Mica Gem
Vincent, 12/22/2020
2021 Mazda 3 Preferred 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
9 of 18 people found this review helpful
Drives like a dream...great safety features...looks great too
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A lovely upgrade
David Cappelletti , 02/19/2023
updated 08/21/2023
2023 Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
3 of 5 people found this review helpful
This car is simply fabulous in the premium plus trim, great power, and great comfort and convenience. Well worth the money....still awesome after 5000 miles.
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awful change in suspension!!! room is ridiculousy
Richie j, 07/13/2023
2021 Mazda 3 Select 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
23 of 51 people found this review helpful
What a disapointment!! yes i bought one. the suspension is a joke. you feel every bump. cant believe all the positive reviews. the zoom zoom is all gone!!!
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ALL AROUND AWESOME
Chance, 11/26/2021
2021 Mazda 3 Preferred 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
I have an 06 and 21 Mazda 3 and they are awesome. The 2021 has an outstanding luxury feel and comfort for an outstanding price. If I get rid of my Mazdas, the brand has won me over and I would be running back like never before. Mazda cares about your vehicle and builds a great and reliable vehicle for your finances now and years down the road! THIS CAR WONT DISAPOINT!!!
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Rocking my new 3 S Hatchback with Select pkg
Mike K, 04/13/2023
2023 Mazda 3 2.5 S 4dr Hatchback (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
The interior looks and feels premium in every aspect. The ride on smooth roads is perfect. With the platinum quartz paint and piano black trim this car definitely stands out from the crowd. In 700 miles of mostly highway driving it averaged 38mpg. Love it!
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Do not recommend a Mazda 3
robin, 11/11/2023
2023 Mazda 3 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
17 of 49 people found this review helpful
We had two Maza 6 vehicles, and Mazda 3 was a huge disappointment with no legroom in the front or back. We felt claustrophobic, like being in a time capsule. The seats were also uncomfortable compared to the Mazda 6. Faulty design compared to the Mazda 6. So sorry they discontinued them. We would have continued to buy them if they were available.
Fun to drive.
Ronald, 02/24/2025
2022 Mazda 3 Select 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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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Worth way more than we paid
Old guy, 07/27/2024
2023 Mazda 3 Select 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Every time I get behind the wheel of our Mazda 3 sedan select 2.5 I feel great about our buying decision. I love the way it looks,,, it looks not at all like a relatively inexpensive small car. The front seats are the most comfortable of any car I have owned and I bought my first car in 1965. The car has enough power to feel confident on Bay Area freeways and averages about 40mpg highway. The interior is widely praised for being above its price class and I couldn’t agree more. The safety tech is superb,,,, the trunk is fine and I don’t spend anytime in the back seat. All things considered I got more than I paid for
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An honest review of the AWD Mazda 3 Turbo
Jason, 11/23/2021
2021 Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
8 of 26 people found this review helpful
So I really wanted to love this car, I mean I did buy it. Problem is... I really don't. I have three Mazda 3's The 2021 AWD turbo and two 2010 Mazda 3 GT that I bought for my kids. One I handed down and drove for years. I really liked it. Thus the 2021 purchase. The car is nice inside. It's minimal, but tastefully done with a nice feel and finish. that's where it ends for me. I find the motor laggy. I hit it and wait. Wait for it... no seriously it's fast, trust me, here it comes... yawn* anytime now. When it goes, it goes. but I'm not blown away. I had a 2010 cobalt SS and it was way faster. Handling. Dry conditions. It does NOT feel like the handling matches the engine, even with the lag. The breaks do not feel like they will stop you. The suspension feels... light? fluffy almost.dont get me wrong, I'm not saying a "smooth" ride. It's not "tight" and "sharp". Snow... i'm from Ontario. I dont have experience with AWD. but this thing is scary in snow. I drove a mustang GT back ion the 90s in the snow. If I am saying its scary... it's scary! It feels the same as the Mustang. It responds just like a rear wheel Mustang. I can fish tail around corners if I give it a little throttle. Where is the front wheel pull? Why is the back end breaking free? Does this thing not have traction control? I dont get it. Im actually thinking of taking it back and getting an SUV
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TOO many problems
Frank C, 12/27/2022
2022 Mazda 3 Preferred 4dr Hatchback (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
22 of 76 people found this review helpful
A nightmare to drive. All sorts of distractions. Cruise control a nightmare. Inadequate air conditioning and heater. Poor visibility. Poor defroster function. Unintuitive electronics. I rate this car an F for failure
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Looks nice, but looks can be deceiving.
Angela, 01/23/2025
2021 Mazda 3 Preferred 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Purchased a 2021 used for my mom thinking that it would be a comfortable and reliable vehicle for her. After a year, I've come to realize that this cast is not all that great. Pros: - Memory drivers seat. - Decent mpg (great highway mpg). - Heated seats. Cons: - I should've realized that 18" rims don't really provide much ride comfort for a senior. - The smart key for this (and new mazdas) has a unique design (which I DO NOT like). The smart lock function also sucks - it only locks 50% of the time and never locks if any of the passenger doors are the last to close. - Battery on this thing sucks. - Car is supposed to have heated mirrors, but I've never seen anything melt on the mirrors (this could be more of a used car/dealer issue). - Miles to empty gauge sucks and only seems to provide estimated miles on tens. - Steering wheel is oddly thin (had to purchase a cover to add some thickness).
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