Used 2016 Mazda CX-3 Consumer Reviews
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My Little Soul Red CX-3 (rest in pieces)
Kirk, 02/04/2016
updated 08/04/2016
2016 Mazda CX-3 Grand Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
18 of 19 people found this review helpful
I wish I could post of picture my mangled CX-3 after someone decided to run a stop sign and plow into another car, when then plowed into me, destroying my 3 week old car. I am 6'2" so being able to walk away from that accident is a testament to the car's crash worthiness despite it's size and low weight. Anywho, it is totaled and first thing I am doing is getting another one. Not because it saved me from serious injury, but because it is a great car (I traded a 2014 Audi A4 to get it). Pros: Very comfortable front seats and suede-like inserts keep them from being so cold in the winter. Speaking of which, the seat heaters are extremely toasty. I really like Mazda's entertainment system, but I just came out of an Audi whose MMI system is very similar. Wife states Bluetooth sounds very good. I drive a lot for my job and was averaging slightly more than 30mpg which is pretty remarkable for an AWD vehicle. Drove it briefly in this year's snow storm and it handled it fine. Not nearly as well as my wife's Grand Cherokee, but well enough. I love the size of this car, but it is likely too small for a family. To call this car a crossover is kind of silly as a Ford Focus is bigger and the CX-3 has the same ground clearance as the Mazda3 sedan. It handles well and is relatively quiet inside. In that regard it is no Audi, but it is good for a sub-compact car. I find it easy to get in and out of (much easier than the Audi) and ergonomics are spot on. Simple layout of controls (trip odometer, tach, digital speed, HVAC system), reminds me of cars 10-15 years ago when everything was so straightforward. Cons: No center console storage and the arm rest blocks the cupholders. Bose system is good, but not great. Sub in trunk does not do much. No SD card slot (except for Nav system). Two USB ports, but no where to hide the things you plug into them. No standard front or rear parking sensors. No power tailgate. Absolutely tiny trunk. Gas tank way too small. I have to fill up every three days, which by the way only costs $17. No car is perfect, but for the money, this car is pretty darn good. And throw in Mazda reliability, you got a home run. I am looking forward to getting another one as soon as my other one is paid off by insurance. UPDATE: Got my new CX-3 the week following the accident. Exactly the same except for the color (Titanium Flash Mica). Get lots of compliments about the car and the color. Averaging about 30mpg now in the summer with the AC on. Still love it, no issues except that it does have a little bit of trouble restarting once warm, no issues with cold start. Motor Trend had noticed the same thing. It always starts, just takes a second or two to crank. Overall very happy.
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Perfect as a city car
Analogthought, 01/16/2020
2016 Mazda CX-3 Sport 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
After initially purchasing a Honda CR-V while living in Brooklyn New York and driving it around for a week, it quickly became apparent that finding parking for a vehicle that size coupled with the lower end MPG for city driving, that a different vehicle might be a better choice. I initially considered the Scion IA due to being drawn to the interior, but wanted something with more cargo room. This was how I stumbled onto the CX-3. After eight months of driving it and several long distance trips later, I can safely say that overall I really enjoy this car on many levels but definitely have had enough time to find the faults. As mentioned, the interior is something I really appreciate about this car. The seats offer decent comfort but lack lumbar support for long drives. The ability to adjust the height of the drivers seat helps to find the best position but at six feet tall, I still sometimes find myself feeling a little cramped with everything adjusted as far back as it will go. I own the sport model, so no arm rest is included. After some quick research I have found one can purchased online for around $125 and fairly easily self-installed, however after reading various reviews the cost doesn't seem worth it. I was initially concerned about blindspots through the small rear window as some have commented on, but I have yet to find any issues with that short of what's more expected with the blindspots being relegated to the sides of the vehicle. The standard back up camera included certainly helps with parallel parking and backing up in tight spaces while driving in the city. From the start I wasn't much of a fan of the Mazda Connect infotainment system. It works but felt dated and a little laggy in responsiveness. This was easily corrected by purchasing and installing the Apple CarPlay kit, something that some quick YouTube searching made much easier to do thanks to step by step instructions. The navigation that came with the vehicle works off of an SD card which seems to get updated annually via Mazda, so having the addition of Waze/Google Maps has been invaluable as I found there were several times that the built in Nav was behind in terms of street closures and route changes. In the hottest weather the AC takes approximately as long as in cold weather for the heat to get hot as it does to cool off. In both cases, expect to wait between 15 to 20 minutes. Nothing unbearable, but in extreme temps of either direction, I've found other vehicle to perform better. Exterior styling seems current enough to stay fresh for years to come, definitely impressed on that front. I will also add my opinion to the list of others that find the paint job on the exterior prone to scratching pretty easily. The only actual issues I have with this vehicle is leaking in the hatch with water collecting in the reverse light built into the hatch lid, something others have experienced as well it seems. Something to check out when considering buying one of these. My other issue is the lack of rear cargo space. First impressions was that it would be doable and fine, but while in use over the past 8 months, there have been several times it was just a bit smaller than I would have liked. Just purchasing groceries (for one) can fill up the rear space pretty quickly. Gas mileage has exceed expectations with it taking just over two full tanks of gas to drive from NYC to Atlanta. Each fill up currently costing around $28. The suspension could be a little softer and sometimes feels very rigid when going over potholes or bumps in the road. Acceleration when merging onto highways is fine, but be prepared to utilize the sport mode option. In the cooler weather, the windows tend to fog up pretty badly but nothing that the climate control system can't pretty quickly fix. Backseat space is tight but feedback from adult passengers on a longer drive was that it wasn't as bad as many others have mentioned. In looking for any other faults with this vehicle, the only other thing I can think of is the severe lack of storage in the front seating area. There are large door storage areas, two cup holders in the center and very small area under the built in CD player (too small to fit anything larger than the smallest iPhone). Do I love my car and am I happy with my purchase 8 months later, yes, absolutely. Does it have it's faults, yes, absolutely. Would I buy another one? Yes, but I think my next Mazda would be the CX-30 in looking for that extra bit of space on the interior.
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Handles like a sports car
Dave Newberry, 12/24/2015
updated 01/03/2018
2016 Mazda CX-3 Grand Touring 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
This is an amazing Sub SUV. Handles like a sports car, safety and technology are amazing for the price point. Fun to drive like nothing in the class. Interior materials match much more expensive vehicles. The only drawback is the small interior space. If you need space get the CX5. My wife drives the 2015 CX5 and loves it. But this CX3 is a kick to drive. HUD is really cool. Recommendation for Mazda, don't over complicate your technology. There are more steps to switch, set up or navigate than necessary. It is very intuitive, but feels like everything takes one or two steps more than are really necessary. Obviously, this did not deter me as it is similar to the 2015 CX5 we have put over 45K and and love it still. Loved this CX3. Driven in rain, snow and dry pavement so far, amazing traction. Well a year plus later, I still. Love this ride. Great handling in the snow, we have 4 AWD vehicles, this one is like other brands that wait for a slip before engaging AWD. However, it works exactly as designed every time. I live on a steep hill, with a steep uphill driveway to get to the road. Without having to drive a beast or a German car, this is the perfect fit for us. Nice Job Mazda! 2 Years later and a couple winters under my belt, I am still a fan of this little Compact SUV. Everything I loved, I love more and the snow and ice traction are all I could have hoped for. The interior is small, but this little beast handles like a Miata in the mountain roads. Not for those who hall a lot of stuff or have regular backseat passengers. But for commuters in the Northeast who want some fun driving on winding roads.... I highly recommend the Mazda CX3. Another year and still enjoying the ride. This car is a bit small for a family but perfect for 1-2 people. I added an OEM Roof Rails and Bars so I could handle ski's and occasional long item form the lumber yard. Still a great looking vehicle and fun to drive like a sports car but with AWD for the snow and ice in CT. Mazda lives up to Zoom Zoom with this car. Make sure to update the tech on this. It has had several versions of NAV/Infotainment updates. Some early versions were quirky, but latest updates have made the entire experience very solid.
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Small AWD fully loaded!! Love my CX-3!
Lauren Benoit, 02/23/2016
2016 Mazda CX-3 Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
21 of 24 people found this review helpful
My previous vehicle was a 07 Kia optima that didn't even have traction control.... My terrible snow experience with this vehicle convinced me my next car MUST have AWD. I test drove all the SUV style vehicles but really didn't want something so big. Also within my budget I always had to settle for the base model. Until I stumbled upon this gem! One of my biggest issues is I will NOT drive a CVT transmission.... I want to feel the shifting and almost all makers are trying to convert to this. But not Mazda! I was able to get the touring (mid level) with the moonroof and BOSE stereo system. The heated seats are amazing and the seat is extremely comfortable. The back seats are perfect size since I don't have passengers very often. The trunk isn't deep but the height is great. I think it is the same as my previous vehicle. I keep catching myself speeding in this fun to drive little Mazda! I have never felt so connected to the road. I still cant believe I was able to find a vehicle loaded with all these features within my price range! If you are considering a smaller AWD vehicle I highly suggest you test drive this amazing Mazda!!
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Awesome car
Dave Goldfarb, 11/24/2015
2016 Mazda CX-3 Grand Touring 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
Got the GT. So much faster than I was expecting from a 2.0L. Love it so far
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Love it!
Angel, 06/12/2016
updated 12/13/2016
2016 Mazda CX-3 Grand Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
26 of 31 people found this review helpful
I love my CX-3! I bought it shortly after its debut when my Jetta TDI was totaled (not my fault). So, I've owned it about 7+ months so far. It is just fun to drive, and the added sensors and features really help out a lazy driver like myself. The leather/suede seats are very comfortable for such a low-cost car, and although the CX-3 is more like a hatchback overall, the driver seating feels like an SUV. I've gotten about 29.7 MPG average between highway and city overall, so about what was advertised. I've been complimented many times about the look of the car by strangers and friends, but perhaps it's just because the car does look rather unique, at least compared to most cars driven around in the US. Besides my concerns about how cheaply the car is actually made (see the next paragraph), my only major qualms are the ridiculously small interior and trunk and the lack of outlets/connectivity for the back seats. I wanted a small vehicle, but I expected the CX-3 to at least be able to carry as much as a sedan. My Jetta could hold significantly more luggage or whatever else (like 3 medium dogs comfortably). The size and make-up of the interior just prevents transporting a lot of items - definitely not friendly for family vacations. I'm thinking about getting a hitch installed or rails on the roof just to provide more options to carry. And it seems silly for there not to be a fold-down armrest in the back seat with cup holders and a USB or AC/DC outlet. Otherwise, my kids (4 & 14) enjoy the "stadium" seating, even the teenager. Don't think you could fit three people back there though - pretty much impossible. But... about two months ago, I was stupid enough to back up into a pole in a parking lot (just wasn't paying attention), and the bumper and rear panels were damaged. Unfortunately, the blind spot sensor was also damaged. What I have learned from the repairs and the accident overall is that this car will not hold up in any sort of fender-bender. Furthermore, while the repair shop was able to fix all but the blind spot sensor, the Mazda dealership took 3 weeks to fix the sensor (and did so incorrectly 3 times). So, basically I was without my car for 3+ weeks because Mazda did not train its technicians on the new technology in their vehicles. If there are any issues with the blindspot sensors, the bumper and rear fender flares must be removed and will probably be damaged (the dealership went through 2 bumpers and 2 sets of flares fixing the sensor). I do worry about getting into an accident in the future and the car just buckling and crumbling, or that if any of the sensors are messed up that it will take a nightmare to fix them. Most likely I will buy a vehicle next time with higher crash-test ratings (and at least pre-established US safety ratings). Update: It's been a year and I still love my car. I still get compliments on its sporty look, and I've had no recent problems.
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Handles great on windy roads in the snow
Romeo Bagalacsa, 09/27/2016
updated 03/29/2018
2016 Mazda CX-3 Grand Touring 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
16 of 19 people found this review helpful
Overall very satisfied. Sport mode really works well with paddle shifter, not recommended with normal drive ( eats more gas). I'm 6.1 so my right leg is always on counsel. That will be true with any small car. The LED headlights really are a help with backwoods driving ( able to spot dear easily ). Hit black ice once so far and worked awsome for traction. NEW UPDATE: 6 MONTHS IN ....We had quite a winter here in the CA high sierras and the car did great!!!! 140 miles a day in back highways. The AWD along with blizack tires did wounders!!!! Hands down beat a suberu for traction. So glad with our choice!!!!! Grand touring model is great. Led lights and smart cruise control on open highway is awesome. Thanks Mazda!!! Seems to be well made, time will only tell!! it's taken a beating so far at 25k in 6 months and know issues. Ok SO IT'S BEEN 2 YEARS AND NOTHING HAS FAILED!!!!! BLISSACK TIRES IN WINTER ( USED SMALLER RIM AND TALLER TIRE TO MATCH ORIGINAL SIZE ALSO THINNER TIRE, DOES BETTER IN SNOW) LIKE A CHAMP, OF COURSE ONLY THING IS IF ROADS AREN'T PLOWED YOU WILL BE PLOWing SNOW A BIT, but we all know that it's not that high off the grownd. GENERALLY I've had no problem with the clearance. Great car so far!!!!
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Fun to Drive, Not to Own
Amanda, 12/20/2018
2016 Mazda CX-3 Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
12 of 14 people found this review helpful
I have owned my Mazda CX-3 for a little over three years and have driven approximately 57,000 miles. When I first purchased the car I was driving approximately 40 miles a day, all highway. With that being said, I haven't needed to replace any tires yet and only had to replace my break pads (which weren't even ready for replacement) at around 54,000 miles. That is some solid value right there. Word to the wise - do not buy the navigation system from the dealership, you can easily get an SD card off Amazon (for $99) and have a fully equipped navigation system for a fraction of the price. All of Mazda's cars have the built in programming / setup for the navigation system. The car is small. Fuel tank is 10 gallons or so but there is a reserve gallon so I am constantly filling up, averaging 30 mpg (highway and city driving) but only having 9 gallons in the car is pretty tight. Plus side is that every time I fill my tank it only costs around $25. Further in regards to the car being so small, the only comfortable seats are the driver and passenger. The back seat feels like the 3rd row of a much larger vehicle and is fit for a small child. Going on a shopping spree? Trunk barely fits a carry-on suitcase. However, if you lay down the back seats, there's a little bit more room. My Hyundai Elantra or Civic had more trunk / passenger space than this "Crossover SUV". There isn't even a center console, just an arm rest that sits above the cupholders so if you have a beverage, you cannot rest your arm. As far as reliability, I do not commend Mazda on this. The A/C on my car went at around 25,000 miles (thankfully it was still covered under its warranty) and took at least 2 weeks to fix because the parts were not in. Around 14 months after, the A/C went again, this time not covered under warranty and was an almost $800 fix during the middle of a heatwave in August. There was a "Lift-Gate" recall on this car which Mazda fixed, free of charge, of course. However, after they fixed this there have been issues of water sitting in the door of the trunk which flooded the license plate lamp and blew it out. The lamp seems to be glued shut and neither myself or my body-shop/mechanic was able to replace, when mentioned to my local dealer, they just shrugged it off. There was issues with the condensation in the headlamps and most recently, engine issues, which is covered under PowerTrain Warranty, however, Mazda does not have the time or availability of rental cars to fix the engine in a timely manner. Driving this car is fun, but in terms of "big fixes," and cost of ownership, it's just not worth it. Maybe I got a lemon but it seems that for a new car there's been quite a few big problems and I could only imagine what would be coming down the pipeline the older the car gets. I am going to be trading it in for something more reliable and I'd recommend only getting this car if you are leasing it.
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It's not for everyone, but I love my CX-3
Wes, 09/12/2016
updated 03/12/2019
2016 Mazda CX-3 Touring 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
18 of 22 people found this review helpful
As a no-children household, this vehicle is perfect for the spouse and me. It has good enough fuel economy that we can take it on trips, enough storage for all of our things and whatever we accumulate along the way, and plenty of safety and entertainment features to make us feel comfortable while on the road. Plus, I'm a pretty tall/stocky individual, and this vehicle has that SUV feel that allows me to actually feel like I'm not slouching or laying down to fit inside comfortably. Since the spouse drives a convertible, we needed something with a little cargo room for those bigger items like a grill, patio furniture, etc. This vehicle has just enough capacity for that kind of a trip as well. I test drove and checked out every vehicle in this class (Honda H-RV, Subaru Crosstrek, etc.) and for the price, I feel the decision to purchase this vehicle is a no-brainer. UPDATE: after 3 years on the road, the only issue I've had is the transmission has gotten a little laggy and jerks into gear on occasion. I've had it checked out and it came back all-good, but it definitely feels like I'm going to need some repairs within the next 5-10k miles.
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red roadster
red roadster, 02/09/2016
updated 02/09/2017
2016 Mazda CX-3 Sport 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
This is a really fun car. Ideal for a single person. Drives great. Technology is great, although takes a little practise to master. Sound system is also excellent. Seats are very comfortable for me but might be narrow for a larger person. No center console which is challenging for someone who kept mine full. Not a lot of storage and small trunk. No problem at all so far because the seats easily fold down. I am happy to exchange this more limited space for a shorter body length and ease of city parking. Great car. Recommend it highly. The only annoying detail on the entire car is that you have to lift the armrest to access the drinks holder in the center. It's a small detail but given all that is right with this car, it makes this flaw stand out more.
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