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Used 2017 Mazda CX-3 Consumer Reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
68 reviews

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We have a limited number of reviews for the 2017 CX-3, so we've included reviews for other years of the CX-3 since its last redesign.

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Pros
Cons
5 out of 5 stars

What it is --- and what its not

T, 01/08/2016
updated 01/11/2019
2016 Mazda CX-3 Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
32 of 33 people found this review helpful

The CX-3 isn't for everyone, and I'm not sure whether it is properly classified or considered a "crossover"---whatever that means. I initially didn't give the CX-3 much thought because it is very compact. However, if you look more closely, this car---a subcompact hatchback---offers a lot of features and value for the dollar (especially Touring trim) if you don't regularly transport more than a couple of adults or much cargo. Its not going to win many drag races, but it handles well and is more fun to drive than any of the other AWD vehicles that I test drove (including the CX-5). It also isn't intended for off-road use (not many crossovers or SUVs are), but it has handled snow-packed dirt roads without any problems. I'm getting about 29 mpg in mostly city driving to this point. Again, the CX-3 isn't for everyone. If you want/need an AWD vehicle but don't need much room or off-road capability, take a look at this car and judge it for what it is. Update: I am now doing most of my driving to and from work on a freeway, and my car's fuel economy calculator is now reporting an average of 33.9 mpg for the life of the car. I've also recently had to drive through snow and slush: while this isn't suited to off-road driving, the AWD system works well and has gotten me through some rough conditions. However, I had to use tire chains once because the stock tires (which have worn well but now have almost 50,000 miles) lost traction going uphill on a slush-covered dirt road. This is, again, a small car with inherent limitations. If Mazda is listening, I wish that it had a little more length and a larger fuel tank.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

very satisfied

Caroline Wise, 02/23/2016
updated 08/24/2020
2016 Mazda CX-3 Sport 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
29 of 30 people found this review helpful

I have had this car for 4 1/2 years and it has performed well. No problems.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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2017 Mazda CX-3 for sale near you
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5 out of 5 stars

Favorite car ever!

Michael Yanke, 02/18/2016
2016 Mazda CX-3 Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
17 of 17 people found this review helpful

Originally I looked passed the CX-3 because I thought it didn't have enough power. After the salesman had me test drive one I was happily surprised at how peppy it felt. This car is so fun to drive. The handling is fantastic like a little go cart. I live in Minneapolis and had a great opportunity to try it out in the snow. The all wheel drive is amazing. I was able to plow though 6+ inches of snow up steep hills with no problem. If you have kids or need a lot of cargo space you may want to look at he CX-5.

Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

SUV with sport car personality

robscx-3, 01/06/2016
2016 Mazda CX-3 Grand Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
17 of 17 people found this review helpful

I have owned the 2016 CX-3 for a couple of months now. I love it! It is the most fun to drive car that I have owned. (and over the years I have owned many). It is the most stylish sub compact SUV on the market, and the interior is upscale. The Bose sounds great...and the array of safety tech features is awesome. The only consideration is limited back seat space. Otherwise, a no brainer in comparison to its competitors....Especially if you love to drive.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

AWD GT with i-active sense package

kobelco, 12/28/2016
updated 07/12/2019
2017 Mazda CX-3 Grand Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
94 of 101 people found this review helpful

I live in Minneapolis and wanted a small vehicle with AWD. Choices were between this CX-3 and Subaru Impreza. Bought this car five days ago. I'm writing about initial impressions, will update (if I can) later with more extensive use. Absolutely love this car! Great acceleration, great handling, great mpg. Looks and feels just right. Interior space is an issue though, obviously not the most important factor as I would not have bought the car if it was. With the car seat in the back, there is space for one other person comfortably. Trunk space is the least I've seen in almost any car I can recall. But this is meant to be my commuter car, primarily to be driven around the city. Entertainment screen and control is mostly intuitive, though I had to fiddle around a bit to learn all the aspects that you can control. Interior is snazzy with two-tone stitched leather. Got the remote starter and all weather floor mats from the dealership as well. The price I have mentioned is the walk-out price, including TTL. Update 2017-06-29: It's been now over 6 months and I love this car even more. Getting around 30 mpg, combined. On certain trips I've averaged 40 mpg!! The iActiveSense features are really useful: The adaptive cruise control is something that I don't think I'll drive without in any car. Auto brakes are cool. Lane departure warning is a pain and I've turned that feature off. Update 2018-01-11: After over a year of ownership, I still can't help but smile every time I get behind the wheels of my CX-3, especially after a vacation where I've not driven my car for a few days. Still averaging 30.4 mpg today. Update 2019-07-12: Still loving this after 2 and half years of ownership.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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