2009 Mazda3 Review: A Great Year For The Popular Budget Friendly Small Car

Alex Showalter
May 25, 2022

The 2009 Mazda3 lasts around 250,000 miles with only some sensor and suspension problems. At $5,052 – 7,662, it’s a good value for a dependable and fun compact car.

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likeFilled The Good
The steering is responsive, build quality is very high and interior materials are nice.
dislikeFilled The Bad
Headroom is limited in the backseats, there’s less cargo space than rivals and the suspension is firm.

Is the 2009 Mazda3 a Good Used Car?

  • Yes, 2009 is a good year. Owner reviews like the compact size, comfortable interior, and affordable ownership costs.
  • Reliability ratings are above average. We recommend avoiding the 2010 model year where there are a lot more clutch problems.
  • Performance is average from the base engine, but the most powerful motor is fast.
  • The Mazda3 is a reasonably safe car, getting 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests.
  • Fuel economy is good, at up to 27 MPG combined.

Positive Owner Reviews

accountCircle Kim D
Others should know that my car is small but is spacious.
I like that it is small.. It rides good and travels for long distances well.. It is roomy and has a nice sized trunk..
accountCircle Trevor L
It is a wonderful experience to drive it.
The few things I like about my car is the great gas mileage, smooth ride, and decent sound system. I dislike nothing about my car. So far, it is been the best car I have been able to drive.
accountCircle nonya H
Extremely reliable and fuel efficient
I have always owned mazdas. They have always been extremely reliable.
accountCircle sonia H
Why I think that my Mazda 3 is the best car to have.
My Car is a major part of my family, I love this car. If you change the oil and do all major up keep on the regular this car will last forever. My car is a stick and it is very good on gas. The only downfall is that the air conditioner compressor always go out for some reason. I have changed the compressor at least a few times. But otherwise I love this car.
accountCircle Katie S
It is a 4 door green car. It fits car seats.
The performance of my Mazda has never been anything less than excellent. I have never had car problems and I've had it for 8 years. I don't get any unexpected problems and it always gets me from point A to point B with no issue. It is a sedan and I need that for my family, I would drive it forever if cars lasted that long.
accountCircle Val S
Very dependable, reliable, comfortable car.
Great air conditioner! Dependable, no big repair bills. Good in the wintertime. Good gas mileage. Comfortable to drive. Regular maintenance keeps it running smoothly. Big trunk for a smaller sedan. Front and back seats comfortable. Nice center console.
accountCircle Ariana D
Mazda 3 hatchback. Sporty and fun to drive.
I absolutely love my car, it's actually the second I have owned. Its fast, comfortable and mostly reliable. There are some issues with it lurching very bad when it goes into park. It happened with the last car I had too but it was fixable.
accountCircle Meredith M
The Mazda 3 is versatile and reliable with plenty of space in trunk.
I have owned a Mazda 3 for 8 years and have put over 80000 miles in the car. In that time I have found the car to be extremely reliable. With regular oil changes and maintenance, I have not had any major mechanical failures. I did have to replace the air conditioning compressor around 50000 miles. The car also fits three car seats across the back seat and the hatchback trunk leaves ample room for groceries, luggage, etc...

Negative Owner Reviews

accountCircle Melece P
I like that it gets good gas mileage. I like that it is reliable. I like the color.
It is very compact and it has a small backseat. It drives really well.
accountCircle Faith S
That it gets me from point A to point B & back, safely.
I like that it has dual sliding doors. I like that it has a rear window wiper. I don't like that it doesn't cool the whole car very well. I don't like that it doesn't get very good gas mileage.
accountCircle Marie M
NEEDS EXPENSIVE REPAIRS. I wouldn't buy another Mazda.
Needs repairs and new parts quite often. But it gets me around. Nearing 10 years and I hope it lasts for another 10!
accountCircle Holly T
I love the look and feel of the vehicle, it's not a "mom car", but it is still very reliable. The best feature it has is its automatic locks.
It is very reliable and I have had few problems with it.
accountCircle Maria F
My not so great Mazda and I am disappointed
My car isn't old in miles but it is 10 years old. The power locks don't work and 3 of the windows don't work either. I am disappointed that the car isn't very long lasting with simple technology and the check engine light comes on if I run the heat at all
accountCircle Ethan K
I got it for free so some of the body issues are from another owner.
A decent car for a daily work driver. Not too spacious but good on gas. Easy to maintain. Runs well and not many issues.
accountCircle Zach D
The 2009 Mazda3 IS a fantastic, fuel-efficient, daily driver
My mazda3 is a great commuter car, its comfortable, handles well, and gets great gas mileage. The seats are comfortable, and it provides enough space for a 6 ft tall 200 lb man. However, it's lack of a 6th gear is noticeable on the highway, and the electrical problems I've faced with it are present in many other of the same vehicle.
accountCircle Rodney K
It is a red Mazda with a manual transmission. I purchased the vehicle about 2 years ago on Craigslist. The vehicle has decent performance but is now starting to get old.
Manual Transmission and the air conditioning seems to be wavering.

What Do Critics Say About the Mazda3?

  • Consumer Reports says the Mazda3 is one of the most well-rounded compact cars, and has average owner satisfaction scores.
  • Edmunds gives the Mazda3 a 4.5/5 liking the sporty handling, but disliking the small trunk.
  • Kelley Blue Book users rate the Mazda3 4.6/5, enjoying the performance, but find the noisy cabin annoying.

What Common Problems Does the 2009 Mazda3 Have?

Problems found on the 2009 Mazda3 include issues with the mass air flow sensor, worn-out suspension components, and rare transmission failures.

Mass air flow sensor failures are the most common complaint showing up at about 100,000 miles. A failure will cause the check engine light to turn on, and replacing the part costs around $300.

Excessive rear suspension noise is usually a sign of a worn-out control arm at around 50,000 miles. Replacing the control arm assembly costs about $800, depending on local labor rates.

Transmission failures are rare, but something important to mention since they can happen at roughly 100,000 miles. Rebuilding the transmission costs about $1,800, while a whole new unit costs around $3,000.

There are 4 recalls, with the most serious one being for a loss of power steering which can increase the risk of a crash.

How Long Will the 2009 Mazda3 Last?

A properly maintained 2009 Mazda3 should last over 250,000 miles, which is about 50,000 miles more than a Honda Civic from the same year. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to rivals, according to Repair Pal, at $462 per year.

Most 2009 Mazda3s will have over 100,000 miles, so buyers should be prepared to replace the blower motor resistor for $450, heater hoses costing $400, and the rack and pinion which costs $650.

accountCircle Bre D

Yes, it is a very reliable car and requires little maintenance to keep it running well. There have been no major issues with the car, just normal wear and tear.

accountCircle David L

No it sits lower than some cars to keeping your tire pressure at what it should be and it should work great.

accountCircle Anthony S

The only probably I have had with it so far is my clutch went out in it but other than that it is a really good car.

accountCircle Anna A

It does not have major problems at this time. Oil change is required, but other than that nothing major.

accountCircle Sandra N

Actually for its age it is very reliable with few problems, Just the usual tires, oil change with winter change of all liquids, and general upkeep.

accountCircle Brie K

It is very reliable. It has never had any major problems. Routine maintenance keeps it running well. It's a great everyday car.

accountCircle Hope J

My Mazda has been extremely reliable. The only repair that I have had to deal with has been a compressor that stopped working. Otherwise, I have had no issues.

How Much Is the 2009 Mazda3 Worth?

Blue book values range from $5,052 – 7,662, making the Mazda3 about $1,000 more than a Ford Focus or Nissan Sentra. When new, the price range was $14,690 to $21,845. Depreciation is similar to rivals losing about 10% of its current value per year.

What are the Different Models of the Mazda3?

There are six models of the Mazda3 available. Technology was last updated in 2008, with a complete redesign coming for the 2010 model year.

i Sport is the entry-level model with:

  • 15-Inch Steel Wheels
  • Cloth Seating
  • 4-Speaker AM/FM/CD Stereo With 3.5mm AUX Jack

i Touring Value is a step up adding:

  • 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
  • Air Conditioning
  • Keyless Entry
  • Cruise Control
  • 6-Speaker Upgraded Stereo System

s Sport is above it in the lineup and has:

  • 16-Inch Alloy Wheels
  • Unique Exterior Trim
  • Upgraded Gauge Cluster

s Touring adds features such as:

  • Unique 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
  • Premium Cloth Seating
  • Body Sill Extensions

s Grand Touring is more luxurious and features:

  • Leather Seating
  • Xenon Headlights
  • Automatic Climate Control
  • Power Driver’s Seat

Mazdaspeed3 is the sport model and comes with:

  • Larger Engine
  • Improved Sport Suspension
  • Rear Spoiler
  • LED Taillights
  • Bose Stereo System
car
car
i Touring Value
148 HP 25 MPG
car
car
car
s Grand Touring
156 HP 24 MPG
car
Mazdaspeed3 Sport
263 HP 20 MPG
car
Mazdaspeed3 GT
263 HP 20 MPG

What Engines Come In the Mazda3?

  • The base engine is an average 2.0L-4-cylinder which makes 148 horsepower and gets up to 27 MPG combined.
  • An available upgrade is the more powerful 2.3L 4-cylinder with 156 horsepower, which gets up to 25 MPG combined.
  • Found on the Mazdapseed3 is the very powerful 2.3L turbocharged 4-cylinder making 263 horsepower while getting up to 20 MPG combined. Performance is excellent, taking 5.9 seconds to go 0-60 MPH.

What Colors Does the Mazda3 Come In?

How Big Is the Mazda3?

The 2009 Mazda3 is an average sized compact car similar to the Toyota Corolla or Hyundai Elantra. It is available as either a 4-door sedan, or 5-door hatchback. Passenger room is good throughout the cabin, but taller adults may feel cramped in the backseats.

Cargo space is a bit smaller than rivals with only 11.4 cubic feet of room in the trunk, which should fit 2-3 suitcases. The hatchback offers 17 cubic feet of room behind the seats, increasing to 31 with the seats folded flat.

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How Does the Mazda3 Compare to the Competition?

The Honda Civic is a popular competitor costing about $200 more. Where the Civic stands out is with better technology, but the Mazda3 offers more powerful engine choices. We recommend the Mazda3 for the 2009 model year since it’s more reliable, but it’s closer in other years.

The Mitsubishi Lancer is another rival costing $1,200 less. Exterior styling is better in the Lancer, but the Mazda3 is more reliable. We recommend going with the Mazda3 since it will last longer and be less of a headache to own.

Ranks #9 Small Cars by Owners

1
car
4.86
2
car
4.64
9
car
4.38

Do Owners Recommend the Mazda3?

accountCircle Bre D

Yes, this car is very reliable and requires little maintenance to keep it running well. It's also easy to drive.

accountCircle David L

Yes I like the fact that it has a rotary engine. The trunk space is great too. I also really like the fuel efficiency.

accountCircle Anthony S

Yeah it's very reliable and it handles really good. It is good on gas. I fit me and my gf and her daughter and our son in it just fine. It's a little small but not bad. It's a very smooth ride.

accountCircle Anna A

It is a very good vehicle, sporty, stylish and compact, I chose it because of its optimum size and sporty look.

accountCircle Breezy A

It has been one of the best vehicles that we have owned. Very few repairs and is much bigger in the interior than you would think.

accountCircle Sarah G

Yes it is a good vehicle. It is reliable, decent on gas, and attractive. Even though it is 10 years old, it drives very smoothly and rarely needs repairs.

accountCircle Kelly S

The 2009 Mazda 3 is a great car! It has a great sporty feel and is just fun to drive. The interior dials and dashboard are well paid out.

Owner Reviews

accountCircle Tiffany H on April 1, 2021
Overall I recommend this car for a younger driver.
If I were to buy a new car (that is not a hybrid), I would get a newer model with less miles. This is my first car, but I have experience driving other cars. I like that this car does not have a completely smooth drive (unlike newer cars I have driven). For example, it feels like a race car when driving on the highway. I would also like to add that it gets good mileage.
accountCircle Faith S on March 31, 2021
That it gets me from point A to point B & back, safely.
I like that it has dual sliding doors. I like that it has a rear window wiper. I don't like that it doesn't cool the whole car very well. I don't like that it doesn't get very good gas mileage.
accountCircle Ingrid R on March 26, 2021
A lot of car and style in a little compact package.
I love my Mazda 3 it handles awesome. It has a manual transmission so it gets great gas miles and is a reliable safe vehicle. It has not caused me any major repairs since ownership only maintenance. It has a sporty look and is compact yet I am able to haul a lot of things due to fold down back seats and spacious trunk.
accountCircle Raquel R on March 25, 2021
Oldie but goodie with AUX and speed.
My Mazda is my baby, it is my first car and it is the best reliable car for me. It is a Mazda3 that can either be driven as an automatic or manual drive, however I keep it in automatic all the time. It is still very new considering it is a 2009, I am able to play my AUX cord since the car came with an outlet for me to plug one into so I play my Apple music and I am able to answer calls through my car with the AUX cord making it another great feature for the age of my car. The speed on it is great whether I am cruising or need for speed on the freeway it can get me to all places that I need to be at. I love my car.
accountCircle Trevor L on March 16, 2021
It is a wonderful experience to drive it.
The few things I like about my car is the great gas mileage, smooth ride, and decent sound system. I dislike nothing about my car. So far, it is been the best car I have been able to drive.
accountCircle Cedric W on March 14, 2021
Great car Low Maintenance
Great on Gas, Reliable, Easy Maintenance. After 130K miles suggested suspension tune up. Also suggest regular visual check on motor mounts after 100k miles as a precaution
accountCircle Kel C on February 25, 2021
The safety and reliability of this car are priceless features.
The Mazda3 has been a reliable and solid car. It has given me minimal problems over the 9 years I have owned it. It runs great and is comfortable.
accountCircle Vicki F on February 9, 2021
Great car!! Best little car you could ever want. Great gas mileage.
The Mazda 3 is a great size, not super small, very comfortable. I have not had to do anything to it just regular service and tires. The back seats fold down and it gives you a very nice size cargo area. The only problem I have had was the paint. After a few years it turned very spotty. Great car I would recommend it to anyone.
accountCircle Zach D on February 5, 2021
The 2009 Mazda3 IS a fantastic, fuel-efficient, daily driver
My mazda3 is a great commuter car, its comfortable, handles well, and gets great gas mileage. The seats are comfortable, and it provides enough space for a 6 ft tall 200 lb man. However, it's lack of a 6th gear is noticeable on the highway, and the electrical problems I've faced with it are present in many other of the same vehicle.
accountCircle Victoria W on February 3, 2021
Great reliable car 10 out of 10 would recommend.
It's a great car, gets my family from A to B. Very safe. Love it. I have a four month old baby girl, and I trust her to ride in my Mazda. It has wonderful gas mileage. My family has never had a problem with this car. I would definitely recommend this car to friends or family or strangers on the street.
accountCircle Logan B on January 16, 2021
Really smooth ride for the price and miles it has.
Has been a really good car ever since we bought it for the most part. The alignment is off so the tires were really fast but as long as we have had it no big problems have came up except for new tires and oil changes. The interruption of the car all around is really nice.
accountCircle James L on January 1, 2021
It's a 5-speed manual and looks good and modern. Many people don't believe I payed such a low price or that the car is actually nine years old.
I like the way that the clutch feels. It also has many of the modern features I'm looking for like remote locks. The handling is good and the engine is responsive.
accountCircle Meredith M on January 1, 2021
The Mazda 3 is versatile and reliable with plenty of space in trunk.
I have owned a Mazda 3 for 8 years and have put over 80000 miles in the car. In that time I have found the car to be extremely reliable. With regular oil changes and maintenance, I have not had any major mechanical failures. I did have to replace the air conditioning compressor around 50000 miles. The car also fits three car seats across the back seat and the hatchback trunk leaves ample room for groceries, luggage, etc...
accountCircle Katie S on December 6, 2020
It is a 4 door green car. It fits car seats.
The performance of my Mazda has never been anything less than excellent. I have never had car problems and I've had it for 8 years. I don't get any unexpected problems and it always gets me from point A to point B with no issue. It is a sedan and I need that for my family, I would drive it forever if cars lasted that long.
accountCircle Katie D on December 2, 2020
It gets great gas mileage. Even with the small gas tank, I can go a couple weeks without filling up the tank.
I love that it is a hatchback. I love how smooth the ride is. I love the gas mileage. The only 2 things I don't like are the tire size and the size of the gas tank.
accountCircle Josh M on November 24, 2020
2009 Mazda 3i sport is a great car: The car is always reliable. Low Tire sensors are amazing. Option of automatic drive or manual drive.
Best car I have ever owned. Drives great, love the option for manual drive. Only problem I ever came across and it seems to be common with this model. The driver side window motor is going out. But that's an easy fix.
accountCircle Erin S on November 17, 2020
Super beautiful and reliable Mazda.
My vehicle has not had any problems so far, and I have had it for a little over a year now. It is the perfect first car. It has been super reliable. It is never broken down or anything and it has always started just fine. My car has been super comfortable for the longer drives I take between campus and my parents' house.
accountCircle Amy H on November 14, 2020
It is comfortable, reliable and roomy.
Reliable, comfortable and roomy to fit many things in. I camp and hike so it is needed to have a hatch. My niece enjoys taking long rides with me to sit see so even she enjoys it! I plan to get the same vehicle but a newer version because I love it so much. Have not had any mechanical issues with the vehicle since I bought it.
accountCircle Tori C on November 12, 2020
My very reliable, very lovable, very versatile Mazda 3 hatch.
I have owned my vehicle since 2009. I did however purchase it pre-owned. When I bought my vehicle it had low miles and since then I have driven it to over 100 k. I have only done basic maintenance on this vehicle. I. E battery, brakes, light bulbs, fluids, cleanliness. I have had no catastrophic issues with this vehicle whatsoever. She has been very good to me.
accountCircle Taylor E on October 20, 2020
My vehicle is great and a high performing vehicle.
I really love the car and how it is performed. I love the black color that it has so that it does not show a crazy amount of dirt. I like the size and that I can fit stuff into the trunk! I haven't had to do a ton of maintenance either. I love how it functions and even without four wheel drive it does okay in snow.
accountCircle Kendall P on October 13, 2020
Windshield wipers malfunction.
The only problems I have had is the windshield wipers not working properly, otherwise it is a reliable car.
accountCircle Cody L on October 4, 2020
That it's just a practical vehicle. Good value for the price.
Nothing fancy, just gets me from A to B no issues. Very practical. Good gas mileage.
accountCircle Marie M on September 8, 2020
NEEDS EXPENSIVE REPAIRS. I wouldn't buy another Mazda.
Needs repairs and new parts quite often. But it gets me around. Nearing 10 years and I hope it lasts for another 10!
accountCircle daniel d on August 27, 2020
My mazda proved to me that sometimes a cheaper japanese car not only saves you money during purchase but will continue to outperform american or german cars in reliability
I bought it with 100k miles on it and for a car that now has 160k miles it performs phenomenally and has instilled in me a strong expectation of reliability in all my cars moving forward that I did not have with my first two american made vehicles
accountCircle Hayley O on August 11, 2020
Amazing 4 door sedan with great gas mileage and nice appearance.
Very comfortable, great gas mileage, speedy when I want, water gets through trunk though. Great car for first car. Warms up pretty quick in the winter, takes a bit longer for a/c to cool car on summer hot days. Body rusts easily mostly near rear tires.
accountCircle mirza H on July 28, 2020
Small but good quality that will last
It's too small, but very good quality motor. I have used it for 5 years and it never had any big issues, It still runs very good and has pretty cheap maintenance. These cars are durable and will last a long time, of course if you take care of it. I recommend getting a Mazda.
accountCircle Luke A on June 5, 2020
My car looks good and is fun to drive.
My vehicle is stylish and dependable. It has been a good car. My only complaint is that it is noisy while driving.
accountCircle Cass B on May 1, 2020
Easily switch from manual to automatic transmission.
I have a Mazda 3. The car is ten years old. It's been a great car with no major issues. It has a lot of get up and go with good gas mileage. It's great for road trips. The car handles well and it came stock with Bose speakers. I would definitely purchase a Mazda vehicle again.
accountCircle Sandra r on April 22, 2020
Economical and reliable and fun to drive
Fun to drive. Reliable. Stylish. Economical.
accountCircle Rodney K on April 7, 2020
It is a red Mazda with a manual transmission. I purchased the vehicle about 2 years ago on Craigslist. The vehicle has decent performance but is now starting to get old.
Manual Transmission and the air conditioning seems to be wavering.
accountCircle Sandy M on March 27, 2020
Just the basics but a smooth ride.
Runs good but been having lots of check engine problems with nothing wrong. Also very comfortable. I have the basic features so nothing really to say. Tons of trunk space witch is a plus. Long drives are comfortable and relaxing good factory speakers which surprised me great sound.
accountCircle Anne O on March 14, 2020
Great looking, reliable car with plenty of accessories you'll love
It is very comfortable to sit and drive on long trips, the controls are easy to find and use, it has two front airbags, the radio/music controls on steering wheel are really handy, and it's super reliable. The trunk is huge and can accommodate probably 4 standard sized suitcases. I keep my mobility scooter in it, as well as an overnight bag, blanket, folding chair and more.
accountCircle Jeff M on March 12, 2020
Mazda 3 a good, reliable and fun car.
Good reliable vehicle. Nice features. Handling is good. Gas mileage could be better. And seats could be more comfortable.
accountCircle Abigail L on February 19, 2020
It is a fun car to drive and an overall good and smooth ride.
It is too small of a vehicle. I bought it when I was in high school, but it is definitely not a family car. It is a good commuting vehicle, and the gas mileage is good. It is a comfortable ride for smaller people, but my husband is bigger and he cannot comfortably drive the car.
accountCircle Melece P on February 13, 2020
I like that it gets good gas mileage. I like that it is reliable. I like the color.
It is very compact and it has a small backseat. It drives really well.
accountCircle Stephani N on February 11, 2020
Great car to have i would recommend the mazda3 to anyone i have 2 and have had no real problems with them.
I love my car. Drives great. I bought it through private dealer the only problems i have had with it is the passenger window stopped rolling down so i have to replace it. And i have aftermarket tires so i've had to replace my tires due to potholes . The vehicle is great though...
accountCircle Teresa R on February 1, 2020
Others should know that it is a great car.
I love my car because it is sporty and fun to drive. I have had it for almost 10 years and it is never given me any trouble.
accountCircle Allison B on January 31, 2020
The car is well taken care of from the outside and inside for being 10 years old
It's a great car besides that it shakes occasionally. I don't think that it's just something the model does, I believe it's from its age and how it was drove over the years. This type of car is a low rider so it's always good to go slow over any bumps to take better care of the car.
accountCircle pauline t on January 7, 2020
Drives smooth & efficient gas it is a basic compact car
Very good reliable car couldn't think of anything to dislike
accountCircle Holly T on January 6, 2020
I love the look and feel of the vehicle, it's not a "mom car", but it is still very reliable. The best feature it has is its automatic locks.
It is very reliable and I have had few problems with it.
accountCircle Michael S on December 13, 2019
It is a great car without unnecessary features.
This car is honestly great. It only has a four cylinder engine, which is probably the only "downside" I can even think of. It drives fine and has all of the features I would ever need. It is comfortable and a solid car all around. If possible, this is an ideal first car.
accountCircle Tim P on December 12, 2019
It handles really well and it is a lot of fun to drive.
The car has very responsive steering, acceleration, braking. It is comfortable for long drives. It has a lot of storage space when the back seats are folded down.
accountCircle Justin P on November 17, 2019
Mazda 3: they're good cars.
The Mazda 3 is a good car. It gets me to work and back and has required little to no extra maintenance. The gas mileage is great. The car can be a little cramped, my roommate, who sometimes borrows my car, is 6 ft 3 in and he usually needs to put the seat as far back as possible to fit comfortably. The trunk fits an appropriate number of dead bodies and groceries. Overall a very reliable car.
accountCircle Dylan H on November 13, 2019
Mazda. . . A clean, smooth car for sophisticated drivers.
The car is a very smooth ride and does not have the jerkiness that I have experienced in many other vehicles. The interior is beautiful, clean, and simple to navigate! It is a supremely comfortable car that is reliable and great on gas mileage. The only issue I have with the car is that the back seat is not very spacious, which makes it difficult to load up with family members.
accountCircle Mel W on October 23, 2019
Reliable, fun, bit of a squeeze.
My Mazda is a rebuilt title. I bought it that way. It is been an awesome little car. It has a sunroof that I love. It is easy to modify so it has a new entertainment system with apple carplay and the Mazda accepted it pretty easily. It is reliable as can be. I have never been left stranded and it is been abused in its life. The only downside is it is small. I am tall and it is hard for me to squeeze into the back seat. I am the sole driver so it is not an issue personally but something to keep in mind. I nanny 3 small kids who all have car seats. It is possible but tricky to squeeze 3 car seats back there. Overall, it is a great car that gets the job done.
accountCircle Kelly W on October 18, 2019
Fun sporty car good for road trips.
My vehicle is a 2.0 engine, so it doesn't have a turbo, but it has great mileage--great for road trips. The cup holders in the front are deep and I've never spilled any drinks. There are also cup holders in the door frames as well as the back seat embedded in an arm rest. The car is tiny enough to park practically anywhere and fun to zip around and takes turns really well. Even though it is small, there is enough room in trunk space for road trips/camping trips.
accountCircle nonya H on October 11, 2019
Extremely reliable and fuel efficient
I have always owned mazdas. They have always been extremely reliable.
accountCircle Tiffany S on September 13, 2019
Reliable vehicle for road trips.
I originally bought my car because I was expecting a child and I wanted a reliable form of transportation. This car has been great. In the six years I have had my car there has not been any major issues. Just your normal wear and tear. I have drove back and forth from NC to TX multiple times. I have never worried about the car breaking down. I could not have asked for a better investment.
accountCircle Molly M on September 9, 2019
It drives nicely and maneuvers easily
I really like the peppiness of my car. It has a smooth drive and is a great size for my needs. After 9 years, it doesn't drive as nicely and quietly as it used to, but it is still a great car.
accountCircle Patti S on August 20, 2019
The best you can get at that price.
It looks sporty. I get good mileage. It is reliable.
avatar Alex Showalter
Alex is an automotive enthusiast with over 15 years of experience in the used car market. He brings a wealth of knowledge to Vehicle History as our Staff Writer and has written hundreds of used car reviews helping buyers make informed purchasing decisions. He is a member of the Automotive Press Association, and keeps up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry. Over the years, he has driven hundreds of cars, working on many of them. His mechanical experience evolved from modifying off-road trucks as a teen to focusing on automotive electrical systems as he got older. He now specializes in reviewing used cars as an automotive journalist. Some of his favorite brands are Toyota and BMW. The Toyota Land Cruiser is one of his favorite vehicles of all time since they’re built to last forever and can go anywhere. One of his current cars is a Lexus LX570, built on the same platform as the 200-series Land Cruiser, but it’s a better value in the used market.