2010 Mazda3 Review: Unreliable Compact Car Buyers Should Avoid

Sep 7, 2022

The 2010 Mazda3 only lasts around 150,000 miles with some serious clutch and anti-lock brake system issues. At $5,837 to $7,232 it’s affordable, but you’ll spend a lot of money fixing it up as it ages.

The Good

The hatchback has plenty of cargo space for a compact car, the interior materials are luxurious for the price and it’s very safe.

The Bad

The suspension is very firm, there’s less passenger room than in other compact cars and the 2010 model has a lot of mechanical issues.

Is the 2010 Mazda3 a Good Used Car?

Overall Rating 6/10 – 2010 is a bad year for the Mazda3. Owner reviews complain about excessive noise, frequent breakdowns, and lack of traction.
Interior Quality 8/10 – There are high quality materials and comfortable seats, but the stereo system is basic compared to some other compact cars.
Reliability 5/10 – We recommend avoiding the 2010 model due to poor reliability and going with something from 2006–2009 or 2011–2020 which are all better choices.
Performance 7/10 – Power is average from the standard 4-cylinder engine, but the turbocharged motor is stronger than other compact cars.
Safety 8/10 – The 2010 Mazda3 is a safe car, earning an overall rating of 5-stars in government crash tests, with the lowest score being 4-stars in the rear passenger side impact test.
Gas Mileage 9/10 – Fuel economy is good at up to 28 MPG, which should get owners about 406 miles of range out of the 14.5 gallon gas tank.

Positive Owner Reviews

maggie L

Still runs very well at 200,000 miles since first bought brand new

Since bought from first day, I have never had any problems with it at all. Plus, it does not use a timing belt, so never need to worry about it breaking while driving. Would never have to waste money to purchase a new one, to replace it. Up until recently, i did have to buy the auto transmission control module and had it replaced by a friend.

Brayden W

The Mazda3 vehicle review.

The Mazda3 is an amazing car. Combining safety with sportiness, I couldn't have asked for a better first vehicle. The accelerator is a bit touchy, however that is something that can easily be adapted to. With a V6 engine the Mazda3 has great gas mileage.

Diane M

Mazda 3 a great fun and reliable car to drive you.

My Mazda 3 is by far one of my most favorite cars I have owned. It is reliable, great in gas and never makes me feel like I am going to be stuck somewhere. I would highly recommend this vehicle to family and friends. Features of the car include Bluetooth which I love while I am driving I can connect to my music and phone calls.

Audrey L

Love my car! Only one issue.

I love my car. The only thing I do not like is the limited wiper settings. I only get fast, slow, and auto (which does not correctly time the rain). I had an issue with the gear shifter-it would pop out of gear and I couldn’t accelerate. Other than that I have had no issues.

Miranda B

Ocean blue with bt and steering wheel buttons.

My Mazda is absolutely amazing. It runs great and has amazing gas mileage... I get on average roughly 300 miles with a full tank (13 gallons). Any maintenance that needs done has been easy and I've been able to do it all myself. I've made several long distance drives and the only negative I have to say with long distance traveling is the seats tend to get uncomfortable after a while. The only cosmetic issue I have is the dash being sticky without having anything spilled on it and being cleaned several times. Otherwise I'd recommend my car to anyone.

Kelly B

Great car! Money well spent.

I keep up with routine maintenance and I have had no problems with the car. I bought it with almost 24,000 miles on it and it now has over 200,000 miles and it is still going strong! It still gets great city/highway mileage and has enough room for my four dogs.

Liza M

Mazda3 is more bang for your buck.

For its year I am really happy with the technology, performance, and comfort. I wish it had electric seating and other conveniences, but for the cost of the car and it being eight years old, I am not in a hurry to purchase a new car. And that says a lot.

Ya h

That it gets great gas mileage, and has a high resale value

My car is so like me. Great gas mileage and safe.

Negative Owner Reviews

Kyla L

Mazda 3, not a great car to own.

Gets good gas mileage. Has a transmission problem, it will not shift into low gear. The black interior becomes very hot in the summer and my ac has broken 3 times. The dashboard material is sensitive, mine cracked because of a sudden temperature change. Not comfortable for long car rides. Good starter car for any teen, not a long term care.

Kayla M

The car is a beautiful car but definitely has flaws.

Unreliable car. The engine and transmission has been replaced. My car has spent well over two weeks in the shop being fixed since I have gotten it six months ago. The mass airflow sensor was messed up when it was replaced the engine was skipping the o2 sensor and beans one is now broken.

Sarah F

Comfortable and reliable bad in all weather slides in rain and snow

Very reliable and a very comfortable ride. Sound system is good. Car is horrible in any type of weather. Slides in rain with brand new tires

Courtney D

Good car but falls apart easily.

Car drove great when it was first purchased, after about two years it started to make a weird noise brought it to local shops no one knew what was going on and a year later the transmission died, car will turn on but wont go into gears the axle broke not too long ago and had to get that fixed as well.

Brandy D

Reliable vehicle for young adults. Great Bose stereo system. Sleek, fun design.

Cheaply made. No power. Easily dented. Dashboard is melting in the sun. Inside knobs and emblems faded. Doors slam loudly. Car horn sounds funny. This is a good starter car for young adults. Not a luxury vehicle by any means. Does have a good stereo system. Seems to be reliable.

Bree M

It is not a good vehicle to own.

It is not very big or reliable. It has broken down several times I would not recommend it at all we will be getting another vehicle very soon. The size is too small as well so I do not recommend for more than one person it definitely would be uncomfortable.

Alexa N

Stylish and cozy with a little bit of sports fun for a guy or girl

When in idle mode or vibrates very hard also Shifts hard from 1st to second gear. It gets good gas mileage but the front seats are a little to compact. The trunk is a nice size but the air conditioning is weak even at 4 setting overall it's a good car if maintained properly

Hailey G

I would never recommend a mazda to anyone.

The tires for this vehicle are awful. Every time I purchase a set of NEW tires there ends up being a slow leak in the front left. The shape of the car is generic and uninteresting. The awkward trunk shape makes it difficult to fit things in.

What Do Critics Say About the Mazda3?

Consumer Reports says the 2010 Mazda3 is noisier than other compact cars, and owner satisfaction scores are average.
Edmunds rates the 2010 Mazda3 at 4.7/5 and praises the responsive steering, but doesn’t like the very firm suspension.
Kelley Blue Book users give the Mazda3 a 4.6/5 and enjoy the fuel-efficient engines, but owners don’t like the frequent mechanical issues.

What Common Problems Does the 2010 Mazda3 Have?

The most common problems found on the 2010 Mazda3 include clutch failures, melting dashboards, and ABS system issues. Overall, these problems are more severe than in other compact cars from 2010, and the costs of repairing them are high as well.

Clutch failures with the manual transmission are the most widespread issue, showing up every 35,000 miles. The clutch assembly simply wears out quickly and has to be replaced. Installing a new clutch is expensive, costing about $1,200.

Melting dashboards are another problem reported by owners at around 60,000 miles. The plastics in the dash melt easily in high heat. Some owners choose to replace the dash for over $1,000, while others install a dash cover that only costs about $100 to cover up the damage.

Anti-lock brake system issues show up on some Mazda3 models at around 70,000 miles. The control module fails as the vehicle gets older. To fix the problem you have to replace the entire module, which costs around $800.

There are 3 recalls, better than other compact cars from 2010. The most serious is for the engine harness, which can short out and cause computer problems, and Mazda will replace the harness for free. The other recalls are for the rear lift gate on the hatchback, and seat links, and are not mechanical issues.

How Long Will the 2010 Mazda3 Last?

A well-maintained 2010 Mazda3 will last around 150,000 miles, which is about 100,000 miles worse than top-rated competitors like the Toyota Corolla. Regular annual maintenance costs are more expensive than other compact cars, according to Repair Pal, at $445 per year.

Since most 2010 Mazda3 models will have over 100,000 miles buyers should be prepared to replace items including the valve timing actuator for $1,200, the coolant reservoir costing $380, and the knock sensor, which costs $300.

Shino V

Very reliable on gas and drives super smooth. It is a 2010 so it sometimes has a few problems but not often.

Kristy B

I believe it has been reliable except the shocks on mine went out a year ago and have been somewhat of an issue even after repair.

Janet G

No problems with the car at all. I have no issues to report at this time. I am happy driving with nothing bad to say about the vehicle.

Sarah S

My Mazda is very reliable, the only issue I have had is with the interior. The dashboard is made out of soft material that easily resolved with simple car cleaners. The dashboard is now sticky and impossible to clean.

Kristina H

It is very reliable and no not if taken care of it is a little low to the ground when driving some places but otherwise no complaints.

Kendall S

Yes it is reliable, however I have had problems recently with the brake calipers as well as stereo problems.

Britt B

My Mazda does not have any issues at this time and is at 177,000 miles. Routine maintenance is important.

Elizabeth J

Yes, the Mazda 3 is a very reliable car. It has lasted me a long time. It has some cheaply made parts in it that have fallen apart over the years, but that comes with wear and tear over the years.

Is the 2010 Mazda3 a Good Value?

No, the Mazda3 is not a good value for 2010. Blue book priecs range from $5,837 to $7,232, making the Mazda3 close in price to similarly equipped rivals like the Honda Civic and Volkswagen Jetta. When new, the price range was $15,345 to $22,945. Depreciation is average for a compact car, losing about 10% of its current value per year.

What are the Different Models of the Mazda3?

There are six versions of the Mazda3 offered for the 2010 model year including the 3i, 3s, and high-performance Mazdaspeed3 models.

3i SV is the entry-level model with:

16-Inch Steel Wheels
Cloth Seating
Power Windows & Mirrors
4-Speaker AM/FM/CD Stereo With 3.5mm AUX
Manual Transmission

3i Sport is a step up adding:

Air Conditioning
Optional Automatic Transmission
Improved Suspension

3i Touring is next in the lineup and adds:

16-Inch Alloy Wheels
Keyless Entry
Power Door Locks
Cruise Control
6-Speaker Stereo With Bluetooth

3s Sport is another upgrade with:

17-Inch Alloy Wheels
Fog Lights
Upgraded Cloth Seating
Leather Steering Wheel

3s Grand Touring is the luxury model and has:

Leather Seating
Bi-Xenon Headlights
Dual-Zone Climate Control
Power Driver’s Seat

Mazdaspeed3 is the high-performance version with:

18-Inch Wheels
Limited Slip Differential
Leather & Cloth Seating
10-Speaker Bose Stereo

i SV

148 HP 29-29 MPG

View Details

i Sport

148 HP 29-29 MPG

View Details

i Touring

148 HP 29-29 MPG

View Details

s Sport

167 HP 26-26 MPG

View Details

s Grand Touring

167 HP 26-26 MPG

View Details

Mazdaspeed3 Sport

263 HP 22-22 MPG

View Details

What Engines Come In the Mazda3?

The base engine is an average 2.0L-4-cylinder which makes 148 horsepower and gets up to 28 MPG.
An available upgrade is the stronger 2.5L 4-cylinder which produces 167 horsepower and gets up to 24 MPG.
The flagship engine is the very powerful 2.3L 4-cylinder turbo which generates 263 horsepower while getting around 21 MPG. Performance is excellent, taking 5.2 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.

What Colors Does the Mazda3 Come In?

How Comfortable Is the Mazda3?

The 2010 Mazda3 is a very comfortable compact car with high-quality seats and soft cushions. It’s similar in size to the Ford Focus and Mini Cooper and is available as both a 4-door sedan and 5-door wagon.

Passenger room is okay for a compact car, but the back seats have less legroom than some competitors.

How Is the Storage In the Mazda3?

Cargo space is worse than other compact cars with only enough space for 2-3 suitcases in the trunk of the sedan, and 4-5 behind the backseats in the wagon model.

What Are the Differences Between Years?

The second generation of the Mazda3 was introduced in 2010, and replaced by the third generation in 2014.

2008: Front side airbags are standard on S models.

2009: Standard anti lock brakes, and remote trunk on key fob.

2010: Second generation released with updated exterior styling, more efficient engine, and upgraded interior.

2011: Standard stability control on all models, and new stereo system available.

2012: New more fuel efficient engine available.

2013: Larger navigation screen and USB input.

2014: Third generation released with complete redesign with all new standard equipment and styling.

How Does the Mazda3 Compare to the Competition?

The Mazda3 is a bad car for the 2010 model year since there are way more problems compared to other years, we recommend going with one from 2011–2020, which are all more reliable.

The Toyota Corolla is a competitor which costs about $1,500 more. Reliability ratings are better in the Toyota Corolla, but the Mazda3 has a higher quality interior. We recommend the Toyota Corolla since they are less expensive to own long term and have fewer mechanical issues.

The Honda Civic is another compact car in the same price range. Technology is better in the Honda Civic, but the Mazda3 has a more comfortable interior. We recommend the Honda Civic for the 2010 model year since it’s more reliable, but the competition is closer in other years.

Ranks #6 Small Cars by Owners

2010 Honda Fit

4.51

2010 Volkswagen Beetle

4.48

Tie

2010 Mazda Mazda3

4.29

Do Owners Recommend the Mazda3?

Shino V

Yes, it has very good gas mileage and very reliable. If I do have any repairs to do it is usually on the cheaper side and never takes long to fix.

Kristy B

Yes! I love my car, I have had it for 4 years now. I plan on purchasing another Mazda vehicle in the future.

Janet G

Yes very good. Safe and trustworthy. It is a fun vehicle to drive right now. It is a car we purchased for our daughter, and I am in between cars right now and am very happy driving this car.

Sarah S

Yes it is a great vehicle, the interior is very spacious and comfortable. I have the base model and it is not enough speed to safely get in the highway and maintaining the vehicle is very easy.

Kristina H

Yes I love it is great on miles and very comfortable to travel in. It has enough room for a lot of things in the trunk and is great on gas.

Kendall S

It has been the most reliable vehicle I have owned, however this past month it has come up with some problems that will need to be fixed.

Britt B

It drives great is clean comfortable and affordable on gas with nice features. It also has tiptronic.

Deborah D

Yes, it gets very good gas mileage. It has been a very reliable car that has lasted a long time. It could use updated features, but overall a good car.

Owner Reviews

Write a Review

Cristeen on September 12, 2023

Mazda 3

I had a 2005 Mazda 3. That car lasted me 5 years bought it for $1,800 and only put about $500 to $800 into it. I love the car I think it's great it's safe it was a great car so I just got a 2010 hope it's the same as my 2005. Mazda are good cars if you take care of them they'll last a while just like a Toyota

Jeff on May 1, 2023

Garbage

A lot of repairs over the years alternator, transmission, manifold etc. Thousands over the years I had it. Will never buy a Mazda ever again

Emily G on June 25, 2021

Very reliable and is perfect for traveling long distances or a daily commuter.

I have had a Mazda three for over two years now. I have not once had a problem with it or had anything break on me. That being said I do car checks and change my oil every 5000 miles. This car has had to do many long-distance trips across the state and I have never once had a warning light come on or had any issues with that. I have driven this car in both high temperatures and below zero temperatures and while it is obviously not ideal for snow and ice, it manage to get me through it and I was never left stranded. Overall this is a very reliable car. In terms of comfort, I think it is very comfortable. I have had up to four people in my car and nobody ever felt like they did not have enough room.

Amy L on June 24, 2021

A white Mazda 3, 4 door, black interior.

This vehicle is extremely reliable. I call it the pocket rocket because it is fast. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with my vehicle and it is really good on gas. It does not have all the bells and whistles. It has manual locks and no cruise control. I love it.

Abraham B on June 22, 2021

Fast, reliable, and possibly infested.

It has never let me down. I bought it with 80,000 miles and have put on 10,000. It looks cool and drives fast. Some Mazda 3s were recalled because of gold sac spiders in the engine. However I don't believe my car is one of the infested cars. Not sure why the spiders like the smell of gasoline but they do. Overall the Mazda 3 is a great car and I would recommend it to anyone.

Barbara P on June 17, 2021

A fast reliable compact car with little mechanical issues.

My Mazda 3 with a stick shift is a great little car with a lot of power... One drawback for me is the size which feels too small during highway driving. My car is 10 years old and during that time it has been a reliable car with little to no mechanical problems.

Jake R on June 14, 2021

Mazda 3: great car unless you have a family.

The Mazda 3 is the perfect car for a non family. It is very durable and reliable while also good on gas mileage. However, if you have a family, you might want to look elsewhere as it lacks much needed space. I have owned my Mazda for just over 11 years and have had no major issues.

Audrey L on May 26, 2021

Love my car! Only one issue.

Court P on May 20, 2021

Good starting car, not for a family or large items.

Loud, electronic issues, doors do not open all the way, blind spots, too low to the ground. While it does get decent gas mileage, it has a small tank so I am still filling up frequently to make sure I do not go under a quarter tank. Usually once a week with work and errands. Road trips are okay but such a loud vehicle and not very comfortable especially if you have passengers in the back. No leg room.

Paris M on May 11, 2021

This is a great car to get for a first car.

I love the car it has Bluetooth, aux, and a charger port. And it is enough space for a small family like mine. I also love the way it is set up in the inside with enough room for everyone. But sometimes it is hard trying to figure the car out without it is manual. But overall it is a very good car for a first starter.

Chelsea L on May 8, 2021

It is a white four door sedan.

The Mazda 3 is a comfortable ride with great handling. It is small and compact but gets up and goes. I have only had one major issue, buts it is been running strong for the last 3 years I have had it. Overall, I would recommend this car to anyone who is just starting out or want something small and reliable.

Sam M on April 22, 2021

2010 Mazda 3 just hit 100,000 miles.

I got this car my freshman year in college. I was about 3-4 hours away from home at the time and I was able to rely on my car to get me to and from home and school whenever I wanted to go visit. I have had no major issues with the car. The car has been up north with my now for 2 going on 3 years and has survived the cold and snow. The car is very durable and has now lasted me 5 years and just hit 100,000 miles. The car drives super smooth and has not had any major issues.

John G on April 22, 2021

2010 Mazda 3 with just over 100k miles. Manual.

Reliable car. Very cheap to maintain. Had the car for about 2 years. Only had to do normal maintenance like oil changes, tire rotations, etc. Had to get the brakes redone but the car is a little over 100,000 miles so it is probably just normal wear and tear.

Jessica R on April 17, 2021

It is really easy to learn stick shift in this vehicle.

This vehicle is amazing. I learned how to drive stick shift in this car. It is very comfortable and easy to relax in. Long drives are easy even with it being a stick shift. A/c and heating on this model are great once you find the right setting for yourself. Speakers are pretty good too.

Gabby L on April 13, 2021

Summarizing my 2010 Mazda 3 vehicle.

My car has had problems with its suspension being loose. We have had it into the shop multiple times since purchasing it in 2017. It is a reliable car and it has been a good fit for me because it is small and gets good gas mileage. The interior is a bit dated but it has all the functions I need to be comfortable and happy while driving.

Jaclyn M on April 12, 2021

It is a reliable car. It has never given me any major issues.

I absolutely love my car. I have never had any major issues. I commute a lot and have accumulated a lot of mileage, but my car is still in great condition. I take it for routine check ups (tires, oil change, etc). When I am ready to buy another car. I will stick with Mazda.

Michela P on April 3, 2021

Mazda 3 2010 reliable and durable.

I love everything about my car, I love the way it drives. The car drives smoothly and the bass is amazing. I rarely have any problems besides oil changes and other normal car maintenance. I have had my car since I was sixteen and I am now going on twenty. I enjoy the sun roof a lot amazing addition.

Erica Y on April 2, 2021

Not too shabby for a Mazda.

Good looking vehicle, huge trunk and overall good space inside, wish it was more modern inside, good gas mileage but smaller tank, very reliable, have had it for 10 years. Cheap to service. Not very fast and does not have any horsepower to get on the highway.

Jackie P on March 30, 2021

That this car has had very few issues for being 8 yrs old

I like that after 8 years it runs really well. My only complaint is that it is not good in snowy weather.

Michael B on March 27, 2021

Sporty look. I love the quality of the car. It is great.

Reliable, great on gas, strong, sporty. I really have no problem with the vehicle whatsoever. I would recommend it to anyone. I see a lot of people on the road driving this model as well which means word gets around. My next car would probably be another Mazda maybe a different model.

Sarah D on March 25, 2021

I grew up in this car, and it kept me safe.

This vehicle is reliable and that is why I still drive it to this day. I have beat on this car, and put 170k miles on it in 11 years. I have never had issues with it, would probably continue to use Mazda in the future based off of my experience with this car.

Diane M on March 24, 2021

Mazda 3 a great fun and reliable car to drive you.

Michael V on March 22, 2021

After 11 years, this car has pushed through all walks of life.

I have driven about 115k miles now and have the 6-speed manual transmission. Love this vehicle and have used it to drive across country, as a daily driver, into the snow on snowboarding trips, several day long camping trips, even moving. I have used a Yakima roof rack and have put all sorts of things on top: bikes, paddle boards, snowboards, couches, refrigerators. The only thing I really wish it had was 4 wheel drive or AWD.

Jessica C on March 14, 2021

Mazda 3 is great, definitely a great purchase!

My vehicle is very comfortable, sleek design, very reliable, never have any problems, good on gas, great performance. A little small in the back seat but has a big trunk for a small car. Good speakers, Bluetooth for phone and music, very clear while talking on the phone. Radio buttons on the steering wheel.

Linda F on March 10, 2021

Reliable, good gas mileage, fast, comfortable, lots of room

My car is very reliable. It has good gas mileage, and I love driving it. It is one of the best cars I've ever had!

Whitney C on March 10, 2021

I have a blacked out, 4 door sedan Mazda 3 sport.

I love my Mazda. It is comfortable and great on gas! It is a small sedan that I can park easily! I haven't had any problems with this car. It has been very reliable for me. I have had this car since I was sixteen years old. I plan to continue to keep this car until it stops running.

Alfredo A on March 7, 2021

It is a great for long trips and family and it comes with GPS.

It is a great car good mileage great in gas great features airbags anti lock brakes 3. 5 engine am FM radio CD player Bluetooth compatible.

Elissa B on March 7, 2021

The car can get up to speed very fast and maneuver through traffic easily

I love the look and feel inside. Sometimes I wish I had more space to transport items. Also, I wish had more technology upgrades in the interior.

Lorraine P on March 7, 2021

Why I recommend the Mazda 3 Hatchback

I've had this car since 2010. It's a super reliable vehicle. I haven't had to have any major repairs done just general maintenance, oil changes, tires etc. She hugs the road and a really fun car to drive. Response is quick from a full stop ( traffic lights and such). My car handles the road very well, however I think my biggest concern is when the air conditioner is running, she does 'bog down'. Overall I would highly recommend this vehicle if you want an inexpensive, fun runaround car.

Caitlin B on March 5, 2021

Great family car with great gas mileage.

I believe that Mazda is great for a first car. My dad is always telling me how he wish he got the car! They get great mileage. It is perfect for highways and traveling, as I have used it to go out of state. The interior is beautiful and easy to keep clean. The car has great features, my favorite is the Bluetooth feature for your phone. The sound system is great, friends are always surprised when we jam out! The variable cruise control comes in handy a lot as well! I enjoy how it always cost me under $20 to fill up my gas. Seats are fully adjustable and super comfortable, it is always a smooth ride.

Naomi H on March 4, 2021

Very low clearance or a low budget car.

The vehicle has very low clearance for anything other than paved roads. The turning radius for going both left and right are also very nice not to mention sensitive steering and braking which get stiffer over time of use. Highly recommend the car for a first time purchase.

Theresa B on February 28, 2021

Great gas mileage and very reliable.

Great gas mileage and low maintenance. No issues with my car since I have owned it. There is not a whole lot of negative about my car besides the seating is a little tight in the back due to limited leg room.

Ashley M on February 27, 2021

Mazda 3 a everyone kind of car.

I love the Mazda 3. It is a very smooth ride. I have nice seats no heated seats though but there’s a sun roof. There’s also a Bluetooth radio. The car is pretty roomy as well for a sedan styled car. I would recommend this car to anyone honestly unless you have 5 children. The vehicle only seats up to 5 people.

Briesha B on February 26, 2021

It's got style and has been a reliable car for me thus far.

I like the style and how smooth it rides. I wish it was just a little more fuel efficient.

Diane B on February 26, 2021

The car is an inexpensive car that tows well on a dolly.

I really have no problems with this car. It gets great gas mileage, drives smoothly and I have had little problems with a 10 yr old car. It does not have any USB ports so you need to purchase an adapter. It does have Sirius you can connect to and it has Bluetooth.

Kimberley B on February 26, 2021

Love my 2010 Mazda 3...I would definitely buy another Mazda.

Zero problems until the alternator and battery went out. Then all the door ajar sensors went out. But it is been a fantastic car and only has 118,000 miles on it! This was literally the first time anything major went wrong with it. I love this car and it is fun to drive!

Diane S on February 23, 2021

Good car overall. Insurance is a little expensive as they class it a sports car.

Radio doesn't always work. Car is small inside especially for passengers. It has plenty of power and is very reliable. The low front presents a problem when parking. It has a sunroof which is great in summer. Controls are easy to use. Fuel economy is very good.

Kyra D on February 21, 2021

The Mazda 3 is a great safe car. It's very reliable and affordable.

Great safe car. It's great for a first time car buyer. I have owned my 2010 Mazda 3 for 9 year and have had no major issues. I always keep up on regular maintenance. It's great on gas mileage. Overall it's a great car and I would love to purchase another Mazda.

Ashley N on February 21, 2021

2010 Mazda 3 with spoiler

My 2010 Mazda 3 still performs great. I have her 100,000 miles on it, get the oil changed and receive tune-ups as suggested by the mechanics. I really have only had to get new tires and brakes. The seats are pretty comfortable and the trunk is extremely spacious for a small sedan. I love the Bluetooth feature that allows me to make calls and utilize other Bluetooth features through my phone like listening to music.

Maddie D on February 18, 2021

Not that great maintenance wise. Transmission repaired twice in a year.

I like how my car handles and I also really like my sunroof and the Bose speaker system. Hits bumps too hard.

Austin B on February 16, 2021

Mazda 3: A vehicle of reliability

The Mazda 3 is an awesome vehicle! It is extremely reliable as long as you keep up with the maintenance, such as oil, transmission fluids, tire rotation, etc. It does extremely well on gas mileage! I typically get anywhere between 29-32 miles per gallon.

Michael S on February 15, 2021

Good value for the price paid

Not the greatest gas mileage. There have been a number of recalls on my vehicle. Acceleration is not the greatest. On the whole, not a bad vehicle.

Aaron M on February 11, 2021

It is a compact sedan that gets decent mileage. It is 8 years old.

It is a reasonably good car that has done pretty well. It has some brake noise. It is 8 years old.

maggie m on February 2, 2021

Very reliable throughout the years

Always have been a car you can count, very reliable. Never had any problems besides the regular maintenance of oil change, brake change, new tires when call for. Mechanical wise, still have to say it's a solid, reliable vehicle.

Gabriela G on February 2, 2021

Reliable and family friendly car.

I love almost everything about my current vehicle. The speed and quick acceleration are phenomenal. I love the all black interior and easy to clean seats. I recently had a child and for a 4 door car it is pretty roomy for an infant and toddler car seat. I love how spacious the trunk is which comes handy when packing up strollers and groceries. The seats in the front are very comfortable as well as in the back. It is been a very reliable car so far.

Robert H on January 31, 2021

The car gets great gas mileage and has required only normal maintenance and is very reliable.

The car is a four dour and can accommodate more passengers than I normally would need to. The car gets great gas mileage and requires only minimal maintenance. This car is great for short trips and general everyday chores around town.

Brittany S on January 28, 2021

My Mazda 3 is very reliable and fun to drive.

My car is very reliable it currently has approximately 161, 000 miles and never has had any major mechanical problems. It tends to be a little uncomfortable seating wise for long trips especially for passengers located in the back seat. It's great for fitting into small parking spaces.

Maria B on January 23, 2021

Effectiveness of luxury sports vehicles.

No, problems at all, runs great! I keep the regular maintenance needed. Runs smooth. Great speed. Love the sound, mileage per gas mileage. The interior is luxury and spacious for my family. Nice and neat. The trunk is spacious for sporting goods and trips.

Amanda S on January 23, 2021

Why you should own a Mazda 3.

I love my car. It has only needed minor repairs in my time of ownership. It is good on gas. Drives very smooth. It is very reliable. It has gotten my family from North Carolina down to Florida for our Disney vacation. It is nice to drive and listen to music in this car.

Mary P on January 22, 2021

Great car except too low to the ground

I'm the engine itself has been very reliable. I have few complaints. Two drawbacks are that the car is very low to the ground, which makes it very speedy but also means that I hit potholes and cause damage to the car. I have had to replace the bumper because of this. It also uses minimum 91 octane gas which is expensive.

Caroline S on January 21, 2021

Good first car but significant maintenance.

This car was my first and has been a good first vehicle. However maintenance is expensive and I have had issues with the tire pressure light and the car has leaked on multiple occasions. The stitching in the leather seat has come undone and is not able to be fixed without replacing the seat.

Hope S on January 20, 2021

This car would make a great commuter car, it gets 28-32 mpg.

The car is a very affordable option for a compact sedan. It has everything I need, but mine has manual locks. It is a slightly sporty car with good pick up. Mine is a standard. It was purchased new for approximately $15,000, it has been very reliable, and I would highly recommend it.

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.