2011 Mazda3 Review: Good Year For The Dependable And Affordable Compact Car

Alex Showalter

Mar 17, 2022

The 2011 Mazda3 lasts over 250,000 miles with only minor clutch and dash problems. At $6,025 – 9,634 it’s a great value for the fun driving experience and reliability.

The Good

Handling is excellent for a small car, interior materials are high quality and performance is very good.

The Bad

The suspension is very firm, less room for passengers and cargo than rivals and there’s a lot of road noise.

Is the 2011 Mazda3 a Good Used Car?

Yes, 2011 is a good year. We have received a lot of positive owner reviews mentioning great gas mileage, a sporty driving experience, and decent technology.
Reliability ratings are great. Avoid models from 2010 which have more mechanical problems, and go with a 2011 or newer which are excellent choices.
Three 4-cylinder engine options: fuel efficient and powerful turbo versions available.
Safety ratings are good, scoring 4 out of 5 in government crash tests and earning a Top Safety Pick Award.
Fuel economy is excellent at up to 28 MPG combined.

Positive Owner Reviews

Kayla M

My car was a first time purchase. It has been reliable and comfortable.

My car has been super reliable over the years. I have never had any major issues. It is compact, user-friendly, comfortable and exactly what I wanted as a young, first-time buyer. The Bluetooth was a great feature at the time. Also, the body of shape of the car is very sleek and practical.

Amanda M

Great car for a small family.

O2 sensor issues after 100 thousand miles. Replace and no further issue. Keep up on brake maintenance. They will start to squeal if not maintained. Runs and rides smooth. No engine or transmission issues since leasing this car. Great size for a small family with the hatch in the back which is really easily accessible for anything you may need to put in there. Back seats also fold down flat adding additional trunk space if needed. Great fuel mileage averaging 32 mpg. Normally pretty low to the ground but able to take dirt roads at normal speeds with no issue bottoming out. All around best car I have paid for.

sue e

This is the second Mazda3 that I have had. I love the styling and the handling of the vehicle. It has always been reliable and trouble-free. Now in 2018 would like one with newest tech.

It handles like a race car with the efficiency of a small car.

Kevin N

My great Mazda 3 hatchback love.

This is a great car to drive as it is light, has power and great storage space. I have had little to no issues whatsoever with the car overall maintenance and reliability. The design has maintained beautiful over the years and still draws attention wherever it goes. If I were to buy a car again back when I bought this in 2013 I would do it all over again for the great memories this car has brought to my life.

Morgan K

It has kept me safe for 8 years and has never had any major mechanical problems.

My car has kept me safe through a few accidents and is still holding strong. After having the car 8 years, it is still going strong and has never had any huge mechanical issues. It is a strong car with great gas mileage and safety features! By far the best purchase I have made!

K B

The longevity. There's a lot of life in this car and it fits in to almost any lifestyle.

No complaints, it's lasted seven years so far with very little maintenance. I plan on driving it as long as I can and would definitely consider getting the same model again.

madison M

Very outstanding car that is fast and runs good on gas.

My car is extremely roomy, not too big or small. It runs good on gas and speed performance is extremely great. Trunk size is about medium. The radio is nice and easy to use. I don't have a single problem with the car. The only thing I personally need to fix is the gas pedal. It is a little touchy.

Azeem K

It handles like a dream.

I love how the car handles. It is rides the rails so to speak. It is attractive to look at too.

Negative Owner Reviews

Shelby B

Very easy to maneuver thru traffic. Easy to drive w good control. Great on gas.

Right side exterior damage from crash. Does not accelerate as fast as it should but other than that great car. Nice new wheels. Ability to do semi manual as well as automatic. Front wheel drive. 78k miles. Spacious trunk. Great on gas. Black exterior, black interior.

Kayla M

Compacted car, good gas mileage, roomy inside and in the trunk.

The car itself is fine, I hate it base on how I received it. The air conditioner is amazing, gets about 24 miles a gallon, very roomy, and handles great. The truck does not have a key hold with is troubling for me, but the truck is amazedly roomy. The wheel is smaller than other cars so pads will not stay on.

Joe A

Problems with my used Mazda.

I have bought my car used. I have had many problems since I bought it. The airbag does not work, the ac sometimes works, the locks in the car does not work. I do not see myself buying a used car again or a Mazda. The size of the car is very tight in the inside not so comfortable.

Michael H

An efficient, reliable car. Sporty and long lasting.

I like the reliability of the Mazda 3. The gas is affordable and it gets good mileage. I only have to fill up once a week and rarely have mechanical issues with it. I am not a huge fan of small cars because I typically like bigger body size cars like impala's or SUV's. But the Mazda 3 is spacious for its size. The sedan fits four people comfortably and is a smooth ride where riders feel safe. Mazda's are good reliable cars that last long and are cost effective.

Erin M

It needs what seems to be constant maintenance or fluid flushes.

There seems to be big issues every time I take the car for an oil change. It could be the car or the mazda service team. I'm not sure which but it certainly leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

Stephanie T

2011 Mazda 3 overall review- 5 year ownership.

Comfortable compact perfect size for someone under 5’4, my sister who is slightly taller feels and looks funny when driving such small car. Mazda 3 is great on gas. Be sure to get upgrades when available. No major issues in the last 5 years of owning besides oil changes, battery replacement, tires. Be sure to purchase good quality tires as I learn the cheap ones tend to last only a few months before thread is low and tire flat. Great highway mileage. The overhead interior light buttons fall off easily. Ac is strong and works great in the Florida heat.

Rebecca t

It's not as reliable as other cars that I could have gotten that were similar

My car drives well and the design is sleek and pretty. The gas mileage is pretty good. The reliability is not great, and replacing tires is very expensive.

Thelma M

2011 Mazda 3 I sport, silver, great engine, stylish and sporty.

It has a great engine, fast, and handles the road well, including turns, has a digital display and aux connection versus Bluetooth on new vehicles, can set your favorite radio stations, seat are manual adjustable. I recommend this car for a younger group of drivers, preferably new drivers.

What Do Critics Say About the Mazda3?

Consumer Reports finds the Mazda3 to have agile handling, but owner satisfaction scores are lower than some rivals.
Edmunds rates the Mazda3 4.6/5 with a quick engine, but says the suspension is a bit firm.
Kelley Blue Book users give the Mazda3 a 4.6/5 enjoying the performance, but say cargo space is slightly smaller than some competitors.

What Common Problems Does the 2011 Mazda3 Have?

Problems found in the Mazda3 are relatively minor including worn-out clutches, warping dashes, and air conditioning failures.

Worn-out clutches are the most common problem showing up in the first 40,000 miles. Clutches are considered a consumable part which needs to be replaced, but the ones in the Mazda3 wear out faster than normal. Replacing the clutch costs about $1,200.

Warped dashes are another issue showing up at around 75,000 miles. Some owners choose to put a cover over the dash for under $100, and others replace the dash costing over $1,000.

Air conditioning system failures are rare, but show up at around 85,000 miles in some cars. The compressor wears out, and replacing the unit costs about $2,000.

There are 2 recalls including the rear lift gate and seat lifter links. The most serious recall is the seat lifter links, which increase the risk of a crash.

How Long Will the 2011 Mazda3 Last?

A properly maintained Mazda3 should last over 250,000 miles, similar to long-lasting competitors including the Corolla. Regular annual maintenance costs are reasonable at $454 per year, according to Repair Pal.

As a Mazda3 reaches 100,000 miles, owners should prepare to replace radiator fans costing $600, wheel hubs for $400, and the purge valve for $200.

Bianca G

Very reliable. It does not currently have any major issues other than what all car have. Needs new brakes now.

Kailea P

It is very reliable. I have had a couple problems but nothing major or problems I didn't cause with my actions.

Curtis R

No, my mazda3 has never had any major problems. The engine has never required any work except regular maintenance like oil changes. The transmission works perfectly. Has plenty of power and the abs braking system is great. Air conditioning works wonderfully. I love my Mazda 3.

Susan k

The biggest problem with it is that the I have had to have it realigned more often than my other cars. That is due to the fact of the horrible potholes we have in the city due to the town.

Amanda W

The Mazda 3 is very reliable. I use this as my everyday commuter car and have had no troubles that were in fault to the car itself

Megan H

Yes it is very reliable. You can go below zero miles on a tank of gas for at least another 6 miles. The only problem is the key is expensive

Kyler B

Only the ones listed in the recall. The driver seat I believe has something wrong with the latching bar that keeps it attached and straight.

How Much Is the 2011 Mazda3 Worth?

Blue book prices range from $6,025 – 9,634, making the Mazda3 about $500 more expensive than other compact cars including the Civic and Forte. When new, the price range was $15,800 to $23,810. Depreciation is similar to rivals, losing 8% of its current value per year.

What are the Different Models of the Mazda3?

There are 6 models of the Mazda3. Technology is okay and was last updated for 2010, new navigation features were added in 2012.

3i SV is the entry-level model with:

16-Inch Steel Wheels
Cloth Seating
Power Windows And Locks
4-Speaker AM/FM/CD Stereo System With AUX Jack

3i Sport is a good step up adding:

Air Conditioning
Automatic Transmission

3i Touring is a more luxurious model with:

16-Inch Alloy Wheels
Keyless Entry
Cruise Control
6-Speaker Stereo With Bluetooth Connectivity

3s Sport offers sporty driving features including:

Larger Engine
17-Inch Alloy Wheels
Fog Lights
Premium Cloth Seating
Leather Steering Wheel

3s Grand Touring is the luxury model with:

Leather Seating
Dual-Zone Climate Control
Heated Front Seats
10-Speaker Bose Stereo System

Mazdaspeed3 is the high-performance version offering:

18-Inch Alloy Wheels
Most Powerful Engine
Unique Cloth And Leather Seating
Black Exterior Trim

i SV

148 HP 28 MPG

View Details

i Sport

148 HP 27 MPG

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i Touring

148 HP 27 MPG

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s Sport

167 HP 25 MPG

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Mazdaspeed3 Sport

263 HP 21 MPG

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s Grand Touring

167 HP 25 MPG

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What Engines Come In the Mazda3?

There are three 4-cylinder engines available in the Mazda3. Performance is great from the most powerful model taking only 6.5 seconds to go from 0 to 60 miles per hour.

The base engine is an efficient 2.0L 4-cylinder with 148 horsepower.
An available upgrade is the more powerful 2.5L 4-cylinder which has 167 horsepower.
Found in the Mazdaspeed3 is the most powerful engine, which is a 2.3L turbocharged 4-cylinder making 263 horsepower.

What Colors Does the Mazda3 Come In?

How Big Is the Mazda3?

The Mazda3 is an average sized compact car available as a 5-door hatchback or 4-door sedan similar in size to the Mini Cooper and Civic, but passenger room is cramped in the backseats.

Cargo space is very small with 11.8 cubic feet of room in the trunk of the sedan. The hatchback is better with 17 cubic feet with the seats up and 42.8 when folded flat.

How Does the Mazda3 Compare to the Competition?

A very close competitor in the same price range is the Volkswagen Golf. Interior materials are better in the Golf, but the Mazda3 is more reliable. We recommend the Mazda3 since it’s more affordable to own and will last longer.

Another competitor is the Kia Forte, which is $1,000 cheaper. Where the Kia stands out is with more technology, but the Mazda3 has better long-term reliability. The Mazda3 is a better choice since it offers more performance and longevity for the money.

Ranks #9 Small Cars by Owners

2011 Subaru WRX

4.68

2011 Volkswagen Golf

4.58

Tie

2011 Mazda Mazda3

4.38

Do Owners Recommend the Mazda3?

Bianca G

Yes, it is great. Has held up really well with all the wear and tear I have put it through. Not the fanciest but it works.

Kailea P

Yes it is one of my favorite vehicles I have had or driven. It is good on gas it drives smooth & fast.

Curtis R

Yes I love my mazda3. It is a very good looking vehicle. It gets excellent gas mileage. Handles very nicely on the freeway and surface streets. It has a very nice interior also. I have never had any major mechanical issues either! I highly recommend this car.

Susan k

Perfect for getting around town for shopping. Great pick up and go for highway. Easy to park when space is limited. Trunk space is huge.

Desire W

Yes, Mazda3 is a very reliable, fuel efficient, overall great car. I have not run into any problems so far like I have in my previous cars. I have owned Jeep and Subaru and prefer the Mazda to them both.

Pam W

Yes. It is sporty. Has a lot of room and drives great plus wonderful on gas. I like that the seats go back in the rear to fit my dog.

Patty G

Yes. There were quite a few recalls however. Other than that I've had no issues. The gas mileage is comparable to most vehicles it's size. The stock stereo is not that great.

Owner Reviews

Write a Review

Drew B on June 25, 2021

A car that is great for all ages and all size families.

This car is very reliable, easy to drive. Tons of space and comfortable for long drives. Easy to clean for parents, or for dog owners. Does not have many blind spots. I love my heated seats! The front of the car is not to long for people who are on the shorter side, easy to see out of. I highly recommend this car for first time drivers and for families.

Jillian K on June 18, 2021

It has really cool interior with cool lights and seats and is super reliable.

I've never had any issues with my car at all whatsoever. Except for the battery sometimes dies when I leave the lights on. That has happened more than once, in fact 3 times. But that is all user error. My car has a super cool interior that I love. It has super awesome seats and a super awesome dashboard with lights that light up at night time. It has blue and red lights. There are never any car problems with it. It's a super safe car I drive with my 4 year old in as a daily driver. 10 out of 10 recommend.

Tiffany W on June 18, 2021

What an excellent car, I love it!

Smooth ride, safe and reliable vehicle, no problems as long as you maintain oil changes, the seats have lumbar support, came with auxiliary capability, blind spots are very minimal, great beginner vehicle plenty of space in cabin, very affordable and a good looking car.

Rebecca S on June 14, 2021

Mazda 3: a reliable and sturdy vehicle.

This has been a very reliable and safe little car for me since 2015. Although it looks small, it actually has a decent amount of space and is very easy to drive. I find the seats to be very comfortable. The speakers are great, but I do wish the car had Bluetooth so I could hook my phone up wirelessly. The main problem I have had with this car is that I live in an area where there are a lot of potholes and have had some tire issues. The hubcaps often come loose and will fall off.

allie M on June 13, 2021

Mazda3 review: the good things and the bad things.

It broke down because it needed a new engine. I bought it used so it makes sense why the engine went out. Other than that I have had no problems with the car. It occasionally will skid if it is raining and not the best car for the snow. However, the heat and ac works great.

Jaz C on June 11, 2021

2014 mazda 3 review after ten years of ownership.

Great on gas have to fill up take every two weeks. Smooth ride seats are very comfortable and have not lost cushion or sunk in after ten years. Sound system is great and easy to change stations with wheel control feature. Safe car no major issues. Would update to new model in the future.

sean M on June 10, 2021

Mazda 3 is a fun 4 door car to drive.

The Mazda 3 is reliable and has had no issues, it has been used as a daily driver for multiple years. It is a bit small for family use, but for a couple or single person it is perfect. It has a spacious trunk and comfortable interior, and is easy to drive and feels quick.

Brittany F on June 10, 2021

The car is very reliable on long distance trips.

Interior deteriorates too quickly or things break too easily, mileage is good, sleek and style design, very popular car, really nice stereo system and seats are comfortable. Reliable car good for long distance trips or long commutes to work. A major negative is that they are expensive cars to get fixed at the garage and extremely difficult to work on at home doing simple things like an oil change.

Brit Y on May 23, 2021

Mazda3 hatchback vehicle review.

I enjoy my vehicle and do not have any problem with it in the last few years of ownership. It drives smooth and is fun to drive. The back seat is a little right for taller adults and car seats but the trunk space makes up for it for my personal preference.

Kristine S on May 12, 2021

This is an overall great little car!

This is overall a great little car! Runs smooth, stock speakers are awesome, the seats are comfortable and the small trunk is not so small! This car has a pretty fast kick, and having the option to switch from manual to automatic is easy and fun too. There are not very many blind spots with this car either. No chunky plastics blocking the front and rear windows. You can clearly and easily see over all the headrests. I'm only 5’2 so this is a great thing for us short people!

Christy D on April 29, 2021

Great car. Would highly recommend!

Since owning the car I have had minimal maintenance on the vehicle. New tires, brakes, etc. Everything you expect to replace over time. Drives great even though it has over 130,000 miles at this point. Would definitely recommend this vehicle to friends and family in the future.

Rebecca B on April 28, 2021

There's options to plug in an mp3 player and play your music in various forms.

This car is very reliable. I have driven across country, twice, without any issues. It has lasted a long time and I do not expect to have any problems with this car anytime soon. It is very safe and comfortable. The drive is smooth. The car is still functionally, given the age of the vehicle.

Tameeka G on April 26, 2021

Easy driving, comfy seating pretty color car.

I love the color which is bluish green. I love the seats, fabric is comfortable and breathable. The speed level is great for areas in Texas that allows 85 mph and I enjoy the modern touch of symbols to let me when if something is wrong. The leg spacing for front and back seats is pretty good. My husband and I are both above 5'7'. Drives well. Works well.

Kaite T on April 26, 2021

Review of Mazda 3s grand touring.

I love my Mazda when it comes to comfort, performance, reliability and features. Despite it being 2011 it has Bluetooth and cruise control. It is a manual which is a bonus for those who love driving stick. The seats in the grand touring are leather and heated as well.

Joshua J on April 25, 2021

2011 Mazda 3, 110k miles and good as ever.

110k miles, needs new tires but rides very smooth, clunking noise in right rear when going over bumps, gets good gas mileage, sleek look, clean interior, very quick acceleration and turning, body a little too low to the ground to get under, very spacious back and trunk, good ac and air circulation.

Katherine P on April 24, 2021

Mazda 3: nice car but some strange features.

It's a nice car. It rarely has any problems. But it's not the most comfortable to sit in for long periods of time. I stay all day away from home and wish it was more comfortable. The headlights are set at an odd angle and no shop has been able to fix it as of yet.

Darienne G on April 23, 2021

Best purchase I have ever made carwise!

I have owned it for over 5 years... No engine issues with proper care of course. Still drives like the day I bought her. Perfect curb handling. Fantastic ok the long road trips.. And even my dogs hang out the sunroof during our evening rides... Mazda 4life.

Monique F on April 18, 2021

Perfect hatchback for an adventuring 20-something.

I purchased my Mazda 3 used nearly five years ago and since then, I have had no problems with it. I used to live in Nashville, TN where the weather was extremely diverse, from high heat to deep snow. Despite the fact that my car is not an all-wheel drive, I was able to navigate through icy roads extremely well. In terms of features, it has everything I want in a car- a moon roof, reliable ac and heating, great stereo, a six-disc CD changer, and a slap-stick. My only complaint which is purely aesthetic is that the buttons for the lights in my front seats have broken off. I can still turn the lights on and off, but the fixtures you typically press broke some time ago. I do not know if the plastic arms were made too thin, or the heat of summer somehow weakened them, but this happened quite soon after getting my vehicle.

Kevin N on April 13, 2021

My great Mazda 3 hatchback love.

Heather L on April 11, 2021

Comfortable, reliable, plenty of space.

I have owned my Mazda since 2013 and I love it - it's very comfortable for long drives with plenty of space. With regular maintenance, I have not needed any major changes/work done, making it my most reliable vehicle in years. Oil changes require synthetic oil so it's a bit pricier but you do not need to get them as often.

Meilynne M on April 4, 2021

The mazda3 iSport is a great little car that is great for everyday life.

There's been quite some issues with lights on the dashboard and gear shift but nothing else really. I enjoy driving it. The car is pretty strong but the petals help in controlling the ease and smoothness of take off and stops. The car is nice and small which is nice for parking and I really appreciate the driver's seat option such as raising the seat. The car is great on freeways and the handling is beautiful.

Eva I on April 4, 2021

Very reliable Mazda 3. A very cute car.

Amazing car and very reliable. I have had this car for 8 years and have been surprised at how great it is and low maintenance it is. Very comfortable and the inside is very easy to use. The radio is basic and also easy to use. I think as long as you maintenance your car frequently and get your oil changed regularly the car lasts.

Elis U on April 4, 2021

Mazda3 is a reliable vehicle.

My car it pretty reliable. I like that it drives fast. It has all the features I really need in a car. I have never experienced a problem with it breaking down. I feel very safe in my vehicle. The seats are comfortable and there is a good amount of legroom. There is also a lot of trunk space. I can do long distance trips in my car with no problems.

Lakeesha R on April 2, 2021

It runs good and it is good on gas and didn't have a lot of miles on it.

I have a 2011 white Mazda 3 it was used when I bought it there where 113,000 miles on it I have had it for 7 months. I paid cash for it. Runs good cold ac and heat. It has no lights on, it has a sunroof, also looks good inside and out. Haven't had any major problems. It is very good on gas. Am satisfied with the car I like it.

Jasmine H on April 1, 2021

In my opinion, Mazda is a great choice if you are looking for your first car.

I honestly love my Mazda I have had it for over 5 years there wasn't a previous owner but it was used at a rental before I took over ownership, only negative thing I would say about it is over time it loses its speed I feel like it does not pick up the speed as fast as it usually would when I first purchased the car, overall very loyal car I have taken it to Vegas and Arizona, and I live in Camarillo ca. And it still worked just fine after those long road trips.

Ally D on March 29, 2021

It is incredibly reliable!

Very reliable, good size, lots of truck space. Great for a college student who needs transportation and storage space in vehicle.

Carlos S on March 24, 2021

An older car that runs pretty well.

My car it is an older model Mazda but it drives well and in pretty good condition! It has run pretty well for the past 9 years with little problems. I drive it a lot so the mileage is up but it runs pretty smoothly. The break pads need to be renewed but besides that the car runs well!

Cori K on March 23, 2021

Reliable speedy mazda3 with good weight.

Reliable car, good pickup. Trunk space is decent for the size of the vehicle. Leg room is not for big and tall. Doors seem flimsy but the car is light. I have only had one problem with the ac and it costed $50 to replace the Schrader valve and it works perfectly.

Tom L on March 20, 2021

The engine has very good pickup and high-end torque.

And has been very reliable. The sound system is very good. And I like the fact that it has Bluetooth for hands-free phone calls.

Michaela W on March 16, 2021

Good everyday driver. Will get you to point A and B. The car looks sharp inside and out. Good Gas mileage. Drives great if maintenance is keep up on it.

The car is on the smaller side. There is not much leg room in the back. Also the seats are not comfortable for long trips. The dash is hard to keep clean due to the type of material that it is made from. Dust gets down in the little ridges and it's hard to get it out. Other than those small inconveniences the car is a good car.

Rebecca t on March 15, 2021

It's not as reliable as other cars that I could have gotten that were similar

My car drives well and the design is sleek and pretty. The gas mileage is pretty good. The reliability is not great, and replacing tires is very expensive.

Heather C on March 12, 2021

Pros and cons of a 2011 Mazda 3.

Everything is basic, no power locks or seats. No digital display. No Bluetooth. Sometimes it has issues starting. However, it has great gas mileage. It also gets up speed quickly and with ease. It is fun to drive. It is an automatic with autostick. It also has truck access from the interior back seat.

Sydney K on March 2, 2021

Clutch car failure but still a good car.

Clutch failed after only 50k miles which is extremely low for a car. It was very expensive to get fixed as well. I wish when I bought the car that it had the option to come with racks for the top so I wouldn't have to buy separately. The radio is really nice through.

Sarah B on March 2, 2021

Great choice of vehicle the mazda3.

The Mazda 3 is an excellent vehicle. It drives smoothly and the road noise is minimal. The seats are comfortable and I love the radio features. Also the safety features are great and I love the exterior and interior design. I highly recommend the Mazda 3.

Kristina B on March 1, 2021

2011 mazda3 ltz. Close to 100,000 miles.

This car is great on gas. It is an older car obviously being a 2011. I have had no issues since getting this car about a year ago. It has great maneuverability. Nice and comfortable for long drives. As far as features it is not much compared to what we have on newer vehicles today. It does have power windows and locks. Has an aux connection available.

Erin M on March 1, 2021

It needs what seems to be constant maintenance or fluid flushes.

There seems to be big issues every time I take the car for an oil change. It could be the car or the mazda service team. I'm not sure which but it certainly leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

Vey O on February 28, 2021

Good gas mileage, and perfect size.

The battery wasn’t working properly. If you forgot to turn off your light, you cannot turn on the car (the engine). The light has condensation too, it is not really bright. And the honk is not loud enough. I do like the size, it is easy to park. Good gas mileage.

Amanda T on February 25, 2021

Mazda hits the mark with me!

I absolutely love my Mazda. The style is nice and it drives and handles well. It can seat 4 people comfortably with room to spare. We go to the beach a lot and the trunk can fit all of our necessities. I love the moon roof feature and the Bose speakers.

Daniel O on February 23, 2021

Why my Mazda is amazeballs.

It is just a great car. Small but plenty of room and plenty of power. The 6 speed manuals are hard to find but definitely worth it with any type of sporty vehicle. Very reliable and the parts are not the most expensive or hard to replace. Definitely will be looking for a speed.

William K on February 16, 2021

Mazda 3 a great all around car.

The Mazda is very reliable! I have had it for over 7 years and just now had my first big repair on it (transmission). I travel from okc to Kansas City regularly on it so I put in the miles. Anyone that has had a ride or driven the car mentions how smooth it is and its turning capabilities.

Hazel B on February 15, 2021

I love the keyless entry, and automatic windows.

It is reliable. Do not have to do a lot of repairs. I just love my car. Only thing that I am not crazy about is the color.

Catherine L on February 13, 2021

Great gas mileage. Great first car.

It is a great first car. I got it when I was in high school to get me to school and practice then home. It has great gas mileage and is affordable to buy. It has a lot of space for friends to ride with you. I would highly recommend this car for anyone looking to buy.

Zach M on February 5, 2021

Compact car that is surprisingly roomy for the driver.

Love the car. Very fuel efficient, which is nice considering how much I have to travel. Not a lot of legroom in the back seats for passengers, but the driver’s seat is very comfy for long drives. There are some occasional ac issues due to engine belt.

Mike M on February 5, 2021

It's very mpg friendly and compact. Also the car is reliable and doesn't cost much to maintain when your a technician ?

I like that the vehicle is white. I like that it gets good gas mileage. I like the Compactness. I like the seats fold down

Amber W on January 31, 2021

Nice interior, Bluetooth is awesome.

Really reliable, never had any problems with the car. Interior looks really nice. Love the Bluetooth capabilities as well, it's super nice to be able to talk hands-free on the phone. The stereo is nice, I have also never had any problems with that. A/c and heating work great. No complaints so far!

Holly M on January 29, 2021

Has been reliable for my family for many years. I will pass on to my son.

Like how zippy and fast it is and how handles Do not like mpg in city

Saga G on January 27, 2021

Dealership altered driver's seat in order to make the car work for us.

Thus far the car has been extremely reliable with no major issues in terms of maintenance problems, with the biggest expense being tires being replaced on the suggested regularity.

Christian M on January 26, 2021

It's a fun little car, and a sedan to boot. It's not huge, but you can get a small family around in it.

It has pretty good acceleration, handles well, and was a pretty good price. The gas mileage isn't great, but that's partially my fault for how I drive.

Anna L on January 22, 2021

Mazda 3 is reliable and comfortable.

My car is very reliable and has good gas mileage (about 27/gallon, I can go almost 300 miles before filling up). It is comfortable and can seat 5. The front seats recline and the back seats can fold down for more trunk space. It is on the smaller side, but it works well for me and my family.

Brandon H on January 20, 2021

My car gets good gas mileage and drives well. It is a good little car.

I like my car because it gets good gas mileage and is easy to drive. I am a tall person and my main complaint is how low it sits to the ground and lack of legroom. It fit my family fine until we upgraded cars.

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.