2013 Mazda3 Review: Reliable & High-Quality Compact Car With Low Ownership Costs

Alex Showalter

Sep 10, 2022

The 2013 Mazda3 lasts around 250,000 miles with only some minor headlight and cracked dashboard issues. At $8,871 to $15,631, it’s a good value for a dependable compact car that’s affordable to own long term.

The Good

Handling is excellent, the interior has higher quality materials than other compact cars and the engines are efficient.

The Bad

Less cargo space than in other compact cars, the base engine is weak and the suspension is firm.

Is the 2013 Mazda3 a Good Used Car?

Overall Rating 8/10 – 2013 is a good year for the Mazda3. Owner reviews praise the responsive steering, fun driving experience, and good power.
Interior Quality 8/10 – There’s room for up to 5 people in the cabin with a decent amount of room. Interior materials are nice for its price, and the stereo is easy to use.
Reliability 9/10 – 2013 offers excellent reliability with dependable engine choices. Avoid the 2010 model for mechanical issues, and go with one from 2011–2020.
Performance 7/10 – Power is average from the standard 4-cylinder engine, while the turbocharged motor offers more horsepower than other compact cars.
Safety 7/10 – The 2013 Mazda3 is reasonably safe with an overall rating of 4-stars in government crash tests, including 5-stars for the front and unfortunately only 3 stars in the side impact test. Optional safety features include blind spot monitoring.
Gas Mileage 9/10 – Fuel economy is great at up to 32 MPG, which should get owners about 464 miles of range out of the 14.5 gallon gas tank. Fuel costs are $48 cheaper than average at $152 per month.

Positive Owner Reviews

Jerri J

It's very reliable and dependable, sporty and fun to drive and gets excellent gas mileage, especially on road trips.

I love the easy way my Mazda handles, the great gas mileage that I get.....there is nothing about my car that I dislike.

Ashley G

The car has Bluetooth, navigation system, and heated bucket leather seats.

My vehicle is awesome. The only problem I have ever had with the vehicle is that I rain over a construction screw and had a hole in my tire and when I went to get it fixed I never got a tire key so I had to go back to the Mazda dealership and have my locks removed and have bolts put on. But other than that I have had no other complaints or problems.

Kelly H

Good things come in small packages.

This car is my baby. It is extremely reliable, easy to drive, smooth, comfortable, has an incredible amount of storage space, and gets amazing gas mileage. The car is small enough so it is easy to maneuver in any environment, but big enough that I could drive myself and 4 other college golfers (and 5 full golf bags!) To and from practice every day. This is my first car and I will be keeping it as long as I can.

Erik P

Sporty but basic, gas saving sedan that was built for you and the open road.

More reliable than my Honda, has gone on two cross country road trips with me and performed beautifully for each one. Very low maintenance, and 7 years later no major repairs of issues! Great gas mileage too for a pre-hybrid car. My only suggestion would have been to offer carplay or similar since most cars at the time came with that, but besides that it is a beautiful low maintenance reliable car.

Mina B

This hatchback is so much fun.

Handles well, is fun to drive. Love the hatchback with fold-down rear seats which provides a surprising amount of cargo space for a small car. No maintenance issues at all. It is fairly fuel-efficient and just right for my driving needs. Works great for basic transportation but with style!

Melody J

The amazing gas mileage is what I tell everyone about.

I love the pearl white color. The size is perfect and the gas mileage is amazing! I don't have any complaints at this time. I've owned it for 4 years

Denise M

Great car for single person or small family.

It is nice for a single person and a mom with 2 children. Big trunk for extra stuff you cannot put in the backseat because of the kiddos! Dash readout of mph and mpg help a lot. Really great gas mileage, I am currently at 27 mpg. The kids love that they can get in and out of the car without my help. Easy open doors. The doors do lock when put in drive through. Nice car that I wasn't expecting to like.

Heriberto V

2013 Mazda mazda3 awesome

It's a really good car I really love it it's gets me everywhere I wanna go and it doesn't waste a lot of gas

Negative Owner Reviews

Carla M

I like that I have never had to make major changes on vehicle parts.

My vehicle has never actually given me any problems. The only thing I have noticed is that my battery has drained a lot faster than what the battery life says will last before I buy a new battery. It could be that way because I live in a cold state. My car is not the prettiest but it does make me want to stick with the brand.

Aaron C

Beautiful blue color sporty looking with 4 doors.

Will not shift unless you hit a small button next to the shifter. Drives well, turns on a dime. Has power. Does not have a lot of legroom for bigger people. Gets about 300 miles on one tank of gas. Ours came in a pretty blue. The keyless start and entry is very nice. Except when your battery on your thumb goes out.

Sabrina B

Reliable vehicle, comfortable for 4 people or less but not the best vehicle.

Transmission always seemed to have issues. The car leaks when it rains and I have not found the source. Overall it has been a reliable car. On the smaller side. Though it is a 5 person car the back seat is very cramped and not comfortable with 5 people in it at once.

Jessica M

Mazda 3: a reliable and safe drive.

My 2013 Mazda 3 is a reliable car for me due to its low maintenance which makes it highly reliable compared to other cars I have owned in the past. I fit comfortably in the seat and feel like it is made for someone short like me. The performance in terms of acceleration is exceptional, along with a comfortable steering wheel. But, the speakers in the car are not satisfactory. In fact when music is being played at a somewhat high volume the speakers in the front vibrate making a very loud and unpleasant sound. So if a quality speaker system is something you are looking for in a car, I would keep in mind my low quality experience. I have never had a problem with my a/c, but one light has gone out in the front of the car above the center console since 2013. I keep up with my oil changes and battery changes and I have never broken down or had any unexpected issues. My tires have been changed a total of one time. Overall, the car has a smooth ride with a somewhat sensitive gas and brake pedal. I also feel as if I have a very good view of the cars around me through the rear view mirrors. I always feel safe in my car and that I have full control over it. If I had to use one word to describe my 2013 Mazda 3 it would be reliable.

Kayla S

I like the look of it. As soon as I seen it I wanted it. I liked it immediately.

My car is very spacious. Drives great. Will pick up speed quickly. Easy to get in and out of. Easy to place car seat. Has a huge trunk. It is a good running vehicle. It is silver. It has the bubble tail lights. Mazdas are great running vehicles. The motor last in them.

Ky L

My Mazda has been a great reliable vehicle. Excellent car for gas mileage.

Little to no issues since buying my car. Oil changes can be slightly expensive. Drives smooth and comfort is nice. The back seat being able to fold down has been a helpful feature. This vehicle has awesome gas mileage as well. All around this is great little car to have.

Jordan W

It runs, and has never been in any accident. It's clean.

Has a lot of problems with the brakes and the motor. The car is also super loud and the dash is sticky from the material its made from.

Vince P

Good at the beginning but everything is falling apart now.

It worked ok the first couple of years I had it but I am now running into issue after issue. New struts, tires, gears that do not like to stay in, and a few other things. I end up getting the expensive oil changes so they can help monitor the rest of the car.

What Do Critics Say About the Mazda3?

Consumer Reports says the Mazda3 ranks near the top of small cars from 2013, and has high owner satisfaction scores.
Edmunds gives the Mazda3 a 4.3/5 praising the responsive handling, but doesn’t like the small trunk in the sedan.
Kelley Blue Book users rate the Mazda3 at 4.6/5 and enjoy the strong resale value, but owners don’t like the lack of all-wheel-drive in the snow.

What Common Problems Does the 2013 Mazda3 Have?

The most common problems reported with the 2013 Mazda3 include flickering headlights, broken dashboards, and a lack of power while accelerating. Overall, these problems are minor compared to other compact cars from 2013, and repair costs are affordable as well.

Flickering headlights while braking are the most widespread issue reported by owners at around 40,000 miles. There’s a software update that fixes the issue and can be installed by any Mazda dealership.

Broken dashboards are another complaint from owners that shows up at around 55,000 miles. When cars are left in direct sunlight, the dash expands and contracts, and eventually breaks. Some owners choose to install a dash cover for around $100, while others replace the dash costing around $1,000.

A lack of power, while accelerating, also shows up on some Mazda3 models at around 60,000 miles. The problem is usually caused by a dirty mass air flow sensor which may turn on a check engine light. Changing out the sensor costs about $100, and usually fixes the issue.

There is one recall, which is better than other compact cars from 2013. The recall covers the rear liftgate supports on the hatchback model, which may corrode. Mazda will replace the liftgate supports on affected vehicles for free, which solves the issue.

How Long Will the 2013 Mazda3 Last?

A well-maintained 2013 Mazda3 lasts around 250,000 miles, which is only 50,000 miles less than the top-rated Toyota Corolla. Regular annual maintenance costs are affordable, too, at $460 per year, according to Repair Pal.

Since most used 2013 Mazda3 models will have over 100,000 miles buyers should be prepared to replace items including the camshaft position sensor for $200, spark plugs costing $190, and the ignition coil, which costs $175.

Sarah H

It is been completely reliable since the day I bought it. I have had no problems with it mechanically at all.

Gwendolyn S

It is very reliable. I have only had a problem with it once, when I accidentally left the interior light on and the battery died, but that could happen to any car. I have not had any real issues with it yet.

Maribel M

It is very reliable. I have not had any major issues with it. My only issue is that it is a bit small for our growing family.

Elijah D

Yes, I have only had one minor problem with my dashboard separating, but the company recalled and took care of it immediately.

Lauren Y

It is reliable. I have not had any problems with it personally, but cannot speak for all models of this car.

Cordtsy G

No problems here! It is as reliable as they come. I would recommend for anyone in the market to get a new car.

Bruno H

No, the vehicle does not have problems. It is a really efficient car. This car also runs smooth and is well taken care of.

Marguerite W

It is reliable even in extreme cold weather. I did need to replace the mass air flow sensor about a year ago.

Is the 2013 Mazda3 a Good Value?

Yes, the 2013 Mazda3 is a good value for a reliable compact car. Blue book values range from $8,817 to $15,631, making it similarly priced to the Honda Civic and Hyundai Elantra. When new, the price range was $16,700 to $25,650. Depreciation is better than average, only losing about 8% of its current value per year.

How Is the Technology?

The technology is okay for its age, but the Mazda3 isn’t the most advanced compact car. There is a new blind spot warning system available on the Touring and Grand Touring models. Upgraded technology includes a 5.8-inch color touchscreen navigation system and 10-speaker Bose stereo.

What Are the Different Models of the Mazda3?

There are five models of the Mazda3 available for 2013.

3i SV is the entry-level model with:

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

3i Sport is a step up, adding:

Power Locks
Keyless Entry
Cruise Control
USB Connectivity

3i Touring is next in the lineup with:

16-Inch Alloy Wheels
Keyless Ignition
Dual-Zone Climate Control
Leather Steering Wheel
Bluetooth Connectivity
6-Speaker Stereo System

3i Grand Touring has luxurious features such as:

17-Inch Alloy Wheels
Leather Seating
Heated Mirrors
Power Driver’s Seat
8-Inch Touchscreen Navigation System

Mazdaspeed3 is the high-performance model with:

18-Inch Alloy Wheels
Premium Cloth & Leather Seating
Limited-Slip Differential
Sport Suspension
10-Speaker Bose Surround Sound System

i SV

148 HP 28 MPG

View Details

i Sport

148 HP 31 MPG

View Details

i Touring

155 HP 31 MPG

View Details

i Grand Touring

155 HP 32 MPG

View Details

Mazdaspeed3 Touring

263 HP 21 MPG

View Details

s Grand Touring

167 HP 25 MPG

View Details

What Engines Come In the Mazda3?

The base engine is an average 2.0L 4-cylinder that makes 148 horsepower and gets up to 32 MPG.
A step up is the stronger 2.5L 4-cylinder which produces 167 horsepower while getting up to 25 MPG.
The strongest engine is the very powerful 2.3L 4-cylinder turbo which generates 263 horsepower while getting up to 21 MPG. Performance is excellent, taking about 5.2 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.

What Colors Does the Mazda3 Come In?

How Comfortable Is the Mazda3?

The 2013 Mazda3 offers comfortable high-quality seats with space for up to 5 people. It’s similar in size to the Mini Cooper and Kia Forte and is available as a 4-door sedan and 5-door hatchback.

Passenger room is good compared to other compact cars, however, the backseats are slightly cramped for taller adults with limited leg and head room.

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 sedan, and 6-8 in the back of the wagon.

What Are the Differences Between Years?

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

2011: New Bose stereo system and sunroof added.

2012: Moore efficient 2.0L engine added, and minor revisions to exterior styling.

2013: Upgraded stereo system with larger navigation screen and USB input.

2014: Third generation released with all-new styling and more powerful engines.

2015: Optional 6-speed manual transmission added.

2016: Standard rearview camera, and sunroof added on models higher than the entry-level Sport.

How Does the Mazda3 Compare to the Competition?

The 2013 Mazda3 is a great choice compared to other compact cars from 2013, offering a fun driving experience and upscale cabin for the price.

The Toyota Corolla is a popular competitor, which costs about $600 more. Reliability ratings are slightly better on the Toyota Corolla, but the Mazda3 offers a more responsive driving experience. We recommend the Toyota Corolla since it lasts longer for a used car, but both are excellent choices.

The Honda Civic is another compact car that costs about $600 less. Technology is a bit better in the Honda Civic, but the Mazda3 has a much better interior for the money. We recommend the Mazda3 for the 2013 model year since you get more for your money, but both are great compact cars.

Ranks #16 Small Cars by Owners

2013 Volkswagen GLI

4.74

2013 MINI Clubman

4.68

Tie

2013 Mazda Mazda3

4.38

Do Owners Recommend the Mazda3?

Sarah H

Yes. I am happy with it. It is been safe and reliable since I have gotten it and I am satisfied with my purchase.

Gwendolyn S

Yes, it is very fast and reliable. I have had some issues with the engine, but besides that, it is a very good car.

Maribel M

Yes, it is reliable, has good fuel economy, and has not broken down on me. It is a bit small but I love how it drives.

Elijah D

Yes, it is good on gas, easy to drive, and comfortable. It also has great mileage as I find myself filling up much less and for less than my last car.

Lauren Y

Yes, it is a great car. Handles well, reliable, good gas mileage, and fun to drive! The hatchback is roomy with loads of storage space.

Cordtsy G

Yes it is very reliable and dependable. I think this car is great. It never breaks down and requires almost no maintenance.

Bruno H

Yes it is fast, reliable, and economic. It is a great car to drive in the city. The car is very good at gas saving.

Marguerite W

My Mazda 3i is a very good vehicle that gets 35 mpg. It has limited maintenance and repair issues. Plus it's fun to drive.

Owner Reviews

Write a Review

P Scavington on July 28, 2023

Transmission

My 2013 Mazda 3 Skyactive is 10 years old but low mileage @ 80km. I do not recommend this car as at just 80km I need a new Transmission. As retired senior with fixed income I strongly do not recommend this car!

Mia H on June 25, 2021

The car is pretty big and the seats fold down in the back.

The car is pretty old. It is pretty small for a car with 7 seats. The back seats can fold down to make room for objects that can go in the back. It takes up a lot of space because it is a big car. But it does not seem like there's as much room as you would think.

Logan L on June 23, 2021

Mazda 3 hatchback is for and active lifestyle!

I own a 2013 Mazda 3 hatchback. It is a great car for a young adult that has an active lifestyle. No main problems with the car, just normal car maintenance. Mazda is a great car company, and I plan on buying a new Mazda in the future. It might be a different model but it will be in the Mazda that is for sure.

Jesse Y on June 22, 2021

I will drive this 2013 Mazda 3 hatchback for a while.

I am happy with the vehicle I am currently driving now. For a hatchback, it more convenient for me because the space inside the car gives me room I want. Miles I get per gallon is above average around 34 miles on the highway. I will still drive this car until it breaks down which I do not any issues yet.

Sebastian S on June 12, 2021

Mazda 3 sport it is a beautiful car to have!

It is really good on gas, the steering on it is pretty stiff, the car headlights do not turn off by themselves, but overall it is a really good car to have, I love the shape of it, it is a nice bluish green type of color, it goes pretty fast, since it is a sport and I love how quiet and smooth the driving is.

Cassandra W on June 10, 2021

Mazda spacious and comfy and dependable.

My car is good on gas. Has a lot of trunk space. And nice all the way around. Rides smooth on long drives also does good in town driving as well updated buttons, controls on steering wheel are very helpful when ur driving you don't have to look down to find buttons like most vehicles.

alexis M on June 10, 2021

Good family car. Great on gas!

The Mazda is comfortable for a small family. My husband is 6 foot 3 and fits nicely but when someone is behind him they do not have much room. They gas mileage is amazing and we can drive to California from Nevada without needing to fill up again. The car is very reliable and has been a good car for my family! My daughter car seat was able to fit nicely and the latches help a lot. The trunk is a good size for a smaller car. We are able to got to Costco and stock up. We have owned the car for many years and still love it.

Maren K on June 3, 2021

Mazdas are reliable and smooth running, just do not buy rebuilt titles.

Main complaint is that it is too low to the ground. Cannot even put my head under to see anything. Otherwise it is a great car. Quiet, smooth, reliable. We did buy it rebuilt, so we've had a couple problems with the power steering pump. It being a hybrid can be a little annoying. Plus the fuses are screwed in and hard to remove.

Marie V on May 30, 2021

Hopping into my black sleek iSport mazda3 is my daily highlight, let’s go!

I have had no issues with my Mazda 3. I grew up in a family with vans that were always in the shop. I have never had a more reliable vehicle. I take care of it. I get regular checkups/oil changes. I love the sporty aspect. Tinted windows. The interior lights at night are red and blue which is fun. It is great on gas. Perfect first car for a young professional just out of school.

Jon K on May 25, 2021

Mazda3 for me. Good car good quality.

Quick handling and fun to take turns with. The manual option is responsive and fun to drive. 7 years in and my only broken item is a busted sun visor that I replaced. The leather seats have held up well. 65k miles in and clutch is still healthy. Gas mileage is about 31-33 mpg with mixed city and country driving. I do wish that cooled seating was an option, but it is not a luxury car and you cannot have everything right?

Joe C on May 22, 2021

Great gas mileage with the Skyactiv engine I average around 40 MPG.

It is a great small car, it runs well and feels like a good solid car. Most impressive is the great gas mileage that averages about 40 MPG for me. No complaints at all.

Jennifer C on May 22, 2021

Great quality vehicle affordable to all.

I love the way the car drives, nice and smooth, the set up on the inside dashboard, I have had no issues was repairs, only regular maintenance (tires and oil changes). The staff at the dealership were exceptional. Definitely buying another Mazda when ready.

Wendy F on May 22, 2021

2013 Mazda 3 is great reliable economical car that is really fun to drive!

This car has been a dream. I have had no issues and am careful to take care of all the routine maintenance. It is fun to drive and very reliable! It is an automatic and is almost at 100,000 miles but I will drive it until it cannot drive anymore. Would recommend to anyone.

Bailey B on May 18, 2021

Extremely reliable and functional despite having limited features and comfort.

Problems: suspension is fairly weak and hinders a smooth ride. Very limited sound-proofing. Performance: overall performance is good. Fairly stable. Handles well, not too touchy but not stiff either. Reliability: extremely reliable for both city and highway driving. Comfort: seats could use more lumbar support and cushion. Overall comfort is fair. Features: fairly standard features for a 2013, however, no Bluetooth.

Brian Y on April 22, 2021

Great car for travelers!

I really enjoy my vehicle. I have not had any problems with it yet. The seats and interior makes it great for long distance driving. However, it may be uncomfortable if there are 3 passengers in the back due to the cabin being a bit smaller than usual. I also like that the vehicle is narrow. It makes parking a lot easier. My only negative feedback is that the I-touring model does not have automatic headlights.

Pedro R on April 21, 2021

The vehicle has a good color.

I like how easy you can accelerate, how little force it takes to push the gas pedal. It is pretty comfortable and the only problem would be that it tends to have some weird bumping noise in the front of the car once in a while. It is reliable, nevertheless.

Audrey D on April 18, 2021

Bought mazda3 used-best purchase we made in 2017!

We bought this vehicle used so we were very cautious, but from the test drive we immediately fell in love. The car drove like it was brand new even though it was 5 years old. 2.5 years later and we still absolutely love it. We haven't had any problems with it. The car has been extremely reliable for our family, which is so nice when you have a baby riding in it. The only breakdown we had was the serpentine belt shredded, but that is to be expected on a 7 year old car. I can easily fit a toddler, front facing car seat on one side and an infant seat on the other side of the back seat comfortably. I absolutely love my Mazda 3!

Kris K on April 13, 2021

Best value that money can buy.

The reliability has been great and the driving experience is simply stunning and fun. The fuel economy and build quality is top notch. It has the most useful of features without offering too many features. Considering the price and the quality, this car simply offers the best value in the market.

Taylor K on April 12, 2021

I love this mazda3 grand touring!

The car has every comfort that I could want -- comfy and supportive leather seats, navigation, a great sound system, a sunroof. It is comfortable and gets great gas mileage. The air conditioning works very well in the warm Southern California weather. I love this car!

Edgar G on April 4, 2021

2013 MazdaSpeed 3 short review from 49,000 to 87,000

I purchased a used 2013 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 with 49.5k miles in 2017 and I knew I wanted one well before 2013. It has been a very reliable car stock and even with performance mods after the fact. I get good gas mileage ~19-21 mpg given my commute is all city. And highway ~29-31 mpg is great with cruise control. In 40k miles of ownership I have not have had any major repairs to do. Oil changes are done every 3-4K miles. At 87k miles I finally have to replace one blown strut with coilovers all around. I drive the car hard in the canyons & autocross so that repair does not bother me. Features are great and besides there's only two options available; base or technology package which includes the navigation, Bose, keyless entry & start and proximity sensors when merging or turning on the blinker.

Haley W on April 2, 2021

Great trunk space, tight for infant car seat.

Great on gas but a little tight on space. After having our baby it has been difficult to fit the car seat comfortably. There is plenty of trunk space for a stroller and groceries so dealing with tight space due to the car seat is worth it. The price is a great value.

charles F on April 1, 2021

It has a great safety rating and it lives up to this safety rating. It is a quality car at a reasonable price.

It has good styling and it is fun to drive. It is also gas efficient and has very good safety features.

Jill C on March 31, 2021

Personality of a Mazda 3!

It is pretty reliable. The tire pressure gauge goes on pretty easily. But pretty good on gas mileage. I terror is lovely and travels for long trips as well. I would highly recommend the Mazda 3 to anyone. Unless you have a large family. Then it wouldn’t fit them.

Niki P on March 31, 2021

Nice blue color, car sensors on the mirror and a moonroof.

This car is very reliable. In the 7 years I have owned it I have only had to perform scheduled maintenance, have the breaks and mass air flow sensor changed and new tires. It has a great Bose sound system and is quite while in operation. Very comfortable and reliable car.

Julia H on March 30, 2021

My experience with my Mazda.

I am worried about the battery life and the tire pressure. As well as the alternator. So far it has been a little rickety, I have had some problems already with the computer of the car-the gauges were lighting up when they weren't supposed to. Also my tire pressure came on and off-but I think that was my own fault for over filling them.

Bria G on March 29, 2021

Love the Mazda car family.

I love this car. It is strong and reliable as well as very few issues. I will say that it is kind of small and most likely for a single family or couple. I do not like that there is not a remote start or seat warmers but those can be installed or found in newer models.

Jeremy T on March 28, 2021

Mazda provides an excellent car at a fair and competitive price.

It has been an extremely reliable vehicle thus far. I have the base model which still has enough features to give everything you need for a daily driver. I haven't had any major problems. One of my only concerns is, I've had multiple belts break in left rear tire and can't figure out if a suspension issue is causing this.

Peter Z on March 26, 2021

Mazda 3: stylish, reliable, and affordable.

My Mazda 3 has been the best car I have ever owned. It was affordable, it is great on gas, looks great, and runs great. I have just surpassed 70,000 miles and have never had any issues with it. I get around 34 miles to the gallon and only fill up on gas every two weeks. It is a little small on the inside but still comfortable.

Deserie S on March 23, 2021

My experience with my phoenix Mazda 3.

There are no issues. It is a very safe car. I have had it for almost 7 years with no issues. I don't like that is its black since it gets up to 120 degrees here. Its too small for me and my three dogs now. It also does not have cruise control or Bluetooth.

Joseph B on March 21, 2021

My vehicle is cheap and reliable.

The vehicle is very good on gas and I love the interior of the vehicle as well. For a 2013 model, I believe that the vehicle is ahead of it is time and cheap when considering the features it comes with. I do have an issue with the power steering however.

Veronica P on March 19, 2021

Reliable parts with fantastic mileage.

Really good mileage and a decently large gas tank for a small car. Large trunk for a sedan and back seats fold down. Comfortable adjustable seating. No Bluetooth but discreet aux in center console. Powerful air conditioning that carried me through Texas summers.

Rachel W on March 18, 2021

The only thing that I do not like is that the gas tank is on the passenger side.

My car is good on gas. I get a lot of miles to the gallon. The car brakes easily and the power steering works without issue. It is easy to parallel park and it fits into his tiny spaces. The car does not have any blind spots and I always feel safe. I would buy this car again.

Rachel E on March 18, 2021

Well made and it shows with regular maintenance.

Our 2013 Mazda 3 (skyactiv) was purchased new and we have had zero mechanical, electrical, drivetrain, emissions or systems issues. After 7 years and nearly 100,000 miles, regular maintenance and upkeep has given us a reliable, economical and sporty little car.

Lauren B on March 17, 2021

Reliable over many years and many miles.

I have owned my car for almost seven years now, and it has proven to be most reliable. I have been commuting at least 30 mins for work over the past seven years not including other travel for my part time job. I have many miles on my car, but it still rides smooth! I have never had any internal issues with my vehicle. I am surprised at this with the amount of miles and years I have had my car. My husband and I are considering buying a Mazda for our next car.

Gillian G on March 15, 2021

Great reliable and safe car.

Gets great gas to the mile. Perfect road trip car. Aux and USB are hard to get to while driving. There are blind spots on the drivers side when needing to change lanes. Does hold up to being rear ended. Plenty of trunk space and back seats fold down if needing to put longer items in it.

Jordan R on March 14, 2021

In my opinion, the car has poor quality.

This car is very compact, so in my opinion it is too small. This car does not have much power. The dashboard area does not stand up well with heat. The adhesive or however it is put together, has came apart. The rear view mirror has messed up from the heat inside the car as well. Not very impressed.

David C on March 13, 2021

Pretty good car for the price.

My car has been reliable since I bought it. Sometimes the acceleration is a little weird when going from a stop and trying to hit the gas it kind of hogs down at first. The seats are pretty comfortable and everything is still working fine after 5 years of ownership.

Emily T on March 11, 2021

Mazda 3 - kind of for me, maybe for you.

Love the agility, standard drives well in snow and allows for optimal power control. The seats are comfortable for me being an average size female. The back seats fold down and the car fits a lot of things. The windows are automatic and that is nice. The driver side interior mirror is junkie and broke. The radio control buttons are also junkie and broke. The bumper is plastic and cracked on icy snow. The wipers are ok. The muffler is ok. The back seats are ok. The seatbelts work. The headlights seem to go frequently. The seats are hard to clean. The interior is not easy to vacuum.

Meredith J on March 8, 2021

My car is in decent shape, but it does have over 100,000 miles.

My car receives good mileage, and drives very well. I've owned it five years, and it has taken me many places without problems other than alternator going out, but that is to be expected. The car has a pretty nice sound system too.

Jenny B on March 7, 2021

Mazda 3 hatchback not super family friendly.

I love the shape of this car. I love the hatch, and the extra space in the trunk. I love this car, however, it does not have much space in the back seat. I recently became a mother, and the car seat takes up a lot of space in the back seat. If you are sitting in front of the car seat, it is somewhat uncomfortable.

Jessica L on March 6, 2021

Mazda 3 review! Comfortable and reliable for the average person.

Problems: no sunroof. Performance: overall well and does what it needs to do. Reliability: 8/10 I have never had any issues with my Mazda 3. It has needed an oil change for a long time and I still have no problems with it, comfort: it is not luxurious, but standard for what one person may need, roomy back seat. Text features on car for alerts are nice.

savannah B on March 6, 2021

Great drivers car, stick shift.

The 2013 mazdaspeed 3 is a really fun vehicle to own, as long as you know stick shift! It is a drivers car, so not the most comfortable car in the Mazda fleet. Very reliable though, as we have had it for the past seven years with no major issues. Would definitely recommend.

Sara P on March 3, 2021

I really like my Mazda3 a lot.

I love how the car handles. It's really fun to drive and is especially good at handling turns. It's comfortable and reliable and suits me well. The interior and extra features are what clue you in to it being a cheaper car but it definitely drives like a nicer car which is what I care about.

Keith H on March 2, 2021

You can't fit too many passengers in the back seat comfortably.

I like how quick it's acceleration is. It isn't a good vehicle for lots of passengers due to no leg room. It has been low maintenance so far.

Ashley G on March 1, 2021

The car has Bluetooth, navigation system, and heated bucket leather seats.

Nikole T on February 27, 2021

Affordable, efficient, and sporty too!

My Mazda 3 is the most comfortable, reliable, and efficient automobile I have ever had. It is 30 plus mpg average has been very appealing. With standard upkeep I have had no major mechanical issues. Does have loud road noise but makes up for it in engine performance. Sporty, efficient, reliable but would like if had option for sun/moon roof with sport package. Would and probably will purchase a Mazda vehicle again since the affordability and performance have won me over with this 2013 Mazda 3.

Andrew V on February 27, 2021

It has a navigation system and entertainment system that works very well.

I like the size and gas mileage. I dislike that all the plastic components of my car have and are falling apart. I like the dependability of my car.

Cate C on February 26, 2021

Mazda 3 is awesome, highly recommend.

Great ride, fast, smooth, a little noisy, small, but great trunk space! Great on gas, very reliable, air conditioning is always blowing cold! I take this road trips and we have had no problems. I also attach surfboards and sup boards with no issues!

Sadie L on February 25, 2021

Bose speaker system and sunroof.

Needs full synthetic oil. Paint comes off the leather steering wheel. Lights dim when the computer system needs to be updated. Good Bose speaker system and steering wheel controls. The back of seat pocket rips easily, other than that good seat fabric.

TYLER G on February 24, 2021

The Mazda 3 is inexpensive, sporty, and all around fun car!

It's got great mileage and fuel economy. The assisted manual transmission is very fun and means I don't need to know how to drive an actual manual. The car is fast with great pickup, braking, and handling. It's not a huge vehicle but the seats do fold down in the back and we can fill it with quite a bit of luggage.

Pri I on February 23, 2021

Simple, good performance car.

Mileage is not the best and this car is known for control arm issues. It is a lightweight car so you can see how the car shivers when on highway but nothing good driving cannot take care of. The vehicle is smooth regardless but have to be careful especially with right control arm.

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.