The 2015 Mazda3 lasts around 250,000 miles with only some minor stereo system and battery issues. At $11,750 to $15,925, it’s similar in price to other small cars while offering a more luxurious interior.
Is the 2015 Mazda3 a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2015 is a great year for the Mazda3, a combination of an upscale interior along with reliable engines give it a high overall score. Owners praise the advanced safety features, tight steering, and responsive engines.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are nicer than many other compact cars, the seats are very comfortable, yet cargo space is lower than average.
- Reliability 9/10 – There are no widespread mechanical problems on the 2015 Mazda3. Models from 2011–2021 are all excellent choices which hold up well over time.
- Performance 7/10 – Performance is average from the base engine, while the larger engine is reasonably quick for a car its size.
- Safety 9/10 – The Mazda3 is a safe car earning a 5-stars across the board in government crash tests. Optional safety equipment includes a rearview camera, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, as well as collision mitigation with automatic braking.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is great at up to 34 MPG, giving 448 miles of range from the 13.2 gallon tank. Gas costs are $54 cheaper than average, at $161 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The Mazda3 is similar in price as a lot of other compact cars. A more upscale interior along with good technology help it earn a high value score.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Mazda3?
- Consumer Reports says the Mazda3 combines sportiness with efficiency while getting great owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds gives the Mazda3 a 4.5/5 praising the excellent handling, but doesn’t like the stiff ride with the larger wheels.
- Kelley Blue Book users rate the Mazda3 at 4.5/5 enjoying the very well-made interior, while owners don’t like the relatively small backseats.
What Common Problems Does the 2015 Mazda3 Have?
Common problems found on the 2015 Mazda3 include stereo system issues, excessive battery drain, as well as the transmission slipping. Overall, these problems are less severe than in other compact cars from 2015, while repair costs are average, too.
Stereo system issues are a complaint from owners in the first 50,000 miles. The screen freezes while using it, and has to be restarted. Some owners report having the software updated by a Mazda dealership fixes the problem for around $50, while others replace the screen, which costs around $650.
Excessive battery drain is another problem mentioned by owners in the first 15,000 miles. There are a lot of electrical accessories in the Mazda3, if they get left on then the battery drains quickly. Diagnosing the source of the electrical issues costs around $75, while a new battery is around $150.
The transmission slipping between gears is a rare, but serious issue which shows up on some Mazda3 models at around 80,000 miles. Owners report the transmission slips while shifting between gears, which usually means there’s a gear or ring issue. Rebuilding the transmission fixes the problem, costing around $1,600.
There are 3 serious recalls on the 2015 Mazda3, which are more severe than other compact cars. They include a fuel shut-off valve and a deformed fuel tank, which can both lead to a gasoline leak. Mazda will replace the valve and tanks in affected models for free.
How Long Will the 2015 Mazda3 Last?
A well-maintained 2015 Mazda3 will last around 250,000 miles, which is only around 50,000 miles less than the highly-rated Toyota Corolla. Regular annual maintenance costs are lower than average, according to data from Repair Pal, at $300 per month.
Since nearly all used 2015 Mazda3 models will have over 100,000 miles buyers should be prepared to replace the ignition lock cylinder for $385, the A/C blend door costing $400, as well as the fuel filter which costs $300.
Yes very reliable. I have not had any problems that are the manufacturers fault. Mazda has been very good to me and I plan to buy Mazda for my next car as well.
I have had my car for 2 years now and I have had zero problems with it at all. Nothing is making any noises nor nothings broken on it.
Yes, it is a reliable vehicle. We had minor issues with vehicle. The issues were related to a recall item that was addressed immediately by the dealership.
It relatively reliable. It runs decent now as a 5-year car. Its reliability is well known. However it does not run as smooth as day 1.
Has never broken down for any reason. It is fast, aerodynamically sound, reliable, dependable, great looking, and just a great car!
A bit small for tall people but all in all a great vehicle and came at a great price so other than that have nothing negative to say.
It is a very reliable car, I have never had any problems with the car at all. I did buy it used, but it runs amazing and this is my second Mazda 3z.
It is very reliable in my opinion. The only issue that I've had is the heater breaking but I say that was because I'm not the original owner. Other than that it’s been great.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is good in the Mazda3 with a 7-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth included on all models above the 3i SV. Safety technology is excellent, too, with an optional rearview camera, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, as well as forward collision warning with automatic braking.
Is the 2015 Mazda3 a Good Value?
Yes, the 2015 Mazda3 is a good value since it offers a lot of good tech along with a nice interior. Blue book prices range from $11,750 to $15,925, making it similar in price to a Honda Civic or Volkswagen Jetta. When new, the price range was $16,945 to $25,545. Depreciation is better than average, only losing about 8% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Mazda3?
There are six models of the Mazda3 offered for 2015 from the base 3i SV all the way up to the more luxurious 3s Grand Touring.
3i SV is the entry-level model with:
- 16-Inch Steel Wheels
- Cloth Seating
- Power Windows & Locks
- 4-Speaker Stereo System with USB & 3.5mm AUX
3i Sport is next in the lineup with:
- Cruise Control
- 7-Inch Touchscreen Display
- Bluetooth Connectivity
- 6-Speaker Stereo System
3i Touring adds more features such as:
- 16-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Fog Lights
- Rear Spoiler
- Keyless Entry & Ignition
- Leather Steering Wheel
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- Rearview Camera
3i Grand Touring has more luxury items including:
- Leatherette Seating
- Heated Front Seats
- Power Driver’s Seat
3s Touring is another option with:
- 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
- More Powerful Engine
- Paddle Shifters
- Heads Up Display
3s Grand Touring is the top-of-the-line model, adding:
- Bi-Xenon Headlights
- Premium Leather Seating
- Unique Interior Trim
- Optional Forward Collision Warning & Automatic Braking System
What Engines Come In the Mazda3?
- The base engine is an average 2.0L 4-cylinder, which makes 155 horsepower while getting up to 34 MPG.
- A step up is the stronger 2.5L 4-cylinder, which generates 284 horsepower at up to 32 MPG. Performance is good, taking 7.4 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Mazda3 Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Mazda3?
The Mazda3 is a very comfortable compact car offered as a sedan or hatchback with room for up to 5 people. Seating is very comfortable and supportive throughout the cabin with high-quality materials.
Passenger room is average for a compact car throughout the cabin, while taller adults may feel cramped in the back seats.
How Much Storage Space Does the Mazda3 Have?
Cargo space is lower than average in the trunk with enough room for 2-4 suitcases in the trunk. The hatchback offers more space with room for 5-6 suitcases behind the seats, and around 8 with the seats folded flat.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The third generation of the Mazda3 was introduced in 2014, and replaced by the fourth generation in 2019.
2013: Larger stereo screen for the navigation system, USB input added.
2014: Fully redesigned for the third generation with new interior, exterior & technology.
2015: Six-speed manual added to 2.5L engine.
2016: SV model discontinued, standard rearview camera added.
2017: Slight changes to front & rear bumpers, new dashboard, more safety equipment added.
2018: 2.5 Touring model discontinued, sport models get forward collision warning system.
2019: Fully redesigned for the fourth generation with new exterior, interior & more technology.
How Does the Mazda3 Compare to the Competition?
The Mazda3 is one of the highest-rated compact cars from 2015, offering a more upscale interior and better safety features than most of the competition.
The Honda Civic is another compact car available in the same price range. Passenger room is slightly better in the back seats of the Honda Civic, however, the Mazda3 offers a much more luxurious interior for the money. We recommend the Mazda3 since you get more for your money, although both are excellent compact cars.
The Mazda6 is another sedan from Mazda which costs about $2,000 more. There’s more room and power in the Mazda6, while the reliability ratings are better in the Mazda3. We recommend the Mazda3 for most buyers since there are fewer problems reported from owners.
Do Owners Recommend the Mazda3?
Yes. I really enjoy my vehicle and have not had many issues with it. I have driven it across the country and am pleased with the quality.
Yes, this vehicle is great for young single adults just starting out. I would say it is a great car for women in general, it is a sport but still in my take a sedan.
Yes, it is a reliable car. It has good mileage. It has good steering. The has good gas mileage coverage.
Yes, it is a great vehicle with lots of space for carrying your outdoor gear. It drives very well, and I am happy I purchased it.
Yep! Reliable! Good gas mileage! Comfortable! Great sound! Looks good! No mechanical problems! Lots of legroom!
Sits a lot of people and gets amazing mpg great to just go out and chill outside and go on an amazing road trip.
Absolutely yes it a great car, I would recommend this vehicle to anyone who is looking for a sedan to drive.
Yes, it is a good vehicle. My favorite I've owned so far. It is great on mileage and I've had minimal issues when it comes to up keeping the car.