The 2017 Mazda3 lasts around 250,000 miles with some minor brake and door lock issues reported. At $15,100 to $23,590, it’s a great value for a compact car with some upscale features, and advanced safety technology.
Is the 2017 Mazda3 a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2017 is a great year for the Mazda3 since it offers a lot of features and comfort for a compact car. Owner reviews praise the responsive steering, smooth suspension, along with the advanced technology.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are fairly nice for a compact car, the seats are very comfortable on longer trips, cargo space is also decent for its size.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no widespread problems found on the 2017 Mazda3, avoid models from 2014 which have brake problems, while 2015–2021 are more reliable.
- Performance 7/10 – Performance is okay from both of the four-cylinder engine options, but neither are extremely fast compared to some other compact cars.
- Safety 8/10 – The 2017 Mazda3 is a safe car, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. It comes standard with a rearview camera, while optional upgrades include adaptive cruise control along with traffic sign recognition.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is good at up to 31 MPG giving 409 miles of range from the 13.2 gallon tank. Gas costs are $37 cheaper than average, at $172 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2017 Mazda3 is cheaper than many other compact cars while still offering lots of features, and slow depreciation, making it a great value.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Mazda3?
- Consumer Reports says the 2017 Mazda3 offers a great combination of sportiness and efficiency with high owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Mazda3 at 4.5/5, enjoying the precise handling, but finds the ride quality to be choppy with the larger wheels.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Mazda3 a 4.5/5, praising the cutting-edge safety technology, but owners don’t like the limited legroom in the rear seats.
What Common Problems Does the 2017 Mazda3 Have?
Common problems found on the 2017 Mazda3 include the brakes squeaking, the door lock actuators failing, along with some rearview camera issues. Overall, these problems are relatively minor compared to some other compact cars on the market, leading to lower repair bills as the car ages.
The brakes squeaking is the most widespread complaint on the 2017 Mazda3, showing up at around 20,000 miles. Usually, the brakes squeaking is a sign that you will need to have your brake pads changed. A new set of pads is around $300, although if there’s damage to the rotors it’s an additional $450 to swap out.
Door lock actuators failing is another problem mentioned by some Mazda3 owners at around 40,000 miles. The parts simply fail as the car gets older, and it prevents it from being locked and unlocked with the remote. Replacing the door lock actuators costs around $100 per door, depending on local labor rates.
Rearview camera issues have also been reported at around 10,000 miles. The stereo system is known to freeze up, causing the camera to not display. Holding down the back, nav, and mute buttons at the same time will reset the stereo, and usually fixes the problem. It’s also a good idea to check with your dealer to make sure you have the latest stereo system software, which fixes some bugs.
There is one recall on the 2017 Mazda3, which is better than many other cars. The recall covers the windshield wipers. Mazda will replace the front body control module on affected models for free, which fixes the problem.
How Long Will the 2017 Mazda3 Last?
A well-maintained 2017 Mazda3 can last around 250,000 miles, which is only slightly shorter than the long-lasting Toyota Corolla. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to other small cars, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $369 per year.
As a used 2017 Mazda3 reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the ignition coil for $180, A/C expansion valve costing $300, along with the thermostat which costs around $475.
Yes very reliable. In the past 3 years of owning the car I have not had any vehicle issues. Works great in the snow as well.
Yes it’s very reliable. I've had for under a year, and so far just a recall issue that was easily and quickly fixed by a dealer.
The Mazda 3 is very reliable. I have not encountered any mechanical issues since purchasing this car.
I have not come across any issues besides some difficulty with the Tire Pressure Monitoring System not functioning correctly. No mechanical or safety issues have come up.
I've had 0 problems with the Mazda 3 since I purchased it brand new from the dealership. I'm a large person so it's tough to get in and out though
It has zero problems and is under a factory warranty. One of the most reliable cars I've ever owned.
Yes. Definitely reliable. I curved the tire and had less than 5 miles to get home and it got me there safe and put a warning light on the inside of the car regarding the loss of air pressure. I made it!
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is great for a compact car with a standard 7-inch touchscreen display. Optional upgrades include a more powerful Bose stereo system
Standard safety technology is good, offering a rearview camera.
Optional advanced driver assistance features include:
- Head-up display
- Blind spot monitoring
- Adaptive cruise control
- Rear parking sensors
- Lane departure warning
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Forward collision warning
- Adaptive headlights
- Traffic sign recognition
Is the 2017 Mazda3 a Good Value?
Yes, the 2017 Mazda3 is a good value since it’s more affordable than other compact cars while offering a lot of great features. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $15,100 to $23,590, making it less than a Honda Civic or VW Jetta. When new, the price range was $17,845 to $24,995. Depreciation is better than some competitors, only losing about 7% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Mazda3?
There are four models of the 2017 Mazda3 offered, from the entry-level Sport to the more luxurious Grand Touring. The Mazda3 comes standard with front-wheel drive across all models.
Sport is the entry-level model with:
- 16-inch steel wheels
- 60/40-split folding rear seat
- Height-adjustable driver seat
- Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel
- Cruise control
- Remote locking and unlocking
- Keyless ignition
- 7-inch touchscreen display with knob-based controller
- Bluetooth connectivity, voice controls
- Six-speaker audio system with two USB ports, auxiliary input, HD radio and smartphone-enabled internet radio
- Optional Preferred Equipment package: 16-inch alloy wheels, heated side mirrors, premium cloth upholstery, rear-seat armrest, automatic headlights, automatic windshield wipers, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
Touring is a step up, adding:
- All features from the Sport’s Preferred Equipment package
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Keyless ignition and entry
- Low-speed forward collision warning and mitigation
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Imitation-leather (premium vinyl) upholstery
- Six-way power driver seat, heated front seats
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
- Optional Popular Equipment package (sedan only): rear lip spoiler, sunroof, auto-dimming, rearview mirror, CD player, satellite radio, premium nine-speaker Bose surround-sound audio system
Touring 2.5 has minor upgrades including:
- Same equipment as the standard Touring
- More powerful engine
- Sunroof
Grand Touring is the flagship model which offers
- Popular Equipment package equipment
- More powerful engine
- LED fog lights
- Gloss-black grille insert
- Digital speedometer
- Head-up display
- Full leather upholstery
- Premium Equipment package: adaptive LED headlights and daytime running lights, LED tail lights, heated steering wheel, steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, auto-dimming rearview mirror, navigation system
- i-Activsense Safety Package: more capable forward collision warning and mitigation system, lane departure warning and intervention system, automatic high-beam headlight control, adaptive cruise control
- i-Eloop package: i-Eloop energy recovery system, active grille shutters
What Engines Come In the Mazda3?
- The base engine is a 2.0L four-cylinder that produces 155 horsepower at up to 31 miles per gallon. This engine is mated to a standard six-speed manual transmission, but a six-speed automatic transmission is also available. The 0-60 mph time for this engine is around 8.3 seconds.
- The upgraded engine is a 2.5L four-cylinder which delivers 184 horsepower while getting about 29 miles per gallon. It also comes with a standard six-speed manual transmission, but there’s an option for a six-speed automatic. The 0-60 mph time with this engine is quicker, clocking in at around 7.4 seconds.
What Colors Does the Mazda3 Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Mazda3?
The 2017 Mazda3 offers a high level of comfort for both drivers and passengers. The vehicle is recognized for its well-crafted interior, complete with quality materials that provide an upscale feel. The seats are designed for comfort, with both front and rear passengers enjoying ample legroom and headroom. Even on long drives, the seats remain comfortable, with enough cushioning and support to prevent fatigue.
Drivers will particularly appreciate the excellent ergonomics of the 2017 Mazda3. The driving position is easily adjustable, with the controls all within easy reach and intuitive to use. The ride quality is also commendable; the suspension is tuned to absorb most road imperfections, providing a smooth and comfortable ride even over longer distances.
How Much Storage Space Does the Mazda3 Have?
The 2017 Mazda3 offers an impressive amount of storage for a compact car. In the sedan variant, you have a trunk capacity of around 12.4 cubic feet, which provides enough space to comfortably fit a pair of large suitcases or multiple grocery bags.
As for the hatchback version, the storage capacity is even more generous. It features 20.2 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, and folding down the back seats expands this space to a substantial 47.1 cubic feet. This means you can easily accommodate larger items, like a bicycle, small furniture, or a lot of camping gear.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The third generation of the Mazda3 was introduced for the 2014 model year.
2015: 2.5L engine now offered with a six-speed manual transmission.
2016: SV model removed from the lineup, and a standard rearview camera.
2017: Minor exterior styling changes, updated dash design inside, and more standard equipment.
2018: Touring 2.5 model removed from the lineup, sport model gets forward collision warning, along with renamed options packages.
2019: Fully redesigned for the fourth generation with new styling, interior, and technology.
2020: More standard driver assistance features.
2021: Two new engine choices offered across the lineup.
How Does the Mazda3 Compare to the Competition?
The 2017 Mazda3 is a great compact car, offering a nice interior, some advanced technology, and reasonable ownership costs as it ages.
The Honda Civic is another small car which is available for about $1,000 more. Where the Honda Civic stands out is with a sportier driving experience, while the Mazda3 has a nicer interior. We recommend the Mazda3, although both are very similar to each other and worth test driving to see which you prefer.
The Toyota Corolla is a competitor available for around $2,000 more. Long-term reliability ratings are better on the Toyota Corolla, while the Mazda3 offers some more technology features. We recommend the Toyota Corolla since it’s the longest-lasting compact car, but both are great choices for shoppers.
Do Owners Recommend the Mazda3?
Yes and reliable. I have been using it for 3 years and no complaints. I feel safe when driving with my toddler.
Yes. It’s super reliable and a fun car to drive even if it’s just your daily commuter. Highly recommend!
Yes this vehicle has been very reliable and easy to maintain. It gets excellent gas mileage and is easy to drive for long distances
Yes, the interior and overall comfort while driving it is very enjoyable and sleek. The sound system is wonderful and the heads up displays are very helpful. The exterior appearance of the car makes it feel very pricey and high class for a reasonable price. The gas mileage is impressive and the way the car handles and accelerates is very fine tuned. My only complaint would be that sometimes the steering wheel feels a little stiff.
I love it! Mazda has been my main brand since I was 18. I've had some sort of Mazda 3 since then. Would recommend to anyone
Yes it is absolutely perfect! The size is great and it’s very high tech. It’s good for a small family or single person.
Yes! No issues thus far. The drive is smooth and the packages offered are awesome. I like to upgrade slightly each time I get a car and this was definitely that!
