In-depth reviews

Mazda3 owner reviews

"The Mazda3 is good to drive, with a stylish, premium cabin. But it’s not the most practical"

.imgHideOnJavaScriptDisabled_4059a017m3sn4zqi { display: none !important; }

3 Aug 2023

.polaris__post-meta--date { display: none; } .polaris__post-meta--date.no-script { display: block; padding-left: 45px } 3 Aug 2023

Carbuyer Rating

4.0 out of 5

Owners Rating

4.8 out of 5

Reviews

Owner Reviews

5 out of 5
4 out of 5
3 out of 5
2 out of 5
1 out of 5

100%of people would recommend this car to a friend

Common Problems

Electrics (1 case)

Review 1 of 4

Tell us what you think about your car?

The car for it's value was the best I could get when I bought it (It was a courtesy car). So I got the top trim but without the interior leather, lane keep assist, radar cruise control and rear traffic collision (as far I remember). The car is reliable. It's not as good when overtaking, compared to my previous BMW 320d E91 (2009), but is not far behind. There are few downsides - I had to change twice the side mirror motors (under warranty). Also the steering is a bit too light, so you need to keep both hands on when taking hard corners. I have a heavy foot , but the fuel consumption (combined 30%city) is about 7.0 - 7.5 l/100 km. I was expecting @6.0, but I heard that automatic transmission is a little bit thirsty for fuel than in the manual. Other than that, there is a lot to like about this car. It could be more powerful than the 110kW with that 2.2 l engine. With a remapping, the power can be increased. The engine can easily handle 130kW. Be aware that the top trim has 18" wheels, so it's not very comfortable with 215/45 R18. I am planning to increase the size of the tyre to 225/45 R18 and fill them with foam for less noise from our rough British roads.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Superb family car - excellently well -equipped with safety and driver assistance kit - superb acceleration, with plenty of torque in 3/4 gears - white leather seats with heated seats, heated steering wheel and head up display on the windscreen make it a pleasure to drive.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Nothing's perfect, but this car is the closest to it that I've ever found with a car, and I've had lots. It was the vehicle reviews in publications like this one that prompted me to have a look in the first place. I was smitten after I drove one (my previous car was an MX-5). I have to agree with everything that has been said about them. There are a few minor compromises (which aren't a problem for me), but who cares when the vehicle looks this good! For the size and power of the engine it is both economical (42mpg lowest, 55mpg highest, averages around 46mpg) and its emissions are pretty good too: it favourably compares with if not betters those with much lesser powered engines. After 20 months of ownership and 7,000 fault-free miles I have no complaints, just a smile from driving it.

What's the one thing you like most about your car?

The looks

If you could improve one thing, what would it be?

Still looking for something

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

It's a joy to drive. It's refined, comfortable, the gear shift is superb, the driving position for me is brilliant, the ride quality is well judged, the steering is weighted just right. Interior quality is beautiful as are the ergonomics and it has physical heater control knobs! The looks: wow. Its the only car I've ever owed where people in the street have come up to me and commented on how good it looks! The engine, while not turbocharged, is more than ample for the job; it just requires a slightly different driving technique which makes it part of the enjoyment. It is one of two cars (a Mazda MX-5 being the other one) I have owned that I can honestly say I really look forward to driving.

What's the one thing you like most about your car?

Driving position

If you could improve one thing, what would it be?

Minor gripe, changing the two electronic hand brake /hold controls to one operation as in a VW Golf.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up