Mazda 3 road tests and consumer car reviews

Mazda 3 Sport 2.0 2005

I had a Mazda 626 for 11 years from second hand. It was so reliable, I was sad to finally let it go. I decided to go with Mazda again and bought a second hand Mazda 3 Sport 2.0 from a main dealer, but have to say the petrol consumption is noticeably higher compared to the old 2.0 626 model. Shortly after purchasing it the accelerator pedal got stuck on at high speed.....very frightening! I was told nothing was wrong and it was the mats. I stuck to my guns and after over 3 weeks a cable was found to be faulty and it was replaced. Two and a half months later the same fault reoccurred! The outcome is not yet known. Be warned!

Mazda 3 2009

A good driving car and nice and comfortable for passengers, but road noise is very bad for a family car. The last time I will buy one.

Mazda 3 2.3 Mps 2008

Scooby slayer, well done Mazda. It’s well put together this very powerful hot hatch!

Mazda 3 Mazdaspeed3 2010

Awesome power, handling and loads of fun to drive. I’ve owned for nine months and so far no problems. If you like power in a practical package for a very reasonable price, you won’t regret the purchase!

Mazda 3 Diesel 2010

This is my 3rd Mazda 3 and by far the best. I bought the diesel this time round for the increased economy and according to the computer I am averaging 65.6 mpg, (although a lot of my driving is on long country roads). I owned my previous Mazda 3 for four years and as usual (apart from servicing) did not spend a single penny on any repairs. We bought a Ford Ka at the same time and it was in the garage for gearbox problems, window winder broke twice, water in foot well and its now rusting!!! I use to sell cars for a living up to 2001 and know by the number of warranty claims that Japanese vehicles were much, much more reliable than other major manufactures. My present vehicle is ultra reliable, comfortable, economical and looks great.

Mazda 3 2.0 sports 2006

Before you buy search on ’common faults mazda3. has expensive problem. The TCS/DSC (dynamic stability control) warning light stays on. Needs replacement part costing £1300 plus with fitting and vat. Done 48,000miles.

Mazda 3 2010

Hi, I have driven a few popular new cars. Most recently a new Magane Hatch (which doesnt even come close) and none have matched the build and quality detail of my Mazda 3.

Mazda 3 ts2 2.0d 2008

Serviced as per Mazda reqs. Car lost power, started to smoke at 35k miles. Cause was oil in sump had risen above the X mark, either due to DPF issue or injector issue. Mazda does not advise customers of modifications if not safety related - there was a DPF mod which would have identified the problem earlier. Mazda says that injector issues are maintenance related although according to their service manual these need to be inspected every 2 years or the intial 12 months (or 25k miles). Mazda have flatly refused to take any responsibility, and having read others who have contacted Mazda, don’t expect them to jump if you experience similar problems with their diesels. Message: Avoid Mazda diesels as it appears they are not as good as the petrol versions or other manufacturer diesels.

Responses to this review

We also bought and promptly sold a Mazda 3 2.0d Sport after reading the DPF woes and Mazda UK’s appalling customer service regarding these issues. Apparently the new one is a lot better, but why would you risk it? - Jo Bloggs from England

Mazda 3 2.0d Sport 2007

I have had my 57 plate 3 Diesel Sport for almost a year now, bought from a Mazda dealer with 40k on the clock, now has 48k, it is the nicest, most reliable car I have yet had (and I’ve owned a few.) Compared to my 04 Astra 1.8, which had less miles on it, the 3 is amazing, a few interior rattles sorted under warranty very quickly and always a loan car given. Fuel consumption is great, esp considering how quick it is and how I drive it, also the long list of standard kit, it’s fun to drive down the back roads yet soaks up miles on the motorway in silence and comfort, add in the 3’s reputation for reliability means I will be holding onto it for a while yet!

Mazda 3 S Sedan 2010

Excellent car! Spacious, powerful, reliable and easy to park in cramped spaces, the Mazda 3 S is one of the best sport sedans I’ve ever driven. The Grand Touring model is not available here in Mexico, but just differs from the S model because of the leather seats and the GPS. The 2.5 L engine has a lot of torque and moves the car really fast without making it loose stability. Interior is well designed and controls are easy to reach. However, the only reason I don’t give this car a 5-star rating is that it can’t use parts form other brands, even Ford, and parts can only be get with Mazda dealers. Anyway Í don’t regret from buying it and would recommend it to those who seek a small, powerful and economic car.

Mazda 3 2009

Well where do I start? I lease the Mazda 3 NAV Sport (keyless) The starter motor went after 7000 miles, Mazda Customer Services don’t know what to do in such a situation. I asked Mazda for a hire car until it was fixed and they told me I had to go to the dealer where it was being fixed, the dealer will then need to submit a hire car approval form to Mazda. So I called Colliers to tell them and they said they had never had to do this before and passed me back to Mazda. After waiting/calling and not getting through, finally they agreed to call Colliers to explain what to do. They then submitted the form. Then I waited and waited, I heard nothing back, rang Mazda as Colliers said they had submitted the form and that’s as much as they were prepared to do as Mazda are responsible for organising the car. Then I called Mazda back and after all that, they then said I need to call the RAC to get a courtesy car. WHAT!? Absolute nightmare! I spent over 4 hours on the phone with Mazda and Colliers and it took 3 minutes with the RAC to sort the hire car out and deliver the same day. Mazda refuse to take any responsibility for anything that happens to their cars and will pass you around to avoid sorting anything out for you. I am absolutely disgusted with the level of customer service from Mazda, with their lack of knowledge and professionalism, their unwillingness to help and just fob you off. I even said to one of their team, "Why am I the one having to call everyone, why don’t you just speak to eachother and save everyone the trouble?" "That’s not what Mazda do" he replied. I will never invest in a Mazda again. As soon as they go wrong Mazda just don’t care and just give you the ’deal with it yourself’ attitude. What a bunch of bloody amateurs - ARRRRGGGGGG!

Mazda 3 Comfort 2010

I love it. It is easy to drive, very reliable and good looking. A bit saucy on petrol though.

Mazda 3 MPS 2006

Bought an MPS after owning a 2.0 Sport for a few years, BOY what a difference !! Sooooo much power, Yes the running costs are higher, £404 for Road Tax, £120 a tyre, average about 31 mpg but its worth it. The Interior isnt a lot different apart from the embriodered seats & MPS logo on the rev counter but I LOVE IT. Insurance is reasonable too for a Group 17. Ive left a Porsche Boxter, Golf R32 & a BMW 330ci embarrased in recent weeks, A REAL WOLF IN SHEEPS CLOTHING.

Mazda 3 GT 2009

I have been driving this car for 5 weeks now and it didn’t take long for me to fall in love with it. It has it all, looks, spunk, finish, convenience, quality. Heck, my 2 sons (23 and 25) are jealous! My previous car was a Nissan Sentra SE 2 Litre, on which I racked up 260,000 kms, and it was a tough act to follow. But I am extremely satisfied with it. My only gripe is fuel economy, but seeing as it is a 5 speed manual, it’s probably a question of fine tuning my driving more than anything else, because I admit I do have a tendency of shifting at 4,000 rpm when 3,000 is certainly more sensible. What surprises me most about this car is how really smooth it drives, despite the firm suspension and stick-like-glue handling.

Mazda 3 2.2 Diesel Sport

Folllowing on from the VERY reluctant sale of my partner’s Nissan 350Z, the Mazda 3 is of course something of a come down! But this is only in comparison to a highly impractical but wonderful 2 year experience with "Red Z !!". The Mazda has oodles of torque, rides very well, cruises on the motorway at just over 2000 revs for 80 mph, and is pretty comfortable as well. Despite my partner’s reservations about the Celestial Blue being a tad on the bright side, I think it looks very nice and definitely not a "blob". Fuel economy is very good, if not as impressive as the brochure claims, but possibly that’s because its still only covered about 800 miles. All in all a very decent car with the right combination of practicality, pace, and features. Its ability to cover the miles either on motorways or B roads very quickly, with very little drama is impressive for a "family" car. ..

Mazda 3 2008

Handles well, fuel consumption a bit high around town, but longer journeys the mpg is around 40.9. Does what it says on the label - comfortable, reliable and good size to accommodate a family. Long journeys are a doddle with no one complaining about being crampt up. Keeping fingers x it will continue to be a good runner.

Mazda 3 2009

Having previously owned a Vauxhall Astra 2004 1.6 petrol hatchback, I was very surprised at the difference the Mazda 3 was. As soon as I started my test drive I knew it was the car for me. It offered the comfort and the feeling of a car that was well put together with a lot of thought. Every switch and control seemed more precise and refined. I have not had the car very long so there may be some down points, but as yet I am very pleased with the car in every way. Will send a report again with further views.

Mazda 3 2.0 Sport 2004

Being the very first person to buy one brand new in Wolverhampton in March 04, was excited and proud for that fact alone although it took but just a few miles of driving for my enthusiasm and pride to include the actual car itself After some 20 odd years of driving/owning second hand cars, wanted to take my time and care over choosing my first new motor, so spent a number of weeks test driving pretty much every available car in this class (small family hatch) and after 4 1/2 years have never once regretted my decision. Its got presence, power, poise, and pose, and I still glance at the shop windows reflection with pride.

Mazda 3 .6 TS 5speed hatch 2008

My judgement here has been based on the experiences gained after 43 years of driving everything from a Reliant Robin to a Rolls Royce (Fortunately, I didn’t own either of these!) My 23 years in the retail motor trade with main dealers gave me the ideal perspective to know a good car when I drove one. Now that I am out of the ’trade’ I buy my own cars and have to say that my 08 Mazda3 has only given of its best after 9000+ miles in the seven months since choosing it over another Peugeot that it replaced. To sum up - it’s flexible, entertaining, capacious and totally reliable. At £12930.00 I am well satisfied! (4 Stars, because nothing is perfect.)

Mazda 3 1.6 TS 2006

I find driving my Mazda3 a thrilling experience. It was the good looks that first attracted me to it and I was pleased to find the interior spacious, of high quality and comfortable. My last car was a Renault and had severe reliability issues so this time I wanted the opposite and was advised that this is what the Japanese car manufacturers are known for. The ride and handling are outstanding. The fuel economy at the moment is not as good as I would have hoped (approximately 40 miles to the gallon) but I am reliably informed that this will improve with time.

Mazda 3 2008

Previously owning Volkswagen Golf’s, the change to Mazda 3 has proved satisfactory in that for around the same buying price the Mazda 3 has more to offer in alloys, climate control and alarm which my 2006 Golf did not have. Good to drive with plenty room and comfort.

Mazda 3 MPS 2007

Stunning car to drive. Very fast and great engine flexibility across the rev range. Feels well put together. The only downside is the restrictive gear change. Other than that a great car to own. Oh....apart from the £400 a year road fund license!

Mazda 3 2.3 MPS 2006

Extremely responsive and gives plenty of punch. Exciting to drive and never boring. Great little hot hatch!

Mazda 3 1.6 D 2007

I have a small family and was, kind of obviously, looking for a really good small family car. After doing some research it came down to either a Mazda 3 or a Ford Focus. The reason I chose the Mazda 3 was because it was the more reliable of the two and the 1.6 D offered better fuel economy. I liked the look of the car and after a test drive I was impressed with the performance and handling. I test drove the 1.6 D, the model that I ended up buying. A quality small family car, reliable and available at a very competitive price.

Mazda 3 2.0 Sport 4dr

Excellent family car. Economical, spacious and practical, like the sat nav too. Feels solid and is a very easy drive. Excellent value for money, I would highly recommend this car to anyone.