Mazda3 (4th Gen)
19-23 · Mazda Mazda3
The most overengineered compact car on the market. Mazda spent money on things buyers don't see, and the car is better for it.
Score breakdown
Our take
What it really is
The 4th gen Mazda3 sits on Mazda's SkyActiv-Vehicle Architecture and uses multi-link rear suspension, engineering typically found in cars costing twice as much. The 2.5L naturally aspirated engine is one of the smoothest in the segment.
Why it's on this list
IIHS Top Safety Pick+ consistently. Better driving dynamics than any other compact in this price range. Interior quality matches near-luxury territory. Low maintenance cost ($462/yr).
The honest trade-offs
The rear seat is tight compared to Civic or Corolla. The infotainment system uses a rotary controller, logical once learned but different from touchscreen competitors. AWD adds cost and slightly reduces fuel economy.
What to buy and what to avoid
2021+ for the improved AWD system. The 2.5T turbo adds meaningful performance if you want it. The base 2.0L is fine for commuting. Step to 2.5L for highway composure.
Annual cost of ownership
Key specs
Also available in hatchback. The score reflects the primary body style listed above.
Safety
Rust vulnerability
Reliability data
Repairability
References
Sources used to research and score this vehicle. Superscript numbers in the sections above link here.
- [1]datasetRepairPal
Annual maintenance cost, reliability rating, unscheduled visit frequency, severe issue probability
- [2]governmentNHTSA Crash Test Ratings
Overall crash test stars, rollover risk %, rollover stars, frontal and side ratings
- [3]governmentNHTSA Technical Service Bulletins
Manufacturer-acknowledged technical issues and dealer fixes
- [4]datasetIIHS Safety Ratings
Small overlap, side impact, overall safety rating, Top Safety Pick status
- [5]governmentEPA Fuel Economy Guide
MPG city/highway/combined, fuel grade required, tank size
- [6]forum threadCarComplaints
Most complained-about model years, common failure patterns by year and mileage band
- [7]datasetiSeeCars Long-Term Reliability
250k-mile survival rate, depreciation curve, best age to buy used
- [8]publicationBankrate / Insurify Insurance Estimates
Insurance cost estimates by vehicle class and driver profile
Looking to buy a Mazda Mazda3?
Start with our fully customized pre-purchase inspection checklist for you or your mechanic. Three versions: one for buyers who are not mechanics, one for enthusiasts with tools, one for handing off to a professional. Print or save as PDF.
Modernize this car
CarPlay, backup cameras, blind spot monitoring, TPMS, and dashcams. Researched picks and honest watch-outs.
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