2012 Mazda MAZDA3 User Reviews

Pros

Excellent fuel economy for a non-hybrid. 32mpg combined.

Cons

The ride is a little too firm; more road noise than competitors like focus, civic.

Purchased As New

My first Mazda, and I absolutely love it! The handling is great. The new Skyactiv engine has enough power, and it's smooth (I don't like the engine noise from Focus)! The car is very quick on its feet.
Two things I think can be improved in the future.
1st, the ride is a little too firm; the seat is not very comfortable;
2nd, the interior is kind of boring compare to Ford focus; it needs to pack more techlonogy inside.
Nonetheless, I love my Mazda 3 Skyactiv!...read morehide

Pros

Funky Exterior, Sporty

Cons

Terrible MPG

Purchased As New

Bought this car April of 2010, and as the 2 year mark approaches, I have not had any issues with this car. The car is sporty, the handling is actually pretty good for a little car like this.

The MPG however, that I am getting is not so good. I have a 6 speed, so you'd think it would be amazing. I'm lucky if I get over 21 MPG around the city.

Car handles poorly in the snow however. Be prepared to get snow tires or have someone push you out frequently.

Other than that, a sporty compact it is!...read morehide

Pros

Dealer close by for repairs

Cons

Mazda will not honer the warranty

Purchased As New

The car has been in the shop for over a month while mazda tryed to fix the transmissions shutter and shifting issues. Then they came back and told me that alll mazda 3 skyactiv cars have a shutter. There words they could not fix the car so they just said all skyactiv cars have a shutter. Good luck if you buy this car. Mine is in the shop more then it is on the road....read morehide

Pros

Economical ride and race car performance for handling.

Cons

The seat belt receiver could be higher. Cruise is not standard.

Purchased As New

Went to just look at cars and the lady of the house wanted the Mazda which wasn't on our list of choices.

Pros

43-45 Hw MPG, zippy, comfortable, great sound system

Cons

None

Purchased As New

Traded in my 2011 Elantra with 33K miles...everything better in the Mazda3 Skytech I touring. Very solid

Pros

Drives great, MPG as advertised or better

Cons

So far none

Purchased As New

Bought new 3 weeks ago and traded in my Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited(16mpg). I enjoy driving this car. I'm getting 40mpg or better highway and about 32mpg in the city. On my first 800 miles I averaged 36.2mpg. I'm a very happy first time Mazda owner.

Pros

Maybe the appearance

Cons

No room, gas mileage, expensive for what you get.

Purchased As New

We have a small family of four and this car did not even come close to fitting our family. You can't fit a stroller in the trunk, unless you fold down a seat. Forget about picking up a couple friends for a round of golf, I can fit more stuff in the back of my eclipse. The factory goodyear RSA tires wer completely bald in 10,000 miles and the dealer didn't honor their tires for life. Our gas mileage was terrible for a four cylinder at 23 mpg. I hated this vehicle and couldn't get rid of it fast enough....read morehide

Pros

Value,handling mpg.

Cons

not much

Purchased As New

Just bought this. Compared elantra,cruz etc. This car is the one for us. MPG lives up to the sticker I will be happy. Handles great. 1.9 for 60 months helps. Bought for 19150 I touring base with skyactiv and auto. Gas savings will be the deal.

Pros

Great MPG's Style, Seats, Geat stereo, Handling!

Cons

No light in glove box, No remote hatch release

Purchased As New

This is a great car! People that expect the speed of a performance car the gets MPG's in the 20's, is comparing apples to oranges! In this class and I drove the Civic, Corrola, and Focus this was the best. Focus was a close second but the exterior and interior design miss the mark for me. This is the best performer and it's handling is on par with my old BMW M Roadster...that is saying something. The ride is a little on the firm side but not harsh by any means, firm yet comfortable to drive, so it is perfect for me.The other cars I drove with the exception of the Focus had a mushy ride and the steering was awful. This car is a blast to drive and have been averaging over 30 MPG with mostly city driving. So I went with the Mazda over the Ford because of the handling and styling that tops the Focus. The Focus is a nice car but the Mazda tops it in every catorgory in my opinion. Before you buy you just have to drive the Mazda, it is really that good!...read morehide

Pros

Great on gas, decent performance

Cons

Feel the road, for better or worse

Purchased As New

I have a manual trans with Skyactiv. First gear is really slow, rest are pretty good, can get to 60 in 3rd pretty easy with room to spare, but its no Mustang GT or Impreza WRX. I had a 2010 Corolla S, like this by far better. It gets better mileage and had more features in this package.

Radio is surprisingly better then I expected. Cup holder height is perfect for 20 oz bottle, your arm will rest right on it. Seems like small feature but many car makers cant get cup holder and shifter to work together, this is great. Cupholder location very intuitive in the dark to find. Like the interior lighting as well.

Overall would say very good mileage. Im not sure it does anything perfect, but does a lot of things well enough to make a well rounded car....read morehide