Mazda MAZDA3 Review

Mazda has a tradition of building zippy and fun compact cars. Its previous entry-level model, the Protege, was known for its extraordinary handling. The Mazda 3, launched six years ago and just recently redesigned, continues that trend of impressive performance, and with a fresh, modern body design, it has the style to match.

Of course, the Mazda 3 still provides suitable levels of economy and practicality, too. Even the base Mazda 3 comes with a refined engine and a surprisingly sophisticated suspension and interior, and higher trims offer more zip and plenty of useful convenience and luxury-oriented features. Those on a tight budget who consider driving a favorite pastime should strongly consider the Mazda 3, whether shopping new or used.

Current Mazda 3

The Mazda 3 is available in two body styles: a sedan or a four-door hatchback. The sedan is offered in five trim levels. There are three "i" trims (i SV, i Sport and i Touring) and two upgraded "s" trims (s Sport and s Grand Touring). The hatchback comes only in the s trims. No matter which Mazda 3 you buy, expect an impressive level of convenience and safety-related equipment for the money. Indeed, a fully loaded Mazda 3 s Grand Touring has a luxury sport sedan vibe.

The 3i comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 148 horsepower and 135 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual is standard, while a five-speed automatic is optional on all but the 3i SV. The sprightlier Mazda 3s is powered by a 2.5-liter inline-4 good for 167 hp and 168 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual is standard here, with a five-speed automatic optional.

While most economy cars have little in the manner of interior aesthetics, the cabin in the Mazda 3 shows impressive attention to detail even if some of its controls aren't as simple to use as those found in competitor models. The materials used are some of the nicest found in this class -- your passengers are bound to think you paid more than you actually did. Even taller folks will be comfortable up front, and the driver will appreciate the standard tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel. The hatchback offers more cargo area in back than the sedan's trunk. And the rear seats in the hatchback fold down 60/40, which nearly doubles the amount of cargo room.

Like its illustrious predecessor, the current Mazda 3's refined road manners will come as a surprise to most economy car shoppers. Thanks to its performance-oriented chassis tuning, the 3 is blessed with good body control and -- with the s trim's superior tires -- a healthy amount of grip on twisty blacktop, and its steering is quick and reasonably communicative. In the real world, this translates into a greater sense of driver confidence. The 3's highway ride is smooth enough to please most commuters, although drivers who prefer softly sprung compacts like Toyota's Corolla might think the 3 is too firm.

Altogether, we think the Mazda 3 should be the first vehicle you test drive when shopping for an economy family sedan or hatchback. It hits all the right notes and its flaws are few and far between.

Used Mazda 3 Models

The current, second-generation Mazda 3 debuted for the 2010 model year.

The original Mazda 3 was produced from 2004-'09. Much of the current car's underpinnings were carried over from its predecessor, so both generations will offer similar driving dynamics. The original base 3 featured essentially the same 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine as today, although in its first two years in production, it lacked variable valve timing. The upgraded inline-4 displaced 2.3 liters, and its output was 156 hp. A four-speed automatic was optional with the 2.3-liter for 2004 and '05, and was replaced by a five-speed auto thereafter. Beginning in 2006, cars sold in California-emissions states were partial-zero-emissions-vehicle certified.

From its introduction, Mazda expanded the number of trim levels from the initial three when the Mazda 3 was launched: i sedan, s sedan and s hatchback. The many convenience and luxury features were available in packages and as stand-alone options. In 2005, Mazda released a SP23 Special Edition as a top-of-the-line trim for both body styles. For '06, the SP23 was gone and the trim levels expanded to include the Touring and Grand Touring trims. Antilock brakes also became standard on all s models.

For 2007, there was a very minor exterior refresh along with a standard auxiliary audio jack and a rear seat armrest for the 3s. Stability control became optional for the first time, but was available on the Touring and Grand Touring trims only. Front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags became standard on all s trim levels the following year. In its final year in production, all Mazda 3 models came standard with antilock brakes, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags.

Like the current car, the original Mazda 3 was our top choice in the economy family sedan segment. It, too, provided a refined driving experience that reminded us more of a junior sport sedan than a lowly econobox. Both engines offered satisfying power, though the bigger 2.3-liter engine was noticeably peppier. However, fuel economy lagged behind the class standard. Other minor gripes involved engine noise and the Mazda 3's firm ride.

While the Mazda 3 represents an attractive used car choice, we'd look for an example equipped with antilock brakes -- and if an s model is in your sights, try to get one with stability/traction control.