Mazda MAZDA3 Review

2010 Mazda MAZDA3 s Grand Touring Sedan Shown

There's a reason why the Mazda 3 has been a perennial winner of Edmunds.com's Most Wanted Sedan or Wagon. No other car in the segment provides as much performance and driving fun for the money. Even the base Mazda 3 comes with a stout engine and a surprisingly sophisticated suspension and interior. But since even the entry-level car has been tuned toward the performance side, some buyers might find the Mazda 3's ride a bit too firm -- a small compromise for the car's impressive handling characteristics.

Mazda has a tradition of building zippy and fun compact cars. Its previous entry-level model, the Protege, was known for its exceptional chassis and superb handling. The Mazda 3, launched for the 2004 model year and completely redesigned for 2010, continues that trend of impressive performance, and with a fresh, modern body design, it has the style to match. Those on a tight budget who consider driving a favorite pastime should consider the Mazda 3, whether shopping new or used.

Current Mazda 3

The current Mazda 3 is new for 2010 and 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 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 and 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 to nearly double the amount of cargo room.

Like its illustrious predecessor, the current Mazda 3's refined road manners will comes as a surprise to most economy car shoppers. Thanks to its performance-oriented chassis tuning, the 3 is blessed with minimal body roll and a healthy amount of grip on twisty blacktop, and its steering is quick and 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 original Mazda 3 was produced from 2004-'09. Much of the current car's underpinnings were carried over from its predecessor, so both new and used models should offer similar driving dynamics. The original base 3 featured 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, however, 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. From 2006 and later, 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 an incredibly refined driving experience that reminded us more of a junior sport sedan than a lowly econobox. Both engines provided good power, though the bigger 2.3-liter engine was peppier and accelerated more quickly from a standstill. With its four-speed automatic, though, the 2.0-liter base engine couldn't match the fuel economy of several top rivals. 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 a 3s is in your sights, stability/traction control.

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* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.