I bought a 3rd gen back in 2014 and still loving it. It hasn't aged a bit and still stands out. It had decent power with the 2.0L and averaging 35.5mpg.
Hands down the best review I've seen so far on this car. Your detailed and comparison-oriented review helped me in deciding on getting this car. Thank you!
well it is a very nice car and the performance is probably best in class, but that back seat space is very small compare to the other cars in the segment. I will probably choose a Ford Focus or Hyundai Elantra GT
I recently purchased a Mazda 3 i Sport, and I love it! I don't have a ton of options, but I have what I need. I naturally went for the stick shift, and have no problems averaging 31-39 mpg. This is the first car I've had in years that makes me really want to go out and drive.
Congratulations. The video was extremely detailed, even down to the seldom mentioned suspension design. Explaining some more detail about the 13:1 engine might have been interesting as it is a bit unique. Overall I was really impressed with the detail with regards to the transmission and what make it special. Thanks
I bought an sGT 2 weeks ago when they first shipped, trading in a manual for the paddle shifting auto, and its wonderful. The manual mode is significantly better than other cars in its class, and you can down shift into 5000+ rpm range of the lower gear. also, the sport mode is phenomenal if you want to keep the engine revved and get those higher shifts. prior to this car, i had only considered manuals, since i have been driving stick for 6 years. this car converted me: no regrets at all.
Alex. you probably make the best car review vids on the net. Its also great that you are knowledgeable on car mechanics and can offer informative tidbits in your reviews
LOVE that soul red metallic paint. Also, the almond leather with black inserts creates such a nice contrast to the rest of the black interior color. So sweet! Love this new Mazda3!!
Great review. I love that Mazda has decided to open this car up to people just looking for low priced basic transportation as well as to people with some extra money to burn and that want some high end features and technology. This really is a beautiful car, especially with the bigger wheels/rims on the 2.5 models.
Alex I have watched every single video of yours. I'm confident to say you are the best youtuber in car reviews. Also would you do a review for the new 2016/2017 camaro from GM? And how it's different from Cadillac ATS though pretty similar. It would be great to see that.
I own a 2014 fully loaded Grand Touring and I love it no problems as if yet. Got rid of our Jetta TDI for this car and we couldn't be happier. Drives great, looks great and the gas mileage is very good. Overall this car is as close to perfect as could be.
It's fun to drive and the Zoom Zoom slogan nails it. 76,000 miles on my 2014. Zero problems. Averaging 38.7mpg but I do about 70% highway. 2.0L 6sp manual. Great car.
Mazda engineers are absolutely obsessed with racing, driving, cars and racing. It's all they think about and do...so when you get a Mazda, you're getting as close as that body style can get to a racecar in handling. Interior does seem like a secondary consideration. I've only driven Mazdas for 20 years, now. I won't ever stop.
Thanks again for the review. I purchased my white 2014 s grand touring hatchback this past weekend. It was tough, but managed to get it for a few hundred under invoice. Awesome car!
Alex, another amazing review. You are so thorough in your coverage and your presentation style is both approachable and professional. Kudos to you. As for the Mazda3, I'm seriously crushing on this car!
The Mazda 3 is still holding strong even in 2017 with others experiencing total redesigns. Once they redesign theyll be way out in front again. Unless you just want an appliance, then stick with corolla, cruze, elantra...
I like the Forte as well and that would be a tough one. The Forte is huge on value, when you compare the feature content to the Mazda3, the Forte is notably cheaper. However, the Mazda3 is the more dynamic model and I think it's the better looking choice as well. The big news will be the new Forte Turbo which will make the Kia significantly faster than any current Mazda3.
Thank you very very much for the hard work, you car reviews are still the best on the internet (by a big margin), and you even continue to make improvements on them! I truly appreciate the extra effort that you put in, and I hope more people will subscribe to your channel.
For many yes, but I have the love that dare not speak its name. A CVT is totally fine in my book for a compact sedan that scored in the 8-10 second 0-10 range.
Great review, love the extra details you can't find in other reviews. Very informative! I already bought the iTouring with Bose/Tech package. I can't say enough great things about this car! Mazda has a winner, especially with the holistic integrated re-design approach.
I wanted to say "They MAY do it". The old 3 that was sold locally in my country got a software update over it's infotainment for newer models after the 6 was released that made the infotainment more similar to the 6 rather than the older ones.
wow, what a copy of BMW 2,3,4 series interior, especially that curvature and separation on that dashboard and the set up of the center console. even the shape of the arm rest
Mazda says it will only be in the Mazda6 at launch. I'm not entirely clear why they didn't put it in the Mazda3 at the start, but they said that the decision to put it in other models depends on how well it does in the Mazda6. So, if you want to see a diesel Mazda3, tell everyone you know to take one for the team and buy a diesel Mazda6.
Looks bigger than previous model. Looks almost like a cross over vehicle. I like the back of hatchback and front is very slowly growing on me. I have only seen one on the road so far. Looks fun to drive.
I really loved your review! I was wavering between the hatchback or a sedan in Mazda vs other brands but I really like the look of the Mazda 3 hatchback and overall performance for my first car is fine for me at this time. Price is good also.
It's pretty amazing that Mazda is able to get such great fuel economy numbers out of their two engines. The other cars in this segment either use puny, underpowered engines or cvt's to achieve their numbers.
It is on the website, buried deep on the first page but not listed on the spec sheet at this time. I suspect that it may be a late availability option. Mazda did announce it at the event and provided vehicles with the feature for us to drive. As I recall, it is only in the top S Grand Touring trim and will be bundled in the iEloop package.
DCT transmissions are faster than any auto box but the auto will always be smoother. Sport mode simply changes the throttle mapping and shift points in the Mazda3.
I've had the S Touring for less than 1 wk & it's already in the shop! Was loving it. Yesterday, noticed nav malfunctioning. Got off highway to look, car started rolling backwards on hill. With"Hill Launch Assist" that's not supposed to happen. After turning it off, had trouble starting. Finally, once in DRIVE, the engine revs, but no forward movement. When lifted on tow truck, liquid was leaking from engine (maybe trans fluid). Had
Great review. I've always wanted to get a mazda3 since 2008 but the ride comfort wasn't that great and did not like the smiley face of the current one. Thank you mazda for making this car. I test drove the red sGT and rides really nice. Plus, this red looks amazing in person. I think it's one of the best red color car I've seen. Though I'll probably get silver to stay less flashy lol
The only diesel Mazda has at this time is the new SkyActiv-D engine which is a twin-turbo 2.2L engine. It uses a small turbo at low RPMs and a larger turbo at higher RPMs depending on driving conditions.
Great review. Huge improvement for the corolla over its previous generation,but still middle of the pack compared to its competition.Toyota should have gone all out on the redo like they did on the avalon to put it on top of the pack.
To my eyes the interior is one of the best, well my favorite at least, available at any price. Love the Bauhaus/simple/classy minimalism of it ... its not easy to explain I guess.
That was at viewer request. It seems we have a number of people that want to see the body motion in relation to the road. I'll keep this in mind however and maybe we can switch it up in the future.
I didn't get the point of the HUD honestly. It's nifty and it's a talking point and I'm sure it will make you feel special when it pops up. On the flip side it's not as well integrated as BMW's full-color unit (keep in mind it is much cheaper in the Mazda). I do like the radar cruise control, Mazda's implementation is among the best and I'm a big advocate of active safety features. The hatch is less useful than I would like but more useful than a regular trunk.
Alex, terrific review. Extremely comprehensive and well balanced except for a lack of mention to the VW Golf or Jetta. Really appreciate your knowledge level in the review. I've ordered the GT is Soul Mica with black leather interior. The almond looks great too though the two tone highlights the seats are only leather trimmed and I find the almond perforation doesn't look as good as the solid almond leather. Also black is easier to maintain though doesn't provide the same contrast. What's everyone's opinion of Black vs Almond leather?
Toyota4life, would you like to compare recalls. Seriously, you all have to consider the Mazda 3 even you Mr Toyota4life may find the light after you drive the 3. GREAT review here.
Alex, thanks for the great review. That is one very attractive looking compact (reminds me more of a Dodge Dart than anything else in the segment). And, kudos on the unbiased review; it seems to me that all too many car review "experts" have a tendency to treat Toyota products as "also-rans" (and particularly the Corolla). Something about success and popularity coupled with cognitive dissonance breed contempt, I guess. I, too, like the interior, BTW ... very upscale looking for a compact.
That was a number from one of the Mazda people and it would be a 100% fully loaded 3 hatch as I recall. When I look at it on their web site I couldn't get it past $30,215 excluding tax, etc without checking dealer installed option boxes so I assume the 31K figure was including all weather mats and that sort of thing.
I bought a 3rd gen back in 2014 and still loving it. It hasn't aged a bit and still stands out. It had decent power with the 2.0L and averaging 35.5mpg.
Hands down the best review I've seen so far on this car. Your detailed and comparison-oriented review helped me in deciding on getting this car. Thank you!
Nothing beats this, not even the Acura ilx or the Buick verano. This is the best of its class
well it is a very nice car and the performance is probably best in class, but that back seat space is very small compare to the other cars in the segment. I will probably choose a Ford Focus or Hyundai Elantra GT
jorge romani I admit the elantra has the best interior for the price
jorge romani I recently test drove the focus and this GT. The focus' back seat is atrociously tiny. Not sure about the Elantra.
For Sure!!!!
getting the 2014 tc :D
This is the best Mazda3 review I have found to-date. Test driven the car few days ago, and totally in love!
Ten years old now.......and they're still outstanding cars
I recently purchased a Mazda 3 i Sport, and I love it! I don't have a ton of options, but I have what I need. I naturally went for the stick shift, and have no problems averaging 31-39 mpg. This is the first car I've had in years that makes me really want to go out and drive.
This is one of the best if not the best auto reviews I have seen on youtube. Excellent format and presentation.
Alex on Autos consistently does the best reviews on the web.
I really did appreciate the thoroughness in the infotainment system. It definitely looks like one of the best systems in its class.
This must be one of the best carreviews I've ever seen.
Finally, someone who does a more than decent job at reviewing cars. Great work!
Congratulations. The video was extremely detailed, even down to the seldom mentioned suspension design. Explaining some more detail about the 13:1 engine might have been interesting as it is a bit unique. Overall I was really impressed with the detail with regards to the transmission and what make it special. Thanks
When it comes to auto reviews, you totally rock!
Probably the best 2014 Mazda3 review right now. Great job! Especially on the infotainment section!
I was on the fence before I drove it and experienced the new MazdaConnect infotainment system but now there is no question in my mind: Mazda3.
I bought an sGT 2 weeks ago when they first shipped, trading in a manual for the paddle shifting auto, and its wonderful. The manual mode is significantly better than other cars in its class, and you can down shift into 5000+ rpm range of the lower gear. also, the sport mode is phenomenal if you want to keep the engine revved and get those higher shifts. prior to this car, i had only considered manuals, since i have been driving stick for 6 years. this car converted me: no regrets at all.
Alex. you probably make the best car review vids on the net. Its also great that you are knowledgeable on car mechanics and can offer informative tidbits in your reviews
Alex, you give excellent, THOROUGH reviews. Keep it up. You make the guys on "The Fast Lane Car" look like AMATEURS......
You are doing a great job, analyzing every single aspect of the vehicles you feature.thanks
LOVE that soul red metallic paint. Also, the almond leather with black inserts creates such a nice contrast to the rest of the black interior color. So sweet! Love this new Mazda3!!
Tim,
Nice Car. Dad
This reviewer is AWESOME. Subbed just because of his ability to provide top notch reviews.
Great review. I love that Mazda has decided to open this car up to people just looking for low priced basic transportation as well as to people with some extra money to burn and that want some high end features and technology. This really is a beautiful car, especially with the bigger wheels/rims on the 2.5 models.
Alex I have watched every single video of yours. I'm confident to say you are the best youtuber in car reviews. Also would you do a review for the new 2016/2017 camaro from GM? And how it's different from Cadillac ATS though pretty similar. It would be great to see that.
That was one hell of a thorough review.
I own a 2014 fully loaded Grand Touring and I love it no problems as if yet. Got rid of our Jetta TDI for this car and we couldn't be happier. Drives great, looks great and the gas mileage is very good. Overall this car is as close to perfect as could be.
Great review, really professional
It's fun to drive and the Zoom Zoom slogan nails it. 76,000 miles on my 2014. Zero problems. Averaging 38.7mpg but I do about 70% highway. 2.0L 6sp manual. Great car.
Mazda engineers are absolutely obsessed with racing, driving, cars and racing. It's all they think about and do...so when you get a Mazda, you're getting as close as that body style can get to a racecar in handling. Interior does seem like a secondary consideration.
I've only driven Mazdas for 20 years, now. I won't ever stop.
Thanks again for the review. I purchased my white 2014 s grand touring hatchback this past weekend. It was tough, but managed to get it for a few hundred under invoice. Awesome car!
Great Review. I've watched dozens of reviews on youtube and this is the best. Super thorough. Answered all my questions. Got a sub!
Best in segment imo. The hardest choice is hatch or sedan...
+tipoomaster to each his own for me i like the 5 door(hatch)
Alex, another amazing review. You are so thorough in your coverage and your presentation style is both approachable and professional. Kudos to you. As for the Mazda3, I'm seriously crushing on this car!
The Mazda 3 is still holding strong even in 2017 with others experiencing total redesigns. Once they redesign theyll be way out in front again. Unless you just want an appliance, then stick with corolla, cruze, elantra...
I like the Forte as well and that would be a tough one. The Forte is huge on value, when you compare the feature content to the Mazda3, the Forte is notably cheaper. However, the Mazda3 is the more dynamic model and I think it's the better looking choice as well. The big news will be the new Forte Turbo which will make the Kia significantly faster than any current Mazda3.
IMO the Forte is a POS firedragon without notice deathtrap = MAZDA > HYUNDAI/KIA.
I agree and I am looking forward to driving one when it lands.
The interior is just gorgeous! Very high end looking.
Thank you very very much for the hard work, you car reviews are still the best on the internet (by a big margin), and you even continue to make improvements on them!
I truly appreciate the extra effort that you put in, and I hope more people will subscribe to your channel.
For many yes, but I have the love that dare not speak its name. A CVT is totally fine in my book for a compact sedan that scored in the 8-10 second 0-10 range.
I love how Mazda made the hoods longer, I agree with what you said about the RWD look. Frankly I wish it really was RWD.
Great review, love the extra details you can't find in other reviews. Very informative! I already bought the iTouring with Bose/Tech package. I can't say enough great things about this car! Mazda has a winner, especially with the holistic integrated re-design approach.
You are the best cars reviewer on TH-cam
Thanks for the great review. 10/10
I wanted to say "They MAY do it". The old 3 that was sold locally in my country got a software update over it's infotainment for newer models after the 6 was released that made the infotainment more similar to the 6 rather than the older ones.
Best car reviewer in TH-cam
I think the new Civic and Cruze are still the quietest, but the Mazda 3 is an excellent car all around and is my new favourite.
I will as soon as we get our hands on one for a week. I drove the sedan all day as well and it is basically the same except for the hatch.
The 0 to 60 in the 2.0 is 7.6 to 8.2 and the in the 2.5 it's 6.8 to 7.2 seconds.
wow! mazda is kicking ass and taking names!
Great looking car with good performance. Mazda seems to be getting better and better.
Really enjoy your in-depth review, truly. But I wouldn't call this a "quick look" killed you so in the end. Very appealing car.
Very handsome car, fair price. Whats not to like! Well done Mazda!
Great review as always. Alex, your hard work is much appreciated.
On the GT model the tech package also includes iEloop, lane departure warning, smart city braking, and as I recall, dynamic radar cruise control.
wow, what a copy of BMW 2,3,4 series interior, especially that curvature and separation on that dashboard and the set up of the center console. even the shape of the arm rest
Newsflash. They all copy. Its a joke.
I like the Impreza, I just got some good friends to buy one for their daughter. If you need AWD and want good fuel economy, it's a steal.
Yes but can it fly?
Mazda says it will only be in the Mazda6 at launch. I'm not entirely clear why they didn't put it in the Mazda3 at the start, but they said that the decision to put it in other models depends on how well it does in the Mazda6. So, if you want to see a diesel Mazda3, tell everyone you know to take one for the team and buy a diesel Mazda6.
Great review, Alex. Thanks
Looking forward to your review of it :) I love your format and the amount of level of detail you put in. Awesome stuff!
Outstanding review Alex! Great detail and comparison to other models. Thanks!
Looks bigger than previous model. Looks almost like a cross over vehicle. I like the back of hatchback and front is very slowly growing on me. I have only seen one on the road so far. Looks fun to drive.
Great detailed review! Would've been nice to get some interior audio recording of hard acceleration too.
I really loved your review! I was wavering between the hatchback or a sedan in Mazda vs other brands but I really like the look of the Mazda 3 hatchback and overall performance for my first car is fine for me at this time. Price is good also.
Thanks for catching that.
It's pretty amazing that Mazda is able to get such great fuel economy numbers out of their two engines. The other cars in this segment either use puny, underpowered engines or cvt's to achieve their numbers.
Great review, especially with the lower window during navigation tutorial- thanks!
Excellent comprehensive Review !! Thank you !!
Damn you're good at reviews...lol. The detail is much appreciated.
It is on the website, buried deep on the first page but not listed on the spec sheet at this time. I suspect that it may be a late availability option. Mazda did announce it at the event and provided vehicles with the feature for us to drive. As I recall, it is only in the top S Grand Touring trim and will be bundled in the iEloop package.
DCT transmissions are faster than any auto box but the auto will always be smoother. Sport mode simply changes the throttle mapping and shift points in the Mazda3.
I've had the S Touring for less than 1 wk & it's already in the shop! Was loving it. Yesterday, noticed nav malfunctioning. Got off highway to look, car started rolling backwards on hill. With"Hill Launch Assist" that's not supposed to happen. After turning it off, had trouble starting. Finally, once in DRIVE, the engine revs, but no forward movement. When lifted on tow truck, liquid was leaking from engine (maybe trans fluid). Had
Great review. I've always wanted to get a mazda3 since 2008 but the ride comfort wasn't that great and did not like the smiley face of the current one. Thank you mazda for making this car. I test drove the red sGT and rides really nice. Plus, this red looks amazing in person. I think it's one of the best red color car I've seen. Though I'll probably get silver to stay less flashy lol
best and comprehensive review, well done...
Nice review, good job Mazda
Another great review. Thanks for mentioning interior noise levels.
Great review, very impressed. Interested in this car and it was very helpful. Only concern is that back seat!
Great review. Give this man more money!!!!
The only diesel Mazda has at this time is the new SkyActiv-D engine which is a twin-turbo 2.2L engine. It uses a small turbo at low RPMs and a larger turbo at higher RPMs depending on driving conditions.
Really ? Was't this a detailed review...I found it very detailed !! Thank you :)
The new Mazda 3 is simply wicked :D
Nice review...
Great review. Huge improvement for the corolla over its previous generation,but still middle of the pack compared to its competition.Toyota should have gone all out on the redo like they did on the avalon to put it on top of the pack.
Outstanding review!
To my eyes the interior is one of the best, well my favorite at least, available at any price. Love the Bauhaus/simple/classy minimalism of it ... its not easy to explain I guess.
Mazda is worlds ahead of the boring Civic.
The level of quality materials in this 3 are outstanding!
Civic has same hp engine as 10 years ago...sad
Plus Civic went the grandpa route and put a CVT.
I see the car is equipped with paddle shifters and was surprised you didn't bother to mention that.
Detailed and tons of info. Helps one make informed decision. Love your review.
Right now I would take the 3. If Mazda puts the new infotainment system into the 6 it would then be my choice because I like the size.
That was at viewer request. It seems we have a number of people that want to see the body motion in relation to the road. I'll keep this in mind however and maybe we can switch it up in the future.
I didn't get the point of the HUD honestly. It's nifty and it's a talking point and I'm sure it will make you feel special when it pops up. On the flip side it's not as well integrated as BMW's full-color unit (keep in mind it is much cheaper in the Mazda). I do like the radar cruise control, Mazda's implementation is among the best and I'm a big advocate of active safety features. The hatch is less useful than I would like but more useful than a regular trunk.
I'll put it on the list.
I sure hope so. They should be here in January.
Yep it is. Remember that the Mazda 3 plays slightly higher up the food chain than the Civic or Corolla.
Ouch! Be sure to post back and let us know how your experience ends. I'm sure we all would like to know.
Alex, terrific review. Extremely comprehensive and well balanced except for a lack of mention to the VW Golf or Jetta. Really appreciate your knowledge level in the review.
I've ordered the GT is Soul Mica with black leather interior. The almond looks great too though the two tone highlights the seats are only leather trimmed and I find the almond perforation doesn't look as good as the solid almond leather. Also black is easier to maintain though doesn't provide the same contrast. What's everyone's opinion of Black vs Almond leather?
Personally I prefer lighter interiors. They look more expansive and hide dust better.
Toyota4life, would you like to compare recalls. Seriously, you all have to consider the Mazda 3 even you Mr Toyota4life may find the light after you drive the 3. GREAT review here.
The legroom is the same but there is a slight drop in headroom. The trade off is a big more trunk space (below the cargo cover for comparison)
I'd consider this for my next car in a few years. Just hope they increase the power/torque of the 2.5L.
focus ST has a lot of power. but I guess you like the look of mazda 3. me too
Alex, thanks for the great review. That is one very attractive looking compact (reminds me more of a Dodge Dart than anything else in the segment). And, kudos on the unbiased review; it seems to me that all too many car review "experts" have a tendency to treat Toyota products as "also-rans" (and particularly the Corolla). Something about success and popularity coupled with cognitive dissonance breed contempt, I guess. I, too, like the interior, BTW ... very upscale looking for a compact.
best review on the net
That car is on my list, but it's also on everyone else's list so it may be a while till I get my hands on one.
That was a number from one of the Mazda people and it would be a 100% fully loaded 3 hatch as I recall. When I look at it on their web site I couldn't get it past $30,215 excluding tax, etc without checking dealer installed option boxes so I assume the 31K figure was including all weather mats and that sort of thing.