2010 Mazda MAZDA3

Mazda MAZDA3 - What the Auto Press Says

The 2010 Mazda MAZDA3 ranks 7 out of 36 Affordable Small Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 36 published reviews and test drives of the Mazda MAZDA3, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The redesigned Mazda3's aggressively sporty performance is notable among affordable small cars, but its once-sleek exterior is now described as goofy-looking by some auto writers.

When it came time to redesign the popular Mazda3, most reviewers had the same opinion. In terms of the car's energetic engine power, solid handling and abundant sportiness -- don't mess too much with a good thing. According to our analysis, Mazda's engineers listened and delivered a 2010 model that enhances the best-loved attributes of the outgoing 3.

Still, not all of the 2010 Mazda3's new features are viewed favorably. The 3's now elongated exterior makes the sedan more aerodynamic, but most call the front grille's smiling appearance goofy-looking. In addition, the Mazda3 has more upscale amenities, including Bluetooth connectivity and heated front seats, but its optional new navigation system has a display screen that reviewers find too small to read easily.

Few affordable small cars or hatchbacks have the Mazda3's level of sportiness or fun driving experience, but reviewers say the Honda Civic compares well. Like the 3, the Civic is praised for its outstanding quality and perky performance. The Civic also has an optional navigation option -- in fact, the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System is one of the most accurate and intuitive in-dash devices in the segment.

The 2010 Mazda3 is available as a four-door sedan and a five-door hatchback.

* "Call it Zoom-Zoom. Call it the Soul of a Sports Car. However you phrase it, the 2010 Mazda3 is a near perfect evolution. It's a flat-out better car than before, yet it's still a Mazda3. Lucky for fans of this sporty compact, Mazda pulled it off, following one great design with yet another." -- Motor Week
* "This is a real sedan, not a stripped-down economy car. ... With numerous innovative options, class-leading dynamics, engaging driving character and a new look, the 2010 Mazda 3 seems set once again to claw its way to class leadership. It might not be a revolution, but it clearly ain't broke." -- Edmunds
* "The redesigned 2010 Mazda3 is a really good car: A more complete compact as compared to the original Mazda3, which arrived five years ago. Since then, it has become the company's bread and butter -- making up one-third of the company's global sales. No wonder Mazda jazzed up the exterior." -- Detroit News
* "Our fears that the 2010 model would be a step back have turned out to be unfounded for the most part. Mazda went to great lengths to ensure the numerous changes to the new car wouldn't result in any decrease in performance, and it shows at the test track." -- Motor Trend
* "For small-car fans ... who understand that small needn't mean boring or bland or bashful, the Mazda3 remains a top contender." -- USA Today
* "For the money, the Mazda 3 offers everything its competition does, but is the most entertaining to drive and now has excellent refinement to match the driving dynamics. In fact, it feels like a mini BMW, and it is the sports car of subcompacts." -- Popular Mechanics


Mazda3 Performance - 8.7 (Very Good)

Reviewers find the new Mazda3 still has a strong powertrain following its redesign, and the minor enhancements made to the new model work well with the sedan's existing mechanics. AutoWeek says, "All the parts come together to make the Mazda3 better than its already good predecessor, with a direct and linear steering feel, rigid chassis and well-sorted suspension, and sufficient engine power for the car's size and weight." Read More
Mazda3 Exterior - 5.6 (Mediocre)

While some critics are pleased with the 2010 Mazda3's smiling front fascia, most say the aerodynamically enhanced front end looks more like a smirk. According to Automobile Magazine, "From dead-on, the new 3 looks a bit silly -- like an anime gremlin wearing an I've-been-naughty grin." Read More
Mazda3 Interior - 8.4 (Very Good)

For the interior, Mazda chose to concentrate its redesign efforts on supportive front-row seating and upscale materials and features. As a whole, reviewers say the manufacturer succeeded. The Austin American-Stateman says "the interior materials and attention to detail are a cut above, especially the padded, pebbled surface covering the dash." About.com says, "The new cabin is fantastic -- beautifully designed and built with nicer materials than the old car -- but it's the creature comforts that set the Mazda3 apart." Read More
Mazda3 Safety - 9.8 (Excellent)

The 2010 Mazda3 does well in federal government crash tests. Read More
Mazda3 Reliability - 5.0 (Mediocre)

The 2010 Mazda MAZDA3 reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The Mazda3 has a three-year or 36,000 mile basic warranty, and transferable powertrain coverage for the first five years or 60,000 miles.