Hyundai Elantra vs. Mazda Mazda3 Price Comparison
TrueDelta features the Internet's most balanced and thorough car price and
features comparison between the Hyundai Elantra and Mazda Mazda3. Including:
- TrueDelta Car Value Comparison
- Price/Invoice Comparison
- Feature Comparison
- Specs Comparison
- What Our Members Are Saying
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Hyundai Elantra
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Mazda Mazda3
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Summary
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For the Hyundai Elantra vs. Mazda Mazda3 price comparison, we have first equipped the cars with selected features. The specific options added are shown in the Elantra vs. Mazda3 Price Comparison table. If you want to know how much the Elantra and Mazda3 will cost with the features you specified, this is the table to check. In this case, the Hyundai Elantra Limited's price is $2,340 lower than the Mazda Mazda3 i Touring's price |
TrueDelta Value Comparison: Hyundai Elantra vs. Mazda Mazda3
| Lowest Adjusted Price and Invoice: Hyundai Elantra Limited | ||
| TrueDelta Adjusted Price Difference: 2,340 | ||
| TrueDelta Adjusted Invoice Difference: 1,955 | ||
| Model Year | 2012 | 2012 |
| Model | Elantra | Mazda3 |
| Trim | Limited | i Touring |
| Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan |
| Engine | 148hp I4 | 148hp I4 |
| Transmission | T6 | M5 |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
| EPA Fuel Economy (city/highway) | 28/38 MPG | 25/33 MPG |
| Audio (watts, speakers | 172, 6 | 265, 10 |
| Tire (rear if not all the same) | 215/45-17 | 205/55-16 |
| Total Price | 21,915 | 21,725 |
| Adjustments for Features | -2,530 | 0 |
| Feature-Adjusted Total Price | 19,385 | 21,725 |
| Total Invoice | 20,966 | 20,501 |
| Adjustments for Features | -2,420 | 0 |
| Feature-Adjusted Total Invoice | 18,546 | 20,501 |
Invoice Comparison: Hyundai Elantra vs. Mazda Mazda3
Price Comparison (MSRP): Hyundai Elantra vs. Mazda Mazda3The sticker prices, before adjusting for remaining feature differences. Usually these are the numbers you will see on the window stickers.
Models in short supply often sell at or even above these prices.
Models in short supply often sell at or even above these prices.
| Lowest Total Price: Mazda Mazda3 i Touring | ||
| Difference: 190 | ||
| Lowest Total Invoice: Mazda Mazda3 i Touring | ||
| Difference: 465 | ||
| Model Year | 2012 | 2012 |
| Model | Elantra | Mazda3 |
| Trim | Limited | i Touring |
| Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan |
| Base Price | 20,595 | 18,700 |
| Base Invoice | 19,727 | 17,888 |
| Auto-dimming rearview mirror | 250 | 200 |
| Floor mats | 95 | |
| Cargo net | 50 | 40 |
| Cargo mat | 80 | 50 |
| Cargo tray | 70 | 60 |
| Moonroof and Bose Package | 1,400 | |
| 2.0L I4 | -350 | |
| Universal garage door opener | 75 | |
| Fog lights | 325 | |
| Satellite radio | 430 | |
| Auto-dimming rearview mirror | 160 | |
| Floor mats | 0 | |
| Cargo net | 32 | |
| Cargo mat | 40 | |
| Cargo tray | 48 | |
| Moonroof and Bose Package | 1,204 | |
| 2.0L I4 | -330 | |
| Universal garage door opener | 60 | |
| Fog lights | 260 | |
| Satellite radio | 344 | |
| Total options | 545 | 2,230 |
| Total options | 464 | 1,818 |
| Destination | 775 | 795 |
| Total Price | 21,915 | 21,725 |
| Total Invoice | 20,966 | 20,501 |
While we strive for accuracy, the site is not error-free, and prices can change at any time.
What Our Members Are Saying about the Price of the the Hyundai Elantra
| Price of the Hyundai Elantra: Pros | ||
| Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
| 2010 | 4dr Sedan 138-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD | Paid sticker price less $2,000 rebate. |
| 2009 | 4dr Sedan 138-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD | The Elantra is about $4000-$6000 less than a comparable vehicle from Japanese car makers. |
| 2009 | 4dr Sedan 138-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD | Cash 4 clunkers got me to look. Consumer Reports rated #1. 1st looked @ Civic,Corola. Had better head room w/sunroof, best warranty, best price, Best brakes, towing capacity, interior room. I NEVER thought Elantra, EVER, Now I take it out, "just 4 a ride" |
| 2009 | 4dr Sedan 138-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD | Best small car for the money right now. |
| 2009 | 4dr Sedan 138-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD | Same price can only get me a average or less than average featured Civic or Corolla. Toyota and Honda both refused to provided payment plan due to not enough history, Hyundai just picked me up right away. |
| 2008 | 4dr Sedan 138-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD | The Hyundai cost less money out-the-door than a Civic without air-conditioning or a corolla without anti-lock brakes. |
| 2008 | 4dr Sedan 138-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD | See above. |
| 2008 | 4dr Sedan 138-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD | Price was about $17k. |
| 2008 | 4dr Sedan 138-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD | 2008 Elantra SE seemed to offer a lot of value for money; with the features I now have, I would have paid a lot more money with a Civic, Corolla or some other option. |
| 2008 | 4dr Sedan 138-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD | I got a no haggle price. I just called the dealership, told the salesperson my price, and the cash deal(at my price) was complete in about 3 hours of my phone call. |
| 2008 | 4dr Sedan 138-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD | very cheap for what you get |
| 2008 | 4dr Sedan 138-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD | A lot of bang for the buck! |
| 2007 | 4dr Sedan 138-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD | Rebate allowed this car to be had, including extended warrantyu if desired, for about $1000 less than most comparable Totyate Corolla LE. Honda was no where near close ($3000 more). |
| 2007 | 4dr Sedan 138-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD | Good price/value |
| 2007 | 4dr Sedan 138-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD | great value compared to other vehicles. |
| 2007 | 4dr Sedan 138-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD | I was able to get a good interest rate and what seemed like a good final price from the dealer. |
| 2005 | 4dr Sedan 138-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD | $4000-5000 less than any US or Japanese of equal options and size. |
| 2005 | 4dr Hatch 138-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD | The price was reasonable and the interest rate was good for the time. |
| 2005 | 4dr Sedan 138-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD | Considering all the features that came with the car, plus the cost of operating, and insuring the car, the Elantra is an economical car. |
| 2005 | 4dr Hatch 138-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD | Great price at the time for the size of vehicle |
| 2004 | 4dr Sedan 138-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD | Is/was a bargain price, great value |
| 2004 | 4dr Sedan 138-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD | The price was great considering the options. |
| 2003 | 4dr Sedan 135-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD | cost was less than I expected |
| 2003 | 4dr Sedan 135-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD | Best bang for the buck! Car comes fully loaded at a reasonable price |
| 2003 | 4dr Sedan 135-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD | Brand new it costs less than some competitors used prices. |
| 2003 | 4dr Sedan 135-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD | were affordable for the amount of car you were getting. |
| 2003 | 4dr Sedan 135-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD | it was cheaper then a civic |
| 2002 | 4dr Hatch 140-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD | Used Elantras are quite cheap. Any car of the same year/size/class with the same features/options would cost significantly more. |
What Our Members Are Saying about the Price of the the Mazda Mazda3
| Price of the Mazda Mazda3: Pros | ||
| Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
| 2011 | 4dr Sedan 148-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD | Well priced, very reasonable, plus they often have 0% financing. |
| 2010 | 4dr Sedan 148-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD | When doing my research prior to purchasing a new vehicle, the Mazda very quickly rose to the top as the value leader in the segment. It offers a ton of higher-end standard features, such as auto headlgihts, rain-sensing wipers, and bluetooth standard for a price lower than most of its competitors. |
| 2010 | 4dr Hatch 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD | Super cheap. |
| 2010 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 263hp 2.3L I4 6-speed manual FWD | Compared to the Rallyart Sportback and the WRX wagon, you get a lot for your money. |
| 2010 | 4dr Sedan 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD | Lot of features available for the price ... got nice leather seats for less money than I had in my Toyota SUV. |
| 2010 | 4dr Hatch 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD | This car is dirt cheap, even with a fair amount of options it comes out to be in the low 20s. |
| 2010 | 4dr Hatch 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD | Great value for price. |
| 2009 | 4dr Sedan 148-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD | It was a better value and deal. |
| 2009 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 263hp 2.3L I4 6-speed manual FWD | When I bought the vehicle, I felt like I got a lot of car for the money - especially in the performance department. |
| 2009 | 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD | Very cheap... I bought an 09 brand new off the lot that was fitted with 18" chrome rims and Mazdaspeed exhaust and cold-air intake. All of that was added from the dealer and it still only cost me $360/month. And that is in CANADA...Unbelievable deal |
| 2009 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 263hp 2.3L I4 6-speed manual FWD | Affordable car compared to comparable performance vehicles. |
| 2008 | 4dr Sedan 148-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD | Low and reasonable. Best bang for your buck. |
| 2008 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 263hp 2.3L I4 6-speed manual FWD | As far as bang for the buck, $22,205 gets you a brand new serious pocket rocket with surprising comfort, utility, and good looks as well. |
| 2008 | 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD | CHEAP! |
| 2007 | 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD | The price was great which is why I bought it. The GT is a great deal. I got S-Plan pricing, so it was an even better deal. |
| 2007 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 263hp 2.3L I4 6-speed manual FWD | Normally, performance comes with a big price tag; not this one. |
| 2007 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 263hp 2.3L I4 6-speed manual FWD | Best bang for the buck among competitors. |
| 2007 | 4dr Sedan 148-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD | Decent pricing, but still higher than Hyundai. |
| 2007 | 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD | Excellent value for the money. |
| 2007 | 4dr Sedan 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD | Price/option was a win over the Civic. |
| 2006 | 4dr Hatch 160-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD | Competitive price for Japanese made car |
| 2006 | 4dr Sedan 160-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD | A new, well equipped S model comes in well below $20000. This compares well with other cars in its class with similar features and performance. |
| 2006 | 4dr Hatch 160-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD | The vehicle is priced very well in its segment considering its strengths and overall quality. |
| 2006 | 4dr Hatch 160-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD | Mazda has priced the mazda 3 to be competative with other cars in the same class. |
| 2005 | 4dr Sedan 160-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD | It cost slightly less than a contemporary Civic or Corolla, but offered vastly better performance, handling, and features for the money. I found it comparable to an Acura TSX, for $10,000 less. |
| 2005 | 4dr Hatch 160-horsepower 2.3L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD | I was able to purchase my car with ABS, side airbags, auto trans, sunroof, 6 speaker stereo, 17" wheels, the aforementioned nice interior, and 2.3L motor for under $20k, which seemed like a good value to me. |
| 2005 | 4dr Hatch 160-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD | Dealer agreed to what I was offering which was way too less :) |
| 2005 | 4dr Hatch 160-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD | they were low |
| 2004 | 4dr Hatch 160-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD | Priced well for the value, especially used. |
| Price of the Mazda Mazda3: Cons | ||
| Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
| 2012 | 4dr Hatch 155-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD | The price difference between this and the Elantra is a few thousand dollars when looking at features. When adding extended warranties, the gap widens. |
| 2010 | 4dr Hatch 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 6-speed manual FWD | Decent value, but too expensive considering the drivetrain problems I have experienced. |
| 2010 | 4dr Hatch 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 6-speed manual FWD | Another dealership would not even consider discounting the 2010 Mazda 3, only offering incentives on remaining 2009 models. |
| 2009 | 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD | high price of car and interest |
| 2009 | 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD | Discounts are harder to come by than other brands, particularly domestic automakers due to the popularity of the 3. |
| 2008 | 4dr Sedan 148-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD | Price was too high for the features that came with it |
| 2008 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 263hp 2.3L I4 6-speed manual FWD | I have no complaints about price or payments. Car is best buy for the performance and a blast to drive. Overall cost may be excessive for some if not interested in handling and performance. Also, car requires premium fuel. |
| 2007 | 4dr Sedan 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD | It certainly cost less than the TSX, but for the $3-5k difference, I got a LOT more than that value in performance, handling, features, craftsmanship... This was one of my biggest deciding factors. |
| 2006 | 4dr Hatch 160-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD | It came out more than 5k higher than the Elantra, cash purchase price. (My wife and I always pay cash). |
Features Comparison: Hyundai Elantra vs. Mazda Mazda3
| Model Year | 2012 | 2012 |
| Model | Elantra | Mazda3 |
| Trim | Limited | i Touring |
| Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan |
| Transmission and Drivetrain | ||
| 6-speed manually-shiftable automatic | $1100 | |
| 5-speed manual | $0 | |
| FWD | $0 | $0 |
| Brakes, Airbags, and Other Safety | ||
| Compact spare tire | $75 | |
| Cargo Management | ||
| Overhead sunglass holder | $25 | |
| Climate Control and Infotainment | ||
| Bluetooth audio streaming | $25 | |
| Surround sound | $250 | |
| USB port | $150 | |
| Exterior | ||
| Bright-finished exhaust tip(s) | $50 | |
| Instruments, Lights, and Mirrors | ||
| Compass | $25 | |
| Heated mirrors | $25 | |
| Illuminated visor mirror, driver | $50 | |
| Illuminated visor mirror, passenger | $50 | |
| Interior ambient lighting | $150 | |
| Trip computer | $150 | |
| Turn signals on or near mirrors | $25 | |
| Visor mirror, driver | $10 | |
| Visor mirror, passenger | $10 | |
| Seats and Interior Trim | ||
| Heated front seats | $300 | |
| Heated second row seats | $200 | |
| Leather seating surfaces | $900 | |
| Leather-wrapped steering wheel | $150 | |
| Total Value of Features | $3,125 | $595 |
| Value of Feature Adjustments | $2,530 | $0 |
| Value of Feature Adjustments | -2,420 | 0 |
Specifications Comparison: Hyundai Elantra vs. Mazda Mazda3
| Model Year | 2012 | 2012 |
| Model | Elantra | Mazda3 |
| Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan |
| Wheelbase | 106.3 in | 103.9 in |
| Length | 178.3 in | 180.9 in |
| Width | 69.9 in | 69.1 in |
| Height | 56.5 in | 57.9 in |
| Curb Weight | 2,701 lb. | 2,866 lb. |
| Fuel Capacity | 12.8 gal. | 14.5 gal. |
| Row 1 Headroom | 40.0 in | 38.1 in |
| Row 1 Shoulder Room | 55.9 in | 54.9 in |
| Row 1 Hip Room | 53.5 in | 53.7 in |
| Row 1 Legroom | 43.6 in | 42.0 in |
| Row 2 Headroom | 37.1 in | 37.4 in |
| Row 2 Shoulder Room | 54.8 in | 54.0 in |
| Row 2 Hip Room | 52.7 in | 52.2 in |
| Row 2 Legroom | 33.1 in | 36.2 in |
| Cargo Volume | 14.8 ft3 | 11.8 ft3 |
Option Package Details
i Touring
| Auto-dimming rearview mirror | ||
| Feature | Value | Requested? |
| Auto-dimming rearview mirror | 150 | Yes |
| Compass | 25 | No |
| Total Requested | 150 | 86% |
| Total Not Requested | 25 | 14% |
| Moonroof and Bose Package | ||
| Feature | Value | Requested? |
| Sunroof | 900 | Yes |
| Surround sound | 250 | No |
| Bose, 265W, 10 speakers (with subwoofer) | 350 | No |
| Total Requested | 900 | 60% |
| Total Not Requested | 600 | 40% |
| 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 148 hp@6500 135 lb-ft@4500 | ||
| Feature | Value | Requested? |
| 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 148 hp@6500 135 lb-ft@4500 | 1000 | Yes |
| 5-speed manual | 0 | Yes |
| Total Requested | 1000 | 100% |
| Total Not Requested | 0 | 0% |
Dealer Price Quotes
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Want to find out how much dealers are willing to discount these cars? Request free, no-obligation Hyundai Elantra price quotes or Mazda Mazda3 price quotes from dealers using our car quote form. You can also request quotes from our partner PriceQuotes.com in the sidebar and motivate dealers to compete for your business by offering the lowest possible price. The process is easy and takes just a minute or two. You'll receive price quotes from local approved dealers within 48 hours. |
What Our Members Are Saying about Hyundai Elantra Materials and Workmanship
| Available Features of the Hyundai Elantra: Pros | ||
| Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
| 2012 | 4dr Sedan 148-horsepower 1.8L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Everything fits well with no rattles or knocks.Yet. |
| 2009 | 4dr Sedan 138-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
top quality materials were used in interior |
| 2007 | 4dr Sedan 138-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
No rattles, dash looks good. Doors have a solid sound when shut. Bolts on brake calipers do not look like they will rust weld making a brake change an afternoon job (pay attention GM). |
| 2007 | 4dr Sedan 138-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
The quality is high overall in the interior in terms of materials used. The only exception is the beige interior. It stains way too easy, even with water! |
| 2005 | 4dr Sedan 138-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
Body panel seams are tight and uniform. |
| 2003 | 4dr Sedan 135-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
good for cheap car |
| Materials and Workmanship of the Hyundai Elantra: Cons | ||
| Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
| 2008 | 4dr Sedan 138-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
Just plain cheap look and feel |
| 2005 | 4dr Sedan 138-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
The paint on these things is crap. All 3 Elantras I test drove had very thin paint. One 2004 had the clearcoat peeling of all over. The other two had tons of little scratches, presumably from automatic car wash. |
| 2003 | 4dr Sedan 135-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
interior makes you not want to touch anything |
What Our Members Are Saying about Mazda Mazda3 Materials and Workmanship
| Available Features of the Mazda Mazda3: Pros | ||
| Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
| 2011 | 4dr Sedan 148-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Top notch assembly quality, materials, fit and finish. |
| 2011 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 263hp 2.3L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Fit and finish is superb. Nothing feels cheap and the plastics seem durable and strong. |
| 2011 | 4dr Sedan 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Great fit and finish. |
| 2010 | 4dr Sedan 148-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Almost as good as a VW rabbit/jetta, otherwise better than all others in this semi-economy class. More thoughtful in design and materials than other Asian vehicles. Ford focus is the only American vehicle that comes close. |
| 2010 | 4dr Sedan 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
The 2010 Mazda 3 was made 100% in Japan. Over there quality control is 10x more stricter than that of the United States. |
| 2010 | 4dr Hatch 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
The materials used in the interior are quality and feel well put together. There are no creaks or squeaks, and the car feels very solid overall. |
| 2010 | 4dr Hatch 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Quality of the interior parts are far superior. Soft dashboard materials, easy to use knobs and dials, well stitched leather seats, soft vinyl arm rests |
| 2009 | 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
The 3 has a very solid feel about it. While lower trim models are somewhat spartan as far as feature content, you never feel like materials and workmanship were compromised. |
| 2009 | 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Simply put, its hard to find a nicer interior for a vehicle costing anywhere near what the 3 costs. The whole car is put together very solidly. |
| 2008 | 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
It is built in Japan, and the fit and finish are great. It is a solidly built car. It feels and looks well made. Cant say as much for domestic brands. |
| 2008 | 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Interior materials (incl. leather upholstery) significantly better than average for this market segment. |
| 2008 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 263hp 2.3L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
The materials used for the interior met my expectations. It looks nice inside and out. Being that is a Mazda, the reliablity is there. I have seen older versions of Mazda around California and to my amazement, many people still want them. |
| 2007 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 263hp 2.3L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Solid car all around. Everything feels well made and solid. |
| 2007 | 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
very solid, 30k and no issues or problems. durable finishes inside that hold up well, except, carpet is a little weak/cheap. It is driven hard and is still as solid as the day I drove it off the lott. |
| 2007 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 263hp 2.3L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
great fit and finish. tight. well-designed mechanicals, body and frame, interior...tight! |
| 2007 | 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Everything seems well put together. Materials are of a high quality feel (except the carpet...it seems like fluffed cardboard). Body panel gaps are small and consistent, no squeaks or rattles after 10k miles. |
| 2006 | 4dr Hatch 160-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
the car has held up quite well (currently 30K miles) as all surfaces inside and out show little to no wear. The fit and finish (body panel fit, etc.) is something you might find on a much higher priced car |
| 2006 | 4dr Hatch 160-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
EVERYTHING! The plastic used in the cockpit looks and feel way more upscale than the price of the car. No squeaks and rattles after 2+ years and 35k miles. Very good gap tolerance on the sheetmetal of the body. All the lever and switches feel sturdy. |
| 2006 | 4dr Hatch 160-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Interior materials are aesthetically impressive for the price segment and have good ergonomics and tactile feedback. Most elements feel solid and well built. |
| 2006 | 4dr Hatch 160-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
The panels fit properly, no misaligned body panels or interior plastic panels. |
| 2006 | 4dr Sedan 160-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Car feels tight and well-assembled. Decent interior w/leather, exterior metal panels a bit thin but fit nicely. Doors close easily and sound tight. Relatively quiet at highway speeds. |
| 2006 | 4dr Sedan 160-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
The car is built with care and attention to detail. The materials are well chosen, and the whole thing feels solidly built, inside and out. It feels like a much more expensive car, and any corner-cutting is well disguised. |
| 2005 | 4dr Hatch 160-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Nicely put together. Smooth clean lines inside and out with no big gaps to lose things in. Leather/cloth inserts in nice places, gives it a quality, upscale feel. Inside panels on doors not concave so they feel more substantial, not cheap. |
| 2005 | 4dr Sedan 160-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Solid materials - does not fade as much in the hot Texas sun. Paint job holds up extremely well to hail and gravel impacts. |
| 2004 | 4dr Hatch 160-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
jap audi style |
| Materials and Workmanship of the Mazda Mazda3: Cons | ||
| Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
| 2011 | 4dr Sedan 104-horsepower 1.6L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Plastic cover on steering wheel designed to look like metal with sharp, unfinished edges able to cut your hand. 18 buttons on steering wheel alone, and a confusing array of buttons throughout the dash. Not userfriendly and looking cheap |
| 2009 | 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Interior finishes seemed cheap for the cost of the car. |
| 2009 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 263hp 2.3L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Some parts of the dash started squeaking |
| 2007 | 4dr Sedan 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
THE PAINT! Mazda uses thinner coats of the primer, color and clear coats - which means every little chip goes right down to the primer. Get your bottle of touch up paint ready. |
| 2007 | 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Lots of rattles and squeaks. The belt buckle bolt is the worst followed by dash, glove box and hatch rattles. |
| 2006 | 4dr Hatch 160-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
PAINT IS WATER BASED AND ATROCIOUS FOR SUSTAINING ROCK CHIPS THIS IS MY PET PEEVE WITH THIS CAR |
| 2006 | 4dr Hatch 160-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
some of the components have started to rattle. |
| 2005 | 4dr Sedan 160-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Assembly quality was superb, but some materials are cheesy, like the silver-painted instrument surround and the faux carbon fiber on the dash. Red-and-black cloth upholstery looks good, but wears quickly, and there are a lot of minor squeaks and rattles. |
