The Mazda Mazda3 is highly praised by Clutch customers with an average rating of 4.8/5. Owners frequently highlight its reliability, styling, and ride and handling. Some customers note technology and entertainment and seat comfort as areas for improvement.

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2018 Mazda Mazda3

Best first car

PROS

Ride and Handling

The handling of the car is fantastic. Nimble and fast, handles the roads of Ottawa greatly, and is just a fun car to drive.

Seat Comfort

The seats are very nice and comfortable. The cabin noise can be a bit loud, but all entirely manageable.

Technology and Entertainment

The infotainment system is slightly outdated (given that it is a 2018 model, makes sense that it would be outdated in todays standards) but overall, the safety features like the collision detection, ABS, sensors and whatnot are all handy when having this vehicle. Because it is my first car, I really enjoy being able to know nearly precisely what is going on under the hood.

Interior Space

I like having a small car. I'm not planning to be driving my entire family in one go, so I enjoy having a smaller car. The trunk has lots of space as well and, given that the backseats can fold down, even more space can be made available.

Value

I found the value to be ever so slightly inflated, but given its condition, and milage, it does make sense for the value.

Fuel Economy

Overall, I have found that the car is decently fuel efficient. I do think it is slightly overzealous about how many kilometres it has compared to the fuel level but overall, it is very accurate. Given my current driving habits, I only have to refill the car every 2 weeks or so, just slightly after half a tank.

Styling

It's a simple car, but as my first ever car, I don't think I need all sorts of bells and whistles for a first time personal vehicle. The car just looks nice as well. I can't really describe it.

Reliability

The cars maintenance is good given the price point. I haven't had issues with the vehicle other than after picking up the car, there were some issues with the breaks. Shortly learning that the incorrect break disc was fitted to the car which caused it to make noise. After getting that replaced, the car runs well.

CONS

Seat Comfort

Previously mentioned, the cabin noise can be a little much at times, but its survivable.

Technology and Entertainment

infotainment is a bit old, but better than nothing.

Value

Like I mentioned in the previous "Pros" section, I do think that the cost of the vehicle against the market was slightly above what it should have been, but given the state of the car, low mileage and whatnot, it does slightly redeem itself in that way.

Fuel Economy

Fuel efficiency isn't perfect, but enough where it'll last me for 2 weeks on one fill, and it going to half a tank before refilling.

Julian K.

Mar 4, 2026

2018 Mazda Mazda3

One of the better cars I've ever had.

PROS

Ride and Handling

Everything works well.

Seat Comfort

The car runs quietly and the seats are proportioned to comfortably accommodate the occupants.

Technology and Entertainment

It keeps me aware of the status of the car's important functions.

Interior Space

The space is efficiently designed to accommodate most items you would normally need to carry.

Value

It's and excellent car for the price.

Fuel Economy

I am happy with the mileage per litre.

Styling

The lines are clean and attractive.

Reliability

The car starts the moment you compress the starter button,,,and runs smoothly thereafter..

Daniel T T.

Mar 6, 2026

2014 Mazda Mazda3

I loved my 2014 Mazda 3!

PROS

Ride and Handling

Easy handling, even with my arthritis. I loved my Mazda 3!

Seat Comfort

Comfortable seating and not noisy at all

Technology and Entertainment

Easy to use, very intuitive

Interior Space

Very generous trunk, and good legroom, for a car of this size, even for my tall grandchildren

Value

I bought this for a very reasonable price, but I think the price has increased quite a lot

Fuel Economy

Easy on gas

Styling

Looks quite sporty

Reliability

So reliable! I did regular maintenance and had only usual costs - brakes, etc

Marilla C.

Mar 4, 2026

2013 Mazda Mazda3

Excellent little car

PROS

Ride and Handling

The 2.5L engine is peppy and fast off the line.

Value

you get a great drivetrain for the money.

Fuel Economy

very efficient for its engine size and performance

Styling

its a good looking car

Reliability

its a proven reliable drivetrain

CONS

Technology and Entertainment

it was well equipped for its release year however it lags behind now

Interior Space

it is a compact car but that is to be expected in this segment and year.

Risheesh K.

Mar 8, 2026

2018 Mazda Mazda3

Mazda 3 - 2018 - amazing value!

PROS

Ride and Handling

2.0 Liter engine is awesome

Value

price was good for such a reliable vehicle

Fuel Economy

Average gas per mile is great

Styling

timeless design even for a 2018 car

Reliability

Mazda engine is not CVT

CONS

Interior Space

not suitable for 4 people, max 2

Fabricio A.

Mar 4, 2026

2019 Mazda Mazda3

Was a pretty good experience.

PROS

Ride and Handling

Its has a very good suspension.

Technology and Entertainment

It comes with a new type of infotainment system.

Fuel Economy

The cars mileage is pretty good for everyday transport.

CONS

Seat Comfort

Has comfortable seats.

Sharon G.

Mar 11, 2026

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Mazda Mazda3 customer reviews

4.8