Pros:
- Great handling
- PZEV version available with a manual transmission
- Available as a nifty 5-door hatchback
Cons:
- Fuel-thirsty engine
- Interior is starting to look dated
- Harsh ride
Buyers seeking sport-sedan road manners on a compact-car budget
Who should not buy the Mazda 3:
Buyers who prefer comfort over sporty handling, and enthusiasts who can afford a Mazdaspeed 3 or a Honda Civic Si
Continued below…
Details and Specs:
- Body style: 4-door sedan, 5-door hatchback
- Trim levels: 3i/3s Sport, 3i/3s Touring, 3s Grand Touring
- Price range (including options): $14,390 - $26,960
- Base engine: 2.0 liter inline 4, 148 hp @ 6500 RPM, 135 lb-ft @ 4500 RPM
- Optional engine: 2.3 liter inline 4, 156 hp @ 6500 RPM, 150 lb-ft @ 4500 RPM
- Premium fuel required? No
- Transmission: 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic (3i), 5-speed automatic (3s)
- Driveline: Front engine, front-wheel-drive
- EPA fuel economy estimates: 28 MPG city/35 MPG highway (2.0 manual), 26/34 (2.0 automatic), 26/33 (2.3 manual), 25/31 (2.3 automatic)
- Where built: Japan
- Standard safety equipment: Front airbags
- Optional safety equipment: Front seat mounted torso airbags, two-row side curtain airbags, antilock brakes, electronic stability control
- Major standard features: CD player
- Major options: Power windows/locks/mirrors, air conditioning, sunroof, CD changer, GPS navigation
- Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles bumper-to-bumper, 5 years/60,000 miles powertrain, 5 years/unlimited mileage outer body rust-through
- Roadside assistance/free maintenance: 3 year/36,000 mile roadside assistance
