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2015 Mazda Mazda3 consumer reviews

$16,945–$17,995 MSRP range
side view of 2015 Mazda3 Mazda
(136 reviews)
94% of drivers recommend this car
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.5
  • Interior 4.6
  • Performance 4.5
  • Value 4.7
  • Exterior 4.7
  • Reliability 4.7
Explore the 2015 Mazda Mazda3
Shop the 2015 Mazda Mazda3

Good but could be better

I have owned this car for 5 years and racked up 70k miles. I was looking for a cheap daily commuter and an efficient, reliable vehicle for occasional longer work trips. Based on the rave reviews I chose this car over a Civic or Corolla. Pros include excellent fuel efficiency (average 40 mpg on the highway), very sporty (in manual mode...), high level interior trim, and reliable. I have had to do nothing with this car other than change the oil and replace one sensor. Cons include a very stiff ride, tiny cargo space, poor visibility, and above all - a terrible automatic transmission. The throttle response from a stop or low speed can be excessively long and it upshifts far too soon. You can double tap the accelerator for a quicker response but that gets tiring, especially in stop and go traffic. All Mazda needed to do was install a simple over-drive...Also the steering is overly responsive and requires constant correcting. It is perfectly fine as a cheap daily commuter but it is not fun to drive, contrary to Mazda's marketing. Get a Civic or Corolla instead for cheap and reliable, or a Golf if you want something fun to drive...

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 2.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 3.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 3.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does not recommend this car
2 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Over 7 years 69k miles

Most reliable car in my 37 years of driving! NO problems. Biggest negative are brakes grabbing at parking lot speeds. Biggest positive 39 mpg average. I had software upgraded and replaced USB module from Walmart for Android auto and Apple carplay

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 3.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
11 people out of 11 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Not impressed!

The heater problems are ridiculous changing the thermostat every year!!! Also the weatherstripping around the windows melts on to the glass and the windows won't open!!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 2.0
  • Interior 2.0
  • Performance 3.0
  • Value 3.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 1.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does not recommend this car
6 people out of 9 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Fun to drive.

This car is a blast to drive. Handles very well. We'll done quality interior. Very good looking exterior.Killer Bose sound system. This Mazda3 Grand Touring is laid out. Everything you need and more. This will be my 2nd Mazda 3 Hatchback. Had a 2010 just bought a 2015. I really love this car.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
10 people out of 10 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Fun to drive small car.

I have a Japan-built model. Some are made in Mexico. In 5 years I've had zero problems. Just put new tires on; otherwise only oil changes and maintenance. Biggest complaint is back seat is a bit tight but I never ride there! If you fit comfortably in it, buy one.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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What more do you need?

Had this car for 5 yrs. never did anything but oil and filter, air filter, cabin filter and replaced the battery. I've averaged 35 mpg. I have the hatchback so basically I have Mazda's renown handling and the room of a small SUV

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
9 people out of 9 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Great car

Fit and finish are excellent. My only complaint would be with the Bose front speakers. I easily replaced with some JBL’s now it’s top notch!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Smoothest Car I’ve Driven

After lots of car searching and test drives, I finally came across the Mazda3 and I couldn’t be happier with it. As my first car, it meets all my needs with many great features. Some of the main things I love about it are the sporty design, sleek interior, convenient safety features, great gas milage, and the smooth and zippy ride. I have the hatchback, so it makes the sedan very spacious in the back, especially when you put down the back seats. All in all, I am very happy with my purchase and I would recommend this car to anyone!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Most reliable car I've owned

This car met all my needs, and has great gas mileage. It has a sporty exterior but is family friendly inside. It has Bluetooth, 3 USB ports, and a touch screen that allows you to view warnings (i. e. miles until oil change or tire rotation), caller ID, and controls on the steering wheel for hands-free communication.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Awesome little daily driver

Bought this car new as my second car at 19 and it’s been amazing for the last 5 years! I take road trips every couple months without issue. I got married and my husband is 6’4 and fits ok, not as comfortable as me at 5’3 lol but that’s why we’re now selling it.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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