2018
Mazda Mazda3

Starts at:
$18,095
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New 2018 Mazda Mazda3
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Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Consumer rating
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NHTSA tested vehicle score
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • Sport Manual
    Starts at
    $18,095
    28 City / 38 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • Sport Auto
    Starts at
    $19,145
    28 City / 37 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • Sport Manual
    Starts at
    $19,345
    28 City / 38 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • Touring Manual
    Starts at
    $20,090
    25 City / 34 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • Sport Auto
    Starts at
    $20,395
    28 City / 37 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • Touring Manual
    Starts at
    $20,840
    25 City / 34 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • Touring Auto
    Starts at
    $21,140
    27 City / 36 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • Touring Auto
    Starts at
    $21,890
    27 City / 36 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • Grand Touring Manual
    Starts at
    $23,145
    25 City / 34 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • Grand Touring Manual
    Starts at
    $23,895
    25 City / 34 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • Grand Touring Auto
    Starts at
    $24,195
    27 City / 36 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • Grand Touring Auto
    Starts at
    $24,945
    27 City / 36 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

2018 Mazda Mazda3 2018 Mazda Mazda3 2018 Mazda Mazda3 2018 Mazda Mazda3 2018 Mazda Mazda3 2018 Mazda Mazda3 2018 Mazda Mazda3 2018 Mazda Mazda3 2018 Mazda Mazda3 2018 Mazda Mazda3 2018 Mazda Mazda3 2018 Mazda Mazda3 2018 Mazda Mazda3 2018 Mazda Mazda3 2018 Mazda Mazda3 2018 Mazda Mazda3 2018 Mazda Mazda3 2018 Mazda Mazda3 2018 Mazda Mazda3 2018 Mazda Mazda3 2018 Mazda Mazda3 2018 Mazda Mazda3 2018 Mazda Mazda3 2018 Mazda Mazda3 2018 Mazda Mazda3 2018 Mazda Mazda3 2018 Mazda Mazda3 2018 Mazda Mazda3 2018 Mazda Mazda3 2018 Mazda Mazda3 2018 Mazda Mazda3

Notable features

Smart City Brake Support now standard
2.0- or 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine
Manual or automatic transmission
Offered as a sedan or hatchback
Standard 7-inch multimedia screen

The good & the bad

The good

Steering and handling
Acceleration with 2.5-liter engine
Well-equipped base model
Front-seat comfort
Smooth-shifting manual transmission

The bad

Busy ride
Small backseat
Small trunk (sedan)
No Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
Gets expensive with options
See all specifications

Available cars near you

See all cars near you

Safety review

Based on the 2018 Mazda Mazda3 base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Overall rating
5/5
Combined side rating front seat
5/5
Combined side rating rear seat
5/5
Frontal barrier crash rating driver
5/5
Frontal barrier crash rating passenger
4/5
Overall frontal barrier crash rating
5/5
Overall side crash rating
5/5
Rollover rating
4/5
Side barrier rating
5/5
Side barrier rating driver
4/5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5/5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5/5
10.5%
Risk of rollover
Side barrier rating driver
4/5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5/5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5/5
10.5%
Risk of rollover

Factory warranties

Basic
3 years / 36,000 miles
Corrosion
5 years
Powertrain
5 years / 60,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
3 years / 36,000 miles

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Consumer reviews

97% of drivers recommend this car
4.8 / 5
Based on 207 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.8
Interior 4.8
Performance 4.8
Value 4.8
Exterior 4.8
Reliability 4.9

Most recent

  • By BrianC from Zephyrhills, FL
    Owns this car
    May 6, 2025

    I haven't owned a 4 cylinder in a long time.

    I haven't owned a 4 cylinder in a long time. I had a turbo 5 Volvo, a 6 cylinder accord, and a Mercedes c300 6 as my last three cars, then before that I owned a last model year RSX (2006, I wouldn't count the new ones) for a long time so that's the closest comparison to this. I think the RSX felt a bit more sporty (I didn't have the Type S), but as for power they're a pretty close match, and I bet the Mazda 3 would smoke it off the line with it's torque heavy engine. I think the RSX looked more sporty too, it had probably a more mature styling to it that I appreciate now even more than I did when I owned one, but I will say every time I look at my Mazda 3 I like it more and more. I've seen a thousand of these on the road and never had a strong opinion on them, but my girl in red keeps growing on me, and when I take the dog out for walks I circle the car and look it over and understand it more and more. I have a 2018 fully loaded GT, and the interior is mostly it's strongest positive. The facelifted w204 is easily the nicest looking interior I've ever been in, and the accord maybe the most comfortable, but this is incredibly close to the accord in terms of comfort and only lacking in slightly worse seats and less room. The seats are great though, but the 2012 accords were some of the best I've say in. The fake leather has a great balance of firm and give to it, and what's even better is the whole interior is wrapped in a similar nice synthetic material that's a joy to be wrapped in. I've never owned a car where my arms are supported on both sides in such a comfortable manner. I'm 6'1 so I keep my seat low but I feel like I have a good deal of room, in fact, I test drove a 2023 (gen 4) Mazda 3 that was an incredible price, about $800 off from my 2018 and even less miles but the new interior design is nowhere close to as good as what we get in the gen 3. You have almost no room to spread your legs out in the newer models and that's a deal breaker for me. The one major weakness of the 2018's interior is the tablet on top of the dash looks hideous. I think I mentioned earlier my model is fully loaded, and I mean it. But what's that mean, a premium sound system, some exterior trim pieces tacked on? Nope, here we have some genuinely cool features. Adaptive headlights that turn with the wheel, a heads up display that's projected on a piece of clear plastic that raises up when you start the engine and can show speed, road signs, blind spot info, next GPS heading, etc. We have automatic windshield wipers, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, a great Bose sound system, paddle shifters. My car has more bells and whistles than my wife's high trim 2023 Tuscon. I really love my little Mazda, and I'm hoping to take it down some back roads to see if I can enjoy the driving part as much as some others do, as I've mostly spent time on the highway or in stop and go so far. This was a purchase I was unsure of 3 days ago when I made it, but every couple waking hours something pulls me to that car, whether to drive it or just to sit in it. I know now I've made a great choice.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Tom from Medford, Ma
    Owns this car
    April 30, 2022

    xxxxxxand Con’s

    I bought my Mazda 3 new in 2018. I am now moving on after only putting 17,000 miles on it. At the time, I bought it not looking for a Mazda at all. However, when I saw it, and the price was right, I said what the xxxx. Well, for me, it was ok at best. The car is way too rigid for my liking. I felt every single little road imperfection there was. It also made a super irritating rattling type noice when hitting said imperfections. It was louder than I thought on the highway and the power is mediocre. When you’re up to speed, it rides smooth and steady. But getting up to speed can be challenging. Also at times there seemed to be a lag or a sudden spike in rpm’s when on secondary roads. But, if you like a small, sporty car that has excellent handling, then this car fits the bill. I’m also 6’0” and it was pretty tough getting in and out. The build quality and style are definite pro’s. But I’m done with 4 cylinder engines. On to a 6 for me!
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 2.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 5.0
    19 people out of 23 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By permit3876 from Minneapolis, MN
    Owns this car
    April 10, 2021

    Was supposed to be for my daughter...

    but I loved this 2018 Mazda 3 HB so much, I kept it for myself! We needed a hatchback with good mileage & reasonable insurance rates for our college bound daughter. We drove just about every low - mid range hatchback out there: Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra GT, VW Golf etc. The Mazda 3 was not even on our radar. We just happened to see one at a car lot while test driving a Honda Fit. We really liked the look, so we took it for a spin. It was fabulous! Now to be clear, I'm NOT your typical small car guy. I've been driving a Suburban & Ford Flex Limited for the past 20 years. But this little car blew me away. Much more comfortable than any of the others we'd driven. It seemed to have more power/speed. It handled like a dream. The brakes were super. The interior was so much nicer than the others & it was loaded with option like heated seats, BLIS, power leather driver seat, moonroof, back up cam, navigation and a crisp & loud Bose sound system. The road noise was minimal. We bought it on the spot & plan to buy another one - for her -soon. Absolutely love this car. I didn't care for the radio controls (by shifter) at first - but now I don't think I'd have it any other way. Just a great little car! Averaging 32mpg combined.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    27 people out of 27 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Robert G from Minneapolis, Minnesota
    Owns this car
    April 8, 2021

    One of the best overall car's I've owned.

    I have never had such a perfect car. Mazda knew what they were doing designing this car. The interior is beautiful and the styling of the outside is sharp and stands out on the road. My only complaint about the vehicle is I wish the steering wheel came out like one more inch. It's not huge I can deal with it but since I'm 6'1 I have the seat all the way back and down. Besides that, this is as close as they come to a perfect car. Very reliable and fast, which is very hard to find in a vehicle of this class. Also a huge thanks to Mazda for not putting CVT's in your vehicles. I love the 6-speed automatic it works just fine and I have peace of mind that it's not going to have issues 35k miles into ownership.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    18 people out of 18 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Lynn from Peoria IL
    Owns this car
    March 10, 2021

    Great to still be shifting gears!

    Found this car online while seeking a slightly-used, mid-sized, sporty car with manual tranny. Drove out of town to get it, and it's been worth the trip so far! Sufficient pep makes it fun, while comfortable and well-featured.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    7 people out of 8 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Maddog from North Providence, Rhode Island
    Owns this car
    February 21, 2021

    Fun sporty car to drive

    The Mazda 3 is a great looking and fun to drive commuter car. It's reliable and economical aswell.as well. This is my second Mazda 3 I had a 2016 Mazda 3 Touring it was totaled in December just bought a 2018 Touring is one is better looking probably due to the rims are nicer than the 2016.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Mazda 3 GT Premium Hatchback Fan from Hawthorne
    Owns this car
    February 17, 2021

    GT Hatchback was a great choice

    Got the 2018 Mazda 3 GT Premium Hatchback with manual trans as the replacement for a 2000 BMW 323i 4 DR sedan (which has become the bad weather/shopping mall car). Selected based on Consumer Reports reliability and other online reviews. I'm 6 ft & it was the only car of this price class that I could sit in comfortably. Back seat is not made for adults. If I sit in back I have to move my knees to the side. Shifts smoother than the BMW. Love all of the safety features (that were included). Definitely fun and handles very well. The hatchback allows me to put larger items in the trunk & greatly reduces the amount of bending to load & unload. Due to pandemic I haven't used it very much. The gear range speed is much narrower than the BMW. The BMW could get to 35 in 1st, and this one screams at 20 in first. Because of the great disparity in features, I need to remind myself which car I'm in. Even the gas caps are on different sides of the two cars. The Mazda is much noisier at highway speed. I feel equally safe driving either car. I don't have the same feeling driving my companions RAV4. The seat isn't comfortable and the handling is not as smooth. I am very satisfied with my decision. Since I keep cars until the turn to junk I did buy the Mazda 10 year extended warranty, which covers everything except normal wear & tear parts like brakes and oil changes at any Mazda dealer in the US, Canada and Mexico.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    6 people out of 7 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Kushal from Lowell, MA
    Owns this car
    February 11, 2021

    Reliable and Fun to drive car.

    I bought a new mazda 3 2018, 30 months back and i have driven around 38 K miles and its performance hasn’t deteriorated a bit. Overall it’s a very fun to drive and very reliable car.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By rudy from rochester new york
    Owns this car
    February 9, 2021

    one of the best cars i/ve ever owned

    the mazda 3 hatchback is a great car. It was priced right. It rides great,very responsive. Very good on gas and very stylish. I have alot of cargo space and even more if i put one or both rear seats down.I would highly recommend this car !
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By JeanMT from Austin, TX
    Owns this car
    November 1, 2020

    My 2nd Mazda!

    I loved my older Mazda but wanted to get a newer one. It has even more features and suits my needs nicely. Very pleased with my choice!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    5 people out of 5 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Leene from Mine Hill, NJ
    Owns this car
    October 9, 2020

    My baby zoom, zooms!!

    LOVE THIS CAR! Bought new basic Mazda3 Sport Hatch (got totaled when tree fell on it in storm). Missed her so terribly that I bought a used Touring w/18K miles, which I love even more! Favs include heated seats, classy interior, alloy wheels, etc. Manual soooo much fun to drive w/ great control in snow! Highly recommend this car to anyone who loves to zoom, zoom!!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Pepa from Washington
    Owns this car
    September 18, 2020

    Super fun to drive!

    I truly love this car. It has a great quality/price ratio: it feels like a luxury car with all extras at a very moderate price.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Mazda dealers near you

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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2018 Mazda Mazda3?

The 2018 Mazda Mazda3 is available in 3 trim levels:

  • Grand Touring (4 styles)
  • Sport (4 styles)
  • Touring (4 styles)

What is the MPG of the 2018 Mazda Mazda3?

The 2018 Mazda Mazda3 offers up to 28 MPG in city driving and 38 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2018 Mazda Mazda3?

The 2018 Mazda Mazda3 compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2018 Mazda Mazda3 reliable?

The 2018 Mazda Mazda3 has an average reliability rating of 4.9 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2018 Mazda Mazda3 owners.

Is the 2018 Mazda Mazda3 a good Sedan?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2018 Mazda Mazda3. 97.1% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.8 / 5
Based on 207 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.8
  • Interior: 4.8
  • Performance: 4.8
  • Value: 4.8
  • Exterior: 4.8
  • Reliability: 4.9

Mazda Mazda3 history

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