Our love story continues.
VonAnnie WeissIt starts with Aristotle, like so many things, this idea that something can be more than the sum of its parts. Two people working together can build something better than two people working alone. A nimble chassis, smooth ride, smooth transmission, and responsive engine can transform an objectively ordinary car into a true delight, a fan favorite, and a smart buy. It's a strange alchemy, the process that turns several good things into one great thing, and we don't claim to fully understand it. But the good folks at Mazda certainly know that, and that's refreshing.mazda 3it is proof
repackaged and updated
Mazda hatslightly changed the list of 3 for 2017, Eliminating the confusing i and s designations, moving the expanded safety content to cheaper models, streamlining the front and rear bumper designs, and addingVectoring control G. Mazda also tells us that it worked to reduce cabin noise; Our tests registered 71 decibels at 70 mph in this vehicle, compared to 72 decibels we measureda 2015 modelwith the same powertrain.
The 3 tested here were a top-of-the-range grand tourer fitted with the only engine available in this version, a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre inline-four, and a six-speed manual gearbox (a six-speed manual). . -Cruise control is a $1050 option). A sedan costs $750 less, but we're happy to pay the premium for the extra storage space and easy-access tailgate. We also think the hatch looks better.
HIGHS: Telepathic direction; smooth and rewarding streaming; attractive design
Our $28,030 test car was generously equipped with the standard leather-wrapped Grand Touring interior, power seats, and a 7.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with redundant rotary controls. It also included the $1,600 Premium Equipment Package (LED lighting, adaptive headlamps, navigation, and heated steering wheel) and the $1,100 Active Safety Package (lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and the Mazda Intelligent Braking System). a form of automatic braking assistance). Most automakers do not allow US buyers to have these optional safety features with a manual transmission, preferring the car to be able to select gears itself when, for example, traffic conditions require cruise control. adaptive to reduce speed on the freeway. Operating between 18 and 160 km/h, Mazda's system warns the driver via a dashboard warning and buzzer to take control and downshift to prevent stalling in these circumstances.
photos to see
The Mazda 3 has been one of our favorite cars for years, a stapleour list of the 10 best carsand very dearlong-term test object, so we don't mind that the driving experience hasn't changed much. That's not to say that Mazda hasn't worked hard. The company's new G-Vectoring Control system is now standard on all Mazda 3s. It gradually reduces engine torque as the driver enters a turn, increasing load forces on the front tires to improve the vehicle's cornering ability. and reduce the number of steering corrections required to stay in the lane. It is designed to work without being detected in the background, and that is precisely what it does. Most drivers will notice that the 3 feels agile, with light but laser-precise steering and a Vulcan-mind-like understanding of driver intentions. It's this attention to the smallest aspects of the driving experience that makes the Mazda one of our all-time favorite cars.
Not so impressive numbers
You won't find the truth about our fondness for this car in our track test performance numbers. Naturally aspirated engine offers linear acceleration And it pairs so well with the slippery clutch and sharp gearbox that the inline 3's lack of urgency is a bit surprising. This took 7.4 seconds to accelerate from zero to 60 mph, just 0.1 seconds faster thana Mazda 3 we tested last yearwith the base 2.0-liter engine and a six-speed manual transmission. The 13.6 seconds it took this 3 to accelerate from 50 to 80 km/h in top gear (a test designed to replicate a pass without downshifting) was the slowest of any 2.5-speed that we have tested. The driver would normally downshift a gear or two (as automatic transmissions do in this very test), but that doesn't change the reality that this car was 2.1 seconds slower than ours in completing the above task.
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Braking wasn't exactly the best car either, it took a whopping 185 feet to stop at 70 mph, or 20 feet more than it took the long-term test car when it was so new. TOFord Focus SE EcoBoostThe car we tested earlier this year needed just 173 feet, while a Volkswagen Golf TSI needed just 168. Few cars in this segment beat the Mazda 3's 0.84-g grip on the skid pad, but many do, so it doesn't. he can be called the leader of the gang. The 3 got 34 mpg in our 75-mph, 200-mile highway fuel economy test, topping the EPA's 33-mpg rating. With its smaller displacement turbocharged engine, the 2016 VW Golf managed 40 mpg on the same test.
LOW: Doesn't roll off line easily; narrow rear seat; Poor rear visibility in the hatchback.
The Mazda 3's best attributes cannot be explained in terms of stopping distances or acceleration times. Rather, it's the subjective elements that make the Mazda great: the dutiful steering, the confidence-inspiring gearbox, the enthusiastic chassis, theluxurious interior. All the controls feel balanced and offer appropriate responses for equal efforts. This Mazda is the kind of car that brings out the best in the driver, even if it's just the daily commute. He's so easy to ride well that he breaks bad habits and instead tries to perfect every change and carve every corner.
Instead of giving us the fastest or lightest, most efficient or stickiest compact, Mazda gave us one of the best. And the company also offers it with a standard six-speed manual transmission in top equipment and with all modern technology. Were sold. Still.
Specifications
SPECIFICATIONS
2017 Mazda 3 2.5L hatchback
Vehicle Type: Front-engine, front-wheel drive, 5-passenger, 4-door hatchback
CONSULTED PRICE
$28,030 (base price: $23,895)
TYPE OF MOTOR
DOHC Atkinson 4-cylinder in-line 16-valve, aluminum block and cylinder head, direct injection
change
152 em3, 2488 centimeters3
Can
184 CV a 5700 rpm
torque
185 lb-ft bei 3250 U / min
TRANSMISSION
6-speed manual transmission
TIME
Wheelbase: 106.3 inches.
Length: 175.6 inches.
Width: 70.7 inches
Height: 57.3 inches
Passenger volume: 95 feet3
Load Volume: 20 feet3
Curb Weight: 3015 lbs.
CDTEST RESULTS
Zero to 60 mph: 7.4 seconds
Zero to 100mph: 19.4 seconds
Zero to 120 km/h: 32.5 s
Steady takeoff, 5-60 mph: 8.1 seconds
Maximum gear, 30-50 mph: 13.6 seconds
Maximum gear, 50-70 mph: 12.4 seconds
¼ mile standing: 15.7 seconds at 91 mph
Top speed (limited by governor): 132 mph
Braking, 70-0 mph: 185 feet
Road resistance, 300-foot diameter skid pad: 0.84 g
FUEL SAVINGS
EPA-estimated city/highway driving: 25/33 mpg
CD75 mph, 200 miles on familiar highways: 34 mpg
CDObserved range: 440 miles
c/d test explained
Annie Weiss
co-editor
Annie White has written and edited forcar and driversince 2016. He has two Chevrolet HHRs. He was wrong both times.
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FAQs
Is 2017 Mazda3 hatchback a good car? ›
The 2017 Mazda3 is a good car for those who want excellent cornering ability and crisp steering. It's available as a sedan or hatchback, and it has two zippy engines that return great gas mileage. The Mazda3's elegant cabin has an intuitive touch-screen infotainment system.
Is a 2017 Mazda3 worth buying? ›The 2017 Mazda 3 should be right at the top of your list if you're looking for a compact car that doesn't feel cheap or entry-level. For the last several years, the Mazda 3 has been one of our favorite compact cars thanks to its upscale interior, fun-to-drive personality and easy-to-use infotainment controls.
What are the most common problems with Mazda3? ›Transmission Problems
Some owners have reported hearing their gears grinding when shifting from third to fourth gear due to worn-out bearings. Some drivers lost all power from their vehicles while on the road, causing the check engine light and electronic stability control light to illuminate.
2017 Mazda3 fuel economy and range
It can achieve up to 28 miles per gallon in the city and 37 on the highway; with a tank capacity of 13.2 gallons, that translates to an available range of about 488 miles!
Summary: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Mazda3 vehicles. A defective windshield wiper relay may cause the windshield wipers to become inoperative, reducing the driver's visibility.
Is the Mazda3 hatchback reliable? ›The 2023 Mazda3 has a predicted reliability score of 77 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average, and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.
What are the cons of Mazda 3? ›- The 2023 Mazda3 is one of our favorite compact cars. ...
- Driving enthusiasts will find a lot to love in the Mazda3, as Mazda still offers a nice six-speed manual transmission on the hatchback model.
Six-month ownership verdict
Overall, the Mazda3 Turbo Hatchback is one of the best daily drivers on the market. It's fun (and no, it doesn't need a manual transmission), practical, stylish, economical, safe, luxurious, loaded with tech, and more. I would spring for the top trim like mine, the Premium Plus.
Quick Answer: Avoid the 2004, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014 Models. While far from a disaster, the first year of the Mazda3 model line did have a few more issues than the following years, with a few transmission and engine problems, plus some issues with the headlights and air conditioning unit.
What Mazdas to avoid? ›...
Used Cars to Avoid Buying.
| Model | Year(s) to Avoid | |
|---|---|---|
| Lincoln | Nautilus | 2019 |
| Mazda | CX-3 | 2017 |
| Mazda | CX-9 | 2013 |
| Mercedes-Benz | C-Class | 2016 |
How long does Mazda 3 clutch last? ›
Similar to brake pads, clutches do not have a recommended replacement mileage. They do wear out, but some will last over 100,000 miles.
Do Mazda3 hold their value? ›The 2021 Mazda 3 is our top pick for the best model year value for the 3. With the 2021, you would only pay, on average, 91% of the price as new, with 92% of the vehicle's useful life remaining. The 2022 and 2020 model years are also attractive years for the 3, and provide a relatively good value.
Which Mazda is the most reliable? ›The Mazda model that is the most reliable and ranks the highest in its vehicle category is the Mazda MX-5 Miata, which ranks 1 out of 9 Most Reliable Convertibles. Following the MX-5 Miata is the Mazda Mazda6 and the Mazda CX-3. You can see the rest of the Mazda vehicles and their rankings below.
What is the longest lasting Mazda? ›The Mazda6 is rated as one of the most reliable cars
The midsize Mazda6 makes the iSeeCars list for longest-lasting cars, slotting in 10th behind a host of Toyota and Honda products. With a potential lifespan of 203,154 miles, it is the longest-lasting Mazda model.
To get straight to the heart of the matter: Only the very first turbo-diesel Mazda 3 from around 2007 (to about 2009) has a timing belt and the rest have a chain.
Does Mazda 3 have transmission problems? ›Mazda never officially explained what was causing this issue. Yet, many mechanics have found that it's because the bearings get worn when transmission changes gears. This leads to major transmission problems that can cost thousands of dollars to fix.
What does the wrench mean on a 2017 Mazda3? ›The wrench is your friend! This is your Mazda vehicle's way of telling you that it's time to come in for scheduled maintenance.
Is Honda Civic better than Mazda3? ›The fully redesigned 2022 Honda Civic has dethroned the Mazda3, which earned our Best Buy award for the past two years.
How many miles does a Mazda3 hatchback last? ›In the south or west - 300000 miles pretty easily if they're maintained. In the North and Northeast it'll probably rust out to the point of uselessness after 175000 miles or about 15 years if daily driven. How many miles does a 2005 Mazda Tribute typically last? I am going to buy one that has 300,000 miles.
Are Mazda3 expensive to repair? ›In addition to Mazda's notorious reliability, it is also one of the more affordable vehicles to maintain and repair. So if you're asking yourself, “are Mazda cars expensive to fix?” you're in luck, as Mazda's annual maintenance costs average around $462.
Why is the Mazda 3 so good? ›
The Mazda 3 is a smooth ride, there's plenty of legroom in the front and surprising amount of space in the back despite the car's compact size. The manual transmission is slick and easy, while the automatic version glides like a dream. There's plenty of power, but the car doesn't strain.
Are all Mazda 3 made in Japan? ›Mazda makes most of its vehicles at one of three plants in Japan, two in Hiroshima and one in Yamaguchi. With that said, Mazda does have one plant that makes Mazda3 sedans in Salamanca, Mexico for the North American market, and is currently constructing another plant in Huntsville, Alabama.
Are Mazdas expensive to fix? ›On average, Mazda models are less expensive to repair than the industry average for all vehicles. Depending on how frequently your vehicle requires maintenance, the average cost will range.
How often do you change the transmission fluid in a Mazda 3? ›As a result, there's not really much maintenance to perform. Still, most owner's manuals will recommend changing the transmission fluid every 90,000 miles or so.
Is a Mazda 3 good on insurance? ›Is a Mazda 3 expensive to insure? A Mazda 3 is considered to be a sports car by some companies, which can drive up the cost of coverage. For example, the average cost of insuring a 2020 Mazda 3 is about $1,400 per year, which is above the national average of $1,056.55.
Is a Mazda 3 cheap to insure? ›Mazda insurance rates by model
The Mazda3 Sedan Hatchback is the most expensive model to insure, at $3,466 per year — despite the fact both vehicles cost about $22,000 to buy. Currently insured? *CX-3 and Mazda6 were discontinued in 2022, so insurance rates listed are for the 2021 model year.
Overview. Although it's priced just like other compacts, the 2023 Mazda 3 aspires to compete with more premium cars—and in many ways it does. The 3 is available as either a sedan or a hatchback, and both are equally as handsome and agile.
What are the cons of Mazda3? ›- The 2023 Mazda3 is one of our favorite compact cars. ...
- Driving enthusiasts will find a lot to love in the Mazda3, as Mazda still offers a nice six-speed manual transmission on the hatchback model.