Mazda Mazda3 vs. Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI Reliability Comparisons
You won't find Mazda Mazda3 or Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI reliability information like this anywhere else. Actual repair frequencies, not just vague dots, to make it clear how much the Mazda Mazda3 and the Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI truly differ in reliability. These stats are promptly updated four times a year, to much more closely track Mazda Mazda3 and Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI reliability as the cars age. Others tell you how reliable the Mazda Mazda3 and the Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI were a year ago, when the cars were a year younger and had 12,000 fewer miles on them. Only TrueDelta tells you how reliable the Mazda Mazda3 and the Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI have been recently.
See Mazda Mazda3 vs. Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI price comparisonSee what people are saying about Mazda Mazda3 reliability
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Mazda Mazda3 Reliability through December 31, 2012
An asterisk (*) marks results based on small sample sizes.
General NotesModels and statistics marked with an asterisk (*) have very low sample sizes. These results, visible only to logged-in members, provide only a rough estimate of car reliability.Any result under 20 repair trips per 100 cars is likely a result of the small sample size, and should be expected to increase to 20 or so in future updates.
New models often start out with high repair rates, and then improve as the manufacturer identifies and addresses common problems. MethodologyOnly successfully completed repairs are currently included in the analysis. Routine maintenance, most wear items, recalls, and problems fixed with just a reflash or warning light reset are not included.
What People Are Saying about Reliability and the Mazda Mazda3
blog comments powered by DisqusWhat Our Members Are Saying about Mazda Mazda3 Reliability and Durability
| Reliability and Durability of the Mazda Mazda3: Pros | ||
| Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
| 2011 | 4dr Sedan 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Consumer Reports top rated is always a good choice. |
| 2011 | 4dr Sedan 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Reputation for reliability. |
| 2010 | 4dr Sedan 148-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
I have been impressed with previous Mazdas I have owned. The 3 was well rated with CR and other automotive sites. |
| 2010 | 4dr Sedan 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
I;ve had them in past and have had no warranty issues and other than regular maintenance had not had to take them in to get serviced. |
| 2010 | 4dr Sedan 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Mazda has been a reliable purveyor of fun cars, and its Mazda 3 is no disappointment. The new-for-2010 version features overhauled sheetmetal and extra cabin refinement, and a 3 s Sport model. |
| 2010 | 4dr Hatch 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Always rated well |
| 2009 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 263hp 2.3L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
reliabiilty is excellent so far. both rear shocks leaked after about 65,000 miles. one oxygen sensor replacemnent. that is it so far. made in hiroshima says it all i guess |
| 2009 | 4dr Sedan 148-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Have owned other Mazdas and liked them. |
| 2008 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 263hp 2.3L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
good history, from friends |
| 2008 | 4dr Sedan 148-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
The Mazda3 series all the way back to the 323 and GLC have been solid cars. This is because these are the models Mazda sells worldwide and the expectations are high as well as the environment being hard on the cars in some of these countries. |
| 2008 | 4dr Sedan 148-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Car has a great reliability record according to my research. So far no complaints but my car only has about 5k on it. |
| 2008 | 4dr Sedan 148-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Highest level reliability rating by Consumer Reports |
| 2008 | 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
After 5 years of ownership and 67,000 miles, there were no major repairs. The only issue was a A/C filter problem that was fixed under warranty 2 years in. |
| 2008 | 4dr Sedan 148-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
The Mazda3 has had no repairs, and has only received regular maintenance. Likewise I have used this car for more than 55k miles in two years including several 12+ hour drives with no issues at all. |
| 2007 | 4dr Sedan 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Solid Car. No rattling or vibrating in cockpit after 70,000km. Strong engine. |
| 2007 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 263hp 2.3L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Above average reliability rating by Consumer Reports. |
| 2007 | 4dr Sedan 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Research showed this car to be as reliable as the Honda Civic that I was shopping it against. Experience has borne this out. |
| 2007 | 4dr Sedan 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Always dependable and durable |
| 2006 | 4dr Hatch 160-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
no unscheduled maintenance in four years |
| 2006 | 4dr Sedan 160-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
excellent quality and durability. No serious issues for 60,000 miles ecept for the AC compressor. |
| 2006 | 4dr Hatch 160-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Rates well. |
| 2006 | 4dr Hatch 160-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
This is my second mazda that I have owned. I have had only one problem so far with either car. That was a purge valve on the mazda 3. Mazda is a pretty reliable car. |
| 2006 | 4dr Hatch 160-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Zero issues in 2+ years and 35k. Low routine maintenance cost. |
| 2006 | 4dr Hatch 160-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
So far it has held up well, but it only has about 20K miles on it. |
| 2005 | 4dr Sedan 160-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Very durable even in a off-road country environment. With many trips off-road including towing light recreation trailers (kayak/bike/motocross) no problems have risen from these expeditions. |
| 2005 | 4dr Sedan 148-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Never had a problem yet and not expecting one either. |
| 2005 | 4dr Sedan 160-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
It has been a sound car |
| 2004 | 4dr Hatch 160-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Good reputation and affordable repairs if any. |
| 2004 | 4dr Sedan 160-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
I took a bit of a chance here, since the 3 was a new model at the time, but I guessed it would be as reliable as the Protege was. So far that seems to be mostly correct. |
| Reliability and Durability of the Mazda Mazda3: Cons | ||
| Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
| 2010 | 4dr Hatch 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
The drivetrain reliability on this car is awful. Clutch started failing at 40K, axles have gone bad, wheel bearings have gone bad, suspension has been replaced.. |
| 2010 | 4dr Sedan 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
According to various sources it is not as good as Honda/Toyota. I had 0 problems with the 3. In equal time and distance the Corrola had given me some light headache though. |
| 2009 | 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
I got this from previous owner. |
| 2008 | 4dr Sedan 148-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
My alternator went out after 10,000 miles of gentle driving. It happened to fail as I was driving through the coastal Oregon mountains, causing me to lose power steering intermittently on the twisties. Inexcusable for modern, brand-new automobile!! |
| 2008 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 263hp 2.3L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
turbo might be unreliable |
| 2006 | 4dr Sedan 160-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Perhaps I have a lemon or drive it too hard, but have replaced: Clutch at 22k (free fix from dealer) Right Axle (CV joints clicking) at 65k ($480 part!) Left Axle (CV joints) starting to click Broken engine mount (rear, #3 I think) at 50k inspection |
| 2006 | 4dr Hatch 160-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
I am getting an intermittent CEL coming on, and it seems to be missing every now and then. Not sure if it is bad tank of gas, or a plug is dirty, but it is a little disconcerting. Sometimes when you pull away you feel it jerk a little, and then it kicksin |
| 2005 | 4dr Sedan 160-horsepower 2.3L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Had several repairs during warranty. None engine related except one. Nearly every repair was covered by a TSB so known problems. Plus developed rust on inside door panels due to improper factory clean;Mazda has a lot of problems with rust in this model |
| 2004 | 4dr Sedan 160-horsepower 2.3L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
No major problems but there are still some problems with brake dust in the rear. Had to have the front passenger window fixed (got loose). Purge valve was found defective. Transmission 2nd gear shifted hard until the software was updated. |
What Our Members Are Saying about Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI Reliability and Durability
None of our members have yet commented on the reliability and durability of the Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI.
