Toyota Corolla vs. Mazda Mazda3 Price Comparison
TrueDelta features the Internet's most balanced and thorough car price and
features comparison between the Toyota Corolla and Mazda Mazda3. Including:
- TrueDelta Car Value Comparison
- Price/Invoice Comparison
- Feature Comparison
- Specs Comparison
- What Our Members Are Saying
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Toyota Corolla
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Mazda Mazda3
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Summary
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For the Toyota Corolla vs. Mazda Mazda3 price comparison, we have first equipped the cars with selected features. The specific options added are shown in the Corolla vs. Mazda3 Price Comparison table. If you want to know how much the Corolla and Mazda3 will cost with the features you specified, this is the table to check. In this case, the Mazda Mazda3 s Grand Touring's price is $1,481 lower than the Toyota Corolla XRS's price |
TrueDelta Value Comparison: Toyota Corolla vs. Mazda Mazda3
| Lowest Adjusted Price and Invoice: Mazda Mazda3 s Grand Touring | |||
| TrueDelta Adjusted Price Difference: 1,481 | |||
| TrueDelta Adjusted Invoice Difference: 167 | |||
| Model Year | 2006 | 2012 | 2012 |
| Model | Corolla | Mazda3 | Mazda3 |
| Trim | XRS | s Touring | s Grand Touring |
| Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan |
| Engine | 164hp I4 | 167hp I4 | 167hp I4 |
| Transmission | M6 | M6 | M6 |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| EPA Fuel Economy (city/highway) | 26/34 MPG | 20/28 MPG | 20/28 MPG |
| Audio (watts, speakers | ?, 6 | 265, 10 | 265, 10 |
| Tire (rear if not all the same) | 195/55-16 | 205/50-17 | 205/50-17 |
| Total Price | 20,661 | 22,185 | 23,785 |
| Adjustments for Features | 0 | -2,230 | -4,605 |
| Feature-Adjusted Total Price | 20,661 | 19,955 | 19,180 |
| Cost Above Minimum | 0 | 775 | 0 |
| Total Invoice | 18,527 | 21,240 | 22,768 |
| Adjustments for Features | 0 | -2,135 | -4,408 |
| Feature-Adjusted Total Invoice | 18,527 | 19,105 | 18,360 |
| Cost Above Minimum | 0 | 745 | 0 |
Invoice Comparison: Toyota Corolla vs. Mazda Mazda3
Price Comparison (MSRP): Toyota Corolla vs. Mazda Mazda3The sticker prices, before adjusting for remaining feature differences. Usually these are the numbers you will see on the window stickers.
Models in short supply often sell at or even above these prices.
Models in short supply often sell at or even above these prices.
| Lowest Total Price: Toyota Corolla XRS | |||
| Difference: 1,524 | |||
| Lowest Total Invoice: Toyota Corolla XRS | |||
| Difference: 2,713 | |||
| Model Year | 2006 | 2012 | 2012 |
| Model | Corolla | Mazda3 | Mazda3 |
| Trim | XRS | s Touring | s Grand Touring |
| Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan |
| Base Price | 17,880 | 21,300 | 22,900 |
| Base Invoice | 16,179 | 20,373 | 21,901 |
| Power Package | 605 | ||
| Moon Roof/Side Airbags Package | 1,400 | ||
| Floor mats | 88 | ||
| Cargo net | 49 | 40 | 40 |
| Cargo mat | 59 | 50 | 50 |
| Power Package | 484 | 0 | 0 |
| Moon Roof/Side Airbags Package | 1,159 | 0 | 0 |
| Floor mats | 55 | 0 | 0 |
| Cargo net | 34 | 32 | 32 |
| Cargo mat | 36 | 40 | 40 |
| Total options | 2,201 | 90 | 90 |
| Total options | 1,768 | 72 | 72 |
| Destination | 580 | 795 | 795 |
| Total Price | 20,661 | 22,185 | 23,785 |
| Total Invoice | 18,527 | 21,240 | 22,768 |
While we strive for accuracy, the site is not error-free, and prices can change at any time.
What Our Members Are Saying about the Price of the the Toyota Corolla
| Price of the Toyota Corolla: Pros | ||
| Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
| 2010 | 4dr Sedan 132-horsepower 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic FWD | The payment on the car is less than 300 a month for a nicely equipped car. |
| 2010 | 4dr Sedan 132-horsepower 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic FWD | The Corolla provides a lot of "bang for the buck" in my mind. It has all the things I need in a car, all the things I wanted in a car, and even a few minor fun "bells and whistles" for good measure - all at a price I can afford easily. |
| 2009 | 4dr Sedan 132-horsepower 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic FWD | Decided to go with Corolla because it was several thousand cheaper over civic for similar features. |
| 2009 | 4dr Sedan 132-horsepower 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD | I felt this car was reasonable price for its class. |
| 2008 | 4dr Sedan 126-horsepower 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD | Low interest rate on lease payments. Reasonably priced car while well equipped. |
| 2007 | 4dr Sedan 126-horsepower 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic FWD | we got a pretty good price (before tax,tags and title fees) from a ford dealership. Bought in 2010, it was a used 2007 model. |
| 2007 | 4dr Sedan 126-horsepower 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic FWD | Low payments and priced right, it seems that newer corollas can be had for what you would have paid for a new vehicle 2 or 3 years earlier. |
| 2007 | 4dr Sedan 126-horsepower 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic FWD | I only took the automatic transmission option and it was one of the cheapest. Interest rate was only at 1.7% for me. |
| 2006 | 4dr Sedan 126-horsepower 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic FWD | Paid $14,500 |
| 2006 | 4dr Sedan 126-horsepower 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic FWD | Great pricing, easy financing |
| 2005 | 4dr Sedan 130-horsepower 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic FWD | Purchased new, well-equipped for the market segment for 15k. Very competitive pricing relative to lesser known (by me) brands. |
| 2005 | 4dr Sedan 130-horsepower 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD | It was what I felt I could afford at the time I had to replace my 1995 Saturn SL1. |
| 2003 | 4dr Sedan 130-horsepower 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD | low price |
| 2003 | 4dr Sedan 130-horsepower 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD | A/C, power window, power door lock, ABS, side airbag, rear spoiler, alloy wheel, 6 speakers, remote keyless entry, and more for $16,000 brand new. |
| Price of the Toyota Corolla: Cons | ||
| Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
| 2010 | 4dr Sedan 132-horsepower 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic FWD | This may just be a little quirk with me/my location but I could not find it cheaper used anywhere in Texas. I guess on the other side though, it was one of the cheaper Pre-Owned Certified vehicles I was trying to find. Another one was a 2011 Honda Fit asking was 15k but had 40k miles for example. I bought this one for 13.7k (full bumper to bumper coverage for next 4 years) so you can't be too sure. |
| 2009 | 4dr Sedan 132-horsepower 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic FWD | Its expensive compared to Sentra, Elantra and Lancer, while providing the same or less features. Also mainteinance is expensive but is because the brand, not the car. |
| 2009 | 4dr Sedan 132-horsepower 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic FWD | More expensive than a Focus (but more car, too, and better resale value for sure). |
| 2008 | 4dr Sedan 126-horsepower 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic FWD | Not as much of a bargain for what you get and the payments were too high for a boring daily-driver. |
| 2005 | 4dr Sedan 130-horsepower 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic FWD | sort of upmarket cost for a dinky little eonobox with crappy handling. But I guess you pay for the fact that it will biodegrade before it will wear out. |
What Our Members Are Saying about the Price of the the Mazda Mazda3
| Price of the Mazda Mazda3: Pros | ||
| Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
| 2011 | 4dr Sedan 148-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD | Well priced, very reasonable, plus they often have 0% financing. |
| 2010 | 4dr Sedan 148-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD | When doing my research prior to purchasing a new vehicle, the Mazda very quickly rose to the top as the value leader in the segment. It offers a ton of higher-end standard features, such as auto headlgihts, rain-sensing wipers, and bluetooth standard for a price lower than most of its competitors. |
| 2010 | 4dr Hatch 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD | Super cheap. |
| 2010 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 263hp 2.3L I4 6-speed manual FWD | Compared to the Rallyart Sportback and the WRX wagon, you get a lot for your money. |
| 2010 | 4dr Sedan 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD | Lot of features available for the price ... got nice leather seats for less money than I had in my Toyota SUV. |
| 2010 | 4dr Hatch 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD | This car is dirt cheap, even with a fair amount of options it comes out to be in the low 20s. |
| 2010 | 4dr Hatch 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD | Great value for price. |
| 2009 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 263hp 2.3L I4 6-speed manual FWD | Affordable car compared to comparable performance vehicles. |
| 2009 | 4dr Sedan 148-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD | It was a better value and deal. |
| 2009 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 263hp 2.3L I4 6-speed manual FWD | When I bought the vehicle, I felt like I got a lot of car for the money - especially in the performance department. |
| 2009 | 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD | Very cheap... I bought an 09 brand new off the lot that was fitted with 18" chrome rims and Mazdaspeed exhaust and cold-air intake. All of that was added from the dealer and it still only cost me $360/month. And that is in CANADA...Unbelievable deal |
| 2008 | 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD | CHEAP! |
| 2008 | 4dr Sedan 148-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD | Low and reasonable. Best bang for your buck. |
| 2008 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 263hp 2.3L I4 6-speed manual FWD | As far as bang for the buck, $22,205 gets you a brand new serious pocket rocket with surprising comfort, utility, and good looks as well. |
| 2007 | 4dr Sedan 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD | Price/option was a win over the Civic. |
| 2007 | 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD | The price was great which is why I bought it. The GT is a great deal. I got S-Plan pricing, so it was an even better deal. |
| 2007 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 263hp 2.3L I4 6-speed manual FWD | Normally, performance comes with a big price tag; not this one. |
| 2007 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 263hp 2.3L I4 6-speed manual FWD | Best bang for the buck among competitors. |
| 2007 | 4dr Sedan 148-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD | Decent pricing, but still higher than Hyundai. |
| 2007 | 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD | Excellent value for the money. |
| 2006 | 4dr Hatch 160-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD | Mazda has priced the mazda 3 to be competative with other cars in the same class. |
| 2006 | 4dr Hatch 160-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD | Competitive price for Japanese made car |
| 2006 | 4dr Sedan 160-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD | A new, well equipped S model comes in well below $20000. This compares well with other cars in its class with similar features and performance. |
| 2006 | 4dr Hatch 160-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD | The vehicle is priced very well in its segment considering its strengths and overall quality. |
| 2005 | 4dr Sedan 160-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD | It cost slightly less than a contemporary Civic or Corolla, but offered vastly better performance, handling, and features for the money. I found it comparable to an Acura TSX, for $10,000 less. |
| 2005 | 4dr Hatch 160-horsepower 2.3L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD | I was able to purchase my car with ABS, side airbags, auto trans, sunroof, 6 speaker stereo, 17" wheels, the aforementioned nice interior, and 2.3L motor for under $20k, which seemed like a good value to me. |
| 2005 | 4dr Hatch 160-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD | Dealer agreed to what I was offering which was way too less :) |
| 2005 | 4dr Hatch 160-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD | they were low |
| 2004 | 4dr Hatch 160-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD | Priced well for the value, especially used. |
| Price of the Mazda Mazda3: Cons | ||
| Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
| 2012 | 4dr Hatch 155-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD | The price difference between this and the Elantra is a few thousand dollars when looking at features. When adding extended warranties, the gap widens. |
| 2010 | 4dr Hatch 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 6-speed manual FWD | Decent value, but too expensive considering the drivetrain problems I have experienced. |
| 2010 | 4dr Hatch 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 6-speed manual FWD | Another dealership would not even consider discounting the 2010 Mazda 3, only offering incentives on remaining 2009 models. |
| 2009 | 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD | high price of car and interest |
| 2009 | 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD | Discounts are harder to come by than other brands, particularly domestic automakers due to the popularity of the 3. |
| 2008 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 263hp 2.3L I4 6-speed manual FWD | I have no complaints about price or payments. Car is best buy for the performance and a blast to drive. Overall cost may be excessive for some if not interested in handling and performance. Also, car requires premium fuel. |
| 2008 | 4dr Sedan 148-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD | Price was too high for the features that came with it |
| 2007 | 4dr Sedan 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD | It certainly cost less than the TSX, but for the $3-5k difference, I got a LOT more than that value in performance, handling, features, craftsmanship... This was one of my biggest deciding factors. |
| 2006 | 4dr Hatch 160-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD | It came out more than 5k higher than the Elantra, cash purchase price. (My wife and I always pay cash). |
Features Comparison: Toyota Corolla vs. Mazda Mazda3
| Model Year | 2006 | 2012 | 2012 |
| Model | Corolla | Mazda3 | Mazda3 |
| Trim | XRS | s Touring | s Grand Touring |
| Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan |
| Transmission and Drivetrain | |||
| 6-speed manual | $150 | $150 | $150 |
| FWD | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Accessories | |||
| Proximity key | $250 | $250 | |
| Tilt steering wheel, manual | $150 | ||
| Tilt/telescoping steering wheel, manual | $250 | $250 | |
| Brakes, Airbags, and Other Safety | |||
| Brake assist | $50 | $50 | |
| Front seat active head restraints | $50 | $50 | |
| Stability control | $400 | $400 | |
| Traction control | $100 | $100 | |
| Climate Control and Infotainment | |||
| Audio controls on steering wheel | $125 | $125 | |
| Automatic climate control, front | $200 | $200 | |
| Aux input | $100 | $100 | |
| Bluetooth audio streaming | $25 | $25 | |
| Bluetooth cell phone link | $100 | $100 | |
| Dual-zone climate control | $125 | $125 | |
| Intermittent wipers | $0 | ||
| MP3-compatible player | $50 | $50 | |
| Navigation system | $600 | ||
| Surround sound | $250 | $250 | |
| Variable intermittent wipers | $75 | $75 | |
| Exterior | |||
| Body kit | $350 | ||
| Bodyside moldings | $75 | ||
| Bright-finished exhaust tip(s) | $50 | $50 | |
| Instruments, Lights, and Mirrors | |||
| Heated mirrors | $25 | ||
| Illuminated visor mirror, driver | $50 | $50 | |
| Illuminated visor mirror, passenger | $50 | $50 | |
| Trip computer | $150 | $150 | |
| Turn signals on or near mirrors | $25 | $25 | |
| Visor mirror, driver | $10 | ||
| Visor mirror, passenger | $10 | ||
| Seats and Interior Trim | |||
| Center armrest(s), second row | $50 | $50 | |
| Folding second row seats | $300 | $300 | |
| Heated front seats | $300 | ||
| Leather seating surfaces | $900 | ||
| Manual height adjuster, driver seat | $50 | $50 | |
| Memory system, driver seat | $200 | ||
| Power fore-aft adjuster, driver seat | $100 | ||
| Power height adjuster, driver seat | $100 | ||
| Power recliner, driver seat | $100 | ||
| Power tilt adjuster, driver seat | $100 | ||
| Suspension, Wheels, and Tires | |||
| Sport suspension (upgrade) | $0 | ||
| Total Value of Features | $795 | $3,025 | $5,400 |
| Value of Feature Adjustments | $0 | $2,230 | $4,605 |
| Value of Feature Adjustments | 0 | -2,135 | -4,408 |
Specifications Comparison: Toyota Corolla vs. Mazda Mazda3
| Model Year | 2006 | 2012 |
| Model | Corolla | Mazda3 |
| Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan |
| Wheelbase | 102.4 in | 103.9 in |
| Length | 178.3 in | 180.9 in |
| Width | 66.9 in | 69.1 in |
| Height | 58.5 in | 57.9 in |
| Curb Weight | 2,670 lb. | 3,024 lb. |
| Fuel Capacity | 13.2 gal. | 14.5 gal. |
| Row 1 Headroom | 39.3 in | 38.1 in |
| Row 1 Shoulder Room | 53.1 in | 54.9 in |
| Row 1 Hip Room | 51.9 in | 53.7 in |
| Row 1 Legroom | 41.3 in | 42.0 in |
| Row 2 Headroom | 37.1 in | 37.4 in |
| Row 2 Shoulder Room | 53.5 in | 54.0 in |
| Row 2 Hip Room | 46.2 in | 52.2 in |
| Row 2 Legroom | 35.4 in | 36.2 in |
| Cargo Volume | 13.5 ft3 | 11.8 ft3 |
Option Package Details
XRS
| Power Package | ||
| Feature | Value | Requested? |
| Power front side windows | 250 | Yes |
| Remote keyless entry | 225 | Yes |
| Power rear side windows | 200 | No |
| Total Requested | 475 | 70% |
| Total Not Requested | 200 | 30% |
| Moon Roof/Side Airbags Package | ||
| Feature | Value | Requested? |
| Front side airbags | 350 | Yes |
| Side curtain airbags | 350 | Yes |
| Sunroof | 900 | Yes |
| Total Requested | 1600 | 100% |
| Total Not Requested | 0 | 0% |
Dealer Price Quotes
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Want to find out how much dealers are willing to discount these cars? Request free, no-obligation Toyota Corolla price quotes or Mazda Mazda3 price quotes from dealers using our car quote form. You can also request quotes from our partner PriceQuotes.com in the sidebar and motivate dealers to compete for your business by offering the lowest possible price. The process is easy and takes just a minute or two. You'll receive price quotes from local approved dealers within 48 hours. |
What Our Members Are Saying about Toyota Corolla Materials and Workmanship
| Available Features of the Toyota Corolla: Pros | ||
| Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
| 2011 | 4dr Sedan 132-horsepower 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
For an entry level car it seems put together well. No noises indicating loose parts, no odd rattles, every window seam was solidly affixed. A lot of little things that wear quickly or look poorly installed were not present in the Corolla. |
| 2009 | 4dr Sedan 132-horsepower 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
No problem so far. I use the car daily for work commute and then to carry two kids around. gave it a good clean up last week, look as good as new. |
| 2007 | 4dr Sedan 126-horsepower 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
The interior seemed to be made of high quality expensive looking materils that fit mostly well together, I did have to have dealer repair a couple panels that did not fit as well together as most of the other trim pieces did |
| 2007 | 4dr Sedan 126-horsepower 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
No rattles, good fit, good materials |
| 2006 | 4dr Sedan 126-horsepower 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
The interior has a quality sturdy feel, with no loose or hollow plastic moldings that i've seen on other cars. |
| 2006 | 4dr Sedan 126-horsepower 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Again, very high quality and very durable. I've put 70,000 km's on it over 4 years and it still looks good inside and out. Nothing a good vacuum and polish can't clean up. |
| 2006 | 4dr Sedan 126-horsepower 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Fit and finish are very good both interior and exterior. |
| 2003 | 4dr Sedan 130-horsepower 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
Very nice inside, not luxury but def comfortable. |
| 2003 | 4dr Sedan 130-horsepower 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
Even after 190K km, the Corolla still feels tight and well made. |
| Materials and Workmanship of the Toyota Corolla: Cons | ||
| Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
| 2010 | 4dr Sedan 132-horsepower 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
Interior is full of cheap rubbermaid plastics that are ultra hard and creaky. |
| 2009 | 4dr Sedan 132-horsepower 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
Interior was not as well finished as the Sentra and materials seemed cheaper |
| 2009 | 4dr Sedan 132-horsepower 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
Poorly designed new engine has mechanical noises when started and runs rough when first started. |
| 2008 | 4dr Sedan 126-horsepower 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
Possible this is only my Corolla, but the exterior seems to be falling apart, roof trim peels, dash rattles, rear bumper cover is always loose. Speedo off by 5-10%, braking clunks. Dealership says this is normal. Toyota has let me down. Have owned 2.5 |
What Our Members Are Saying about Mazda Mazda3 Materials and Workmanship
| Available Features of the Mazda Mazda3: Pros | ||
| Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
| 2011 | 4dr Sedan 148-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Top notch assembly quality, materials, fit and finish. |
| 2011 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 263hp 2.3L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Fit and finish is superb. Nothing feels cheap and the plastics seem durable and strong. |
| 2011 | 4dr Sedan 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Great fit and finish. |
| 2010 | 4dr Sedan 148-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Almost as good as a VW rabbit/jetta, otherwise better than all others in this semi-economy class. More thoughtful in design and materials than other Asian vehicles. Ford focus is the only American vehicle that comes close. |
| 2010 | 4dr Sedan 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
The 2010 Mazda 3 was made 100% in Japan. Over there quality control is 10x more stricter than that of the United States. |
| 2010 | 4dr Hatch 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
The materials used in the interior are quality and feel well put together. There are no creaks or squeaks, and the car feels very solid overall. |
| 2010 | 4dr Hatch 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Quality of the interior parts are far superior. Soft dashboard materials, easy to use knobs and dials, well stitched leather seats, soft vinyl arm rests |
| 2009 | 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Simply put, its hard to find a nicer interior for a vehicle costing anywhere near what the 3 costs. The whole car is put together very solidly. |
| 2009 | 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
The 3 has a very solid feel about it. While lower trim models are somewhat spartan as far as feature content, you never feel like materials and workmanship were compromised. |
| 2008 | 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Interior materials (incl. leather upholstery) significantly better than average for this market segment. |
| 2008 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 263hp 2.3L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
The materials used for the interior met my expectations. It looks nice inside and out. Being that is a Mazda, the reliablity is there. I have seen older versions of Mazda around California and to my amazement, many people still want them. |
| 2008 | 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
It is built in Japan, and the fit and finish are great. It is a solidly built car. It feels and looks well made. Cant say as much for domestic brands. |
| 2007 | 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
very solid, 30k and no issues or problems. durable finishes inside that hold up well, except, carpet is a little weak/cheap. It is driven hard and is still as solid as the day I drove it off the lott. |
| 2007 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 263hp 2.3L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
great fit and finish. tight. well-designed mechanicals, body and frame, interior...tight! |
| 2007 | 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Everything seems well put together. Materials are of a high quality feel (except the carpet...it seems like fluffed cardboard). Body panel gaps are small and consistent, no squeaks or rattles after 10k miles. |
| 2007 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 263hp 2.3L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Solid car all around. Everything feels well made and solid. |
| 2006 | 4dr Sedan 160-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Car feels tight and well-assembled. Decent interior w/leather, exterior metal panels a bit thin but fit nicely. Doors close easily and sound tight. Relatively quiet at highway speeds. |
| 2006 | 4dr Sedan 160-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
The car is built with care and attention to detail. The materials are well chosen, and the whole thing feels solidly built, inside and out. It feels like a much more expensive car, and any corner-cutting is well disguised. |
| 2006 | 4dr Hatch 160-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
the car has held up quite well (currently 30K miles) as all surfaces inside and out show little to no wear. The fit and finish (body panel fit, etc.) is something you might find on a much higher priced car |
| 2006 | 4dr Hatch 160-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
EVERYTHING! The plastic used in the cockpit looks and feel way more upscale than the price of the car. No squeaks and rattles after 2+ years and 35k miles. Very good gap tolerance on the sheetmetal of the body. All the lever and switches feel sturdy. |
| 2006 | 4dr Hatch 160-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Interior materials are aesthetically impressive for the price segment and have good ergonomics and tactile feedback. Most elements feel solid and well built. |
| 2006 | 4dr Hatch 160-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
The panels fit properly, no misaligned body panels or interior plastic panels. |
| 2005 | 4dr Hatch 160-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Nicely put together. Smooth clean lines inside and out with no big gaps to lose things in. Leather/cloth inserts in nice places, gives it a quality, upscale feel. Inside panels on doors not concave so they feel more substantial, not cheap. |
| 2005 | 4dr Sedan 160-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Solid materials - does not fade as much in the hot Texas sun. Paint job holds up extremely well to hail and gravel impacts. |
| 2004 | 4dr Hatch 160-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
jap audi style |
| Materials and Workmanship of the Mazda Mazda3: Cons | ||
| Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
| 2011 | 4dr Sedan 104-horsepower 1.6L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Plastic cover on steering wheel designed to look like metal with sharp, unfinished edges able to cut your hand. 18 buttons on steering wheel alone, and a confusing array of buttons throughout the dash. Not userfriendly and looking cheap |
| 2009 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 263hp 2.3L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Some parts of the dash started squeaking |
| 2009 | 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Interior finishes seemed cheap for the cost of the car. |
| 2007 | 4dr Sedan 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
THE PAINT! Mazda uses thinner coats of the primer, color and clear coats - which means every little chip goes right down to the primer. Get your bottle of touch up paint ready. |
| 2007 | 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Lots of rattles and squeaks. The belt buckle bolt is the worst followed by dash, glove box and hatch rattles. |
| 2006 | 4dr Hatch 160-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
some of the components have started to rattle. |
| 2006 | 4dr Hatch 160-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
PAINT IS WATER BASED AND ATROCIOUS FOR SUSTAINING ROCK CHIPS THIS IS MY PET PEEVE WITH THIS CAR |
| 2005 | 4dr Sedan 160-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Assembly quality was superb, but some materials are cheesy, like the silver-painted instrument surround and the faux carbon fiber on the dash. Red-and-black cloth upholstery looks good, but wears quickly, and there are a lot of minor squeaks and rattles. |
