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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2010 Mazda MAZDA3

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Mazda MAZDA3

Overview

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2010 Mazda MAZDA3 Review

By KBB.com Editors

Mazda's best-selling model, the MAZDA3, receives a major makeover for 2010, starting with the high-volume four-door sedan and five-door hatchback. Based on an enhanced version of the previous platform, the entire 2010 MAZDA3 family maintains its same wheelbase and track dimensions but boasts a stronger unit body, revised chassis setup, all-new exterior and interior designs and an even nicer selection of standard and optional equipment. Trim designations carry forward, with the sedan available in 2.0-liter "i" models in SV, Sport and Touring configurations, and the 2.5-liter "s" in Sport and Grand Touring versions. The wagon is available only in the latter two "s" models. This comprehensive revitalization program has made a solid package even stronger and should ensure the 2010 MAZDA3 remains a strong rival to the Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Nissan Sentra, Toyota Corolla and Matrix and Volkswagen Jetta and Rabbit.

You'll Like This Car If...

Fans of the previous MAZDA3, who want something that offers a new level of style and sophistication with better overall performance and handling, plus improved fuel economy, should be well pleased with the 2010 version.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If Mazda's new 21st-century take on the Happy Face front end seems a bit too much – or if you really need something with more rear seating space – the 2010 MAZDA3 might not be the right choice.

What's New for 2010

The MAZDA3 gets a complete reskin and interior redesign, multiple chassis tweaks and significant upgrades to the engines and transmissions.

Driving the MAZDA3

Driving Impressions An enhanced level of zoom-zoominess is clearly evident from the very first mile in any 2010 MAZDA3 model. The reinforced unit body and retuned suspension increase agility and handling precision...

while maintaining good overall ride compliance whether you're just touring or tossing it about with real intent on your favorite back road. Even the 148-horsepower 2.0-liter engine has sufficient muscle to handle either the manual or automatic transmission, although those folks with more dedicated enthusiast leanings should seriously consider stepping up to the 167-horsepower 2.5-liter engine that's even more at home with either transmission. We found the driver-selectable stability and traction controls permitted a fair amount of fun before intervening as programmed, and the anti-lock brakes have a linear feel. While the cabin dimensions may be virtually identical to the 2009 in both sedan and hatch configurations, there's definitely a greater level of sophistication to the 2010 package and notably better isolation from both noise and vibration.

Favorite Features

Adaptive Front Headlamps
The first-ever application on a compact vehicle, these blue-white bi-xenon high and low beam headlights are standard on MAZDA3 Grand Touring models. Their inner beams can swivel by 15 degrees to look deeper into corners and they feature self-leveling to prevent dazzle.

Super-Efficient Catalytic Converter
All MAZDA3s are fitted with a new catalytic converter featuring a Mazda-patented single-nano-particle substrate element that requires 70-percent less precious metal than used in the component it replaces to do an even more effective job of cleaning up the exhaust gases.

2010 Mazda MAZDA3 Details

Interior

The 2010 MAZDA3's all-new look raises the image index with a host of nice touches that you'd expect to find in more expensive vehicles. There's a single-piece soft-touch dashpad over easy-to-read analog gauges and easy-to-reach main controls and switchgear, while aluminum trim accents add a touch of understated flash. The Multi-Information Display – with or without optional navigation – is controlled by steering-wheel switches on all "s" models. Redesigned bucket seats offer more comfort and support up front and all MAZDA3s get a 60/40 split-folding rear bench that will accommodate two average-sized adults or drop flat to add even more utility to the basic 11.8 cubic-feet trunk or 17.0 cubic-feet cargo bay.

Exterior

To create a unique look for its best-selling model, Mazda gave the MAZDA3 various "motion and flow" styling elements from the Nagare concept car, as well as more established cues, such as RX-8-flavored fender sculpting. The oversize grille element is, according to Mazda, "purposefully polarizing" to more effectively set the MAZDA3 apart from its competitors – as well as from the MAZDA6. A rising beltline gives both the sedan and wagon more aggressive stances while high-profile front and rear lighting treatments impart a premium finish to the package. All "i" models of the MAZDA3s come with 205/55HR16 all-season tires on steel or aluminum wheels, while the "s" models have V-rated 205/50 tires on 17-inch alloy rims.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Even the base MAZDA3 "i" SV sedan has impressive standard equipment, including anti-lock disc brakes, front, front-side and side-curtain airbags, a tilt-telescoping steering column, AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio, power windows and mirrors and variable intermittent wipers. With the "i" Touring level, that list adds stability and traction controls, cruise control, alloy wheels, air conditioning, power locks with keyless remote and Bluetooth connectivity. While the "s" level has the more potent 2.5-liter engine in place of the 2.0-liter powerplant of the "i" model, and gets a Multi-Information Display, trip computer, sport seats and enhanced trim items, only the Grand Touring versions feature dual-zone automatic climate control, bi-xenon Adaptive Front headlights and heated leather seats with eight-way power on the driver's side.

Optional Equipment

All but the MAZDA3 "i" SV model offer a five-speed automatic transmission with manual mode in place of the standard manual gearbox, and the availability of special Crystal White Pearl paint. An aptly named Moonroof and Bose Package, that includes a 10-speaker Centerpoint Surround Sound system, can be fitted to all Touring-and-above MAZDA3s, but the Tech Package (navigation system with 4.1-inch color screen, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, advanced keyless entry, pushbutton start and perimeter alarm) is limited to "s" models – but also requires the Moonroof and Bose combo. A six-disc in-dash CD changer with MP3 capability is optionally available, while SIRIUS is offered as a dealer-installed accessory.

Under the Hood

Two engines and three transmissions are part of the revitalized MAZDA3 lineup for 2010. The "i" models (SV, Sport and Touring) retain the same 148-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine used previously, but it can now be teamed with the carryover five-speed manual transmission or a new five-speed automatic that replaces the optional four-speed unit used last year (the SV remains manual-only). The automatic route increases city and highway EPA numbers by one and three mpg, respectively. The latest "s" models (Sport and Grand Touring) replace their 2009 156-horsepower 2.3-liter engine with a 168-horsepower 2.5-liter powerplant that's also used in the MAZDA6. Beyond having more power than its predecessor, this tech-rich design is smoother, quieter and develops 15 percent more torque for quicker acceleration, whether it's paired with the standard six-speed manual or the optional five-speed automatic with its manual-shift capability.

2.0-liter in-line 4
148/144 horsepower (Federal/PZEV) @ 6500 rpm
135/132 lb-ft of torque (Federal/PZEV) @ 4500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 25/33 (manual), 24/33 (5-speed automatic)

2.5-liter in-line 4
167/165 horsepower (Federal/PZEV) @ 6000 rpm
168/167 lb-ft of torque (Federal/PZEV)) @ 4000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/29 (5-sp manual), 22/29 (6-speed automatic)

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2010 Mazda MAZDA3 Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.9

Out of 10

Based on 249 Ratings for the 2010 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

9.1/10

Quality

9.0/10
Reliability

9.3/10

Performance

9.2/10
Comfort

8.7/10

Styling

9.0/10

My Second Vehicle Well Chosen

By Andrew (IN) on Friday, May 31, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 28,500

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have had this car for just over a year and right now, I have just over 28000 miles on it. It is a 2012 Mazda3 Hatchback Skyactiv 6-speed manual. I'm trying to think of something that I would change if I could but I simply can't. I love the feel of the manual transmission. It's pretty smooth and feels like a quality product. The interior feels solid as well and doesn't seem like they tried to get by with the minimum. The cupholders are in the perfect positions as well. That's something that bugged me in my cavalier (1998 model year). Interior space: No complains from the few passengers I've had in the back seat. Driving position is good and it's comfortable for longer trips. I have routinely driven 1-2 hours to get to work and it's comfortable the whole way. Economy: It's rated at somethign like 28/38 with 35 combined. With normal mixed driving I usually get a little bit above 35. During the summer, it feels like the gas is different or something because just recently, I was getting 42+ on the highway at speeds around or under 65. Only problem so far has been when I hit a raccoon. It did something to the under body panels that I need to have looked at. Looks beautiful in black and it's different than almost anything else on the road."

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Great car for little money

By Nu2Mazda (IL) on Sunday, May 26, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 7,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Value for the money is excellent"

Cons: "Seats no good for long haul. Side mirrors small"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I am a new Mazda3 S Touring owner and so far i could not be more happy. The handling is quick and precise, while the gas mileage is also good. The seats are not the most comfortable for a long distance (over 50 miles) and the side mirrors are kind of small. Overall, however, i was and remain pleasantly suprised by this vehicle. If it remains reliable for the next 100k miles i dont see why i wouldn't buy another. Great deal for the money."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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2012 iTouring Hatch with Manual Skyactive

By Kjelstad (WA) on Saturday, May 18, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 13,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Fun to drive and great gas mileage"

Cons: "Blind spot on the HB. Only dealer has 0-20 oil"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"My wife drives this and loves it. We fought over getting manual vs auto, especially since the auto gets one MPG better, but my wife wanted a stick and I can't argue at 40MPG. The transmission is excellent. One of the reasons I gave in was the great reviews I had read about the manual transmissions and even I enjoy driving it. I enjoy watching the mileage as I drive, it lets you know if you have a lead foot. You can really screw up the overall MPG in a day playing with that 6speed. it is also amazing to see the current MPG shoot up on smooth surfaces. I am sure I have sat in the back at least twice and don't feel cramped at 5'9" 210 but the blind spot is a bit of a complaint for us."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Great Value

By Vic (International) on Friday, May 17, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 3,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Grat price, fun to drive, great engine"

Cons: "Navigation system only avilable on the top model"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I was considering buying a Hyundai but when Kelly share the article for Mazda I know that I have too get this clear and check Mazda out. After comparing for my self I just buy the best of the two."

1 person out of 2 found this review helpful

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Great gas mileage, fun to drive

By john (SC) on Thursday, May 16, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 3,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "mpgs are excellent, great quality"

Cons: "none"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I test drove many cars, civic,sentra passat etc. Out of all of these cars I loved the Mazda 3. To be blunt, it was just a nicer car. The sentra I drove, New, had the plastic falling off the door at the dealership. The fit and finish of the Mazda was excellent. I drive 50-50 hwy-city. I have been averaging 36 mpg. On the hwy you will get 40 to 45 going 70mph. I bought the 2013 I touring skyactive. You get alot for your money, everything is pretty much standard. Push start, on board computer, cruise, nice stereo, Bluetooth that you can play music from your phone via the car stereo without any wires, that's cool. I love my Mazda. We also have cx 9 2012 and have had no problems with that car either, 7000 miles."

5 people out of 7 found this review helpful

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Pure Japanese Reliability and Quality

By Woodie on Sunday, April 28, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 82,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Quality, price, reliability, handling"

Cons: "Lacks paddle shifters avail. on Honda Fit Sport"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"82,000 miles in 24 months with absolutely no issues. Change the oil and filters, and GO! Still on my original brakes and OEM tires! This car replaced a 2009 Honda Fit that was totaled at 88,000 miles; this car equals the Honda in all respects (Honda did get slightly better mileage) and exceeded the Honda in power and handling. Was given a Mazda 3 as a rental while my insurance settled, and was impressed even though the rental car had high miles. Honda wanted too much for another Fit; got a great deal many thousands less on the Mazda. Very pleased."

7 people out of 7 found this review helpful

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See all 249 reviews