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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2013 Mazda MAZDA3

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Overview

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2013 Mazda MAZDA3 Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 8.1

The 2013 Mazda3 is a compact car with a lot of soul. Available as a 4-door sedan or 5-door hatchback, the Mazda3 stands out for its fun-to-drive nature, value and fuel economy. The last got a big boost with the recent introduction of Mazda's Skyactiv engine technology, which enables this car to attain up to 40 mpg while not sacrificing its lively driving manners. Two other engine choices remain available, one offering less power and the lowest price, the other more power and additional features in the model's top trim. Then there is the hatchback-only MazdaSpeed3, an apt name if there ever was one. The 2013 MazdaSpeed3 boasts a high-power turbocharged engine and a stiff suspension that's more at home at the track than in daily traffic.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you want a compact sedan or hatchback that's both fun to drive and fuel-efficient, the 2013 Mazda3 makes an excellent choice. Strong resale value means it's a good bet in the long run, too.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If all-wheel drive is a requirement in your next compact car, consider a Subaru Impreza or a Mitsubishi Lancer with that option. Those seeking comfort over sportiness should look at the Chevrolet Cruze, while those who seek a long warranty will want to consider a Hyundai Elantra or Kia Forte.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

8.1
Driving Dynamics

9.6
Comfort & Convenience

7.1
Design: Interior & Exterior

7.9
Value

7.1
Safety

N/A

How It Ranks

#18

out of 18

MPG

#6

out of 18

Horsepower

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

8.9 out of 10

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consumer ratings

What's New for 2013

After receiving the new Skyactiv engine and a freshened face the year before, the 2013 Mazda3 carries over mostly unchanged. The i Sport model now comes with the Skyactiv engine, and the Sky Mica blue exterior color has been dropped.

Driving the MAZDA3

2013 Mazda MAZDA3 Front angle view photo

Driving Impressions In sedan or hatchback form, the Mazda3 is a nimble car that offers decent-to-good acceleration depending on which engine is under the hood. The base 2.0-liter 4-cylinder in i SV...

models is adequate for getting the car up to speed, while the larger, 2.5-liter 4-cylinder in s Grand Touring models makes for a surprisingly quick vehicle. In the middle is the new Skyactiv 4-cylinder, which boasts zippy performance and commendable fuel economy. All 2013 Mazda3 models feel agile for this class of car, making them more fun to drive on twisty roads than rivals like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla and Hyundai Elantra. Then there is the MazdaSpeed3 hatchback, a devil of a car with blistering acceleration and tenacious road grip. Unfortunately, since the MazdaSpeed3 is a front-wheel-drive car, the engine's tremendous power results in considerable torque steer under full acceleration. If you choose a 2013 Mazdaspeed3, be prepared to do your own shifting and get ready for a stiff ride.

Favorite Features

SKYACTIV ENGINE
This sophisticated engine is both fuel-efficient and powerful enough to make the Mazda3 feel zippier than expected. When connected to a 6-speed automatic transmission, it's rated at 40 mpg on the highway.

BLIND-SPOT MONITORING
It's unusual to find this safety feature on a compact car, but it's standard on Grand Touring models of the 2013 Mazda3 sedan and hatch. The system warns of a potential collision by illuminating an icon in the side mirrors and by emitting an audible warning.

2013 Mazda MAZDA3 Details

2013 Mazda MAZDA3 Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

The 2013 Mazda3 sedan and hatchback feature a similar interior that's easy on the eyes and very ergonomic. Buttons and knobs on the dash and steering wheel are laid out well and within easy reach. Appreciative touches include ambient blue lighting and, on higher trims, push-button start/stop. The Mazda3's front seats are comfortable even in cloth form, and feel even better when outfitted with leather. The rear seats, meanwhile, can feel cramped for taller adults. The sedan's trunk is on the small side, though the rear seats fold for added space. Mazda3 hatchbacks have more cargo room and added versatility. Up front, the available navigation display is on the small side and sits not in the middle of the dash, but at the top, where it can be difficult to see directions.

Exterior

Among the most noticeable features on the 2013 Mazda3 is its front fascia, which to some can resemble a big grin. Whether that's a trait you like will be a matter of personal taste. That design element notwithstanding, the Mazda3 sedan plays it relatively safe but retains handsome lines. The Mazda3 hatchback shares some traits with the slightly larger 2013 Mazda CX-5 SUV. MazdaSpeed3 versions are distinguished by a bulging hood scoop and revised front fascia. Like Mazda3 sedans and hatchbacks with the 2.5-liter engine, the MazdaSpeed3 has dual exhaust outlets, adding to its sporty looks. Wheels range in size from 16 inches to 18 inches.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The 2013 Mazda3 sedan is available in five trim levels, while the 5-door hatchback can be had in three. The MazdaSpeed3 hatch comes in just one. A base sedan in the i SV trim is relatively well-equipped with tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and 6-way adjustable driver's seat for a good fit, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, and a 4-speaker AM/FM/CD system with auxiliary input. At the other end of the Mazda3 spectrum are the Grand Touring models, which are packed with the blind-spot-monitoring system, navigation system, power front seats, leather interior, Bluetooth, and an upgraded audio system with a 10-speaker Bose surround-sound system with HD Radio.

Optional Equipment

Options for the MazdaSpeed3 vary by trim. Among them are a spoiler and auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink remote garage control in lower trims and a moonroof and premium sound system in mid-level models. A tech package in the i Grand Touring model adds self-leveling bi-xenon headlights and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Except for the MazdaSpeed3, an automatic transmission is available in all trims.

Under the Hood

Several engine and transmission choices are available in the 2013 Mazda3 lineup. The base i SV sedan is now the only one to use the 148-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder that has powered past Mazda3 vehicles. The i SV is linked to a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission. Using the new 2.0-liter Skyactiv engine that makes 155 horsepower are the i Sport, i Touring and i Grand Touring models, which can all be had with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. The Mazda3 s Grand Touring uses a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder that makes 167 horsepower for even livelier acceleration, and uses a 6-speed manual or 5-speed auto transmission. Then there is the speed demon in the lineup, the MazdaSpeed3 hatchback, which uses a 2.3-liter turbo-4 that cranks out 263 horsepower – and a whopping 280 lb-ft of torque – and is available only with a 6-speed manual transmission. All Mazda3s are front-wheel drive.

2.0-liter inline-4
148 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
135 lb-ft of torque @ 4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 25/33 mpg (manual), 24/33 mpg (automatic)

2.0-liter Skyactiv inline-4
155 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
148 ft-lb of torque @ 4,100 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 27/39 mpg (manual sedan), 28/40 mpg (automatic, sedan), 27/38 mpg (manual, 5-door), 28/39 mpg (automatic, 5-door)

2.5-liter inline-4
167 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
168 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/28 mpg (manual), 22/29 mpg (automatic)

2.3-liter turbocharged inline-4
263 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
280 lb-ft of torque @ 3,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/25 mpg

Pricing Notes

A base 2013 Mazda3 sedan with manual transmission has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starting at $17,495, with an automatic transmission an extra $850. The lowest-priced Mazda3 with the new, more efficient Skyactiv engine is the i Sport model, starting at $19,170. The top sedan is the s Grand Touring, which starts just over $25,000 and offers a lot for the money. Mazda3 5-door models begin at $20,795, while the 2013 MazdaSpeed3 is priced just under $25,000. The 2013 Mazda3's starting price is higher than base versions of the Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Kia Forte and Mitsubishi Lancer, and nearly the same as the Volkswagen Jetta, Hyundai Elantra, Chevrolet Cruze and Nissan Sentra. The Mazda3's base price is lower than that of the Subaru Impreza. The MazdaSpeed3's price is in line with base versions of the Volkswagen GTI and Ford Focus ST, and less than the Subaru WRX. Be sure to check the KBB Fair Purchase Price to see what others in your area are actually paying for the 2013 Mazda3. In the long term, the Mazda3's resale value is expected to hold up very well, near the top of this class.

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2013 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