Overview & Reviews

The 2011 Mazda 3 sees some shuffling of its equipment packages. The Grand Touring version loses its formerly standard adaptive xenon headlights but gains the Bose audio system and a sunroof. Also, all trims now have standard stability control.

• Stylish, well-equipped interior
• Five-door model affords hatchback utility.
• Energetic 2.5-liter engine
• Benchmark handling
• Impressive list of luxury options

• Ride may be too firm for some
• Cabin and trunk not as large as those of competitors.

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 56.00

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  Great Car for the Money - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By darth_flatus - March 17 - 11:24 pm

  Bought my 5 door Grand Touring new about a month ago. Absolutely love this car. I consider myself a car "junkie" who loves to drive. I drive about 1,000 miles per month for work, and let me tell you, this car makes it a completely different experience to drive. The handling is great, the 2.5L engine feels like a V6, the seats are comfy...I could go on and on. My friends, family, and neighbors are all intrigued by the look of the car and once they get in and ride in it they walk away impressed. The backseat is a little tight on leg room, but, my kids fit just fine. Averaging 25 MPG do far with mixed but mostly city driving. Good numbers when you consider the power the engine puts out.

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  More than I expected - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By Joeymann - February 22 - 2:00 am

  When I test drove this car I was impressed, but after purchaseing and driving it every day I am amazed at what a great car this is. My wife loves it and we both love driving it. A FUN car ! Tons of standard equipment and a very reasonable price. A no brainer if you are looking for a compact with pretty good gas mileage and lots of zoom zoom.

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  New clutch at 20k miles - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By chris_1 - January 8 - 12:00 pm

  I first took my car in to the dealer when I noticed the clutch slipping after I shifted or when I accelerated at freeway speeds. Now, after 16 days, I finally have my 2011 Mazda 3 back with a completely new clutch assembly. Mazda paid 50%, not including the rental car. My final bill: $700 (not including the rental car cost for this time). They replaced not only the clutch disc, but the flywheel and associated bearings and parts. Apparently they consider replacing the clutch at 2 years / 20k miles to be "normal wear and tear" and not under warranty. In my opinion, the fact that it wore out so quickly, in itself, means it was defective.

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  Nice but not for me..... - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By pure_hp - December 1 - 4:07 am

  I purchased the Sport hatchback, automatic. I love the bluetooth and the way it drives, lots of fun. Unfortunately, the wheel doesnt telescope out far enough for me without me being on top of the steering wheel, Im 61. Because of this, the window switches are too far up the door handle; Im constantly letting the rear windows down.

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  Zoom up and down the road. - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By Drive drive drive - September 6 - 10:00 am

  I decided to replace my 2007 Focus. Looked at 2010 Corrola, 2010 Civic and Accord. After reading reviews people said to look at the mazda3. I drive around 30k just to work and I wanted a fun but good car to drive. After test driving all of them the mazda3 was the one for me. The Toyota was the best deal for the money but felt numb to drive. Honda was nice but lacked bluetooth and nice radio. I got a great deal on a 2011 mazda3 s sport with Bose/roof package. I love how it drives. I hope it will give me the 200k+ miles I am looking for. So far getting 30 mpg on highway. And me driving so many miles I wanted fun to drive.

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  I love my new 3 - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By jlmm3 - August 19 - 5:20 am

  I bought a 2007 3s in 09 and loved it until I traded in and got my 2011 3s 2.5 with a 6 speed. This car is awesome it is fun to drive very quick and has good top end speed too. it is very well laid out both inside and out as well especially that dual exhaust.

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  best car of its class, maybe other class as well - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By gothamquan - July 6 - 11:28 pm

  bought my self this Mazda 3 and just loving it. the look, handling, everthing about it is great. this is actually a COOL car to drive and to look at. interior is much better than a lot of more expensive cars. exteior also polished! it is a cool car for cool people. it is not a car that tries to be cool. ( corolla s and civic) anyway, very happy with purchase. at last, great price!

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  A half-priced Bimmer! - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By paublo73 - May 6 - 8:17 pm

  I am downsizing from a Mazda CX-9 and it could not be any more painless. This car is a blast to drive. Im amazed how quick it is with the 2.0 motor and automatic. This motor has enough low end torque and the transmission is so well calibrated that it feels eager in all situations. I did test drive the Focus and while it does handle well, the transmission shifted too soon and masked that engines extra power. I was able to get the 3 at invoice price which was much cheaper than the Focus similarly equipped. The cabin is on the small side but Im short and the car seats fit, so I consider it "just right". This car is serving as a commuter/2nd car and so far its exceeded my expectations.

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  fun fun fun - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By baker - February 5 - 10:00 am

  I am in my mid 60s===not the typical buyer of this type of car . This car is a hoot to drive . Just a lot of fun . Reminds me of my younger years when I would just go for a ride to have fun . Responsive handling and more than enough power .

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  Great Sporty Car at a Great Price! - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By gigit - January 6 - 11:13 am

  I loved my Mazda 3, which I recently gave to my husband when I bought a new Corolla. It looks so nice, Im crazy about the style of it. Its a fun ride as well, and its at a great price. We have had a few repairs on it. The front and back brakes went out very early and the horn broke, but these are minor problems. The only thing Im not too keen on is the jet black interior. Its a great car and Id definitely recommend getting one. Gas mileage isnt as good as what I hoped for, but its not terrible either. I think the new Mazdas with Skyactiv technology get better gas mileage. I also find that the paint chips easily (I have a white model)