Overview & Reviews

For the 2012 Mazda 3, a newly optional 2.0-liter engine debuts and it delivers both more horsepower and higher fuel economy than last year's 2.0-liter engine. (The old 2.0-liter as well as the 2.5-liter engine is still available.) This year also brings several new trim levels, expanded availability of the hatchback body style, slight revisions to exterior and interior styling, and additional standard equipment for most trim levels.

• Stylish, well-equipped interior
• Extra utility of four-door hatchback.
• High fuel economy with optional 2.0-liter engine
• Precise handling
• Impressive list of luxury options

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

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 75.00

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  Regarding engine noise - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By skyinactiv - August 3 - 7:27 pm

  Had the car for about two months now. I reviewed all the comments here about engine noise. My family drives the car most of the time and they dont pay careful attention to weird sounds. The only comment I have now is the louder engine noise after cold start in the morning which gets better after about 1 minute. I sent an e-mail to Mazda about it but no response. My dealers response was " bring the car in we will check it out" . The problem is when I take it to the dealer it will not be cold start situation anymore. I will have to take the car out for a drive more often to listen to engine noise during normal use which others are claiming. Other than that everything seems to be okay so far.

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  My first Mazda - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By reillyj6 - July 10 - 3:21 am

  I purchased my 2012 Mazda iTouring a little over 2 months ago after selling my Acura tsx and I could not be happier. I am just about to his my 5,000 mile mark and so far it has been great!! I also am 63" and there is plenty of room for me in the drivers seat, but no one can sit behind me in the back. The car has plenty of "get-up-and-go" for getting on the highway. I have a family member who has a cx-9 that loves it and I test drove the three and I was set! One of my favorite cars Ive had!! Also, the SkyActiv technology came out the week after i bought the car so I do not have it, but I average 35 mpg anyways.

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  25,000 MILE UPDATE - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By hoveringfalcon - July 7 - 6:44 am

  Ive had my 3 for just over a year, and have put 25,000 miles on it. I still think its a fantastic car. Its not perfect, and I will soon explain why, but it provides a superb combination of sportiness and fuel efficiency that is unmatched in its class. If you love driving but need something that sips gas, look no further. However if you prioritize comfort and luxury options above all else, you might want to cross shop before you buy.

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  Fun Drive - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By hmm3 - June 23 - 4:33 am

  I have driven the car for about 600 miles. It is fun to drive, steering is precise and gives a great feel for the road. Acceleration is plenty good for an engine this size. I have bee n getting 38-40 miles per gallon driven 2/3 highway 1/3 city. The ride is firm, much more than a Corolla or a Accord. I think it is great for the driver, not so great for every body else. Seats are comfortable with good lumbar support. The blind spot warning system and the adaptative lights are great and function flawlessly. The Bose stereo is very good but not outstanding. Trunk space is limited but OK for a commuter car.

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  Watch out! Rolls backwards when in auto-drive on hills - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By sfmaggie - January 22 - 6:56 am

  The automatic transmission doesnt behave like other automatics. I learned this at a stop sign on a steep hill. It was frightening to roll backwards uncontrollably. Took it to the dealer and mechanics said they hadnt heard of such a thing. They tested it on a steep ramp and confirmed what I said. They couldnt find any documentation on how to fix this, so they called their helpline and were told thats just what these automatic transmissions do. Theres an item in the owners manual they were pointed to that instructs drivers to slowly accelerate the gas while letting out the brake pedal. I had more control on hills with a standard stick shift.

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  Great Value - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By dakotabmr - October 18 - 10:22 pm

  I bought this used 2012 Mazda 3 isport , Automatic 4dr, 2.0 28K miles for my daughter her senior yr in high school to last through college. We compared the used Corolla, Sentra, Elantra, Civic for a max price of $12000 and found the Mazda3 the best value. It has a "Good" rating from the IIHS-which is the highest, 4 wheel disc brakes, ABS, stability control, multiple airbags. Good reliability, Great handling, comfortable, easy to use controls and layout. 60/40 split folding rear seat. We get 35mpg/highway, 14.5 gallon fuel tank makes for 450 miles on a tank!. I do most of the regular service, so the oil, air filter, cabin filter, wipers were fairly easy to change out.

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  Insurance is high - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By 3_mazdas - May 19 - 7:33 pm

  I own 3 Mazdas, all from 2012 (cx9, 6, and 3). I agree with all regarding this cars excellent performance, gas mileage and design. I have the Grand Touring i with Skyactiv and Tech Package and my wife and I love it for all the reasons above. One word of caution though. Insurance is quite high. The premium for my mazda3 is 50% higher than that of my brand new CX-9 which is worth $10k more than the mazda3. And my wife and I are considered the best drivers by Geico. So, if you think you save lots on gas mileage, think twice, after valueing insurance. THis is considered a sports car, unlike competitors such as Civic or corolla. If you like a fun and green car, then get the mazda3.

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  Smooth engine and transmission - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By durval20120m3 - May 8 - 9:38 pm

  In shopping for a new car, I evaluated the following Mazda 3 i Touring Chevy Cruse LT Hyundai Elantra GLS Honda Civic EX Ford Focus SE Kia Forte EX I chose the Mazda 3. Pros for the Mazda 3 Fun to drive. Smooth engine and transmission. Nice interior. 5K miles later, I am averaging 37 MPG in mixed driving. Cons for the Mazda 3 More rattles than I am used to in a new car. Not as stable on highway on-ramps as I am used to. This is probably due to the tire choice, they are high pressure and dont seem to offer the best grip. Of course this is probably part of the reason I am getting 37 MPG. The Cruze and the Elantra were also pretty good, but the engine in the Mazda won me over.

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  2nd Mazda3 for me in 4 years - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By gr8mazda3 - April 12 - 12:40 pm

  After doing a lot of research and comparing the Focus, Dart, Sonic, Cruze, Golf, etc., I just kept coming back to the Mazda3. I had to trade in my previous one, a 2008 GT loaded, due to the manual tranny. I loved that car, but back issues have gotten into my left leg now, and shifting became a safety issue. I passed on the GT model and got the SkyActiv I Touring sedan with 6A. After health issues forced me out of driving for pure fun, I used to hypermile with my 08 model. With K&N filter and using 100% gasoline, I could get 33-35 mpg consistently. It has taken some time for me to get used to that auto, but I got 37 mpg on 1st tank. So much easier on my back, leg, but still zooms.

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  I pretty much hate this car... - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By watyf - February 20 - 12:26 pm

  I had to drive my 98 Civic today because the wife needed the Mazda, and I was literally relieved to not be driving this car. Mainly because its incredibly uncomfortable. The seats are rock-hard, the whole cabin is cramped, there is NO rear legroom if the front passengers are normal-sized, the steering wheel never stays straight (apparently "sporty handling" means "have to make constant adjustments to the steering wheel even when driving straight"), the headrests are awkward and stiff, and you feel EVERY bump in the road. The little things about this car, like cupholders that a cup gets lost in and a trunk that DOESNT pop open (unlike every other car Ive ever owned), just add to it.