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 31 through 40 of 75.00

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  25K miles update - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By mokosh - January 18 - 4:42 pm

  After 25K miles of ownership I would still give it 3 out of 5 for comfort. Had a computer recall update, (high idling rpm) now its much better (visit your local dealer and let them update the computer and youll see the engine difference.) Still too low, new model is 3 higher. Good for commuting, sucks for long trips. Good mpg. Many useless buttons on a cd player. Rear seats dont have enough leg room. Still reliable. Sitting position not as high as other models. Just understand me right, suspension is perfect on a race track, but not very good on a daily basis - the way too firm. Good for the price, however I would take a look on corolla or civic if you prefer more comfortable ride.

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  LOVE this car!! - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By kachok - November 2 - 3:05 am

  I got my Mazda 3 hatchback a few days ago and I absolutely love it! Crazy good mpg in town and on the highway (52.9mpg@55mph and 44.0mpg @70mph) all the power I ever wanted, fantastic handling and plenty of room for me and all my gear. I work at another brand dealership, and am willing to deal with the ridicule of my boss and co-workers to drive my 3, it is the perfect car for me. I drive all kinds of cars every day, and the Jetta/Civic/Corolla/Elantra just dont stack up. Only the Focus SE and Dart Ralley compare, the Dart is not offered in a hatch and I have had bad luck with Fords so it was an easy choice for me.

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  I got the skyactiv mazda3! - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By caloyski - September 18 - 5:16 am

  I love the new skyblue for skyactiv---a real standout from the silver, white & black cars you see on the road. I considered the new elantra, it was a sleek car and gets great mpg like the 3, but I was still biased towards the reliability of japanese cars. And the civic & corolla looked so plain---they were everywhere. I have read some user reviews here about the sound they hear from the engine is a problem. When not used to something, it doesnt neccessarily mean its broken. It has a new engine, so dont exepct old school appeal. It may make more noise to warm it up than a standard gas engine, but after that its great. I tried the new impreza w/ cvt, the sound was weird but not broken.

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  Tirrirrrr sound from engine - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By jangk - August 17 - 11:09 pm

  I bought 3 HB skyactiv 2.0 I touring a month ago. I drive city & hwy (60% & 40%), and get Average 36MPG, which is good. But, When I drive, I hear a very odd sound, that is heard like "Tirrrrr ttirrrirrrrrrr". It is not normal engine sound, it is extra abnormal sound. Especially in low speed, and at stop sign, that sound is very annoying. I told that problem to dearlership, but they couldnt find out the problem, and didnt fix it. I like eternal design and six speed auto transmission, but I dont want to recommend this vehicle to my friend.

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  Love it !!! - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By snowman80 - August 16 - 9:26 pm

  I purchased this car last week while looking at a mazda3i basic.The dealer didnt have what i wanted so i ended up test driving this model instead. needless to say i fell in love with it.Good power for a 2.5, responsive steering great clutch and shift feel.i highly reccomend this car to any dailey commuter looking for something classier looking then a Prius with more spunk. im averaging 30mpg right now which is better then advertised.

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  I love it - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By kylejj - August 8 - 12:20 pm

  I traded in my Honda Civic for this car and I am now a Mazda guy after loving my Honda. I test drove and researched many of makes and models, but ended up finding Mazda was just a better car and then the price made it even better. The car is a blast to drive and I do drive very hard, but still return an average of 34mpg for 50/50 city/hwy driving. The car handles great, but does have a tight suspension where I feel all the bumps, but that is because the roads in Indiana are awful. The controls are great and easy to use. (no navigation). There is plenty of room for 4 adults and our luggage. I love the versatility of the Hatchback.

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  2012 Mazda 3 with 1200 miles on it now. - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By sirturkey - April 22 - 6:00 am

  I got my Mazda 3 when it had 15 miles on it, and now it has around 1200. I love this car. I upgraded from a 2004 Passat. The SKYACTIV-G engine truly performs. Ive been getting a combined 34.8 mpg with mostly city driving but with a few long distance bouts. On my distance trips, Ive been getting 40-44 mpg at around 70 mph. I generally drive like a grandpa but its difficult NOT to accelerate quickly in this car! The seats are not nearly as bad as what other people say. Im 60 and they fit me rather well. As for the complaints about the interior controls, I find them rather intuitive. In regards to weird noises from the engine, I havent heard anything.

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  buy one - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By sorento2006 - April 20 - 1:44 am

  just took delivery yesterday of my graphite grey sedan with fog lights,spoiler,bose,sunroof.when i took it for a test drive,going over 60,the computer showed 41.6..wow !on the 30 mile trip home,got 47.8 at 63mph.the ride is tighter than expected,but much better than the 2008 amanti i traded in for this car.lots of features & wow factor.thanks mazda

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  Amazing, Fun Car with great gas mileage! - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By rbtower2 - April 7 - 10:10 pm

  I just bought this car a couple days ago but already am in love with it!! The new SkyActiv technology is incredible. I have driven 250 miles 80% highway 20% city and am averaging 39 MPG! I love the Mazda3 styling inside and out. I got the Dolphin Gray Mica and the color is beautiful. Inside everything is really great too. I am learning all about the bluetooth system and Its amazing being able to play my Iphone music over the stereo as well and send and recieve calls =) I cant wait to be over the break in period so I can try out the engine to its full potential. The handling is outstanding as well.

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  best car for the $ - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By sorento2006 - March 30 - 11:29 am

  i did a lot of research before deciding on this car,and everything i have read from road tests is almost true.i got my 4-door with fog lights,spoiler,bose/moonroof package.looks great in dark grey.