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 1 through 10 of 75.00

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  35 MPG Combined Thus Far - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By sn04 - November 18 - 3:53 am

  I have had the vehicle for about 2,000 miles now, and am extremely pleased with the gas mileage. The 35 MPG average came from my own log of gas price/quantity/mileage driven. That being said, there are a few areas that need improvement. The seats are very uncomfortable (youll feel it after about an hour on the road). The car does rev itself on start-up, and remains that way for a good 20 to 30 seconds before calming down. I havent seen anything adverse to this, but I dont like to drive until its calmed down. The center consol has a whirring sound - almost like an A/C fan is on, but its low pitched and usually doesnt bother me. I have a creak in the back during low speeds.

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  If you have a highway commute... - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By mattman44 - July 25 - 12:13 pm

  ...set cruise @ 65 through one full tank. Since then my last 5 full tanks have gone from steady 37-38 to over 40mpg, peaking at 42.5 (doing math). It can be done you just have to be smart. Cruise helps more than I thought. Lifetime computer average @ 38.3 after 13k so far. Traded Rio after Kia lied about mpg. 3 is bigger, more fun to drive and much more efficient. A few more standard features would help but my smartphone covers most I would want. Easiest self oil change car Ive owned. Next gen looks better but probably more $. Seats more for sport than comfort. Feels solid/reliable. Ride slightly harsh, but drove NJ-FL without chronic injury. Space is useable, lower cargo floor would help.

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  18 Months of Driving - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By bronxy192 - February 10 - 8:18 pm

  Ive had this car for 18 months now with over 8,000 miles. Its a skyactiv 6 speed manual. The only complaints I have thus far is the acceleration and the middle console. I find myself needing to downshift to pick up any speed. Its a bit sluggish, but once at cruising speed on the highway, the 3 drives great. The suspension is good. I have hit several pot small holes after a wild winter here in New Jersey, and the 3 has handled them with no problems. The middle console is little to be desired. I wish the arm rest would slide out to accommodate my arm, but its very short and placed in an odd position. It has storage and I find I need to shift and turn my body around to open it.

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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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  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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  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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  Best little car I ever owned - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By abqrich - December 30 - 4:35 pm

  I love the way this car handles. Great engine coupled with great transmission. I have owned more expensive cars, but I have never enjoyed a car as much as this one