Overall Average Rating: 83.94%
Position in the Top 100 cars: 61st

Given that the 3 has failed to gain a foothold in the ever more competitive compact family class, its mid-table set of results is fitting.

As you’d expect from a model based on a Ford Focus platform, the handling is above average, while 23rd in the reliability charts proves that Mazda could teach the blue oval a thing or two about making cars last…

Manufacturer Verdict (Position: 10th)

It’s fallen one place, yet Mazda is still in the top 10. The blot in its copybook is 23rd position for running costs, although it’s offset by a fifth-placed rank in both the handling and braking categories.

Overall Average:
4.197
83.94%
55th in Driver Power 2010
Owners who would buy a Mazda 3 again
3.7
74%
53rd in Driver Power 2010
Owners who would buy another Mazda 3 again
4.8
96%
16th in Driver Power 2010
Performance:
4.026
80.52%
60th in Driver Power 2010
Braking:
4.293
85.86%
44th in Driver Power 2010
Handling:
4.218
84.36%
42nd in Driver Power 2010
07-reg Petrol, Owner for 1 to 3 years

3 Years old. Tires are the only thing to be replaced since new. Not even a bulb of wipper blade has needed replacing after 40K miles. Handles well in all conditions. Brakes are extreamly good and traction control and EBD works well. Lots of features for a reasonable price. Generally high quality components used. Occassional squeeks/rattle from interior were the only issues, but were easy to solve. Makes people think your more interesting than a Ford Focus driver.

Performance: 5/5 Braking: 5/5 Handling: 5/5
58-reg Petrol, Owner for Less than a year

This is difficult to say because I have only had it 2 days so it was hard to answer the questions, however my previous car was a Mazda 3 and it performed very well which is why I bought another one.

Performance: 4/5 Braking: 4/5 Handling: 4/5
55-reg Petrol, Owner for 1 to 3 years

A well made mid sized family hatchback. Nothing flash, more of an A to B car thats enjoyable to drive.

Performance: 3/5 Braking: 2/5 Handling: 4/5
09-reg Petrol, Owner for Less than a year

Good looking good handling a bit tight for space good spec thirstier than expected

Performance: 4/5 Braking: 5/5 Handling: 5/5
59-reg Diesel, Owner for Less than a year

Last few cars have been VW, never again wished I had bought a Mazda before.

Performance: 5/5 Braking: 5/5 Handling: 5/5
07-reg Petrol, Owner for 1 to 3 years

An excellent model I would recommend to anybody.

Performance: 5/5 Braking: 5/5 Handling: 5/5
58-reg Petrol, Owner for Less than a year

Performance bagrain with street sleeper apeal.

Performance: 5/5 Braking: 3/5 Handling: 4/5
Other-reg Petrol, Owner for 1 to 3 years

Good buy not the best performence

Performance: 4/5 Braking: 4/5 Handling: 4/5
59-reg Petrol, Owner for Less than a year

Very pleased

Performance: 5/5 Braking: 4/5 Handling: 5/5
56-reg Diesel, Owner for

excellent

Performance: 5/5 Braking: 5/5 Handling: 5/5