Skip advert
Advertisement

Used Mazda CX-3 (Mk1, 2015-2020) review - What do owners think? 

Mazda has a strong reputation for reliability, but some models haven’t been highly rated in our Driver Power satisfaction surveys

Mazda has an excellent reputation for reliability and is a consistently strong performer in Driver Power. Its ninth-place finish in the 2015 survey was well ahead of premium brands such as Audi and Mercedes. And while its dealers didn’t finish as well in the same poll, the network still outperformed these two.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Other cars from Mazda have finished surprisingly low down the Driver Power list in the past – older versions of the 3 compact family car and 6 large family car tumbled down the table, for example, making it seem as though owners were more critical in 2015 than they had been in previous years. Yet at the same time, more modern models performed much, much better, so the omens are good for the CX-3, which shares technology with this latest generation of cars.

Reliability

The CX-3 ranked a disappointing 48th in the Driver Power 2018 new car satisfaction survey; poor ratings for practicality, comfort and running costs dragged the score down. But owners were far more enamoured with the ride and handling, along with the exterior design and finish. The infotainment and connectivity are also well thought of. Safety and reliability came mid-table.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £39,045Avg. savings £8,315 off RRP*Used from £25,969
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,435Avg. savings £6,600 off RRP*Used from £9,990
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,840Avg. savings £5,573 off RRP*Used from £11,495
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £38,050Avg. savings £3,270 off RRP*Used from £23,662
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New BMW iX3 40 M Sport 2026 review: entry-level SUV isn't a compromise
New BMW iX3 40 M Sport - front tracking

New BMW iX3 40 M Sport 2026 review: entry-level SUV isn't a compromise

Practical, efficient and much cheaper than the xDrive50, we think the base-level BMW iX3 40 is the pick-of-the-range.
Road tests
24 Sep 2026
Fancy a cheap used EV? The data says you'd better be quick
Opinion - cheap used EVs

Fancy a cheap used EV? The data says you'd better be quick

A used EV has never had more appeal as the cost of petrol and diesel heads for £2 per litre, says our news editor. But prices are rising, so you’ll ne…
Opinion
24 Sep 2026
New Bentley Torcal revealed: brand's first EV is its most powerful car ever
Bentley Torcal - front action

New Bentley Torcal revealed: brand's first EV is its most powerful car ever

Meet the Torcal SUV, the first all-electric Bentley, claimed to ride like a limo and corner like a coupe
News
24 Sep 2026