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

Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,085Avg. savings £3,323 off RRP*Used from £11,995
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £24,040Avg. savings £1,539 off RRP*Used from £18,249
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,805Avg. savings £4,597 off RRP*Used from £8,200
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £39,045Avg. savings £4,998 off RRP*Used from £26,640
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Every new EV ranked 161 to 1: the complete guide to UK electric cars
161 best & worst UK EVs rated - header image

Every new EV ranked 161 to 1: the complete guide to UK electric cars

There are 161 different electric cars on sale in the UK and here’s the complete guide to every one of them…
Features
28 Aug 2026
New Mercedes-AMG CLA 45: faster and more powerful than a BMW M3, but £25k less
Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 - front

New Mercedes-AMG CLA 45: faster and more powerful than a BMW M3, but £25k less

The 671bhp CLA 45 is hypercar-quick, while sounding and shaking like its got an angry four-cylinder under the bonnet
News
28 Aug 2026
Updated Renault 5 offers more range, more Google tech and even more style
2026 Renault 5 update - front overhead

Updated Renault 5 offers more range, more Google tech and even more style

Revised aero, new LFP battery chemistry and more colour options added to award-winning electric supermini
News
25 Aug 2026