2021 Mazda3 Review - A Sneaky Bargain

[@moodythree25]

I really appreciate the focus on the base models in a lot of your reviews. I think it's pretty rare for reviewers to pay those models much attention. In combination with the excellent camera work and a thorough walkthrough of the available trims and options, it comes together for a great video. Keep up the good work!

[@Realistick]

Thanks, more customers buy base or near base models than the top spec models that most other outlets receive as review models. I also enjoy taking smooth shots! I'm hoping that those things make the channel stand out in the long run, I appreciate the support!

[@jerryvillafane7780]

@@Realistick thank you very much for this video. That’s the exact video I was looking for to see what does the base model has to offer because I’m about to buy a brand new Mazda3. I love more the hatchback than the sedan but I’m considering both. So again thank you very much.

[@yaboiguff6282]

I feel like the fact that Mazda brought more focus on luxury and comfort rather than sportiness is actually what most buyers would prefer. Most people that own this car probably won't be driving it super hard all the time. At least I wouldn't, even with the turbo model.

[@Unchainedmaple888]

It would be nice if the 2.5L base Mazda 3 came with 17 inch wheels instead of 16. I find them to be a perfect wheel size. Right in between the 16 and 18 inch wheels. 16's look too small and 18's make the ride harsh.

[@Scuba_steve0487]

Got a 2021 Mazda3 sedan Turbo PP last summer, and I'm in love the car from the driving experience to the infotainment center i really have no complaints so far with the car... i mean it could be a little better with gas mileage or could be more space in the backseat but it's more or less "nitpicking" at this point

[@Scuba_steve0487]

@@thomasb282 in only a perfect world i can have both lol

[@CC19524]

Mind the sidewalls ?? I prefer a beefier sidewall on a tire. They provide a smoother ride and are less prone to potholes. The 18" rims with low profile tires are not very practical.

[@mindspinn311]

Probably the most honest and complete buyer-oriented perspective review I’ve seen of this car 👍🏻

[@AozoraUltra2006]

Test drove a base. Really impressive. The plastic steering wheel is well made, very livable. Just ordered a mid trim because i like a leather steering wheel, and awd

[@MandusahRamirez]

I really look forward to these reviews! This guy is going places💯💪🏽

[@Realistick]

Thanks man👍

[@atsawinthongsumak57]

I am one of people looking for manual and some goodies such as moonroof and reliability is one of priorities so I decided to buy 6MT hatchback and I am very happy with my purchase.

[@Realistick]

Congrats

[@atsawinthongsumak57]

@@Realistick Thank you ;)

[@fredzeppelin3969]

Car & Driver achieved their best result (5.6 sec) with 93 octane, T/C off, power-braking to 4K rpm, and manual shifting at 5K RPM as it runs out of breath at higher revs.

[@davidmullineaux6157]

With the 16" wheels u probably have the best ride on bumpy roads.

[@jld-jw9pb]

The trunk hinges are covered in plastic, making the trunk area look more neat and clean. I have not seen that with any of the other similar priced competitor brands.

[@Kizzle001]

Also, the hinges don't take up any space when closed, like my old TSX.

[@thundergato84]

Thanks for the review. I'm looking at getting a 2021 Mazda3 with the 2.5 engine. My 17 Toyota Corolla with the CVT sucks.

[@dawsonbrush]

So with the Bluetooth audio thing, you can still listen to your Apple Music from your phone in the car, basically it has to be plugged in through and aux cord from the stereo

[@ce9916]

It’s such a shame that they redesigned the bulbs in the back lights on the 2022 model. It was one of the most distinguishable features in the back

[@ce9916]

PS: Another great review

[@jbanda896]

Lol you can add fog lights, rear AC vents, front wireless charging pad in front of the cup holders, OEM dash cam, OEM paddle shifters, wireless Apple car play. All these are plug & play for the most part. Additionally, Hood strut dampers and rear trunk dampers, DIY leather wrap steering wheel cover, trim overlays,

[@lawrence80405]

Great review - are you going to review a 2022 Honda Civic?

[@Realistick]

Thanks, and I will try to get a review on it as soon as I can, I might reach out to a honda dealer when the hatch comes in!

[@robertwilliam9558]

I wish Mazda would bring the Skyactiv X to the United States. We have High Gas Prices here.

[@djkenny1202]

I srsly looked at one 3 yrs ago as last of year (prior gen, that I sorta prefer). 2.0 manual discounted heavily. Back seat was not useful enough. Little slow. I don’t know, I preferred the torque and sitting position (as well as useful back seat) of a 15 Scion XB. Bought one with 30k and its been great! I did like the shifts better in the 3, of course. Mazda trans is so slick!

[@djkenny1202]

@Isaac Echeverri it was end of yeR for a 2.0 Sport at $15800. Prior gen. Right now is a bad time to seek any car. I’d keep the Camry. My guess is good luck under $17000 for the current model. What year Camry?

[@djkenny1202]

@Isaac Echeverri I would keep the Camry SE many many years.

[@djkenny1202]

@Isaac Echeverri its a brand new, and better car. Why give it up?

[@djkenny1202]

@Isaac Echeverri will that for sure happen? Is the selling more than you paid?

[@djkenny1202]

@Isaac Echeverri if its more, and you realize the market is insane? Maybe.

[@Jrrsj]

The dealer can do a software update on the 2.0L infotainment to activate CarPlay and AA.

[@Realistick]

Yes, but it costs like 400 or something which puts you even closer to the 2.5l

[@johnkent6866]

Mazda sticking to traditional transmission with some refinement vs most cars using cvt now days 🤦‍♂️

[@arbaz102]

You didn’t talk about the front Seats

[@MGTZR037]

wish there was a 2.0 preferred for us market

[@MrBenilicious]

I really like the mazda 3 fastback but something is missing, or its too clean..

[@crow_2k11beatsbydre8]

Why no touch screen infotainment, the rotary control is time consuming......

[@ufchistorian13]

I gotta ask, you said it’s quite reliable, and I agree. I was looking at Consumer Reports’ reliability score for the 2021 Mazda3 and although it’s 5/5, they do mention some in-car electronics and body integrity issues. Are you aware of such problems? I guess no car is going to give you 0 problems, and I’d rather settle for those kinds of problems than engine or transmission problems 🙂

[@Realistick]

In-car electronics is usually the infotainment system, body integrity is probably more of a assembly line quality control issue but I don't recall hearing anything from that either. Whatever I said near the conclusion of this one was about all I had on dependability for this one. Consumer Reports is great for trends but they can be so vague that it can be misleading since we don't know what those issues were. For instance, they said the 3rd gen tacoma had transmission issues when people actually just hated the programming so toyota had a recall. It was all software and very minor yet it caused it to look really bad!

[@ufchistorian13]

@@Realistick Sorry I don't get notified! Thank you so much :) I was thinking the same thing, scores without any context... yikes if not taken with a grain of salt! By the way, I HATE the rear blinkers in the 2022 to the point I'd rather buy the 2021 version hahahaha UPDATE: I kinda like the rear blinkers

[@ChristopheZ]

I wish they made the base with a 6 spd manual transmission

[@Realistick]

Me too, would be an awesome $20k car!

[@nogoodnamesleft111]

They do in Canada! You can get all three trims of the non-turbo (2.0 GX, 2.5GS and 2.5GT) with a stick here. I just got a manual 2.5GS.

[@GeneralSirDouglasMcA]

How reliable will his vehicle be over the years/decades? Could you expect to 300k or even 400k like you could on a Toyota? A smooth, fun ride is very nice and all, but at the end of the day it’s all about the reliability and longevity for me. That being said, I’m considering a Mazda 3 as my next vehicle, as I’ve heard Toyota is supposed to be decreasing production, therefore raising the price even further on the Corolla or Camry (I heard this, but correct me if it’s not true).

[@Realistick]

Judging off of what mazda has been doing lately, I would trust this as much as any new Toyota, hold for 4runner and Tacoma.

[@sandsmarc]

I just get a new one every 3-4 years. Don’t have to worry about an aging vehicle and it keeps things fresh!

[@s4nder86]

@@sandsmarc Don't have to worry about savings either because you won't have any.

[@RoyalMz3]

I bought the base model thinking it had apple car play. I am still disappointed

[@spiderbitedml385]

This 3 Mazda AWD 2.5L Premium is a mistake I had on brand new put 20k miles on it in 2 years just driving 9 miles each day to work. Insurances consider it a race car for whatever reason also the battery died a total of 10 times just sitting for a day and I had to replace it 10 times. So I had so choose but to trade it back In but I miss it alittle and I would get locked out in the snow and the key wouldn’t Work at all when the fob would die. Buy I got a 2023 Toyota Tacoma trd off road amazing upgrade

[@diegosoto8620]

What’s the 0-60 on the 2.5 n/a fwd ?

[@Realistick]

Most outlets seem to hit it in 7.2 to 7.5 seconds, I haven't gotten the chance to use my dragy on one.

[@loyal4theway159]

Hey sir do you recommend buying lexus LS 2011 with 80k miles

[@Realistick]

Definitely, just have it inspected by an independent mechanic first! They are dependable, but any repairs needed are pricey.

[@destinylammons4228]

thank youuuu

[@robotzombie3546]

It's practicaly false advertisement to say Mazda sell a cheaper base model because virtually no dealer has the base model on their car lot new for sale. Mazda isn't shipping any.

[@Realistick]

This video came out like a year ago but yeah, it's tricky to get ahold of base models right now. Manufacturers are trying to put out bulk sellers and cars with larger margins because they can't produce many (at least that what I've heard).

[@ZayanMadinawala]

how are the base model speakers?

[@Realistick]

Great, honestly on par with most of the competition’s upgrade systems!

[@adamkok5549]

This or impreza

[@ufchistorian13]

Wait it’s not the most comfortable?? What..

[@Realistick]

Yes, I know, I was definitely comparing it to all luxury cars, first class airlines, and executive yachts! I would never make a statement that is only comparing it to other cars in its segment (like the more comfortable Subaru impreza) without clarifying💯

[@ufchistorian13]

@@Realistick Jesus sorry for asking…

[@Painting_Inspiration]

Hey great review but just wanted to say that you guys drove past a few stop signs without stopping in this vid. For your safety and the safety of everyone else please come to a full stop before proceeding. Nevertheless it was an awesome review and very valuable info.

[@GamingHistory.]

I'm sorry to say this, but american standards for power are irrelevent due to having a 6 cylinder car in the US is the norm... I'm tired of american car reviewers giving shit to 4 cylinder engines. most of the countries only have 6 and 8 cylinder/very powerful cars as a very premium and rare option, and give respect even to proper 2L engines. Let's just say gas is 4 times cheaper in the US than it is in my country and that doesn't fall far from most EU countries. In my country the average family car has a N.A. 1.6 with about 130-115 HP, or a turbocharged 1.2/1.4. And having a family car that is the size of the mazda3 in my country is as common as having a mazda6 in the US. Most cars here are smaller cars such as mazda2, toyota yaris, VW Golf, or even smaller cars which doesn't even exist in the US like the peugeot 108, Skoda citigo. I might add that i don't live in a poor asian country... At what elevation do you film the acceleration reviews?

[@Realistick]

If the 2.5 is available here and gets similar gas mileage, why wouldn't I recommend it for $1k extra? I thought either engine was sufficient for this application, I think the reviewers that complain about a 8 second zero to sixty in a economy car probably just wish the segment was quicker as a whole. As for elevation, that's included, along with the DA (which is more important) in the performance table I included at 9:32

[@mightbesherwood1313]

Although I prefer four cylinder cars, it's helpful to understand that US taste isn't just about cheap gas. The US is a country that is 5000km across. People regularly commute 50-100km. A trip to the store *in* your own town can easily be 10km. The distance are why Americans prefer larger, more capable cars.

[@AndresSalazarAutos]

Great review. I managed 6.24s in the 0-100kmh (62mph) with the Turbo, and 7.82s in an automatic NA FWD, although this last one I am sure could've made about 7.5s if not for excessive wheelspin. Here is my short video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXSbZoSXqcd2hac

[@Zbone09]

What kinda fuel are you running? I’ve been getting around 0-60 in 5.6 on 93 octane fuel

[@robtech341]

Great video. Here's the deal with this car. I own it and I Lov.............um.....am in deep like with it? It is all 8's! Except when it comes to acceleration, or the Automatic transmission. Or the Adaptive Cruise control, and the the fit and finish, and the lack of steering feel. Or the terrible key fob function or the tiny, tiny 10 gallon fuel tank. Fit and finish: It's not the interior or the looks of the car, Mazda nails all of that. However, if you need to clear morning "fog" from your mirrors, back window or door windows, other than the windshield, forget it. The "Rear defrost" takes way too long to even see the lines on the window. Unlike VW, when you roll the windows down, then back up, they don't even remotely clear the window of condensation/fog. This car is So good in some areas and is sooooo bad in most others. The Auto trans is just terrible. Shift? Um......wait....what? Um faster? or slower....wait what? Oh you wat to go faster? Gotcha....we're gunna go slower to go faster....um then just not even go at all, but wait, here we go.......uh, sorry, my bad....wait, what did you want me to do? It's so bad I'm looking for a new car after only 5k miles with this brand new Mazda 3 Select sedan. The adaptive cruise control is so awkwardly done it's not worth having. Buyer's remorse is heavy here and I love Mazda. The good? Looks nice, comfy, interior is swinging a little above its weight class. The trunk space is adaquate-ish. That's really it. Rear seats are useless unless your passengers are elementary children. The "Sport" setting just rings out the underpowered, 2.5l, motor to an uncomfortable feeling rev line with no handling features whatsoever. Huge swing and a miss here. That said, it is pretty for the most part. If it wasn't for the thousandth time slamming on the gas pedal yelling at the top of my lungs"F**** Go you piece of........." I'd recommend it. The car is just short of garbage.

[@brotherjoll1802]

That color sucksss