How Reliable is a 2020 Mazda 3 After a Year? Long-Term Road Test & Wrap-up

[@edmundscars]

bUt oNe yEaR IsN'T a LoNg-tErM TeSt! Read more about our ownership experience here edmu.in/3vDVKdr

[@KuyaArbee]

It isn’t 😅😂🤣

[@yingcluk]

It's far from being long term 😝

[@marko8640]

I have a 2009 Mazda 3 with 250000 km under the belt. That's a long-term test. :) Verdict? Still as brilliant family vehicle as from day one. It holds the road just like a spider. It's reliable as Mercedes, and it costs as Opel. My next car is going to be Mazda again.

[@KuyaArbee]

@@marko8640 mazda lol 😂

[@Moukeaf]

For a car that has been released 2years ago, it's already something. Some people should stop thinking that we all keep our cars for 25years.

[@sunkorg]

Had my 2005 Mazda 3 for 18 years. Was easily my favorite car. Very fun to drive. But, around 150k, it started burning oil, so finally opted for a 2020. It's amazing to see how much technology has changed in cars in those 18 years. 😄

[@b9bot148]

The Mazda 3 is tops with me. Just bought the 2021 premium last week and for me the 186HP is plenty of get up and go. It's no Porsche but it doesn't cost 100 grand either. I got everything I wanted in the car at 30 grand and couldn't be happier.

[@Snip3zjumper]

About to get the 2021 mazda 3 hatchback turbo premium plus for 32k out the door tommorow brand new fully loaded rip u 😂

[@miguelircontar]

Trading my car in for this do you like the infotainment system ?

[@Snip3zjumper]

@@miguelircontar yea only downsides of the car are the brakes and the suspension they are not that good

[@TheDude50447]

same actually :D

[@2004cyrus]

@@miguelircontar I do

[@psychedout1028]

I bought a new 2010 Mazda 3 in 2009, 140,000+ miles later, I still LOVE it! It has never broken down, never needed anything other than routine maintanance, and it still looks great! It is the best car I have ever owned! I am now waiting for the just announced hybrid and EV Mazda CX 30's to come out next year! Can't wait!

[@kevinW826]

6 years on my Mazda3 has been solid. Twice to New York and twice to Cleveland from Toronto Ontario. Awesome car. Only problems have been the MAF blowing out, the drivers seat cushion being replaced for bad stitching and a seized up brake caliper. Love it.

[@johndavolta3124]

Is your comment sarcastic or serious?

[@kevinW826]

@@johndavolta3124 why would I joke about that? It has been a solid car.

[@OrdinaryG33K-SF]

Damn, that thing looks absolutely GORGEOUS in red! I have a 2021 in Machine Grey Metallic, and I STILL enjoyed watching this video!

[@kingsnud]

Would you recommend the car, and how much did you get it for if you don’t mind me asking, and also are the backseats and sloping roof a problem for you?

[@OrdinaryG33K-SF]

@@kingsnud I would definitely recommend the car (it’s perfect for ME), I got the Select trim, which is fine for me, though if I could do it again, I’d probably shell out a few extra dollars per month for the Premium trim, as I think the upgrades are worth it (Bose audio system, sunroof). Mine was a little over $24k, but I’m leasing it, so I’m paying a little over $250/month, which is very reasonable. Sloping roof: I’ve never had to consider this, as I’m the only person ever in the car, so I have no thoughts on this. The back seat: Not a consideration for ME, but I will acknowledge that it is VERY tight back there. I couldn’t imagine making a full-grown adult sit back there. If you intend to have passengers in the rear seat, you’d probably be better off looking at another car, like the Honda Civic. Rear seat space is the only real failing of the Mazda3.

[@kingsnud]

@@OrdinaryG33K-SF that was very thorough and informative, thank you very much! I Appreciate the feedback!

[@2004cyrus]

@@kingsnud I love mine. The dealer discounted mine $1125.00 and I got free window tint and 3 oil changes and no charge for rubber floor mats

[@keemoe007]

I bought a Mazda 3 in 2006 brand new & only 3 miles on it. Now in 2021 and 239000 miles and the engine runs like still brand new. Very good car!

[@spectralknights2]

Wow really

[@keemoe007]

@@spectralknights2 now it has 249000 miles on it. Still doing very good

[@Lightsout565x]

Considering the reliability of the engine and transmission (they've been making the same 2.5L and six speed for 5+ years now) it seems like a great car to buy 1-2 years old and save some cash. I really love these long term tests and how comprehensive they are.

[@BrateTebra123]

"Long term" test... 1 year test hahaha. Which fails in a year... none

[@bengunn6571]

@Mike R it isn't exactly the same 2.5L engine though. Most have cylinder deactivation if they aren't base trim. My 2019 has it and at the time I didn't realize that they had that. 2019 seemed to be the 1st year with cylinder deactivation for the 3. I am worried about long term reliability because of that.

[@arminemovses1439]

Yes! I have a 2016 Mazda 3 and it's now 2021 and it hasn't had any issues, I am the second owner too.

[@howardkerr8174]

@@bengunn6571 Most cars with cylinder deactivation also have a procedure/button for turning it off, you might want to consider that if you are concerned. BTW, the first time I encountered a car that had cylinder deactivation was a few months ago. It was a Porsche SUV, no idea which one. Anyway, when the red light turned green and the car next to me sat there for another split second or two before re-starting, I realized that was my 1st encounter. I then asked myself: why would you buy a high dollar vehicle that in the short term makes you look like a driver who isn't really interested in your car?

[@jakefromowitz7577]

I leased this car and it has been flawless!

[@DanRyzESPUK]

As an european, it baffles me to see you calling this a "small car". Definitely we've got different customs when it comes to cars.

[@mightbesherwood1313]

The US is 5000km across. Commutes are often 50-100km. Big cars help with that.

[@jbar_85]

I love my 2018 Mazda 3 GT! It’s been great and has been reliable with no issues! Keep up the good work Mazda!

[@javon173]

I love my 2019 Mazda 3 preferred. The car really offers a lot of bang for its buck. People are seriously sleeping on Mazda but I’d prefer it stay that way.

[@Kev27RS]

True!

[@marcial84mc]

I just got a 2019 preferred hatchback and it’s been a month but I love it

[@DomPatek]

Americans thinking that 186hp is not enough. Are you fucking kidding me?

[@d1zguy864]

Disagree with touchscreen, the knobs are more intuitive and faster. All the complaints on this video are a none issue and a plus for me. I bought the select trim, no piano black and no cylinder de-activation tech. I wish I had the nicer aluminum trim and bose system as added options but those weren't worth having cylinder de-activation, piano black trim, and higher price tag

[@CrunchyTire]

People dont like learning new things. A touch screen is d u m m y proof. In 24 hours of test driving a 2016 model I went from not knowing how to use it to loving the knob. You have a lot of buttons at your fingertips between the knobs and surrounding buttons, and the buttons on the steering wheel. It takes some getting used to though and thats all it takes for some people to hate it. Most people are "old dogs" who just dont want to learn "new tricks"

[@d1zguy864]

@@CrunchyTire Most people are lazy and with the IQ of a potato

[@hewcollins9800]

bro how yall getting so low mpg, I got 38mpg last night. most I've ever got was 42mpg but that was me going 60 for roughly 2 hours straight. I absoletly love this car and if I had an complaints it would just be the plastics are a lil cheap but for the price and the finish and the driving experience. I really haven't seen anything that could beat it, the ride is nearly silent, super smooth, the speed is there when you want it, it has such beautiful curves and lines, all of the tech has held up and is so nice and convenient to have. Truly an incredible car.

[@mnwolves180]

"I want the car with a Turbo" says most people until the turbo goes out. Lmao

[@alvinsimba734]

Right and the cost to repair it. People are being taken to mugs by these car companies..

[@mnwolves180]

@@mezzb I'm not talking about cars that are 6 years old with turbos. I'm talking when they are 10+ years old. Any engine with a Turbo will wear out faster than a NA engine. It's just the way it is.

[@mnwolves180]

@@mezzb oh no they aren't a huge risk but they are not gonna run 200K plus with out needing a new turbo. I have a 2014 Mazda 3 and it's been bullet proof for me!

[@mnwolves180]

@@mezzb my point is, with all these reviews talking about these engines lack the accelerate vs a Turbo engine, I'd take the NA engine over one and sacrifice the extra power for reliability. All these reviewers talk about is power figures. Never about the cost of repairs down the road with turbo engines vs na.

[@mbenton6]

Mazda turbo engines are bullet proof

[@alainpaquin627]

My girlfriend had a 2019 Mazda 3 GS sedan and she traded it in for a 2021 Kia Soul EX+ just because she prefers the seating position in the Kia Soul (seating higher, she's 5' 2"). I had a chance to drive her véhicle many times and I really enjoyed it. Finally, I've just bought a brand new "left over" 2019 Mazda 3 GS sedan (white) with the 2l engine and a 6 speed manual transmission for summer use only. I expect to keep it for many years. My last summer car was a 2007 Mazda MX5 GX (bought in 2009) which I sold two weeks ago after many years of pleasure.

[@ak2112]

Pretty heavy depreciation. I hope that hits the turbo version too. 34k is too high but a lightly used one for 25k is appealing.

[@steve9377]

the turbo starts at $31k for the sedan, $32k for the hatchback

[@brocklanders6969]

Really? I can't find one with "heavy depreciation" unless it was a total/rebuild with a salvage title. In fact, they have very little depreciation. We are talking 2019 or newer (current generation).

[@kamalgill3256]

Its like depreciation didnt happen in post covid era, atleast not when compared to MSRP.

[@bizmonkey007]

@@brocklanders6969 Maybe it depends on your area. In my area, you can get a late model one used for low 20’s or even lower if you look. Subarus on the other hand barely depreciate at all and you’re better off buying new.

[@aussie8114]

I want to know more about what the doggy thought of it. Was the back seat comfy, was the window good to stick your head out of, was there enough tail wagging space 🐶

[@a3300000]

Mazda probably the best car made.

[@Art3mis]

wow underrated channel for an actual review instead of a read of the spec sheet

[@JimboJason]

Thanks for this, the new generation Mazda 3 is one of the cars I am considering once my 2016 CX-5 gets tired.

[@andersnielsen6044]

That will be in 2046-2050 ?

[@johnq202]

You might want to rethink this considering the current generation maybe the last. I’ve heard this from at least one source within the company.

[@2tooful]

@@johnq202 why? are they not selling well?

[@glamdring0007]

I have the 2.5l naturally aspirated skyactive 4 in my 2014 cx-5 paired with the 6spd auto...decent power and 32mpg...so far with 75k on it the power-train has been problem free.

[@howardkerr8174]

" Kind of wish we could have a kill switch for all these features in new cars. " My sentiments exactly. Given a choice between my (supposed?) inability to stop my car in an emergency (only happened ONCE in 50 years of driving and that actually happened when my car was rear-ended by a hit and run speeder) or having the car suddenly apply the brakes for no apparent reason....I think that I would literally be able to survive without the car driving for me.

[@airsoftclubcompania7iasi718]

but you do have a kill switch. you can turn off the emergency braking system in the infotainment's system / safety menu. You can even turn off all the i-active sense safety features through the dedicated button left of your steering wheel, above your knee. At least that's how it is on the European models. I got my car after the recall in question, and I only got some false positive warnings (on the HUD), but the couple of occasions the car actually did brake by itself I consider it had a pretty good reason. One time, there was a cyclist zig-zag-ing unpredictably just on the side of the road in front of me, and when I got near him he did make a sudden swerve and the car applied the brake (I was about to do that as well), and the second time it was actually my fault, I didn't pay enough attention in busy traffic, and noticed 1 second too late that the guy in front of me stopped withough having working brake lights. The car was on point though, and promptly applied the brake before I could hit him. All in all, I think it's a pretty good system. It's not perfect, but being a technical guy, I can certainly understand some of the limitations.

[@EchoSigma6]

The Mazda brand is impressive, enough for us to purchase a CX5. They remind me of Honda cars in the early 1980’s, a bit more expensive than a comparable Toyota and Nissan but they had a slight edge on build quality and design.

[@2WhiteAndNerdy]

If you want more spunk, no, you don't need the turbo. You need the 6MT. Drove the 2.5NA 6MT the other day and it was PERFECT. Plenty of pep for every day driving. A real joy to drive and shift.

[@nealmonteko491]

I’ve got to agree. I’ve got a 2019 premium manual, and other than weak low end torque, it’s a blast to drive once you get it going. 70,000 miles, not one problem, and still working on the original brakes. Great car.

[@oceanrichardson4674]

I have the 2019 Mazda 3 hatchback and I love it its a great fun daily car fwd automatic I love its stiff suspension makes it feel sporty and I have no regrets buying it and its looks alot better than the Honda Civic and the Toyota Corolla its really a great car and you will never get bored of it everything feels premium for what you are paying im glad I got the Mazda 3 hatchback instead of the Toyota Corolla hatchback lol

[@ralosavila7433]

My 2014 Mazda 3 gs still in very good condition no issues at all.

[@jamed63]

I’ve owned 1996 323, 2002 3, 2005 3, 2011 diesel 3, and a 2014 3, currently a 2019 cX5 and a 2017 MX5. The only one I had a problem with was the 2011 diesel, the engine blew at 70,000 after bad fuel issues. They have all been reliable fun and practical cars to drive.

[@OnboardG1]

Also have a 2017 MX-5. It's been completely flawless.

[@burns0100]

It's nice to hear that most if not all the complaints can be fix by getting a different package or model. The Sedan and Hatch handle vastly differently, adding a turbo gives you that kick of power people might want, or simply putting your foot down in the 2.5L because most of the power is up in the range. You can always put it into sport mode or shift into manual and hold your gears yourself. Mazda did a really good job, the only gripe would be the piano black, if that was a matte finish it would of made the car, like a cherry on top.

[@The_Notorious_CRG]

Is Travis Langless the real life Mr. Glass? Hard to imagine any modern compact car riding so harshly that bones would shatter.

[@Slickpete83]

OMG here we go again , almost every car is still good after only 1 year !!! , the true test is after 15-25 years & +200 ,300K miles

[@GreenBlueWalkthrough]

It's more of a live-in test than a reliability test... also my family has cars that are 2w5 years old and none of them are over 150k miles... So how do you execpt a car reviewer to get that much time with a car and still have it be relvent? To be honest are you shopping for a RAV4 that old and high milage? Or is it more likely that most people are wanting a new one and simply want to know whats it's like to live with which a year is just fine for that shopper.

[@Slickpete83]

@@GreenBlueWalkthrough my point is Chrysler PT Cruiser won car of the year , has great 1 year reviews. and car turned out to full of problems and total crap....

[@wonegronn]

My friend..great post. But you are wrong, VERY WRONG in one point...the black interior color, (you name it "ugly"), whatever the finished, in Mazda 3, my friend..is only, unique, incredible and WONDERFUL great detail!! Simple, Beautiful!!!

[@jamiegarth3146]

You keep cars for 25 years? In Canada that car would rust away after a little over 10 probably, doesn’t matter how reliable the engine is

[@Slickpete83]

@@jamiegarth3146 yes sir , i still drive & park outside my 1997 Honda Prelude all year round as daily , still going strong

[@digitaldoc100]

Eager to see how the gloss black plastic held up on the interior. You look at it wrong, and it picks up scratches.

[@kevinW826]

6 years on, the piano black in my Mazda3 has no scratches.

[@digitaldoc100]

@@kevinW826 What's the secret? My cx-5 gets scratches on it when the sunlight hits it.

[@kevinW826]

@@digitaldoc100 tell people don’t touch it and don’t leave anything that could scratch on it. Also it helps that 80% of the time no one else is in the car but me.

[@digitaldoc100]

@@kevinW826 Thanks for the tips. I really don't touch mine, and there are no obvious scratches, but in direct sunlight you can see how easily the surface picks up damage. I am afraid to even wipe it to get the dust off. Would hope that Mazda changes it for a textured plastic that would hold up better.

[@thejadedbeard]

It’s VERY hard to make right as well at a factory. The surface finish on the mould has to be just so, there can’t be any sinks on the plastic or it’ll show up straight away... Hundreds of pieces get thrown and recycled daily if it isn’t correct.

[@vinzw5609]

I still prefer the 2014-2018 version of Mazda 3. They just look more balanced and drive really well.

[@2004cyrus]

Agreed I have a 2016

[@ningakid99]

i have the 2017 model and I just hate how heavy the steering wheel feels like...Im not a skinny guy but I feel like I'm using a lot of my arms strength every time I want to park the car or make a 3 point turn.

[@alexrussia7561]

@@ningakid99 what? I have a 2018 mazda 3 and i feel like the steering wheel is so damm light.

[@CrunchyTire]

I just test drove a 2016 and while it drove great and was fun to drive and be in, it definitely felt like an "old car" in terms of the interior and options. Not a bad thing but the advancements to the next generation is pretty massive.

[@CrunchyTire]

@@ningakid99 Hit the gym. Every mazda I've driven feels light to steer. I used sport mode in my mustang and after a while even that felt kind of light. But the mazda is like comfort mode on the mustang I had.

[@oceanlover3530]

That’s a beautiful car, inside and out! ✌🏻✌🏻

[@willfischer4767]

Please consider guys this Mazda stops whether you want it to or not. I love Carlos!

[@steve9377]

Are you talking about the autonomous braking?

[@willfischer4767]

@@steve9377 Yeah but I do agree with Carlos’ kill switch idea for all the features

[@steve9377]

@@willfischer4767 there is a button to the left of the steering wheel that will turn off the autonomous braking but unfortunately it comes back on every time you start the car

[@SifuLXiX]

I just purchased a 2021 MZ3 after owning a 2017 MZ3 , I love everything about it. Except that it's smaller and the torsion beam. I can feel the difference in taking bumps and cornering hard. That torsion beam ruined the car IMO

[@steve9377]

check your tire pressure. they ship the cars with high tire pressure and the dealers sometimes don't adjust it

[@SifuLXiX]

@@steve9377 mines at 47/48 🤣 is that bad ? Less rolling resistance :D

[@larphraulen]

@@SifuLXiX lol, they're pretty much cornering on a fraction of its tread if they're really 47/48!

[@paull2937]

Mazda3 in 2012: happy and innocent child, its smile made it very popular. Mazda3 now: serious adult, that not many people want to drive. Mazda3, please smile again.

[@Buck58]

I've got a 21 Mazda 6 and it's a keeper. Beautiful car, reliable, I won't be selling this car anytime soon..

[@BruceWayne-eh4im]

Only Americans would find 180+ bhp underpowered for daily driving lmao.

[@CrunchyTire]

We just have higher standards than plebs. You can poke a fatty but that doesn't mean I want to.

[@quabiloyoink]

They need more horsepower because the people that drive them are heavy

[@kevinstarski1598]

Isn't it interesting that so many people complain about the power with this 2.5L engine in Mazda 3, BUT in a much bigger and heavier vehicle like Mazda CX-5 nobody thinks that? I don't know if people just expect more "zoom zoom" out of small sedan than your SUV, or if Mazda did a bad job programming the transmission and getting the most out of the power which on paper should be sufficient....

[@emilemouannes2236]

Revving your engine every time when you want to pass someone makes it sound less premium. Effortless acceleration and torque makes it perceived more premium. Yes, people dont criticize SUV much because their target demographic is different.

[@ianbaillie6378]

The transmission gearing and final drive gearing is different between the CX-5 and the Mazda 3. The higher numerical gearing in the CX-5 makes the engine feel like it has more punch from a standing start, while the lower mechanical gearing in the Mazda 3 gives it better highway fuel economy.

[@emilemouannes2236]

@@ianbaillie6378 I had no idea that the final drive ratio is different. I think Mazda should of have had put shorter gears. I never liked the 2.0 manual 2017 mazda3 hitting 100kmh on 2nd gear. Acceleration and fun are severely comprised. Yet, on the miata, they explain how a 1:1 6th gear makes the car more efficient.

[@buchajo]

Both are not underpowered. I own both. 0-60 MPH in 6.9 sec for my 3 hatch and perhaps a second or so more for the CX5. Get ‘em in turbo and knock a second and a half off. Who cares about a second and a half though if you’re not a track? These vehicles can easily get well into triple digits MPH and it’s not hard to get there. Just gotta put your foot into it and drive them like they were engineered to be driven.....

[@ianbaillie6378]

@@buchajo "Get ‘em in turbo and knock a second and a half off. Who cares about a second and a half though if you’re not a track?" I do. This is an entrance ramp onto the southbound Cross Island Parkway (40.71216690679016, -73.72887309125313) at Hempstead Avenue. I grew up just up the street from this entrance ramp. It is very, very short, and you have to accelerate and merge into traffic that is doing at least 50 mph, and the traffic WILL NOT let you merge safely, about 70% of the time. And the merge lane turns into a concrete overpass as soon as it ends. And there are other entrance ramps in the NYC area that make this one look generous, with even more aggressive drivers, all across the 5 Boroughs. That 1.5 seconds makes a hell of a difference under those conditions.

[@rroxz1]

Rex says the tech was a little glitchy towards the end. It would have been really helpful if he was to specify what those glitches were.

[@Антон-е4т1ц]

Spectacular car and great charismatic review!

[@jaygee2116]

I'm picking mine up tomorrow. Real excited.

[@Terminatortravis]

Any bad reviews ?

[@jaygee2116]

@@Terminatortravis it's not the perfect car, but the only gripes I have are minor. The 2021 doesn't have wireless Android Auto, the back seat is too narrow, there's no wireless charger, etc. in every way that matters, it's a great car.

[@Dark_Relic]

While ya'll complained about the 2.5L we get 1.5 and 1.6L on this side of the world lol a 2.5L here would be a dream

[@NewYorksFinest1]

I have a 2018 mazda 3 sport 6 speed and i heard they are no longer making manual transmissions. i just finished paying off my car and was looking at the 2019-2022 model but no manual transmission so i will stick with my 2018 mazda. im just partial to driving a stick shift and prefer it over an automatic. my car is still worth over 10K so that's kinda good i guess

[@kenyanewman5888]

They still offer the manual, its just only on the hatchback with the premium package. That said, at least you’d be able to get the red interior!

[@ajunta2270]

Really like this long-term review format. It adds so much more weight to your observations when I know you've had it for a year. I'm thinking of getting a 1.5 Civic, before the new generation comes along. How do you feel it stacks up next to the Mazda 3? Thanks

[@stevenf5902]

Get the 3 hatch! I had the same decision to make and Mazda easily took the win :)

[@ajunta2270]

@@stevenf5902 I got the Civic... waiting for it to be delivered. I'm so excited, I'm crazy about that car. The Mazda 3 is great too! It wasn't the easiest choice.

[@stevenf5902]

@@ajunta2270 Did you get the hatch?! Congrats!

[@ajunta2270]

@@stevenf5902 Yeah, I got the hatch, 1.5 turbo in manual transmission. In red :). My wife preferred the civic to the 3 as well so that made the decision easier. My first ever new car!

[@stevenf5902]

@@ajunta2270 Nice! Glad you didn’t get that CVT! I had the 2.0L civic as my first new car and I loved it overall but the CVT was so boring and whiny. I also had two accidents in that car and I was kept extremely safe and did not have any injuries! Although, the Mazda has some of the best IHS safety testing results in the class! Anyways, congrats to you and your wife on the new car!!

[@sportsMike87]

Most fun to drive in class. Shame more people don't buy it

[@digitaldoc100]

The problem with the 2.5NA is that while it has power on paper, the torque peak is too high, so the engine has to be pushed to make power, and does not sound great doing this. An 8 spd transmission would also make it perform better to keep the engine in a better RPM range to make power.

[@buchajo]

Yes the 2.5 is meant to be revved. I think it sounds great over 4500 RPM!

[@ak2112]

The real problem is that you can't get it with a stick unless you get the top trim hatch. The 2.5 paired with a manual is really enjoyable and you don't mind keeping the revs up. The auto dulls the experience a lot.

[@buchajo]

@@ak2112 shift the automatic like a manual?? You control the revs. I prefer this over using sport mode.

[@Kritiker313]

For what it's worth people, NO car should have problems after just one year of wear. For that matter, no car should have problems after three or even four years. If you truly want to assess a car's worth, look for the repair cost of long-term ownership. Also, look to see how long the particular model has been around for. Car manufacturers stop manufacturing cars that turn out to be lemons. By contrast, well-made, reliable cars often stick around for decades. Don't be a sucker and don't be lured by smooth-talking car dealers. Be wise and be good to yourself. Buy a reliable car and be critical of manufacturers and dealers that sell junk. Demand better for yourself.

[@buchajo]

Mazda is a reliable vehicle just for the record ....

[@pennehoesje]

Nice video, but i'd really like to know how the skyactive X engine holds up

[@rdj0981]

Great review. I've owned a 2006, 2008.5 Mazda3 hatchback and now am in a 2015 Mazda5. I'd probably opt for the NA engine, but that turbo sounds amazing

[@randomdude1053]

I used my friends Mazda CX-5 infotainment system and was impressed. The rotary dials are way better than fiddle fucking with a touchscreen while driving and so much more satisfying to use. It’s also pretty efficient and easy to use unlike the stupid old Lexus touchpads.

[@MandusahRamirez]

This Mazda 3 is the best looking Compact Sedan regardless of price. This thing is Beautiful!!! BUT A SUNROOF SHOULD BE STANDARD!!!

[@vvt2257]

For all the trim levels? No. Base model starts at 20k.

[@buchajo]

The interesting news is that for ‘21 on the mid-level 3 hatch - Preferred trim - the moonroof is standard. The bad news is they made it so the BOSE isn’t standard anymore on that trim and you need to go to Premium for that. For ‘20 (which I have) it was reversed - no moonroof on Preferred trim but it came with BOSE and heated seats.

[@tshearn624]

@@buchajo I got a 2021 3 mid level trim sedan and it does not have the moon roof.

[@buchajo]

@@tshearn624 where are you located...

[@tshearn624]

@@buchajo Texas

[@4.6lexus83]

Piano black is hard to keep clean it's "not ugly" it's is actually pretty when kept clean. Mazda 3 is a well built car and made in Japan so it will give you years or reliability. Can't go wrong with this car for what it is don't buy fully loaded model and it's a good deal.

[@MandusahRamirez]

Mazda Now is what Volkswagen used to be to the Midsize & Compact Segment! I do think Mazda should’ve added IRS to the top trim like VW does with the GLI

[@howardkerr8174]

Ironically, they had IRS on the previous model, but decided (perhaps for cost reasons?) to revert to a non-independent design.

[@MandusahRamirez]

@@howardkerr8174 I Know That.. but before 2012 all VW Jetta’s had IRS standard after 2011 they only put it on the top trim GLI

[@AudiophileTubes]

ONE YEAR???!!! Every car should be reliable after 365 days! A much better guage as to it's quality would be 5 years, or more! Sheesh.

[@06zzr14]

Well, fair enough. But “should be reliable” doesn’t mean they all are! And how would that (waiting 5 years) help inform anyone thinking of buying a car before the next redesign? Consumer Reports would be a good source for you (where Mazda most recently finished #1 for brand reliability).These types of one year “long-term” reviews are still good for giving us an idea what it’s actually like to live with after the first month or so of new-car honeymoon wears off and any design flaws start to reveal themselves. If you’re happy with the car after its first year, you’re likely going to be happy for a long time after. And these guys seem generally very happy.

[@Ascension646]

Another thing from being an owner of a 2022 Mazda 3 is the lane keep assist system. If you have it on active and it senses the deep grooves in pavement that is being worked on it'll start swerving you in an attempt to get you "straight in the lane". Another false positive error that can make for an unpleasant surprise.

[@jinoy5002]

A 30k car, that takes someone to pay -5 years. And the question is is it still good after a year? This is whats wrong with todays modern consumerism and medias push for content and human nature of always wanting more. Great cat, thanks for the vid coverage after a year of use. But yeah white seat and piano black, looks great when new but wear will easily show up.

[@huberlukeable]

It isn’t a $30,000 car The sticker price is $27,000, which means in 2020 you could probably have picked it up for around $23,000.As for the white interior I’m sure you can get one without the white interior.Did you watch the entire video? Because it seems as though everyone who used the car had nothing but good things to say about it.

[@nephswrld7930]

I have a Mazda 3 2020, and engine malfunction issues once every month. It’s in service all the damn time. Did I get a lemon?

[@alexisledesma7109]

Id say yes, You did get a lemon. Either that or youre just good at breaking things.

[@1a1o]

Damn, i bought one last month and hope it’s reliable. 2020 Mazda. 3 sedan

[@rafaelk5734]

Touchscreen on the panel placed like this is a huge traffic risk. I’m glad Mazda doesn’t have it.

[@madblank]

Why would you need a turbo on such a daily driver car, it's not a sports car. The naturally aspirated engine experiences less stress and will last longer. Turbo charging and super charging, as well as gdi injection will put extra strain on the engine and it will wear out faster.

[@kevinW826]

Not always. I have known people with Gdi turbos and they have 300-400,000 kms on their cars. Still going strong.

[@kevinW826]

Why would you not want a turbo car as a daily driver? I’m looking at one as my next daily.

[@CrunchyTire]

its fun, I guess is the main reason. I had an old beater mazda 626 with turbo, it was slow but once that turbo kicked, it would take off. Not a race car, just fun to drive lol.

[@yapxw9]

I have the 2016 Mazda 3 model with 80k KM , the most common problem is the faulty side mirror motor that will affect both side of the vehicle , the in car gps will hang and not able to work , other than that it is reliable

[@carzzi]

4:19 "Torsen beam" rear suspension

[@tzandareanu4338]

I heard it too. Multiple times.

[@1a1o]

Does the 2020 select also have feature where it stops automatically?

[@MM-wp5sp]

Also all of you reviewers said all about yourself when you skimp over torsion -beam crap, and ponder on touch screen absence. You ponder on completely irrelevant issues, while the heretism of removing independent rear suspension goes almost unnoticed! Yikes...

[@dampergoldenrod4156]

It's like a car review from a teenage girl that's worried about the radio display and not about the important components of an automobile

[@caydenbryner9613]

Just bought a 2020 select sedan in white, pre owned with 9000 miles for 23k, and my lord is it a high quality car for 23 grand...

[@caydenbryner9613]

@@kimbuck-2 it’s a trim level. “2020 Mazda 3 select”. You get blind spot monitoring, but no sunroof. Leather seats, but manual seat controls. Radar cruise and rear cross traffic alert, but no upgraded sound system. Etc. Sort of a happy medium trim.

[@1a1o]

True, love it too… hopefully it’s reliable because nothing more disappointing than unreliable car.

[@patrickgagnon9662]

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 has a touch screen if you dig the menu ...and you can disable ALL the safety stuff now .

[@ms.b9093]

What are all the electrcal issues with 2019, 2020 models? And paint?

[@ibmtpx24]

5:20 Tall people will find it totally fine with ingress/egress with Mazda 5, which is the minivan version of Mazda 3. Too bad it was discontinued. I thoroughly enjoy mine 2015 model even when I am only 5'9".

[@randyhawks7549]

My only complaint about Mazda's is the paint it's so thin, must because of the emissions in Japan but I know this that the Mazda 3 is made in Mexico hopefully the paint job is better. I like the small screen and it's not touchable, big screens are dangerous, funny how you can't look at the phone while driving but you can look at a giant T.V. How many people have to die before we get some common sense.

[@dareSh0]

I am considering buying 2014 Mazda 3, and it’s debatable if 2020 model is still reliable? WTH..

[@ricaldowalker3774]

the interior scratches from normal use is the biggest downfall.

[@peterjordan2738]

No turbo lag on the CX-9. What say you with the turbo on the 3 or CX-5?

[@michaeltb1358]

Why do Americans need far more power in their cars than we get in Europe? They have lower speed limits and drive less aggressively than any Europeans.

[@jermainec2462]

LOL because we don't do the speed limits and believe it or not we drive a little bit more aggressive than you think

[@2thePtBassTuT]

It's a looker, but too bad a manual isn't offered in the sedan anymore...

[@airsoftclubcompania7iasi718]

I think it depends on the market. In some markets, manuals are the bread and butter, and not only offered on the top trim. It has to do rather with the importer's decision on what would work on a certain market, and not on the availability of the transmission per se.

[@2thePtBassTuT]

@@airsoftclubcompania7iasi718 In the states, you can't get a manual in the sedan ...only the top of the line version of the (ugly IMHO) hatch.

[@Tall-Cool-Drink]

One year is nothing. Wait until your warranty runs out. That's when the fun begins. 😆

[@Jttw2131]

My 2016 model Mazda 3's Infotainment console went on endless loop. Hard reboot did not work. Mazda dealership diagnosed it as a dead CMU (the brains of the console). Will cost $1300.00 to replace. They don't know when part will arrive. Last time my rear tail light cracked, it took 4 months to get the part. I wonder how long the CMU will take.

[@michaelsera746]

Seriously considering a CPO 2020 or New 2023 Mazda3 sedan wither premier or select. I am so hung up on the Torsion beam rear axle on whether it will have a poor ride as roads in NJ can sometimes be poor. What is your experience on the ride with the rear design and overall firmness, bump handling with the 45 series tires. Appreciate your feedback.

[@Yormsane]

Dear EPA: Please designate piano black plastic as an illegal effluent. Thank you.

[@pc9545]

Great work!

[@poyntz55]

Thanks guys, just about to buy a Mazda 3 Astina 2.5l. here in Australia - we don’t get the turbo option

[@NiceBowser]

I've owned a 2017 Mazda6, 2019 Mazda3 Hatch, 2020 Mazda cx5 GTR, and now a 2021 Mazda3 Hatchback Turbo AWD PP... let me say.. mazda never ceases to amaze me with their beauty, design, quality, reliability, and performance. Amazing cars. For the gloss black plastic, I got aftermarket carbon fiber covers to go over it---looks great.

[@kusizee4159]

Did the paint on the car got chipped especially in this color? I just bought this car in the same color and I’m worried about that.

[@PaulHo]

Say whatever you want about your chakras, but I'm very impressed with your squatting expertise. Flat foot?!

[@martyjacqz7901]

How is the paint quality for this car? Mazda owner?

[@JamesSmith-kv8js]

They absolutely could not foresee that the piano black surface would easily scratch.

[@bazbbeeb7226]

id put some vinyl wrap on that area.

[@iandignorin5113]

Just a quick question, is that a Mazda3 2020 AWD? If yes, I though the 2021 was the generation which received the AWD traction.

[@robnorman6809]

so did I I have a 2020 mazda 3 hatch premium and awd wasnt an option then

[@TYAC_red]

Why do journalists talk about Power as they associate it with acceleration? Is the physics too hard or the education in the U.S. is too lousy?

[@nicolasisquithcarreno9692]

I just got the 2019 3 hatchback premium used

[@SevenCostanza]

i hate the ones with the chrome around the grill

[@jacka3280]

I wanna know the quality of the paint. I got new mazda and i have so many rock chip dmg on the front panel during the first month of ownership. My old rav4 never have such kind of dmg. The paint is sooooo thin imo

[@SeeonX]

We have a Mazda CX-5 and when turning around a bin in a narrow highway like 1 line both ways it sometimes will think you are about to fucking die and start to break. Also if you travel towards the sun such as early mornings out on the highway it's radar system shuts off. I thought that was odd.

[@Helthurian]

Going to be buying a 2018-2021 Mazda 3 next month. Just depends on price and features really.

[@bolosantosi5398]

Did you end up getting it?

[@Helthurian]

@@bolosantosi5398 I did, got a Machine Grey 2021 Mazda 3 2.5 Select Sedan. Been loving it, all other cars I've driven since I got it just don't compare.

[@bolosantosi5398]

@@Helthurian nice. I’m looking at the same model to get in the future.

[@mugensamurai]

Alfa Romeo Gulia senpai noticed.

[@acemacgruber6593]

I'd rather have a zoom-zoom Mazda3.

[@d1zguy864]

the 2.5 liter in the mazda 3 is rev happy, like old school B16 engine have to rev it up to get that ooomph (a welcome thing) I normally floor it and hit the kick down switch then slide it to manual mode to control the rpms. I had a ext honda civic and because of the turbo it had more torque downlow but it was a piece of shit at high rpm and the heatsoak felt like I was driving on 80 wheel horsepower. Thats not the case with the Mazda 3

[@Cosmopolitm]

I got one! Amazing

[@huseyingundogdu4367]

I own a 2019 Mazda 3 red soul Cyrstal, my first and last mazda will be. Paint quality is the worst in the world I think, some parts of th car was re painted by mazda and paint didn't match so after long fight they agreed to paint 2nd time. Gear box started to fail about after 25k kms so it was replaced by warranty. after 2 years again my car is in the dealership almost a month because I am waiting for new airbag and to be solved shit loads of electrical problems, if you google little bit even 2021 models has same electrical problems like central locking system failing etc. So if you really want to buy one make your research very well!

[@docholliday6285]

Wrong

[@1a1o]

You still having problems with it?

[@huseyingundogdu4367]

@@1a1o battery died after 3 years, even the dealership said it should last about 5 years. Blind spot monitor lights up randomly for no reason, its so annoying when driving in the dark. Dealership couldnt fix it so i gave up. auto seat and steering wheel doesnt work all the time. The steering wheel warmer gave up also after 3 years they changed it for free.

[@chrislim7976]

Mazda has had major quality issues for decades. Thin paint is notorious. It should be called lipstick red.

[@JB-ki9ql]

Great review. mate.

[@broeheem2804]

Is that the only paint color available on this car? I've seen a dozen or more reviews, never in any other color.

[@Grantorius]

Google much?

[@cpMetis]

That red is Mazda's main colour, so the press cars are usually like that. They are in black, white, silver, red, dark blue, and poly-grey.

[@2004cyrus]

Mazda offers gray, black, white, blue, black

[@broeheem2804]

@@Grantorius No. "Google" isn't a verb.