A reliable passenger car used to be hard to find outside of the Honda and Toyota folds. The Mazda3 is a viable alternative to those mainstays based on reviews from consumers and critics. In fact, the Mazda3 is consistently named one of the most reliable sedans on the market by many online review aggregators.
2) Advanced On-Board Electronics
The 2016 Mazda3 sedan is packed with tons of high-tech features like key-less ignition, Bluetooth connectivity, and the latest Bose speakers. It also features the polished Mazda Connect multimedia system, which boasts a 7-inch touchscreen on the dash. It can control a slew of entertainment functions and display high-definition 3D maps for navigation.
3) Relative Ease of Repair
Like most Japanese sedans, the Mazda3 is an easy vehicle to work on when an equipment malfunction eventually occurs. Whether you like to do automotive repairs yourself or outsource them to mechanics, the Mazda3's sensible layout saves time and money. Furthermore, OEM Mazda parts are built to last and deliver excellent ROI.
4) Low Long-Term Ownership Costs
Over the course of a decade, a Mazda3 will cost far less to own and operate than most competing sedans. Due to its safety record, a Mazda3 will be cheaper to insure. Furthermore, buyers will save hundreds of dollars in fuel thanks to the outstanding gas mileage that every Mazda3 can achieve.
5) Superior Safety Features
Besides being built to stand up to common collisions, the 2016 Mazda3 sedan comes with a bevy of safety features that prevent accidents. For instance, the included Smart City Brake Support helps drivers to avoid fender-benders in heavy traffic. There's also Radar Cruise Control, a standard back-up camera, and adaptive headlights.
6) A Fun Driving Experience
Unlike most entry-level sedans, the Mazda3 places an emphasis on driving performance as well as reliability. The 2.5-liter version produces a whopping 184 horsepower and can hit 60 miles per hour in a little over 7 seconds. The Mazda3's taut suspension, topnotch brakes, and standard 6-speed manual transmission deliver an exhilarating experience.
7) Above-Average Fuel Economy
In spite of the Mazda3's peppy performance numbers, it still manages to get up to 41 MPG on the highway. Even the 2.5-liter engine will deliver up to 37 MPG when paired with the default 6-speed manual transmission. Every Mazda3 uses a custom regenerative braking setup called i-ELOOP to further reduce fuel usage.
8) Attractive Price Points
No matter how you slice it, the Mazda3 is an incredibly affordable car. In a world where practically no new vehicle costs less than $16,000, a well-equipped Mazda3 I Sport with a 6-speed transmission is only $18,680. Even a top-of-the-line, fully loaded s Touring version starts at less than $25,000.
9) Configuration Flexibility
Nowadays, it's hard to find a popular sedan line that also features an alternative body type such as a hatchback. The Mazda3 puts the customer in control when it comes to configuring options by offering a variety of trim levels. It also gives buyers a choice between superb 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions.
10) Sexy Styling That Stands Out
Nowadays, nearly every vehicle with four doors looks fairly similar. The Mazda3 sedan is one of the few affordable cars out there that boasts a distinctive profile that's both aesthetically pleasing and easily recognizable at a glance. Additions like a rear spoiler and 18-inch wheels further set a Mazda3 apart from the crowd.
Reasons Not to Buy a 2016 Mazda3 Sedan – The Cons
1) It's Not the Most Popular Vehicle (Yet)
While the Mazda3 has sold well in recent years, it's still not as popular as the Civic or the Corolla. As such, it can be slightly harder to unload if you feel like switching to another vehicle later on. However, the 2016 Mazda3 sedan will hold it's value over the long haul.
2) The Ride Isn't Exactly Plush
For some drivers, the Mazda3's suspension can feel a little harsh. Since it's designed to deliver a sporty driving experience, the ride isn't as cushy as some comparable models from rival car makers. If you want a less aggressive suspension setup, something like a Corolla would be a better choice.
3) The Famed Mazda Road Noise
While the 2016 Mazda3 sedan isn't the loudest compact car on the market, interior road noise is higher than average. You'll hear the engine when you wind it up during heavy acceleration. Regardless, the Mazda3 would never be described as unrefined when it comes to engine and road noise.
4) It's Not a One-Size-Fits-All Vehicle
As roomy as the Mazda3 is for a compact sedan, it's not necessarily the best choice for weekend warriors that like to get outdoors. If you're an avid skier or hiker, an SUV like the Mazda CX-5 is a better bet insofar as available storage space for recreational equipment goes.
5) The Honda Civic Factor
Every year, the Mazda3 continues to improve in the quality and reliability departments. Still, it's not quite as tightly engineered as the venerable Honda Civic. For most consumers, slight differences in things like gap tolerances won't matter. However, it's still something to think about.
