The pleasant, practical, fun-to-drive Mazda3 is one of the better small cars available. Its 2.0-liter Skyactiv engine delivers smooth and ample performance, and got an impressive 32 mpg overall in our testing. The punchy 2.5-liter is more powerful, but only got 25 mpg overall. Handling is precise and responsive, and the ride is firm, yet fairly comfortable. Road noise is pronounced. Interior quality is very good, but rear-seat room is tight. The hatchback increases versatility. The sporty turbocharged Mazdaspeed3 is very quick but has too much torque steer and a harsh ride, and is noisy. IIHS crash-test results are impressive.
A subscription to ConsumerReports.org includes Consumer Reports road test reports (based on over 50 different tests).
Mazda Blog Content
Coming soon: A wider variety of diesel-powered cars
Over the years, with Consumer Reports' extensive testing, we've found that diesel engines provide a significant fuel economy advantage, typically reducing consumption by 30 percent over a conventional engine in an equivalent model. We're encouraged, since at the New York...
Beyond turbos, what car technology works to boost mpg?
The past few years have shown dramatic fuel economy improvements in all types of cars in our testing. Rather than exotic technology, such as hybrids and vehicle electrification, most of the improvements have come the old-fashioned way: through conventional technologies...
Best used cars for under $15,000
Buying a used car can be a great way to save money. The trick is to find a not only a good deal, but a good car—one that will be safe, reliable, and enjoyable for years. Our picks for the...
2013 Honda Civic aces tough IIHS crash test
After some mixed results from early models tested in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) new small overlap crash test, the latest batch of vehicles earn top scores. The Volvo XC60 and two- and four-door versions of the Honda...
6 great new cars under $18,000
Buying a new car on a budget can be a challenge, and you should prepare for some compromises. The trick is getting the right balance of value and quality for your money, without accepting one or more significant sacrifices that...
