Mazda3 Short Review: 4 Pros and 4 Cons You Must Know

Mazda3 is arguably one of the best-selling cars in its class, grossing over 6 million units sold as of 2019, according to one reputable source.

Adding to this heap of positives, are exhilarating driving dynamics, its fluid-sleekly-engineered flawless design, and a host of other, er, stable of good qualities, more or less.

Short of calling it a trailblazer (because of its innovative Skyactiv mill), the car had sparked a modicum of fanfare because of those other exhilirating features found in this ingenious but highly retro-active vehicle.

But before this article gets down to business, of sorting out the bits and pieces of what makes this car one-of-a-kind we'd first regale to the readers a few precious minutes about this car's not-so intriguing qualities.

CONS

The Car Has Brain-Dead Automatic-Lighting 

In one previous article, we have mentioned that so far, there were no negatively pertinent issues being forwarded by consumers about the Mazda3's overall performance, but now, we regret to retract that previous statement lest it might cause some misinformation. (we hope not)

According to Car Parts.com, drivers of the mostly redesigned Mazda 2019 trims had experienced frequently an auto-light system malfunction wherein a warning notification suddenly pops up on the dashboard when subjected to an extreme heat temperature thus, requiring repairs in the long run. (Oh-oh)

Braking Power Woes

Several 2004-2011, 2013, and 2015 Mazda3 vehicles were found to have defective rear brake parts as owners (of these variants) have reported hearing audibly squeaking noises from the rear brakes owing to the brake pads coming into gear with the rotor, likewise, inferior brake pads installed on the said affected cars causes misalignment-issues thereby affecting over-all driving performance. (man, didn't see that one coming) 

Vibration Issues

A faulty motor mount was the major culprit on several Mazda3 car models like the 2004-2011, 2013, and 2015 trims. Those aforementioned vehicles suffer from "excessive" vibrations even when driven at moderate speeds.

Most owners from across this range had earlier initially tried to resolve the issue by replacing their tires, brake rotors, and brake pads but otherwise, to no avail as the problem persists but later on, was thankfully resolved, according to the same online portal. 

Achy-Breaky Transmission Problems

Even though the Mazda3 emanates pure driving dynamics, the car was still bound to suffer from a few setbacks concerning its performance, according to the same website, the 2012 Mazda 3 variant, in particular, was known to possess a few transmission problems as some folks, who owns this particular brand, have witnessed audibly hearing their gears grinding by itself when shifting from third to fourth gear earlier thought to be possibly brought about by a couple of worn-out bearings. 

But the most alarming report was the fact that some of these vehicles occasionally flake out; the power dramatically blacking out as further indicated by an intermittently illuminating engine and stability control lights while folks were on the freeway. (tsk-tsk)

PROS

All bad news truly comes to an end, and now we get to savor the niceties of the Mazda3's configuration as we get up close and personal.

Offers a Wide Variety of Engines

Like mouth-watering confectioneries from a candy store, Mazda3 car engines come in three available flavors, the most basic 2.0 sedan, rides on the gravy train with a 2.0-liter engine replete with a variable valve timing on its four cylinders. This engine produces 155 hp and 150 pound-feet of torque, likewise, the 2.0 S sedan also boasts four cylinders under its hood, though it's quite larger than the other, with a displacement of 2.5 liters.

In addition, the optionally-available turbo-charged mills also flaunt a 2.5-liter displacement however, as its designation implies, a turbo-powered engine racks up a spirited 186 to 227 hp, while torque boosts up from 186 pound-feet to 310 pound-feet.

Beef up to Look Sporty and Feel Sporty at the Same Time

Whether you opt to buy a sedan or a hatchback, the Mazda3 are always stamped with an athletic vibe to it as base models do shows-off with LED headlamps, a matte-finish glossy grille, and showy 16-inch wheels.

On the other hand, high-specced trims have upgradeable and iconic LED headlights, side mirrors with turn signals, a spit-black front grille, rear dynamic spoiler, and sporty 18-inch wheels but what makes this car truly sensational is the sleek imprint of creases and polished curves built along its body which rivals those other aerodynamic-looking cars like the Audi A6 or perhaps the Tesla Model X.

Driving shotgun on one of these beauties feels like you're on cloud 9 as the Mazda3 glides down agilely on twisting roads as if putting on a cushioned pair of heels.

Driving is smoothly precise and ethereally road-hugging thanks to the collaborative magic brought about by the Sky Activ technology and the I-ActiveSense system

(built into every Mazda3) that autonomously mapped out the terrain contours/conditions while making precision-split-second-timed-decisions to adjust driving control interface thereby ensuring a safe and comfortable ride. (no need for guesswork, very nice) 

Truckload of Safety Specs

According to Car-Buying-Strategies.com, the Mazda3 is an economically-priced car that offers a multitude of driver-assist technology features for a safer ride as base models come with the standard adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, front and side-impact airbags, driver-attention alert, and other nests of systems set in place that warns drivers of an impending but likely imminent car collision.

There's even one incredibly so-called Traffic Jam Assist program that's available on the Mazda3 2.5 turbo variant that automatically adjusts the speed of your car's momentum from lightning-fast to a moderately slow burn, especially during heavy traffic. (thus, you don't have to worry about your blood cholesterol shooting up ‘cause of stress hah-hah)

A Cache of Impressive Infotainment Features

It sure beats staying around the house all day long as Mazda3 can keep you grandly entertained even while out on a road trip to nowhere..

Precisely ‘cause every Mazda3 comes in with the standard 8.8-inch screen infotainment display while the lowest trim of the sedan versions is equipped with HD radio, Pandora radio, and Bluetooth. 

Moreover, nearly all of the other Mazda3 specced are equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

However, premium level trims do offer much more full-throated benefits like the upgraded set of 12 speakers coupled with the latest Bose Centerpoint-2 audio technology (like having a mini-theater inside your car for pure listening pleasure), along with the SiriusXM satellite radio and navigation, a unique feature that promises to provide up-to-the-minute weather forecasts, maps, and warnings, while also keeping tabs on your car's navigation system. (great stuff)

Thus, all in all, the Mazda3 is truly one great deal squarely etched in the face of unbridled sophistication coupled with that electrifying persona that is decidedly one major hit among car buyers with a highly discriminating and excellent taste.

But we have barely scratched the surface of presenting to you the essential facts about this car because of stringent editorial considerations. (who knows we might do a double-take on this)

So for the moment, we put this twiddly-excessive article to rest. Who says reviewers don't need some of that much-needed R&R?, Huh.