2014 / 2015 Mazda Mazda3 Review and Road Test

The mainstream compact car segment is the perfect example of the infamous "driving appliance." The Corolla and Civic sell in enormous volume because they are the middle-of-the-road "white bread" option, not in-spite of the vanilla. Unlike many in the automotive press, I don't find anything wrong with that. In fact, I love me some Wonder Bread. But sometimes you feel like a pumpernickel, and that's where the 2014 Mazda3 comes in. Mazda was so excited about their new loaf that they invited me to spend the day with them in San Diego. Want to know if you should spend 5+ years with one?

Accounting for 30% of Mazda's worldwide volume, calling the Mazda3 their most important product would be putting things lightly. As a result 2014 brings a complete overhaul to every aspect of the 3 and the compact sedan now rides on a platform derived from the larger 6. The "Kodo" design language of the larger sedan has also been brought down to its smaller stablemate to astonishing effect. While the old Mazda3 was all smiles and bubbles, the new 3 is all grown up and aggressive with Mazda's incredibly attractive grille. Before the 3′s release I was quite torn about who was the fairest of them all but now there is no contest.

The base engine for 2014 is a 2.0L 155 horse four-cylinder that's good for 150 lb-ft of twist and 30/41/34 MPG (City/Highway/Combined) with the 6-speed automatic. If you have the cash you can upgrade to the 2.5L engine (shared with the CX-5 and Mazda6) which bumps these numbers up to 184 horses and 185 lb-ft while dropping fuel economy to 28/39/32.

With pricing that ranges from $16,945 (sedan) to a hair under $30,000 (loaded hatch) if you check all the option boxes on a Mazda3 hatch, it's obvious the Mazda spans the price spectrum from white bread in a bag to a paper-wrapped organic artisan cheesy sourdough. Like the Ford Focus, this large price span means the $19,495 iSport and $20,645 iTouring compete with the bulk of Corolla/Civic shoppers while the upper level trims compete with the Ford Focus, Acura ILX, Lexus CT200h, Buick Verano, and the few that shopped Volvo's defunct C30.

Compared to the Civic and Corolla, the Mazda3 delivers superior dynamics and more premium dash materials in exchange for less tech and no touchscreen infotainment. This is a dangerous trade in a segment known for placing features before fun. On the flip side, the Mazda3 has everything it needs to compete with the Focus, ILX, Verano and CT200h. Mazda's chassis tuning makes the Mazda the most fun to drive (even considering the ILX 2.4′s Civic Si roots), the infotainment system is entry-level luxury worthy and 2014 brings all full-speed range radar cruise control and ever gadget the Buick and Lexus shopper could want. So is the Mazda3 the perfect pumpernickel for Wonder Bread prices? As good as. Civirolla shoppers who can be convinced to cross-shop will be pleased with Mazda's sexy exterior, comfortable seats and road manners, but those after large seats and large trunks will return to the white bread alternative. I suspect the near luxury shoppers are the ones that will miss out the most however thinking that nothing this tasty could come in a package with a Mazda logo on it. Their loss.

[TheAdventureAuto]

I bought a 3rd gen back in 2014 and still loving it. It hasn't aged a bit and still stands out. It had decent power with the 2.0L and averaging 35.5mpg.

[tommynguyen]

Hands down the best review I've seen so far on this car. Your detailed and comparison-oriented review helped me in deciding on getting this car. Thank you!

[jtafoya]

Nothing beats this, not even the Acura ilx or the Buick verano. This is the best of its class

[PantherP]

I recently purchased a Mazda 3 i Sport, and I love it!  I don't have a ton of options, but I have what I need.  I naturally went for the stick shift, and have no problems averaging 31-39 mpg.  This is the first car I've had in years that makes me really want to go out and drive.

[clarencekoh]

This is the best Mazda3 review I have found to-date. Test driven the car few days ago, and totally in love!

[tbeau]

Ten years old they're still outstanding cars

[AAutoBuyersGuide]

I was on the fence before I drove it and experienced the new MazdaConnect infotainment system but now there is no question in my mind: Mazda3.

[vjbk]

This is one of the best if not the best auto reviews I have seen on youtube. Excellent format and presentation.

[NOOBIFIER]

Congratulations.  The video was extremely detailed, even down to the seldom mentioned suspension design. Explaining some more detail about the 13:1 engine might have been interesting as it is a bit unique. Overall I was really impressed with the detail with regards to the transmission and what make it special. Thanks

[archstanton]

Alex on Autos consistently does the best reviews on the web.

[ThousanWhite]

I really did appreciate the thoroughness in the infotainment system. It definitely looks like one of the best systems in its class.

[AAutoBuyersGuide]

I like the Forte as well and that would be a tough one. The Forte is huge on value, when you compare the feature content to the Mazda3, the Forte is notably cheaper. However, the Mazda3 is the more dynamic model and I think it's the better looking choice as well. The big news will be the new Forte Turbo which will make the Kia significantly faster than any current Mazda3.

[nikemac]

Alex, you give excellent, THOROUGH reviews.  Keep it up.  You make the guys on "The Fast Lane Car" look like

[findingnismoz]

Alex. you probably make the best car review vids on the net.  Its also great that you are knowledgeable on car mechanics and can offer informative tidbits in your reviews

[fkoontz]

When it comes to auto reviews, you totally rock!

[delsonic]

I bought an sGT 2 weeks ago when they first shipped, trading in a manual for the paddle shifting auto, and its wonderful. The manual mode is significantly better than other cars in its class, and you can down shift into 5000+ rpm range of the lower gear. also, the sport mode is phenomenal if you want to keep the engine revved and get those higher shifts. prior to this car, i had only considered manuals, since i have been driving stick for 6 years. this car converted me: no regrets at all.

[AAutoBuyersGuide]

I agree and I am looking forward to driving one when it lands.

[dongshuowu]

Alex I have watched every single video of yours. I'm confident to say you are the best youtuber in car reviews. Also would you do a review for the new 2016/2017 camaro from GM? And how it's different from Cadillac ATS though pretty similar. It would be great to see that.

[imtocoolschoolify]

You are doing a  great job, analyzing every single aspect of the vehicles you feature.thanks 

[TheDeeMat]

Probably the best 2014 Mazda3 review right now. Great job! Especially on the infotainment section!