Is a Mazda 3 a Good First Car? (8 Solid Reasons to Get One)
The Mazda 3 is a solid choice for a first car as it is an incredibly safe compact vehicle and is nimble around town.
Knowing the qualities it possesses will make you want it even more.
8 Qualities That Make the Mazda 3 a Superb First Car
#1 Sprightly Yet Efficient Engine
The fuel economy in the Mazda 3 is not class-leading, but it has consistently placed near the top.
Mazda 3 can achieve mid-20s mpg to mid-30s mpg in combined city/highway driving depending on the model year and trim.
Subcompacts and compacts are ideal for new drivers on a modest budget because of the savings at the pump.
| Fuel Economy | |
| Hyundai Elantra | 37 mpg combined |
| Kia Forte | 35 mpg combined |
| Toyota Yaris | 35 mpg combined |
| Honda Civic | 33 mpg combined |
| Toyota Corolla | 33 mpg combined |
| Volkswagen Jetta | 33 mpg combined |
| Volkswagen Golf | 32 mpg combined |
| Mazda Mazda 3 | 31 mpg combined |
| MINI Cooper | 31 mpg combined |
| Volkswagen Beetle | 29 mpg combined |
| Range Rover | 18 mpg combined |
Note that the fuel economy varies between model years and trims – the 2014 to 2016 Mazda 3 base trim (2.0L) can achieve 34 mpg combined.
(See the Mazda 3 model years comparison later in the post.)
If fuel efficiency is your top priority, include the Honda Civic, Toyota Yaris, Hyundai Elantra, VW Jetta, and VW Golf on your shortlist.
#2 Strong Crash Safety (Award Winners)
Excellence safety ratings are crucial in determining a good first car, and the Mazda 3 passed with flying colors.
The Mazda 3 has been a serial winner of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick award since its introduction in 2006 – a clear indication that the Mazda 3 is an excellent choice for new drivers.
Its sedan and hatchback body styles are equally safe vehicles.
| IIHS Award (4dr Sedan) | IIHS Award (4dr Hatchback) | |
| 2022 Mazda 3 | Top Safety Pick + | Top Safety Pick + |
| 2021 Mazda 3 | Top Safety Pick + | Top Safety Pick + |
| 2020 Mazda 3 | Top Safety Pick + | Top Safety Pick + |
| 2019 Mazda 3 | Top Safety Pick | Top Safety Pick |
| 2018 Mazda 3 | Top Safety Pick | Top Safety Pick |
| 2017 Mazda 3 | Top Safety Pick + | Top Safety Pick + |
| 2016 Mazda 3 | Top Safety Pick + | Top Safety Pick + |
| 2015 Mazda 3 | Top Safety Pick + | Top Safety Pick + |
| 2014 Mazda 3 | Top Safety Pick + | Top Safety Pick + |
| 2013 Mazda 3 | Top Safety Pick | Top Safety Pick |
| 2012 Mazda 3 | Top Safety Pick | Top Safety Pick |
| 2011 Mazda 3 | Top Safety Pick | Top Safety Pick |
| 2009 Mazda 3 | Top Safety Pick | – |
It’s a solid achievement few compacts can rival – the Honda Civic is one.
Other safe first cars worth considering include:
- Subaru Impreza
- Toyota Corolla
- Kia Forte
- Hyundai Elantra
#3 Robust Reliability
Mazda is among the most reliable automakers.
Consumer Reports ranked Mazda #2 out of 28 automotive brands in their 2021 reliability survey – behind Lexus, but ahead of these Japanese rivals:
RepairPal ranked the Mazda 3 #9 out of 36 compact cars in reliability, effectively placing it in the top 25%.
(Refer to the compact cars comparison below to see how the Mazda 3 measure against its competitors.)
#4 Affordable Upkeep
Mazda 3’s relatively low running cost generally agrees with the reliability of Mazda vehicles.
According to RepairPal, a Mazda 3 costs approximately $433 a year to maintain, lower than the $526 annual average for compact cars.
The year-on-year increase in annual maintenance costs info (below) is useful in guiding your expectation.
The Honda Civic and Audi A3 are excellent yardsticks because the former is one of the more-affordable first cars, and the latter is an expensive luxury compact sedan.
| Year | Annual Costs (Mazda 3) | Annual Costs (Honda Civic) | Annual Costs (Audi A3) |
| 1 | $186 | $183 | $316 |
| 2 | $217 | $214 | $368 |
| 3 | $267 | $262 | $451 |
| 4 | $348 | $339 | $584 |
| 5 | $414 | $403 | $694 |
| 6 | $519 | $504 | $868 |
| 7 | $732 | $708 | $1,220 |
| 8 | $817 | $790 | $1,360 |
| 9 | $896 | $865 | $1,490 |
| 10 | $1,013 | $977 | $1,684 |
| 11 | $1,028 | $992 | $1,709 |
| 12 | $1,153 | $1,112 | $1,916 |
The probability of major repairs is relatively low for the Mazda 3:
- 1.67% in year 1,
- 7.88$ in year 5,
- 16.22% in year 10, and
- 31.25% in year 12.
These figures are on par with that of the Honda Civic.
However, a used car’s condition depends on its service history, so please check and verify before buying.
#5 Thoroughly Inexpensive Insurance
Insurance costs for a safe subcompact like the Yaris isn’t a big concern because it is one of the cheapest to insure.
An 18-year-old can expect to pay around $4,500 per year for full coverage, although the premium is heavily location-dependent.
Costly insurance for powerful cars like the Ford Mustang and expensive sedans like the BMW 3-Series is understandable, but the Mazda 3 beats these compacts and subcompacts to be one of the cheapest small cars to insure:
See the table below on the average full coverage cost for the various age groups (assuming good driver and credit):
| 18-year-old | 25-year-old | |
| Mazda 3 | $4,514/year | $2,038/year |
| MINI Cooper | $4,578/year | $2,067/year |
| Toyota Yaris | $4,935/year | $2,228/year |
| Honda Civic | $5,070/year | $2,289/year |
| VW Jetta | $5,416/year | $2,445/year |
| Toyota Corolla | $5,570/year | $2,516/year |
| Ford Mustang | $5,598/year | $2,527/year |
| BMW 3 Series | $6,019/year | $2,717/year |
Expect a 16-year-old male driver to pay higher than the figures above.
#6 Nimble with Sharp Handling
Sporty handling and excellent driving characteristics are hallmarks of this entry-level small car.
The Mazda 3 offers confidence-inspiring handling around corners through responsive steering that provides ample feedback, making driving safer.
Although its acceleration is quick for a four-cylinder compact, the power delivery is smooth and predictable.
Crucially, it delivers a fun-to-drive experience without sacrificing comfort.
The easy maneuverability and parking in tight urban settings should make life uncomplicated for new drivers.
#7 Optional All-Wheel-Drive
All-wheel-drive (AWD) provides better overall traction and is a drivetrain typically offered in premium vehicles due to the higher expense.
Conversely, front-wheel-drive (FWD) cars are more affordable and return higher gas mileage.
AWD Mazda 3 models are available from 2019 and are the ideal all-weather option for those living in snowy regions or experiencing inclement weather.
If your location enjoys primarily sunny weather year-round, the cheaper FWD Mazda 3 will suffice.
#8 Reasonable and Stable Depreciation
The Mazda 3 retains value pretty well, although a few small cars do better; it depreciates 48% after five years and 75% at the full-decade mark.
The table below assumes a brand-new Mazda 3 sedan that retails for approx. $22,000:
| Vehicle Age | Depreciation | Value Lost | Resale Value |
| Brand-New | Nil | Nil | $22,000 |
| 1-y.o. | 16.1% | $3,542 | $18,458 |
| 2-y.o. | 22.5% | $4,950 | $17,050 |
| 3-y.o. | 25.4% | $5,588 | $16,412 |
| 4-y.o. | 38.2% | $8,404 | $13,596 |
| 5-y.o. | 48.1% | $10,582 | $11,418 |
| 6-y.o. | 51.7% | $11,374 | $10,626 |
| 7-y.o. | 52.4% | $11,528 | $10,472 |
| 8-y.o. | 65.0% | $14,300 | $7,700 |
| 9-y.o. | 67.8% | $14,916 | $7,084 |
| 10-y.o. | 74.9% | $16,478 | $5,522 |
New Mazda 3 models come with:
- 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty.
- 3-year/36,000-mile roadside warranty.
- 5-year/60,000-mile drivetrain warranty.
If you’re getting a used Mazda 3, it’s wise to buy an extended warranty.
The Honda Civic, VW Jetta, and Toyota Yaris hold their value better than the Yaris and are worth considering.
| 5-yr Depreciation | 10-yr Depreciation | |
| Honda Civic | 39% | 71% |
| Toyota Corolla | 38% | 59% |
| VW Jetta | 43% | 70% |
| Toyota Yaris | 47% | 67% |
| Mazda 3 | 48% | 75% |
| Kia Forte | 51% | 75% |
| BMW 3-Series | 55% | 78% |
Best Mazda 3 Year for Your First Car
Unless you’re buying a brand-new Mazda 3, you want to know which used model year is the better deal.
Table Guide:
- Safety (IIHS): 1 (poor) to 4 (good); IIHS tests average.
- Safety (NHTSA): 1 (poor) to 5 (safest); NHTSA overall.
- Fuel Economy: mpg city/highway/combined (base trim).
- Reliability: /100; higher = fewer problems (JD Power).
| Model Year | Safety (IIHS) | Safety (NHTSA) | Fuel Econ. | Reliability |
| 2022 Mazda 3 | 4/4 | 5/5 | 28/36/31 | NA |
| 2021 Mazda 3 | 4/4 | 5/5 | 28/36/31 | NA |
| 2020 Mazda 3 | 4/4 | 5/5 | 26/35/30 | 79/100 |
| 2019 Mazda 3 | 4/4 | NA | 26/35/30 | NA |
| 2018 Mazda 3 | 4/4 | 5/5 | 28/37/31 | 80/100 |
| 2017 Mazda 3 | 4/4 | 5/5 | 28/37/32 | 81/100 |
| 2016 Mazda 3 | 4/4 | 5/5 | 30/41/34 | 80/100 |
| 2015 Mazda 3 | 4/4 | 5/5 | 30/41/34 | 79/100 |
| 2014 Mazda 3 | 4/4 | 5/5 | 30/41/34 | 79/100 |
| 2013 Mazda 3 | 4/4 | 4/5 | 24/33/27 | 79/100 |
| 2012 Mazda 3 | 4/4 | 4/5 | 24/33/27 | 80/100 |
| 2011 Mazda 3 | 4/4 | 4/5 | 24/33/27 | 80/100 |
| 2010 Mazda 3 | NA | 5/5 | 24/33/27 | 81/100 |
The 2014 Mazda 3 redesign marked the model’s third generation – evident from the considerable improvement in gas mileage.
The 2014 Mazda 3 or newer would be the more fuel-efficient option.
Avoid the 2010 Mazda 3 as it recorded the highest number of owner complaints (186; according to CarComplaints) – several times more than the average of other model years.
If a car’s crashworthiness is your main concern, opt for the 2009 and newer model years – they are safety-award-winning vehicles.
Mazda 3 Compared with Similar Vehicles
Table Guide:
- Fuel Economy: mpg city/highway/combined (base trim – auto).
- Reliability: /100; higher = fewer problems; 5yr avg. (JD Power).
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
- Safety (IIHS): 1 (poor) to 4 (good); IIHS tests average.
- Safety (NHTSA): 1 (poor) to 5 (safest); NHTSA overall.
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
Compact cars’ average yearly maintenance cost is $526, so all the options above – bar the Volkswagen Golf and Subaru Impreza – are inexpensive to maintain.
The Honda Civic is a compelling choice for any teenager’s first car due to its excellent gas mileage and safety ratings, equaled only by the solidly safe Mazda 3.
Alternatively, the Hyundai Elantra can get you the best fuel economy.
But if you want an even more affordable option, opt for the Kia Forte for your first car.
It is reliable, fuel-efficient, and loaded with features typically available only in pricier options.
Still, the Mazda 3 is a perfect vehicle for young drivers if you love its sporty look and want a supremely safe first car.
References:
https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/mazda/3-4-door-sedan/2022