beebs

2016 Mazda Mazda3 review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise

Mazda Mazda3 highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • Great fuel economy
  • Two engine options
  • Good handling

Cons

  • Cabin wind noise
  • Firmer ride with optional 18-inch wheels
  • Limited rear seat space

Mileage (EPA estimate)

25 city, 35 highway, 29 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

Price
Year

A sporty compact with loads of character

Lots of compact cars will get you where you're going just fine. But if you want a car with two energetic engine options, excellent handling on winding roads, and classy styling, the 2016 Mazda3 is for you. This versatile car comes in two body styles, sedan or hatchback, allowing you to choose your own adventure. All Mazda3s have great fuel economy regardless of your body style or engine, making this small car a great blend of practicality and fun. With the Mazda3, you'll choose the long way home every time.

All Mazda Mazda3 years

What is new for the 2016 Mazda Mazda3?

  • The I SV trim has been discontinued for 2016.
  • Mazda3 trims have been upgraded with Bluetooth Technology as standard equipment this year.
  • Remote Start features are now available as options on select trims.
  • The I Sport trim now comes with Rear View Camera as standard equipment.
  • The I Touring trim now comes with Sunroof(s) as standard equipment.

5 reasons to buy the 2016 Mazda Mazda3

1. Energetic engine options 

The Mazda3 proves that you don't have to compromise on fun just because you're buying a small car. Get your thrills from the Mazda3 I and its 2.0L four-cylinder engine producing 155 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque. Or shop for the Mazda3 S with its 2.5L four-cylinder that generates 184 horses and 185 lb-ft for the ultimate joyride. Both engines can be found in either the sedan or hatchback body styles. 

2. Select your style 

The Mazda 3 aims to please you by giving you the option of either a sedan or hatchback body style. Both provide seating for up to five passengers. Fold the seats down in the hatchback, and you'll get 47.1 cu-ft of maximum cargo space that's ideal for hauling guitars to the next gig or project materials for a weekend renovation project.  

3. It treads lightly  

You'll breeze past gas stations in the Mazda3 thanks to its fuel-sipping engines. The Mazda3 I sedan and hatchback, paired with the automatic transmission, get an EPA-estimated 33 mpg combined.

Meanwhile, the automatic Mazda3 S sedan gets an EPA-estimated 31 mpg combined, and the automatic transmission Mazda3 S hatchback earns an EPA-estimated 30 mpg combined.
  

4. It's feature-filled 

There's plenty to love in the Mazda3. The base I Sport trim comes with 16-inch wheels, a rearview camera, and power-folding mirrors, while every trim level above the Sport includes a sunroof. Choose the top-of-the-line Mazda3 S Grand Touring to get 18-inch wheels, steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, adaptive xenon headlights, and leather seats. Shop for a Touring or Grand Touring trim for blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts. 

5. It's connected  

You'll easily connect your favorite device to the Mazda3 with the car's standard Bluetooth® connectivity, and you'll have control over the infotainment system thanks to a seven-inch touchscreen display. Play your music through the standard six-speaker sound system, or find a Mazda3 with the optional Popular Equipment package that includes a nine-speaker Bose sound system. 

Shop with your budget in mind

Getting pre-qualified lets you shop with personalized monthly payments, and it doesn't impact your credit score.Get Pre-qualified

Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

CarMax customers say the 2016 Mazda Mazda3 is a fun car that combines reliability with style. Commuters love this car for its fuel efficiency.
4
Excellent

RepairPal gave the Mazda Mazda3 an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Mazda Mazda3 15th out of 46 among Compact Cars.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Mazda Mazda3

Mazda Mazda3 features and specs

I Grand Touring 2WD 4D Hatchback

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • BOSE Sound System
  • CD Audio
  • Cruise Control
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Leatherette Seats
  • Navigation System
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Sunroof(s)
  • Traction Control
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Parking Sensors
  • Rear Spoiler
  • Remote Start

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

2.0L

Horsepower

155

Torque (ft-lbs)

150

Engine type

Gas

Fuel capacity

13.2

Wheelbase

106.3"

Overall length

175.6"

Width

70.7"

Height

57.3"

Leg room

F 42.2"/R 35.8"

Head room

F 37.6"/R 37.5"

Front tires

P205/60HR16

Rear tires

P205/60HR16

Seating capacity

5

Transmission

Automatic

2016 Mazda Mazda3 FAQ

Research other vehicles



* Price excludes taxes, title, registration, and fees. Applicable transfer fees are due in advance of vehicle delivery and are separate from sales transactions.

We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.​

Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.

Unless otherwise noted, information related to featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities.​ By clicking on any video links, you will be taken to a third-party site maintained by YouTube, Inc.

We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing.