Summary

• With 57 currently listed for sale near Birmingham, AL and an average price of $13,435.00, 36.8% of 2018 Mazda MAZDA3s for sale on CarGurus are rated as good or great deals.

• Favorably reviewed: Owners rated the 2018 Mazda MAZDA3 4.71 / 5 stars.

• 89.5% of 2018 MAZDA3 models on CarGurus are accident free.

Why it stands out

The 2018 Mazda MAZDA3 stands out because it blends style, driver appeal, and value in a way that many compact cars do not. Mazda’s buying guide describes the Mazda3 as offering more excitement and drama in the way it drives and looks than many affordable compact cars, and that character is a big part of its appeal. It also notes that the model combines value for money, a spacious interior, and impressive levels of passenger and driver comfort with an enjoyable driving experience and sleek design.

For 2018, the Mazda3 belongs to the third-generation model line, which is described as a sleeker, higher-quality take on the car with a premium, driver-centric interior. That generation offered hatchback and sedan body styles, along with 2.0-liter and 2.5-liter Skyactiv engines, and the Mazda Connect infotainment system on higher trims included a seven-inch display, satellite navigation, rear-view camera, and satellite/internet radio integration. A mid-life update in 2016 brought minor cosmetic and trim changes, and the naming strategy changed so the “i” and “s” suffixes were dropped.

The trade-offs are worth noting. The guide says the third-generation Mazda3 is generally solid, but not as reliable as a Toyota Corolla or a Honda Civic, and that premature brake wear is a common issue, especially with pre-facelift cars, while the infotainment system can be glitchy. Even so, it remains a cost-effective option that undercuts many rival cars on price, which helps explain why it continues to appeal to buyers who want a compact car with more personality than the average mainstream choice.

Other model years to consider

• 2017 Mazda MAZDA3

  • Average price: $11,743.00
  • Good/great deal percentage: 33.3%
  • User rating: 4.83 / 5
  • Total listings: 57

• 2021 Mazda MAZDA3

  • Average price: $14,999.00
  • Good/great deal percentage: 38.3%
  • User rating: 5 / 5
  • Total listings: 47

• 2024 Mazda MAZDA3

  • Average price: $21,976.00
  • Good/great deal percentage: 56.3%
  • User rating: 4.67 / 5
  • Total listings: 64

This analysis is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 11, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.