Used 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 for Sale nearChicago, IL

How much does the 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 cost?

Prices have softened 3.01% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 594 listings available, which gives you a solid amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 a good car?

Yes — the 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 earns a 5/5 user rating and a 7.8/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Safety at 10/10.

Drivers consistently praise its stunning design, amazing interior, and enjoyable driving experience. The user feedback also points to a luxurious feel and advanced safety features, which line up with the car’s upscale presentation.

The main trade-offs are limited power and limited cargo space, so you should expect style and refinement to matter more than outright practicality. In the context of its upscale-leaning compact-car mission, that makes it a strong fit if you want a small car that feels more premium than most rivals.

With 36.7% of listings marked as good or great deals, there are still worthwhile opportunities in the market.

Is the 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 reliable?

Owners rate it 5/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

User feedback points to a car that feels dependable, with owners highlighting its enjoyable driving experience and the kind of quality that makes it easy to count on. The expert review also describes the engine as good and predictable, which supports the impression of a car that should feel straightforward to live with.

Mazda’s cost-effectiveness notes also mention decent fuel economy, which can help keep day-to-day ownership manageable. For used buyers, the main long-term risk is less about outright reliability and more about whether the car’s premium feel and features have been maintained well over time.

What should I look for when buying a used 2020 Mazda MAZDA3?

At 69.5% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and then prioritize a careful inspection of bodywork, panel alignment, and signs of prior repair. Because this model is valued for its styling and upscale cabin, condition matters a lot: worn interior materials, damaged trim, or poor repair quality can undercut the appeal quickly.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base-trim-level vehicle misses the 18-inch alloy wheels that come standard on all but the base trim, and lower trims also receive Acceptable headlight ratings instead of the Premium Package’s Good-rated LED headlights.
• Powertrain: All 2020 Mazda3s use a 2.5-liter SkyActiv four-cylinder engine with 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, and Mazda also offers a six-speed manual only on front-wheel-drive hatchback models with the preferred or premium package.
• Safety package: The Mazda3 includes forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and dynamic brake support.
• Infotainment: The cabin centers on an 8.8-inch infotainment display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, and the system uses a rotary dial controller rather than touchscreen input.
• Fuel efficiency: The EPA says it will get 25 mpg in the city and 33 on the highway.

Which 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 trim should I buy?

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 is offered in 2 trim levels: sedan and hatchback.

Here's the short version:

• sedan: Choose this if you want the more traditional body style and a cleaner path into the Mazda3’s upscale design, premium cabin feel, and standard advanced safety features.
• hatchback: Choose this if you want the more distinctive shape and the version Mazda leans on most heavily in its styling and marketing, while still getting the same core upscale character.

The Premium Package adds the most notable safety and equipment upgrades, including Good-rated LED headlights, so it’s the trim note worth keeping in mind if safety equipment matters most.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2020 Mazda MAZDA3?

This is a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop carefully and still find worthwhile listings.

• Deal availability: 36.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 594 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 3.01% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 69.5% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $17,074, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2020 Mazda MAZDA3's resale value?

The current average of $17,677 sits slightly below last year's $18,225.

That softer pricing suggests the market has already adjusted downward, which can help you buy at a more favorable point if you plan to keep the car for a while. For a future seller, that also means resale value may depend heavily on condition, mileage, and trim, since the model’s appeal is tied to presentation as much as basic transportation.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 5/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 safe?

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 is a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS and earns five-star ratings from NHTSA.

It earns a 10/10 safety score from our experts.

Mazda equips the car with forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and dynamic brake support. Lower trims do give up the Premium Package’s Good-rated LED headlights and instead receive Acceptable-rated headlights, so trim choice still matters if you want the strongest safety setup.

Should I buy a 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2020 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2020 if:

• 36.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 69.5% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 3.01% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It combines upscale styling, easy-to-use technology, and standard advanced safety features.

Consider the 2019 if:

• At $16,923, the 2019 costs less than the current year's $17,677 average.
• It delivers an upscale, refined, athletic feel with standard advanced safety features.

Consider the 2021 if:

• At $19,050, the 2021 costs more than the current year's $17,677 average.
• It adds a more upscale, refined character with turbocharged performance.

The bottom line: If you want the best mix of style, safety, and current-market pricing, the 2020 is the sweet spot. If you’re more price-sensitive, the 2019 is the value play; if you want a newer, more upscale-feeling step up, the 2021 is worth the extra money.

How does the 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 compare to the 2020 Honda Civic?

Expert Pros & Cons (per CarGurus review team)

2020 Mazda MAZDA3:

• Pros: Stylish design, Easy-to-use technology, Standard advanced safety features.
• Cons: Cramped back seat, Not much cargo space.

2020 Honda Civic:

• Pros: Excellent value for money, Multiple body styles, Multiple powertrain options.
• Cons: Outdated technology.

Our experts score the 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 7.8/10 and the 2020 Honda Civic 8.2/10. The Mazda3 is the better pick if you care most about styling, tech simplicity, and standard safety equipment. The Civic has the edge if you want more value, more body-style choice, and more powertrain variety. The Mazda3’s tighter rear seat and smaller cargo area make it less practical, while the Civic’s outdated technology is its main drawback.

Read our full side-by-side expert comparison here.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 3, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.