2010 Mazda MAZDA3 Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
A new look, more power, and subtle enhancements grace Mazda’s popular MAZDA3 this year, including a new engine and many new standard...
A new look, more power, and subtle enhancements grace Mazda’s popular MAZDA3 this year, including a new engine and many new standard options. Available as a sedan or a hatchback, these four-door, front-wheel-drive vehicles represent one out of every three Mazdas sold worldwide. Two engines are available, designated by the “i” or “s” classification, the latter of which has both power and displacement upgrades. The base engine is a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder (I4) that produces 148 hp and comes with the SV, Sport, and Touring trims. This is a carryover engine, however the “s” trims - Sport and Grand Touring - receive or have the option of a larger and more powerful motor, a 167-hp, 2.5-liter I4, an engine shared with the MAZDA6. The 2.0 engines come standard with a five-speed manual transmission, while the 2.5s enjoy an additional gear. Both engines have the option of a five-speed automatic. Expect mileage of 24/33 mpg with the 2.0 in automatic guise and 25/33 with the manual, while the 2.5 is estimated to get 21/29 with the manual and 22/29 with the automatic.
The MAZDA3 sits atop a modified version of the Ford Focus C1 platform, which expands overall length 3.5 inches over previous model years to 180.9 inches. A new vacuum booster is the star of a revised braking system, designed to deliver more-confident pedal feel in both light and heavy braking conditions.
The car has been redesigned inside and out, in what Mazda calls a new styling direction indicative of the future of the entire model line. Truly, many elements from other Mazda vehicles seem to have been incorporated into the new MAZDA3, with its slightly anthropomorphized smiling grille, rearward leading bumpers and revised rear end incorporating larger markers all around. Inside, Mazda has made an attempt to up value and luxury in a bid to woo buyers away from larger cars that often offer more options than their smaller competitors. As a result, driver’s seat memory, steering-linked Xenon headlamps, and dual-zone automatic climate control, options rarely seen in this class, are now available on the 2010 MAZDA3.
The economically priced and equipped Special Value (SV) trim, with an MSRP of $15,045, still has a wealth of features standard, including six airbags, four-wheel antilock disc brakes with brake assist, a CD/MP3 player, chrome exhaust, bucket seats, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, a fully independent suspension and power windows and mirrors. The Touring and S models additionally enjoy air-conditioning, Bluetooth, alloy wheels, cruise control, power door locks, and keyless entry. However, it is the Grand Touring model that really impresses, with heated leather power seats with driver memory, dual-zone automatic climate control, rain-sensing wipers, and directional headlights.
What owners say
"Overall, drivers have a mixed but mostly positive impression of the 2010 Mazda MAZDA3. Many appreciate its great performance, fun-to-drive nature, and good fuel economy. Owners are particularly fond of the stylish design and quality interior, but some have noted issues with engine power and limited cargo space. While most enjoy the sporty handling and reliable build, a few mention significant problems with specific models, affecting their overall satisfaction."
Performance- Great acceleration, breaking, handling, etc. Build Quality- has no needed repairs (so far), no squeaks or rattles Appearance- red exterior, tan interior Cost of Ownership- great gas mileage, low maintenance Fun Factor- is a great car and very fun to drive
October 4, 2009The mazda 3 is an amazing little car. It is very good for city driving and can handle the highways really good. The fuel economy is not the best in its class. The interiors however are the best in its class.
October 2, 2012This car is phenomenal. Though it only has 167 Hp this car can beat a Corvette, Mustangs, and even some AMGs and M series. Its fully loaded and has everything that luxury brands have but at a Mazda price. I would say that the closest competitor to this car would have to be a Lexus IS in terms of looks, performance, luxuries, etc. but I would choose this car over the IS any day.
October 7, 2009What owners say
Performance- Great acceleration, breaking, handling, etc. Build Quality- has no needed repairs (so far), no squeaks or rattles Appearance- red exterior, tan interior Cost of Ownership- great gas mileage, low maintenance Fun Factor- is a great car and very fun to drive
October 4, 2009The mazda 3 is an amazing little car. It is very good for city driving and can handle the highways really good. The fuel economy is not the best in its class. The interiors however are the best in its class.
October 2, 2012This car is phenomenal. Though it only has 167 Hp this car can beat a Corvette, Mustangs, and even some AMGs and M series. Its fully loaded and has everything that luxury brands have but at a Mazda price. I would say that the closest competitor to this car would have to be a Lexus IS in terms of looks, performance, luxuries, etc. but I would choose this car over the IS any day.
October 7, 2009Above average ride quality( sporty and firm) with a properly weighted steering. Accleration could be better on the low end by adding 20 to 30 extra horses.Still manages Low 7 sec 0 to 60MPH. Manual gear is above average with short and direct throw. Gets little balky when it is warmed up. Typical front wheel drive understeer through out tight to long radius turns. Easily modulated with the throttle.
July 11, 2009Ive been driving my 2010 Mazda MAZDA3 for a few years now, and it has exceeded all my expectations. This car perfectly balances practicality with a spirited driving experience. The handling is superb, making it incredibly fun to drive, especially on winding roads. The 2.0-liter engine is peppy and responsive, delivering a good blend of performance and fuel efficiency.
June 14, 2024The second gen (2010-2013) Mazda3 is an absolutely terrific car. It is super fun to drive, easy to maintain, and reliable--exactly what you want. If youre skeptical, test drive one and I bet youll change your mind.
May 15, 2024I'm so glad I bought this car. Handles really well and feels like a sports car yet the MPG is that of a much smaller more innocent looking vehicle. The internal features with blue tooth for audio streaming and hands free calls, are fantastic. By far the most satisfying car I've ever owned.
June 7, 2014This is a fantastic car. I love the way it looks inside and out. The slogan "zoom zoom" definitely applies and makes the car fun to drive. It has great modern features like bluetooth technology for cellphones. The fuel economy is pretty decent, running about 25 mpg on average. Something that I wish could be fixed is the storage space. It has very limited storage space. Even though the back seats fold down, the seats are at a slight up angle. It doesn't lie flat. Also, the opening from trunk to back seat is small. So, something that fits the width of the trunk won't necessarily fit all the way into the car because the opening to the seats from the trunk is too small. Overall though, this is a great car that has done well for me for the last three years.
January 3, 2014The 2010 Mazda3 is great little car. It has a very good pickup with superb handling. The ride is a little noisy. The car is very reliable. So far I did not have to do any big maintenance on the car.
June 6, 2012So far, its been pretty good. Rides good, handles well, nice features, Great stereo. The headlights are not vey strong, or are pointed to far down, and the driving lights are completely worthless, but other than that, its a good little car.
October 25, 2022Trims & specs
Base MSRP $22,145 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.5L 167 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 17.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 25 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $19,685 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.5L 167 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 17.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 25 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $15,345 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.0L 148 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 11.8 cu ft |
Combined MPG 29 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $17,925 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.0L 148 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 11.8 cu ft |
Combined MPG 28 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $16,255 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.0L 148 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 11.8 cu ft |
Combined MPG 28 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $21,645 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.5L 167 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 11.8 cu ft |
Combined MPG 25 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $19,185 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.5L 167 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 11.8 cu ft |
Combined MPG 25 | Drivetrain FWD |
Pricing trends
MSRP range
$15,345 - $22,145
Current avg. market price
$6,384
Trending down by 0.7% this month
May 2026 - October 2026
