Buying Outlook Updated in February, 2012 by our Vehicle Experts
- A mid-year revision introduced the highly efficient SKYACTIV engine
- Some dealers have a mix of inventory so shoppers should be sure to review vehicle specifications

| Vehicle | Min | Max |
|---|---|---|
| Mazda Mazda3 | $14,916 | $23,336 |
| Honda Civic | $14,751 | $27,095 |
| Ford Focus | $16,142 | $25,095 |
| Hyundai Elantra | $14,616 | $21,620 |
| Average | $15,106 | $24,287 |



| Vehicle | Min | Max |
|---|---|---|
| Mazda Mazda3 | $250 | $392 |
| Honda Civic | $248 | $455 |
| Ford Focus | $271 | $421 |
| Hyundai Elantra | $245 | $363 |
| Average | $253 | $408 |
Based On: 10% down, 4.5% APR, 60 months


Great Deals 
OUR TAKE
PROS
CONS
The Mazda3 compact is available for 2011 as sedan or 5-door hatchback. The sedan-only 3i (SV, Sport and Touring trims) comes with the base engine, a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder making 148 hp, mated to 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmissions. Upgrading to the 3s (in Sport or Grand Touring trims), available in sedan hatchback body styles, brings a 2.5-liter 167-hp inline 4-cylinder and either a 6-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic transmission. The Mazda3's claim to fame in a competitive compact car segment is its handling prowess, providing an exciting, firmly sprung ride thanks to its well-calibrated MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension.
Though it is both quick and nimble, the 3 can't match the fuel economy of newer competitors like the Hyundai Elantra, Chevrolet Cruze, Ford Focus and Honda Civic: 25 city/33 highway mpg for the 2.0 manual, 24/33 mpg for the 2.0 automatic, 20/28 mpg for the 2.5 manual and 22/29 mpg for the 2.5 automatic. Pricing starts at $15,800 for the sedan and $20,045 for the hatchback.
| % Chosen by Shoppers | Average MSRP | Average CarsDirect Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 2012 i Touring 4dr Hatchback w/SKYACTIV | 24% | $20,898 | $20,111 |
| 2 2012 i Touring 4dr Sedan w/SKYACTIV | 22% | $20,362 | $19,584 |
| 3 2012 i Sport 4dr Sedan | 14% | $18,252 | $16,652 |
| 4 2012 i Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback w/SKYACTIV | 11% | $24,472 | $23,562 |
| 5 2012 i SV 4dr Sedan | 11% | $16,066 | $14,977 |
| 6 2012 i Grand Touring 4dr Sedan w/SKYACTIV | 8% | $23,991 | $22,980 |
| 7 2012 s Grand Touring 4dr Sedan | 6% | $24,679 | $22,521 |
| 8 2012 s Touring 4dr Sedan | 3% | $22,853 | $21,087 |
| 9 2012 s Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback | 2% | $25,417 | $23,648 |
| 10 2012 s Touring 4dr Hatchback | 1% | $22,720 | $21,238 |
The prices above are averages across all regions — Build and price your own Mazda Mazda3 now »
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