DecodedCars2016 Mazda 3
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 33 combined · 30 city / 40 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 33 MPG combined — 24% better than the average 2016 compact car (26.6 MPG).
- Few owner complaints0 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 48 for similar models.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 22 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2016 Mazda 3 is a compact car offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl and 2.5L 4-cyl) and front-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 33 MPG combined (30 city / 40 highway), 24% better than the 2016 compact car average of 26.6 MPG, for an estimated $2,050 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.
What changed for 2016
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2015 3 — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 3 →
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 4-Door | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 / 39 / 33 | +24% | $2,050 | 270 |
| 3 4-Door | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 30 / 40 / 33 | +24% | $2,050 | 266 |
| 3 5-Door | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 / 39 / 33 | +26% | $2,050 | 270 |
| 3 4-Door | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 / 38 / 32 | +20% | $2,100 | 276 |
| 3 5-Door | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 / 39 / 32 | +22% | $2,100 | 275 |
| 3 5-Door | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 38 / 32 | +22% | $2,100 | 281 |
| 3 4-Door | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 38 / 31 | +17% | $2,150 | 282 |
| 3 5-Door | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 36 / 30 | +15% | $2,250 | 292 |
| 3 4-Door | 2.5L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 36 / 29 | +9% | $2,300 | 308 |
| 3 5-Door | 2.5L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 34 / 29 | +11% | $2,300 | 310 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2016 Mazda 3.
Similar 2016 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Mazda 3 (this car) | 33 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Volkswagen Golf/GTI | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 9 |
| 2016 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport | 31 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Toyota Yaris | 33 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2016 Ford Focus | 34 MPG | ★★★★★ | 11 |
| 2016 Subaru WRX | 23 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer | 30 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2016 Mazda 3.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2016 Mazda 3 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2016 Mazda 3 in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2016 Mazda 3 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2016 Mazda 3. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other 3 years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mazda. How we calculate this →