Throughout this guide, I have reviewed every Mazda 3 from 2004 through the most recent models and categorized the best and worst years.
Hold on tight! The best and worst years to buy Mazda 3s will be revealed as we take a deep dive into the Mazda 3’s generations.
We’ll give you the lowdown on daily issues, recalls, owner complaints, and resale values through this data-driven expedition.
Our goal is to provide you with the nitty-gritty information you need to make an informed choice.
You’re ready to discover the golden age and the lemons, aren’t you?
Mazda 3 Generations
A 2004 model, the Mazda 3 made its debut in 2003, quickly turning heads with its eye-catching design, quick performance, and feature-packed lineup – even the base model. The Mazda 3’s first generation had something for everyone, whether you were a fan of the sedan or the hatchback.
Here’s a useful table that outlines the Mazda 3’s journey since 2004.
| Generations | Years |
| 1st generation (BK) | 2004-2009 |
| 2nd generation (BL) | 2010-2013 |
| 3rd generation (BM/BN) | 2014-2018 |
| 4th generation (BP) | 2019-Present |
What is the significance of this? Several modifications, upgrades, and improvements were made with every generation. When you’re looking for a Mazda 3, you need to know these stages in order to make an informed decision.
Mazda 3 Best, Neutral, and Worst Years
We don’t just throw opinions out there when ranking the Mazda 3’s years. Several sources have provided us with the numbers:
Our data-driven analysis has categorized every Mazda 3 model year into three categories: the best, the middle, and the worst.
| Generation | Best Years | Neutral Years | Worst Years |
| 1st generation (BK) | 20082009 | 2007 | 200420052006 |
| 2nd generation (BL) | 20122013 | N/A | 20102011 |
| 3rd generation (BM/BN) | 20172018 | 2016 | 20142015 |
| 4th generation (BP) | 202120222023 | 2020 | 2019 |
What does “Neutral Years” mean? There wasn’t much excitement surrounding these model years, but they also didn’t crash and burn either. In the Mazda 3 world, they’re the reliable B students.
How about things like NHTSA recalls? In the long run, they do no favors for the dependability score of a car. Consumer confidence usually decreases when there are more complaints, recalls, and safety investigations.
Have you ever wondered which model years of the Mazda 3 were the best, the mediocre, and the worst?
Let’s make this happen.
Best & Worst Years for Mazda 3 1st Generation (2004-2009)
The first-generation Mazda 3 was launched in 2003, and enthusiasts sat up and took notice. With its stylish looks, fun-to-drive feel, and wallet-friendly fuel efficiency, this compact car line quickly won fans.
This generation gleams with which years? 2008 and 2009 are the most successful post-facelift years. In this generation, however, you might want to skip the Mazda 3 years 2004, 2005, and 2006.
The Best Years: 2008, 2009
Why are 2008 and 2009 the best performing years? Using Consumer Reports’ reliability and owner satisfaction scores, they have the numbers to prove it.
Let’s discuss specifics. With 156 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque, the Mazda 3 “s” Sport trim came equipped with a 2.3L MZR L engine.
Fuel economy in the city is 17 mpg, and highway fuel economy is 35 mpg with either a five-speed manual or automatic transmission.
Several owners complained about valve stem leaks and tire pressure monitoring system problems. Driver satisfaction and overall reliability were enhanced by the enhanced features of these model years, including an enhanced audio system and side curtain airbags.
The Neutral Years: 2007
What about the 2007 Mazda 3? There is nothing bad about it, nothing great about it, just… neutral.
There were options under the hood. The 2.0L MZR LF-VD engine produced 148 horsepower and 135 lb-ft of torque, or the 2.3L engine produced 156 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque. Compact cars aren’t too shabby either.
Among the trims offered by Mazda are the “i” and “s” versions, with five-speed manuals or four-speed automatic transmissions, especially in the “i” trim.
There were some bumps along the way, though. A power steering problem with the 2007 Mazda 3 led to a recall due to the risk of losing power steering assist. As you cruise along the highway, this isn’t exactly what you want to hear.
The Worst Years: 2004, 2005, 2006
If you’re looking for a first-generation Mazda 3, avoid the 2004 and 2005 models. VehicleHistory scores these years the lowest, so avoid them if you want a reliable Mazda 3.
As the Mazda 3 debuted in 2004, some unpleasant surprises lingered into 2006. What are the most important? There were sometimes issues with the airbag system that left drivers stranded in collisions.
There were engine troubles as well, including stalling and oil leaks from the engine filter housing. The problem was not only mechanical, but also potentially dangerous.
Neither the 2005 nor 2006 models were able to resolve these problems. As a matter of fact, power steering loss and suspension problems seriously hindered the driving experience in 2006.
Would you like to see all the headaches listed?
Mazda 3 recalls and complaints from 2004, 2005, and 2006.
Best & Worst Years for Mazda 3 2nd Generation (2010-2013)
In 2010, Mazda 3’s second generation (2010-2013) rolled out on a mission. For this popular compact car, they wanted to fine-tune the design and step things up in terms of technology and mechanics.
How do you decide which years to target and which to avoid? In this generation, 2012 and 2013 stand out as exceptional stars. The 2010 and 2011 models had some dashboard drama, so proceed with caution if you’re looking at those.
The Best Years: 2012, 2013
Is there a reason why 2012 and 2013 are at the top of the list? There are three words to describe SkyActiv technology: baby. With this innovation, the vehicle delivers excellent gas mileage and, in addition, is reliable and owner-satisfactory according to Consumer Reports.
These years saw Mazda introduce the 2.0L SkyActiv-G engine, which produced 155 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque. What’s the best part? Mazda 3 fans enjoyed zippy driving dynamics without compromising fuel efficiency (up to 28 mpg city, 40 mpg highway).
Are there any transmission options? Both transmissions had SkyActiv technology for fluid, responsive shifting: a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic.
The new navigation system is more user-friendly, and there is an improved tech interface inside. As standard across all trims, the 2013 model included a USB port.
In addition, Mazda went one step further. A 265-watt Bose Centerpoint surround-sound system in certain trims took the cabin experience to a whole new level with improved material quality.
There is no perfect car, of course. Informationtainment system glitches and premature clutch failure were reported by some owners. Overall, though? The performance of these years was solid.
The Worst Years: 2010, 2011
I would recommend avoiding 2010 and 2011. How do we identify the primary culprits? A problem with the valve stem of the tire inflation system and dashboard issues.
It became infamous for its melting dashboard issue in the 2010 Mazda 3. It would become shiny and sticky as the dash material degraded, making visibility and the overall driving experience very difficult. As a result of the widespread nature of this problem, a class-action lawsuit was filed.
There’s more to it than that. This model year was also plagued by issues with motor mounts and recalled seats.
Some of the problems that plagued the 2010 Mazda 3 continued with the 2011 model. Despite this, owners were still complaining about unreliable tire inflation valve stems that caused tire deflation. It was still lingering in some cases with that dashboard issue.
Would you like to know everything about these issues?
The NHTSA has recalled and complained about the Mazda 3 in 2010, 2011, and 2012.
Best & Worst Years for Mazda 3 3rd Generation (2014-2018)
The 2014 Mazda 3
With the Mazda 3 entering its third generation, we see some significant improvements in design and technology.
So, which years in this generation should you be looking at? It’s not just that 2017 and 2018 are the best of this bunch – they’re also some of the most reliable Mazda 3 years ever. However, 2014 and 2015 models might need to be pumped up.
The Best Years: 2017, 2018
Looking for a used Mazda 3 that’s the best of the best? These are your golden tickets for 2017 and 2018. We’re talking top reliability and owner satisfaction ratings from VehicleHistory, Cars.com, and Consumer Reports for these years. In addition, are there any complaints from owners? There are very few of them.
You had choices under the hood.
A 2.0L SkyActiv-G petrol engine and a 2.5L SkyActiv-G petrol engine were both available. With 184 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque, the 2.5L was the powerhouse of the family. The 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission could be paired with either engine.
What about fuel efficiency? With a 28/37 mpg city/highway rating, the 2.0L engine didn’t disappoint.
Safety wasn’t neglected by Mazda either. In order to prevent frontal collisions at low speeds, they introduced the Smart City Brake Support system. It also features G-Vectoring Control, which enhances steering response through subtle engine torque adjustments.
There is no perfect car, of course. There have been reports of uncomfortable seats during long rides, as well as a bit of noise coming into the cabin during long rides. However, in general? It was hard to top these years.
The Neutral Years: 2016
A middle-of-the-road contender is the 2016 Mazda 3. With its fair share of advantages and disadvantages, it sits comfortably in the middle.
There were the same powertrains as in 2017 and 2018, but there were fewer safety and tech upgrades. The Mazda made strides in integrating more standard features across all trim levels, including a rearview camera and touchscreen.
In spite of this, there were still recalls for this model year.
As a result of a potentially defective Inlet Check Valve (ICV), fuel leaks were reported and corrosion concerns were raised regarding the parking brake actuator. Definitely something to consider, but not a deal breaker.
The Worst Years: 2014, 2015
The following years are worth reconsidering: 2014 and 2015. Compared to other models, these models received lower ratings from Edmunds and J.D. Power, and some owners reported brake problems.
What kind of issues are we discussing? A potential corrosion issue led to fuel leakage. It was then that the brakes failed – enough to make any driver nervous.
There were recalls for models equipped with the 2.5L engine and regenerative engine braking system. What is the concern? An unanticipated engine stall and a potential loss of power steering assist. Your car’s performance isn’t exactly what you’d like to hear.
You’re not done yet. In addition to the fuel tank’s ICV (which could fail and allow fuel to leak), parking brake actuators that might corrode, and problematic braking issues, there have been major recalls.
Would you like to know more about these issues?
Take a look at the NHTSA’s recalls and complaints for the Mazda 3 from 2014, 2015, and 2016.
Best & Worst Years for Mazda 3 4th Generation (2019-Present)
Let’s take a look at the fourth generation of the Mazda 3! Hold onto your hats, folks. With this era, Mazda makes a significant push into luxury territory, with a more refined design.
Which years from this new lineup should you pay attention to? The Mazda 3 years of 2021, 2022, and 2023 are the most dependable of the current generation. You may want to steer clear of 2019 – it is the only year in this group you might want to avoid.
The Best Years: 2021, 2022, 2023
Why do these years reign supreme? The trifecta of performance, design, and tech and safety features is what sets them apart from the competition.
Engines are what we’re talking about. You have the following options during these years:
The 6-speed automatic transmission is paired with all of these powerhouses. What about fuel efficiency? You can expect up to 28 miles per gallon in the city and 37 miles per gallon on the highway. Isn’t that pretty?
Safety-wise, Mazda’s i-Activsense suite has you covered. There is adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist. The IIHS rewarded the Mazda3 with a Top Safety Pick+ rating. It’s like having your mind at ease!
Let’s be honest – even these top-tier years weren’t perfect. There have been reports of excessive oil consumption among Mazda 3 owners in 2021. Most won’t consider this a deal-breaker, but it may be worth keeping an eye on.
The Neutral Years: 2020
Is the 2020 Mazda 3 coming? We consider it to be a contender in the middle of the road. Despite adhering to Mazda’s commitment to performance and sophistication, this model didn’t quite reach the heights of the years that followed.
Under the hood, you’ll find the 2.5L 4-cylinder engine, which is fuel-efficient and offers robust performance. Although this model year was not without issues, it wasn’t the only one.
Several recalls were issued, including one relating to loosening and falling off front brake caliper bolts (yikes!) and another concerning intermittent emergency brake activation. It’s not ideal, but it’s also not catastrophic.
The Worst Years: 2019
2019 might be a year you should think twice about: It received the worst ratings for reliability and owner satisfaction in Consumer Reports, and it was recalled a lot by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Were we talking about headaches? Among the issues reported by consumers were:
Is there a recall? Numerous things happened:
There were some good things about the 2019 Mazda 3. In addition to its sleek design, it offered a robust driving experience. With all these problems, how are we supposed to solve them? Selling it isn’t easy.
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Conclusion
I’m exhausted! Over the years, we’ve uncovered the highs and lows of the Mazda 3’s evolution.
The verdict is in? The 2013-17, 2018-2021-2023, and 2021-2023 models are the most reliable and well-rounded.
What do you think about this question?
Do you have a top priority when it comes to choosing a model year? How important is dependability to you? Does resale value and cutting-edge technology make your heart race?
We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
What makes a Mazda 3 great? Let’s start a conversation about it.