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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $22,989–$28,317 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
The 2023 Mazda Mazda3 is a sedan that earns a Carivo score of 8.1/10 — rated Recommended. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.9/10, while Performance at 7.4/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability stands out at 8.9/10. The Mazda3 nameplate has earned that score through its track record and a comparatively clean recall sheet. Safety lands at 8.0/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
With 7.4/10 for performance, this is a car tuned for daily driving rather than excitement — perfectly capable on the commute, unremarkable on a back road. On technology it rates 8.0/10: a modern, well-integrated suite that compares favorably with anything at this price point.
Priced from $22,989–$28,317, 29 MPG, seating 5, the Mazda Mazda3 sits in the budget-friendly tier of the sedan market. Its value score of 8.1/10 confirms that the price reflects the quality — you're getting a lot for your money here. At 3 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Verdict: Nothing about the 2023 Mazda Mazda3 will scare a sensible buyer off. It scores consistently across the board, and it does what a good sedan should — quietly and competently.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2023 Mazda Mazda3 ranks #117 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 91% of the segment. Its 8.1/10 overall score is 0.6 points above the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $22,989 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $27,664 by about 17%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2020 Mazda Mazda3 scores 7.9/10 — within striking distance of the 2023's 8.1 — and starts roughly $2,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 8.1/10 | $24,411 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 8.1/10 | $23,700 | Read review → |
| 2023 (this review) | 8.1/10 | $22,989 | |
| 2022 | 8.1/10 | $22,278 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 8.0/10 | $21,567 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.9/10 | $20,856 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.9/10 | $20,145 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.8/10 | $19,434 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.8/10 | $18,723 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.8/10 | $18,012 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.6/10 | $17,301 | Read review → |
| 2014 | 7.2/10 | $14,349 | Read review → |
Explore the full lineup of Mazda models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.