carivo.co
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $23,700–$29,370 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 8.1/10, the 2024 Mazda Mazda3 earns a Recommended rating among the sedans we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.6/10, 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. We rate the Mazda Mazda3's reliability at 8.6/10 — among the strongest in our sedan database, reflecting the nameplate's track record and recall history. On safety it earns 8.2/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance lands mid-pack at 7.4/10: enough power and composure for everyday needs, without the dynamics that distinguish the segment's driver-focused options. Technology scores 8.0/10 — one of the stronger tech packages in the segment. Expect a responsive infotainment system, broad smartphone integration, and a solid suite of driver-assistance features.
Priced from $23,700–$29,370, 30 MPG, seating 5, the Mazda Mazda3 sits in the budget-friendly tier of the sedan market. The 8.0/10 value score is the headline: relative to what it costs, this sedan delivers more than most of the class. At 2 years old, it's recent enough that the core feature set holds up well against current competition.
Bottom line: Think of the 2024 Mazda Mazda3 as the dependable pick rather than the exciting one. Shoppers who value predictability over headlines will be well served.
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 2024 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 $23,700 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $27,664 by about 14%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2021 Mazda Mazda3 scores 8.0/10 — within striking distance of the 2024'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 (this review) | 8.1/10 | $23,700 | |
| 2023 | 8.1/10 | $22,989 | Read review → |
| 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 → |
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Back over prevention / sensing system / camera 26/10/2023 · 23V718000 | Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2024 CX-90 and MAZDA3 vehicles. Due to a software error, the rearview, front, and/or side camera images may not appear on the display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the… |
|---|---|
| Lane departure / sensing system / camera 03/09/2024 · 24V649000 | Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2024 Mazda 3, CX-30, and 2025 CX-50 vehicles. A malfunction in the forward sensing camera (FSC) may prevent the automatic emergency braking system and the lane-keep assist system from… |
| Air bags / air bag/restraint control module / Software 29/05/2025 · 25V357000 | Mazda North American Operations is recalling certain 2024-2025 Mazda3 and CX30 vehicles. The Sophisticated Air Bag Sensor (SAS) units may set an error code and deactivate the air bags, due to a low battery condition. |
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Other sedans at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Explore the full lineup of Mazda models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
