2010 Mazda MAZDA3 Quality Review

All of the 2010 Mazda Mazda3s that the automotive press has reviewed at the time of this writing are pre-production models, meaning there are some quality issues to be ironed out, but the Mazda3 2010 still leaves a positive impression in this category.

For the 2010 Mazda3, Mazda's designers and engineers take a few steps toward improving overall passenger comfort, though that isn't necessarily a sore point in the outgoing Mazda3 model. Like its predecessor, the 2010 Mazda Mazda3 offers available seating for five, though reviews read by TheCarConnection.com suggest that four is a more realistic figure. Edmunds reviewers note that front-occupant comfort has improved, thanks to the fact that "Mazda's engineers added longer seat cushions and slightly taller seatbacks," while the power seats also include "a handy three-position memory setting." USA Today approves of the new seats, finding that the "leather bucket seats were comfortable and supportive" during their test drives, "with high bolsters that kept you in place as you flung the 3 about."

The 2010 Mazda Mazda3 may be completely redesigned from an aesthetic standpoint, but its dimensions, and therefore cargo capacity, remain virtually unchanged. USA Today's measurements show that the Mazda3 2010 in sedan form will hold "11.8 cubic feet" of stuff in the trunk, while the "hatchback cargo area is 17 cu. ft. behind [the] rear seat." The only slight boost in space comes from the marginally increased overall size, which Edmunds notes "is about three inches longer than its predecessor," though the "width is unchanged, while the height is up a couple tenths of an inch." Car and Driver brings some clarity by reporting that "the interior volume is unchanged over that of the previous 3, although trunk space has increased." USA Today reviewers dole out high praise for the sedan's trunk, finding that there was "no skimping" on the trunk, which offers "nice lining [and] classy hinges that don't eat luggage space."

The interior materials and assembly quality on the 2010 Mazda3 bring an air of sophisticated luxury that is well beyond the price tag of the 2010 Mazda Mazda3. Cars.com mentions that the Mazda3 2010 has a "classy feel," while Jalopnik reports that "the number of parting lines is minimized and soft-touch surfaces show an elegant grained texture." A wide range of optional luxury features can add to the luxurious ambiance.

Several reviewers point to the smoothness and refinement of the 2010 Mazda Mazda3 engines. Car and Driver says that even the base engine "is smooth and fuss free in its operation, never flinching at runs to the 6500-rpm power peak," and Automobile Magazine finds the same performance from the 2.5-liter powerplant, claiming that it "is so unbelievably smooth that you'll never hear or feel a vibration, from idle to fuel cutoff."

One of the most common complaints about the 2010 Mazda3 in reviews read by TheCarConnection.com is that the cabin is quite noisy. These issues have plagued the Mazda3 for some time, and despite Mazda's efforts at reducing noise levels, many reviewers are still disappointed by the decibel level inside the Mazda3 2010. Motor Trend warns that "there is still a little too much road noise coming through the floor" of the 2010 Mazda Mazda3, while USA Today refers to the "horrible tire noise" when driving on uneven surfaces.