
“The Mazda3 has ranked as the compact segment leader for as long as it has been around — 136 awards says it all. The replacement takes the 3’s basics and amps them up in all areas, which means it is destined to remain the benchmark when it hits the road.”
“The one thing I did not expect, however, was the improvement in overall refinement. Simply, it is good enough to challenge some more expensive rides.”
— Graeme Fletcher

“The new Mazda3 has raised the bar on the brutal battlefield of the C-segment to impossible new heights with the 2014 model.”
“I'm happy to report that the 6 speed AT w/sport mode and paddles shifters, is a fun compromise to an actual clutch pedal. I'm going to go out a limb and say that in terms of manual transmission mimicry, this is the best sub-50K AT transmission for FWD cars out there right now.”
— Ronnie Fung

“The new 2014 Mazda3 is pretty darn good, and had to be in the very competitive compact-car segment, which is the biggest one in Canada. The basic elements we always liked about the 3 are still there – like its youthful and sporty character – but it has improved in many ways.”
“This might be the best compact on the market right now. Fuel-efficient, dynamic, attractive, refined and loaded with new technology, the Mazda3 is proof that the company's investments were worth the risk.”
— Michel Deslauriers

“Inside, the new Mazda3 is inspired by Audi and BMW- and it shows. If there is a better interior in this price range, I haven’t seen it.”
“The original Mazda GLC was referred to as a great little car. The new Mazda3 continues the tradition of “great”, but does so in a car well suited for the family or business professional looking to impress their coworkers at the office. Zoom-Zoom strikes again.”
— Jeff Voth