Compare repair costs, reliability, and owner reviews
Mazda 6
$481
Average Annual
Repair Cost
Mazda 3
$433
Average Annual
Repair Cost
Overall Reliability Rating
4
Excellent
The Mazda 6 Reliability Rating is 4.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 6th out of 24 for midsize cars. The average annual repair cost is $481 which means it has lower than average ownership costs. The severity of repairs is low while frequency of those issues is average, so major issues are uncommon for the 6.
4
Excellent
The Mazda 3 Reliability Rating is 4.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 9th out of 36 for compact cars. The average annual repair cost is $433 which means it has excellent ownership costs. The severity of repairs is low while frequency of those issues is average, so major issues are uncommon for the 3.
The Mazda 6 ranks highest in value and ranks lowest in comfort.
“this car is a piece of crap... bought it new in 03 and have already spent 4x as much in repairs than my 98 altima. im at 85000 miles and have already replaced the brakes, the alternator, and the...”
“this car is a piece of crap... bought it new in 03 and have already spent 4x as much in repairs...”
“Bought new in 2004. Have 61000 miles now. Have owned 4 Hondas before this since 1977.
Would NOT buy another Mazda.
1. Transmission had "hard shifting" from 1st-2nd gear. Required 3 trips to dealer...”
“Bought new in 2004. Have 61000 miles now. Have owned 4 Hondas before this since 1977.
Would NOT...”
The Mazda 3 and the Mazda 6 are both sedans made by — you guessed it — Mazda. The Mazda 3 is a compact sedan and the Mazda 6 is a midsize. Both come with front-wheel drive.
The Mazda 3 is available as either a four-door sedan or a five-door hatchback, while the Mazda 6 comes only as a four-door sedan.
The Mazda 3 has a standard engine with 155 horsepower, and an optional engine with 184 horsepower. The larger Mazda 6 has 184 horsepower standard, with a 250-horsepower engine optional.
Choosing between the Mazda 3 and the Mazda 6 is a matter of how much space you need, and how much money you want to spend. While the more spacious Mazda 6 costs a bit more, it also offers some upscale features in the higher trim levels. Both of these cars share an exceptional blend of ride, handling and fun-to-drive qualities. Both are the driver’s choice in their respective categories.
We suggest that you drive them both and then decide. Both the Mazda 3 and the Mazda 6 are worthy of your car-buying dollars.