Segment:
Compact Car / Affordable Sporty Sedan
Target Audience:
Young professionals, small families, individuals seeking a stylish and engaging driving experience with practical features.
Key Competitors 2010:
Honda Civic Sedan, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Ford Focus Sedan, Chevrolet Cruze.
Design Philosophy:
Mazda's 'Nagare' design language, focusing on flow and emotion; Zoom-Zoom driving dynamics.
Navigation Integration:
Factory-integrated navigation system enhancing convenience and usability for daily commuting and long-distance travel.
Core Vehicle Systems:
Vehicle operation basics, controls, instrumentation, comfort and convenience features, safety systems (airbags, seatbelts), basic maintenance and care, troubleshooting common issues, warranty information.
Navigation System:
Detailed operation of the factory-installed navigation system, including map display, destination input, route calculation, voice guidance, points of interest (POI), traffic information (if equipped), and system settings.
Infotainment:
Radio, CD/MP3 player, auxiliary input, Bluetooth (if equipped), steering wheel controls related to audio and navigation.
Operation:
Starting and stopping the engine, driving, parking, lighting controls, climate control operation, wipers, mirrors, seating adjustments, fuel filling procedures.
Maintenance Basic:
Checking and topping up fluids (oil, coolant, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, tire changing (spare tire location and usage), bulb replacement (headlights, taillights), fuse identification and replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Indicator lights and warning messages, basic electrical troubleshooting (fuses), engine performance issues (mild), tire flats.
Navigation Specific:
Updating maps, setting preferences, using voice commands, managing saved locations, understanding navigation prompts.
Depth:
Designed for the end-user, covering essential operation, basic checks, and troubleshooting. Does not provide in-depth mechanical repair procedures or diagnostic fault codes.
Digital Format If Applicable:
N/A (Product indicates printed)
Print Quality:
Standard OEM print quality, clear text and diagrams.
Binding:
Typically saddle-stitched or perfect bound booklet.
Paper Quality:
Durable, glossy or semi-gloss paper stock suitable for automotive use.
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve
Displacement:
2.0 Liters (1999 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
87.5 mm x 83.1 mm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SFI)
Horsepower Net Hp:
148 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque Net Lb-Ft:
135 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane Recommended)
0-60 Mph Estimated:
8.5 - 9.0 seconds
Fuel Tank Capacity:
14.5 US Gallons (55 Liters)
Transmission Type Standard:
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type Optional:
5-Speed Activematic (Automatic Transmission with Manual Shift Mode)
Automatic Features:
Adaptive transmission control, sport mode (if equipped), manual shift capability via shifter.
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
Mazda ATF-FZ (or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon compatible fluid, consult manual for exact OEM spec)
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil (verify with manual for specific Mazda part number, e.g., 8300-77-007)
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star Driver, 4-Star Passenger (for comparable 2010 models)
NHTSA Side Impact:
5-Star Front, 5-Star Rear (for comparable 2010 models)
IIHS Moderate Overlap Front:
Good (for comparable 2010 models)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for comparable 2010 models)
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System
Ebs:
Electronic Brake-force Distribution
Esc:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags Standard:
Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact curtain airbags (front and rear).
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters, LATCH child seat anchors.
Crash Structure:
Advanced front and rear crumple zones, reinforced passenger cabin.
Head Unit Type:
Integrated AM/FM/CD/MP3 player with auxiliary input, LCD display.
Navigation System Details:
Factory-installed DVD-based or HDD-based navigation system with touchscreen interface (model dependent, often Alpine or similar OEM supplier).
Audio System:
Typically 4 or 6-speaker system, optional Bose premium audio available on higher trims.
Stability Control:
Standard DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) and TCS (Traction Control System).
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Bluetooth Availability:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free connectivity for phone calls, often integrated with audio system and steering wheel controls.
Usb Port Availability:
Rare on this model year; auxiliary input is more common for audio.
Oil Change Interval Synthetic:
Every 7,500 miles or 12 months (using synthetic oil, consult manual for confirmation and specific oil type)
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 7,500 miles
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months
Engine Coolant Replacement:
First replacement at 105,000 miles, then every 52,500 miles thereafter (using Mazda FL22 Long Life Coolant or equivalent).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Iridium spark plugs: 75,000 miles
Engine Oil Type And Capacity:
SAE 5W-20, approximately 4.2 US quarts (4.0 Liters) with filter (verify capacity in manual)
Power Steering Fluid:
Mazda Genuine Power Steering Fluid (or Dexron III/Mercon equivalent)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid
Common Issues Potential:
Corrosion on subframes and suspension components (especially in rust-belt regions), occasional power steering pump noise, exhaust manifold cracks (less common on 2.0L), infotainment system glitches (though less prevalent on this generation's base system compared to later models).
Mazda Heritage:
Founded in 1920, Mazda has a history of innovation, particularly with rotary engines and lightweight, fun-to-drive vehicles ('Jinba Ittai' - horse and rider as one).
Mazda3 Generation 2:
This 2010 model is part of the second generation (2009-2013) of the Mazda 3, building upon the success of the first generation.
Design Changes Gen 2:
Updated exterior styling, improved interior quality, revised suspension tuning for better ride and handling balance.
Production Locations:
Primary assembly plants in Japan (Hofu) and sometimes North America (Fremont, California, for earlier models, though 2010 is likely Japan-built).
Car And Driver Best 10:
Mazda 3 models have frequently appeared on Car and Driver's 10Best lists in previous generations, highlighting its sporty handling and value.
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Many Mazda 3 models of this era achieved IIHS Top Safety Pick status, indicating strong performance in crash tests.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Reliability ratings for the 2010 Mazda 3 are generally good to above average, though specific components like power steering or minor electricals can sometimes be noted.
Emissions Certification:
Compliant with EPA and CARB emissions standards for its model year.