Available as both a sedan and a hatchback, the 2010 Mazda3 remains a solid option for those looking for a comfortable, reliable vehicle at an affordable price. However, it’s worth noting that there’s currently an open investigation related to its airbags.

If you’re looking to keep your car expenses low, opting for a used sedan over a new one is an easy way to accomplish that. Before deciding what kind of sedan that should be, you’ll want to think about additional decision criteria beyond cost—it’s a good idea to have a sense of the sedan’s general liability, how it fares in terms of safety, and what kind of power it has under its hood.

With that in mind, here’s what you should know about the 2010 Mazda3 sedan.

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How much is a 2010 Mazda3 sedan?

The 2010 Mazda3 debuted with an original starting MSRP of $15,700. These days, you could likely find a 2010 Mazda3 listed for about a third of that: often somewhere between $5,000 and $7,500.

While the price gap is continuing to narrow thanks to depreciation, you’ll generally find 3i SV trims on the lower end of that range, with 3s Grand Touring trims on the higher end. The condition of the vehicle, its mileage, and your location will also influence how much a 2010 Mazda3 purchase will cost you.

Is a 2010 Mazda3 a good buy?

The 2010 Mazda3 could certainly make a solid used car. But it depends on the condition of the particular one you’re looking at and how well it’s been taken care of over the years (i.e., if the owner followed a

basic car maintenance schedule

Considering this is a vehicle going on 13 years old, you can expect it’s going to be subject to at least some wear and tear.

If you find one in good working condition, you could spare yourself the larger expense of a new car purchase while still being able to enjoy a solid level of comfort and reliability—and some extra cash in your wallet every month.

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Reliability

Depending on who you ask, the Mazda 3 typically gets average to good reliability ratings.

RepairPal gives the Mazda3 an above-average reliability score of 4/5, while J.D. Power gives the 2010 Mazda 3 a reliability rating of 3/5.

That said, clutch failure is a common (and expensive) problem reported by Mazda3 owners, including for the 2010 model year. If you’re looking to buy a used Mazda3, it may help to have a certified mechanic take a look at it before you make your decision.

It’s also worth knowing that the 2010 Mazda3 has been subject to three recalls to date. Here are the major issues that prompted the recalls:

A problem with the engine harness could result in a blown fuse and ultimately cause the engine to stall without being able to restart the vehicle

The risk of the driver’s seat height adjustment lifter cracking or separating

The rear liftgate stay could allow the lift gate to fall shut unexpectedly if corroded

These three recalls were issued from 2009 to 2017, so you’ll want to confirm they’ve been addressed with the 2010 Mazda3 you’re considering before buying it yourself.

Finally, there’s one current open investigation you’ll want to keep an eye on: a Takata airbag issue related to the risk of a desiccated airbag inflator rupture.

For more information on any of these recalls and the open investigation, you can check the

National Traffic Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) website

Speed and performance

The Mazda3 is generally regarded as a fun-to-drive vehicle, thanks in large part to its available engine and transmission options. On the 2010 Mazda3, there are two main engines to choose from:

Base 2.0-liter engine: 148 horsepower, 135 pound-feet of torque

2.5-liter engine: 167 horsepower, 168 pound-feet of torque

Drivers also get the choice of a five-speed automatic transmission with manual shift capability, or a five- or six-speed completely manual transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard.

Fuel economy

The engine and transmission Your 2010 Mazda3’s fuel economy specs will vary depending on its engine and transmission, as well as the quality of its upkeep over its lifespan.

Here are the EPA’s fuel economy estimates for the 2010 Mazda3 based on its possible configurations:

2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, automatic S5 transmission: 24 mpg city / 33 mpg highway / 27 combined mpg

2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, automatic S5 transmission: 22 mpg city / 29 mpg highway / 25 combined mpg

2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, manual five-speed transmission: 25 mpg city / 33 mpg highway / 28 combined mpg

2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, manual six-speed transmission: 21 mpg city / 29 mpg highway / 24 combined mpg

Depending on which setup you’re driving, from most to least fuel-efficient, these ranges could mean filling up your gas tank could cost between $45 and $55.

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Interior and comfort

For a 2010 vehicle, the Mazda3 has a solid, comfortable interior—and this point was certainly a highlight among reviews when it first debuted.

2010 also happened to be a redesign year for the Mazda3, and its then-fresh redesign on its front bucket seats is said to have made them more comfortable and supportive for long trips.

Standard features included power windows and an auxiliary input for the stereo system, but higher trim levels could also get you navigation, a premium Bose sound system, and Bluetooth capabilities for making hands-free phone calls.

One caveat is that the rear seat might feel a little cramped for taller or adult passengers.

Safety

Newer vehicles may have more advanced safety features available, but the 2010 Mazda3 had pretty excellent safety ratings overall for its model year.

The

NHTSA

gave the 2010 Mazda3 five stars for safety in the front driver and front passenger side crash categories. For side crash ratings, the driver’s side received five stars, while the rear passenger side received four stars. Its rollover star rating was four stars with a rollover risk of 10.9%.

Safety ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for both the Mazda3 sedan and hatchback range from “good” to “acceptable” across categories, and the sedan was a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS for 2009.

Electronic stability control and electronic traction control also came standard on the Mazda3 in 2010, which wasn’t necessarily a given at the time.

As mentioned above, you’ll want to confirm any safety issues related to the Mazda3’s past recalls have been addressed, and the investigation related to its airbags is still underway.

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