I felt a need for better price comparison and reliability information, so I developed TrueDelta.com to provide these.

Unlike other sources, TrueDelta provides actual repair rates, not just dots, and promptly updates results four times a year to more closely track cars as they age.

Participants simply report repairs the month after they occur on a one-page survey. When there are no repairs, they simply report an approximate odometer reading four times a year, at the end of each quarter.

To encourage participation, participants receive full access to the results for free.

For the details, and to sign up to help out:

Vehicle reliability research

 

actually the Mazdaspeed 3 numbers have been released...254hp and I think 244 lb-ft

 

Anyone have a link? Need @RPM numbers as well.

 

Horsepower: 263 hp Max Horsepower: 5500 rpm
Torque: 280 ft-lbs. Max Torque: 3000 rpm

 

Got that sorted a while back, but still appreciate the attempt to help

The research continues to develop nicely. So far 320 Mazda3 owners have signed up to participate. A good number, but more would be even better.

For the details, and to help us provide the best possible reliability info:

Vehicle reliability research

 

Updated results posted. The repair rate continues to be better than average for all model years, in most cases much better.

For the full set of results, and sign up to help (if you haven't already):

TrueDelta Vehicle Reliability Survey results

 

Updated results just posted. Small Mazdas continue to require few repairs.

Full set of results:

TrueDelta Vehicle Reliability Survey results

 

451 Mazda3s signed up so far. A great start, but more would be even better.

Vehicle reliability research

 

It's been three months, so the results for the Mazda3 have been updated again.

Repair rates, in terms of successful repair trips per 100 vehicles per year:

2004: 70, up from earlier, now about average

2005: 29, better than average

2006: 47, better than average; based on results for 2005 and 2007, actual repair rate might be a bit lower

2007: 19, better than average

2008: 25, better than average

2008.5: 105, much worse than average, thanks to an updated audio system that often needs to be replaced because of a bass issue

Additional participants would be very helpful for all years. The more there are, the better the information we can provide.

For the full set of results, and to sign up to help:

TrueDelta Vehicle Reliability Survey results

 

490 Mazda3's signed up to participate so far. 500 soon?

Help us provide the best possible info on your year:

Mazda3 reliability research

 

TrueDelta has released updated Car Reliability Survey results for the Mazda3. All model years are covered, including the 2008.5/2009.

Most model years remain better than the average. However, repair rates have been creeping up for the older model years, and the 2004 and 2006 are now on the borderline between "average" and "better than average."

The 2008.5/2009 was "worse than average" three months ago, but has improved to average. A single common problem with the revised audio system has been the source of the unexpectedly high repair rate. As long as no other common problems pop up, the repair rate for this year will continue to improve.

A big thanks to everyone who has been helping. We'll have further updates in May, August, and November, so additional participants would certainly be helpful.

TrueDelta now has a separate results page for each model. The one for the Mazda3:

Mazda Mazda3 reliability comparisons

 

In a few weeks we'll start previewing the next set of results to participants. More always helpful.

Car reliability research

 

Now 550. Updated results next month.

Anyone with a 2010 yet? We'd like to have an initial result for the redesign as soon as possible--depends on how soon owners sign up.

Auto reliability research

 

We have updated results for the Mazda3 to include owner experiences through March 2009. In terms of successful repair trips per 100 cars per year:

2008.5-2009: 68, about average, common problem with the audio system

2008: 47, about average, might have some 2008.5s with the troublesome audio system in this sample

2007: 33, better than average

2006: 43, better than average

2005: 48, better than average

2004: 79, about average, and worse than earlier--less reliable once the warranty ends?

A big thanks to everyone who has been helping. We'll have further updates in August and November. With more participants, we could provide more precise information and cover all model years.

Mazda Mazda3 reliability comparisons

 

596 Mazda3 owners now signed up. A great start, thanks guys. That said, the more participants we have, the better the information we can provide to everyone.

Especially need 2010s.

Car reliability research