Both the Fit and the Mazda3 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, front-wheel drive, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights, rearview cameras, available crash mitigating brakes and lane departure warning systems.

There are over 79 percent more Honda dealers than there are Mazda dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Fit's warranty.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it's being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the Fit's reliability 38 points higher than the Mazda3.

J.D. Power and Associates' 2019 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Honda vehicles are more reliable than Mazda vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Honda 16th in reliability. With 13 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mazda is ranked 21st.

On the EPA test cycle the Fit gets better fuel mileage than the Mazda3 FWD:

The Fit Auto has a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no “steps” between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The Mazda3 doesn't offer a CVT.

The Fit has vehicle speed-sensitive variable-assist power steering, for low-effort parking, better control at highway speeds and during hard cornering, and a better feel of the road. The Mazda3 doesn't offer variable-assist power steering.

The Honda Fit may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 500 to 600 pounds less than the Mazda3.

The Fit is 1 foot, 2.2 inches shorter than the Mazda3 Hatchback, making the Fit easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The Fit has 2.9 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Mazda3 Sedan (95.7 vs. 92.8). The Fit has 3 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Mazda3 Hatchback (95.7 vs. 92.7).

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the Fit's rear seats recline. The Mazda3's rear seats don't recline.

The Fit Manual (except Automatic) can be flat towed on all four wheels (dinghy towed), allowing recreational vehicle owners to bring it with them on the road. When they reach their destination, the Fit can be unhitched and driven around locally. The Mazda3 can't be towed flat on the ground.

Consumer Reports rated the Fit's headlight performance “Fair,” a higher rating than the Mazda3's headlights, which were rated “Poor.”

The Fit EX-L's standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. The Mazda3 doesn't offer heated side mirrors.

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the Fit is less expensive to operate than the Mazda3 because it costs $318 less to do the manufacturer's suggested maintenance for 50,000 miles. Typical repairs cost less on the Fit than the Mazda3, including $7 less for a water pump, $183 less for a muffler, $27 less for front brake pads, $12 less for fuel injection, $143 less for a fuel pump and $49 less for a power steering pump.

Consumer Reports® recommends both the Honda Fit and the Mazda3, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The Fit was chosen as one of Car and Driver's “Top Ten” for 7 of the last 13 years. The Mazda3 has never been a Car and Driver “Top Ten” pick.

The Fit was chosen as one of Automobile Magazine's “All Stars” for 2 of the last 11 years. The Mazda3 has never been an “All Star.”