Mazda3 Sales Jump Nearly 150% in September as Gas Prices Bite

The Mazda3 just had a September that turned heads. Sales for the small car jumped nearly 150% compared to the same month last year, The Drive reports, citing Autoblog.

In raw numbers, that's 3,704 units moved last month versus about 1,500 a year earlier. It's not a huge volume for a model that isn't a top seller, but the jump is significant in a market that has largely abandoned compact cars for crossovers and trucks.

The spike is another sign that American buyers are turning back to sedans and hatchbacks for relief from persistently high gas prices, The Drive notes. It's a familiar pattern: when fuel costs go up, small cars get a second look.

What This Means for You

If you're shopping for a used or new compact car, expect competition to be stiffer and prices to hold up better than they did a year ago. The Mazda3 is a solid pick for anyone looking to save at the pump without sacrificing driving fun.

True, the automaker moved only 3,704 units — that's a drop in the bucket compared to what popular trucks and SUVs sell in a month. But the 150% gain shows that even a niche model can have a moment when the economics shift.

• compact cars
• gas prices
• Mazda3
• sales
• The Drive