Overview & Reviews

Mazda has a tradition of building entertaining small cars, and the Mazda 3 fits right in with its sharp handling and engaging nature. But it's also a practical, affordable runabout that's available as either a sedan or a handy four-door hatchback. A Mazda 3 of any vintage is worth consideration, but the 3's interior quality has improved dramatically over time. Likewise, fuel economy has emerged as a real strength in recent years.

Introduced in 2004, the Mazda 3 has always been one of those cars that feels a little bit special when you get behind the wheel. Some shoppers might find the ride too firm, but if you like to drive, you'll probably take a shine to this compact Mazda. Passenger room is the same in the sedan and hatchback, but the latter offers more cargo room. If fuel economy is a priority, note that 2012 and later models benefit from updated engine technology that helps the car return significantly better mileage.

User Reviews:

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  Mazda 3, The Head Turner - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By mikethuan - December 29 - 2:00 am

  The first time you look at the mazda 3, your mind can hardly believe that this is an economy vehicle. It has none of the woes of an econobox but has the pricing of one. The shifting is smooth and precise and the throws are short. The engine noise is also noticeably more quiet than the previous proteges. The features are unbelievable for a car of this price range. With available xenon and dvd navigation, mazda 3 owners can have what theyve only dreamed possible in a luxury vehicle. While the loaded price of this vehicle is a hefty, $23,075 (MSRP fully loaded 3s Sedan Automatic), the vehicle starts at $14,200 (MSRP 3i model).

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  Its very Good Car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By 808hawaii - December 29 - 2:00 am

  Its very good and affortable

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  Zoom----Zoom - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mosquito - December 23 - 7:46 am

  It is a great car. This is my first Mazda, I have owned 2 Subarus prior. For the money I couldnt go wrong. It has all the bells and whistles of most major luxury car makers at a fraction of the price. The design, both interior and exterior are well thought and beautiful. I get people asking me all the time what kind of car is that! It catches peoples eyes for sure. After I tinted the windows it took on a totaly different look. I would love to see Mazda put the 6 cyc. in the 3. It would make it even better!! It is quick now, but with the 6 cyc. WOW!

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  Had Mine For 6 Months - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By awesome3 - December 18 - 10:00 am

  Love my car. More than enough power to pass cars quickly even with A/C on. Extremely manueverable, great handling. You get a lot for the money. Its the best value car out there, and I looked at them all in this car class. Very good room inside. Very good attention to detail. Velocity red is metallic, very hot paint. You can spin the tires on dry pavement in this car. Car can do 80mph as easily as it does 40mph. This car will move.

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  Zoom Zoom!! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By sengupta - December 18 - 10:00 am

  I was driving a 2002 Corolla when a sudden need of a second car made me to decide for one. Well, it did not take much time for me to decide about the Mazda3 (I/Auto/AC). I negotiated through Edmunds.com, went to the dealership, test drove and came out driving my new Mazda3. The very first drive back home made me realize that I did not make any mistake by not comparing or test driving other cars.

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  Mzda3 "s" is GREAT!!!!! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By vinceB - December 17 - 9:06 am

  I recently purchased this car in early November--a 5 speed manual, 2005 model w/ airbags/ABS/moonroof package. This car has very few faults. For the money, this is like driving a mini Infiniti G35 (because we own one of them as well). I put in a nice alarm system, added rear tint, and upgraded the weak factory stereo system. Overall, Mazda 3 s .......Im impressed!

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  Great bang for the buck - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Steve Breen - December 16 - 10:50 pm

  Ive been a pickup truck guy for years as my daily drivers. My need for a pickup has declined in recent years, and I was getting weary of constantly putting gas in the thing. So, I began researching cars that were: 1) Cheap to own and operate 2) Fun to drive 3) good features and finally 4) great value. Well, this car actually exceeds across the board. I looked at the usual suspects in this group, and nothing has the personality and depth of features that this little Mazda has. I actually look forward to driving now, as this thing is a blast to drive. For as little as it costs, it just seems like a steal!

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  Great car for a great price - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By Phil S - December 13 - 6:26 am

  I put 211,000 miles on my 1993 Protege without a fault. Bought a 2008 Honda Fit Sport 14 months ago and it was totaled. Drove the 2009 Fit Sport, Saturn Astra, and Mazda3 5dr and the game was over. The Mazda is much more car than the Honda and much nicer. The Astra is nice but awkward and the lack of an aux input for the MP3 player just shows a lack of consumer focus. The Honda feels "empty" and lacking when compared to the Mazda. The prices are all very close so its a good comparison in my book. Id like the sunroof to be an option by itself.

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  Good Alternative for Compact - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Chip - December 4 - 5:56 pm

  I felt that this car was overall better than the Civic & Corolla. It came w/ more standard features and the quality of material was supurb. As for the Proteges success, I had no doubt in purchasing it.

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  30K mile UPDATE- - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By diehard080 - December 1 - 2:02 am

  I have revirewed my 2008 versus this 2010 and already have concluded it just that much better. I will focus on the passing of time,servicing and performance continuity. I replaced the Avid-Yokos which I found on the harsh side like the previous 08-09 suspension set-ups but slightly more ameinable to all-around driving with a bias towards all-out sports car tuned firmness. I installed Bridestones new Pole Position S-04s and even though the overall tire is heavier at 70-90mph this car is silent and super-stable at 85 Im turning 2900 rpms and its not even breathing hard -this damn 2.5 wants to be ridden to 120+ and sprout wings. Everyting else is tight and right ! Just oil/filter and gas .