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:

• 

  Everything I bought it for - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By mudshark - November 26 - 9:23 pm

  This car has done everything I expected very well. Mileage at 28mpg. Good performance with 5 spd. Fun to drive. Got rid of a Mini to get this and am much happier. I would have gotten the Speed 3, but need the mileage as I drive long distance to work. I am 6 ft. and 300# and car is roomy enough for me. I highly recommend the Mazda 3.

• 

  Ive had a few problems - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jessica - November 26 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my 2002 Civic for my Mazda 3... Ive had 4 Hondas in the past and regret my Mazda purchase some days. To start, the tires had to be replaced at 22,000 miles, my rotors are warped, and my a/c stopped working this summer because I had an issue with the thermostat. The only thing that the warranty has covered is the problem with the thermostat. Its not bad to drive and it starts every morning, but I certainly wont be purchasing another Mazda in the future!

• 

  07 Mazda 3 s gt 5 dr = Booya! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Monkeyboy6 - November 21 - 2:30 pm

  This is a great car and I highly recommend it to anyone that asks. However, I would like to see a rack option other than buying aftermarket model. All in all, this is a great car and I look forward to the 1.5 hours I spend on the road going to and from work every day.

• 

  My 10th Mazda - and still no regrets! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Anonymous - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Purchased my 5-Door GT after a 10 year hiatus from Mazda during which I have owned 4 BMWs, including 3 3-series and a Z4. Terrible experience with the latest 3-series so went back to Mazda and I love this car! It is a little noisy on the highway but nothing the amazing sound system doesnt solve. Loose stabilizer bar in rear at 3000 miles was fixed quickly and the car is amazing again! Love the looks, love the performance, love all the features! Nothing from Toyota or Honda even comes close! And my BMW is barely keeping up anymore - cant wait to trade the BMW in for a Mazda 6! Lost my pearl white 3 especially now that Ive added a bike rack to the roof! Love this car!

• 

  Love the Smile - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Anonymous - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Ive only had my Mazda 3 sport for a little over 1 week, but so far I love to drive this car. I try to think of places I need to go just to get in and go somewhere. The bose system is awesome, such clarity. I owed a 2001 Maxima so Im having to adjust to the stiff ride of the Mazda but hopefully I will get there. I read some reveiws about road noise on another site I dont hear it, I do hear the engine a little but thats fine. If you want a compact sedan or hatchback you must drive the Mazda 3 the handling and the power this little car puts out will amaze you.

• 

  07 Touring I - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Ja_sinn - November 18 - 7:13 am

  This was a toss-up between the 06/07 Civic and the 3. In the end the Mazda 3s suspension broke the tie. The sporty handling and smooth ride was on Mazdas side. The Civic felt a tad bumpy. For a 2.0 the car can move paired with the 4 speed sport-shifting automatic. My wife commutes with the car about 160 miles a week so the gas savings was what opened us up to the car, yeah the Civic got 40 but really, no comparison between the 2 for handling. Cant get the wife to give it up for a day.

• 

  35 MPG Combined Thus Far - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By sn04 - November 18 - 3:53 am

  I have had the vehicle for about 2,000 miles now, and am extremely pleased with the gas mileage. The 35 MPG average came from my own log of gas price/quantity/mileage driven. That being said, there are a few areas that need improvement. The seats are very uncomfortable (youll feel it after about an hour on the road). The car does rev itself on start-up, and remains that way for a good 20 to 30 seconds before calming down. I havent seen anything adverse to this, but I dont like to drive until its calmed down. The center consol has a whirring sound - almost like an A/C fan is on, but its low pitched and usually doesnt bother me. I have a creak in the back during low speeds.

• 

  Mazda not Honda - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By JDL - November 17 - 1:50 pm

  I was at Norm Reeves Honda of Cerritos ready to buy a honda Civic LX Auto. They quoted me a price over the phone of $17,900 OTD. drove 35 miles to dealer, picked out color and they ran my credit. The whole time i kept asking is the price $17,900 OTD. Everything went well until they took the price to the boss for the ok. he would not sell me the car for that price, THANK GOD. Two days later i went to Browning Mazda and drove the Mazda 3 Hatchback Auto. I love this car. Tyler at browning Mazda was great. I got the car OTD for $21,000. Buy this car, you will not be disappointed.

• 

  Highly recomend, fun, great value - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By speedic - November 16 - 1:43 pm

  After tons of research considering the Honda civic Si, VW GTI mkV, Subaru impreza 2.5i, came to the conclusion of getting the Mazda 3 GT wagon. It has great interior room, looks great, and handles and preforms like a $30k car.

• 

  2009 I Touring Value - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By Cyp - November 16 - 11:20 am

  After my previous kicked the bucket I was in the market for a new car. I test drove a couple of other vehicles but after getting in the 3, I knew it was the vehicle for me. I did quite a lot of research on every possible vehicle and was originally planned on a economy car. However, the price, performance, and quality was exactly what I wanted. The Mazda 3 is a great car, and does exactly what you would like it to. It loves to be driven, it looks beautiful and stands out (without being ostentatious), and is a dream for someone who prefers smaller sized fun driving cars. Sure you could buy a better mpg, economy car. But for the price you will NOT find a more fun to drive vehicle for the money.