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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  Love my 3 - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By leeharvey418 - August 9 - 10:33 pm

  Fantastic suspension, flexible engine, more features than are available on many cars costing a lot more, and decent room and fuel economy add up to a tremendous amount of fun and value. The cars only real shortcoming that Ive found in six months and 9000 miles is that the stock Toyos arent the best tires in the rain, but thats easily corrected.

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  Cant Get Enough! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Brian - August 3 - 1:30 am

  I went from a 1990 V8 Ford Mustang to this car. All I can say is WOW! Although there is a drop in horsepower from the Ford to the Mazda3, I hardly notice it. The car handles much better and the features cant be beat. The automatic transmission is fun to drive as well. Im always looking for an excuse to drive my car. The fuel economy is so-so, but an improvement over my last vehicle. All-in-all, this is a must drive. The only gripes I have are that my right knee rests a little uncomfortably on the center console and the sun visors are too small.

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  ZoomZoom - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Scott - August 2 - 5:40 am

  I have the 05 Mazda3s 4 door and I love it. Its nice on the inside and out and fun to drive. Im 18 and commute to college on Long Island. I get compliments on it all the time and with the JL audio speaker upgrade and the addition of subs and a 2000 watt amp really makes the difference. I have neon under the dash and in the side door panels with lambo doors. 15% tint all around really looks great on the silver. I got new 17" rims and put the stock tires back on because they were fine. For around $22K with $5K in add ons you cant beat it. I will have this car for a while.

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  Awesome car. - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By Devin - July 30 - 4:00 am

  This is my first car, and as such I am simply glad to have one, but I have fallen in love with pretty much every aspect of the car. It has very good handling and a fairly peppy engine, although it is not a Corvette by any means. The aesthetics are very high quality and good looking both inside and out. Mine came with a 4 speaker audio system, but for a 4 speaker, the sound output is very high quality with rumbling bass and clear trebles. The only gripe I have is that power windows/door locks are only available in higher trim levels costing almost $3000 more. I have also had to replace the gas cap, but apparently this has been redesigned and will not get stuck as my old one did.

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  Wonderful, best in its class. - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Will - July 27 - 5:46 pm

  I am writing this review of my new Mazda 3 mainly because I am one that reads A LOT of these reviews before buying anything, especially a new car -- so for good karma, I will add to the collective. I LOVE my new Mazda3 on so many levels that I will not be able to got into them. But for anyone considering this car, I can honestly say I regret nothing form buying this car. I also seriously considered the Toyota Matrix/RAV4, Hyundai Tuscon, Subaru Forrester, Honda Accord. I test drove them all multiple times as well as did in depth research online. They all came out pretty close on paper, but the Mazda was incomparable when behind the wheel. It is fun, sporty, great mileage, and reliable.

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  If you have a highway commute... - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By mattman44 - July 25 - 12:13 pm

  ...set cruise @ 65 through one full tank. Since then my last 5 full tanks have gone from steady 37-38 to over 40mpg, peaking at 42.5 (doing math). It can be done you just have to be smart. Cruise helps more than I thought. Lifetime computer average @ 38.3 after 13k so far. Traded Rio after Kia lied about mpg. 3 is bigger, more fun to drive and much more efficient. A few more standard features would help but my smartphone covers most I would want. Easiest self oil change car Ive owned. Next gen looks better but probably more $. Seats more for sport than comfort. Feels solid/reliable. Ride slightly harsh, but drove NJ-FL without chronic injury. Space is useable, lower cargo floor would help.

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  A Good Bang for the Buck! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By jwjuliano - July 24 - 9:26 pm

  Everything about the car is top notch. Cannot begin to compare the features for under $20K, many of which are found in cars costing twice as much. Be careful of your speed; the car is fast and quiet for its class. Gas mileage is decent, low 30s on the highway doing around 70 mph with A/C running. Aux. jack is a great feature to allow hook up for your iPod or satellite radio.

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  Keep on ZOOMin! - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Paulis72 - July 24 - 9:36 am

  Had to replace 03 Protege hit by drunk driver while parked. Im so excited I went with another Mazda. My Mazda3 is amazing! I cant wait to drive it every day! My boyfriend has a BMW and only prefers German cars and is heavily considering trading for Mazda3, hes jealous! The ride, handling, performance is fantastic compared to other cars in its class. My Protege had 0 problems so I am confident buying Mazda again! I have nearly 700 miles on it in 2 weeks and each day it continues to amaze me Im not driving a German car.

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  Great drive on a budget - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jesse - July 22 - 3:40 pm

  I was looking for a less expensive car to replace my C-class and came down to the Mazda3 or the Acura TSX. Ultimately the Mazda was more fun to drive, but with a less refined interior, for a much lower lease payment. The 5 speed transmission is every bit as brilliant as the MB 7- speed, and shifts a lot quicker in manual mode. The engine is a bit coarse, but low end torque is impressive. Most importantly, the car wants to be tossed through corners. The interior is a bit busy, especially the redundant stereo controls and the outer vents that could have been integrated much more seamlessly into the dash. I like the black exterior (hides the grin a bit) with tan leather.

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  value with zoom - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By andy lyon - July 20 - 5:46 pm

  The new mazda 3 five door special edition makes the 3 an even more enjoyable delight to drive. Grab hold of the leather bound three spoke steering wheel, press your body back into its supple leather, and turn on the seat heater. You would think that you where in a new 3 series bmw. The value of this amazing machine is far beyond anything else in the market today.