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:
Showing 31 through 40 of 2,343.00-
Bad-ass Mazda 3 - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
By murfdawg - November 16 - 2:00 amThe car was simply awesome. I drive a muscle-car as a daily driver before the Mazda 3, and I know what performance as far as 0-60 is concerned. For a little 4-banger, that car simply flew. It was truly an enlightening experience! The interior of the car was roomy with a feeling of good control over the whole car. It felt more like a cock-pit. The car didnt feel like a wagon at all, more like a sports-car! (Mustang, Camaro likeness) Carolla, Camry, and Civic watch out.
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Body Integrity is poor - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
By DKM - November 14 - 12:43 amI have owned Mazda for 3 years. In three years, side molding had come off on its own and damaged the doors. I only have 18000 miles on it. Build quality is extremely poor. Mazda says it is not covered under warranty.
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Pretty Average - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
By scottksu - November 12 - 11:04 pmCar looks great and handles well, but... The 2.0, 4 cylinder is low on power. I expected a bit more zip for a small car with almost 150 HP. Gas mileage below avg. for a car this size. Only get a few mpg more than my Toyota Camry V-6. Handles great, but ride suffers. If you like to feel every bump in the road, you will love this car. Replacing the OEM tires helps, especially with road noise. Interior design is nice, but materials are of average quality, which I expect for a car in this category. Developed a few noises & small intermittent rattles not long after purchase. Some I remedied, the dealer fixed one, some remain. A/C is weak & must keep on high during days over 90
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TAKES 20 YEARS OFF - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
By Mattinla - November 11 - 10:00 amWow, so much fun to drive. It may be aimed at 20 somethings, but trust me - load it up with all the options like the leather, the navigation, the xenon, and keep the 5 speed manual, and we 40 somethings feel 20 years younger! My last two vehicles have been Explorers. It was time to have fun again. And where else can you get these kinds of features in a car at this price? Nowhere! I drove the Vibe GT, and it was like driving an egg beater. The MINI is overpriced and too small to be practical and the PT Cruiser is done. I wanted good gas mileage, performance, and style, with some luxury touches and I got it.
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Drives Like a Go-Kart - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
By corkheadstinks - November 11 - 10:00 amThis car has twice the character of the others in its class. Reliability has been great (so far) and the build quality solid. On top of that, its a blast to drive!
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WOW - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
By daasax - November 11 - 10:00 amgreat little car. handles very well. I love the Auto Trans.
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Whole lotta fun for under $20k - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
By Crazy Yoda - November 10 - 12:33 pmWe were looking for a fun to drive small sedan for under the $20k mark. This was going to be used mainly by my wife and her requirements were to have a 5 speed manual, leather seats, decent handling and four doors. The 2.3L Grand touring fit the bill perfectly. We also looked at the new Rabbit but it had no real "fun factor". The Mazda 3 handles fantastic and the high revving engine makes the car feel faster than the speedometer is indicating. Curves and turns in the "3" are very tight and the car feels more like a BMW 3 series than a $20k sedan. In my opinion you will not find a better sedan with sporty characteristics than the Mazda 3.
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Mazda 3s GT Hatch is fun - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
By RS - November 9 - 4:20 amI have enjoyed the car for 5 months and over 7000 miles. On a 7 hour drive the car proved comfortable and peppy. Fitted heated side view mirrors. Overall mpg 21-26, which is okay. The car feels steady on highways - does not sway. Overall a very good car. Mazda should shorten the rear bumper depth and may be improve trunk space or the rear seat space by a few more inches.
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ZOOM ZOOM! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
By BigRed - November 9 - 12:00 amI love this car! I traded in my 02 Focus for it, and would never go back to a Ford. This car is so much fun to drive, great gas mileage, and some people even thought it was a BMW!
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Lots of room to PERFECT, not improve. - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
By ericrsmith - November 7 - 8:03 amI LOVE my car. This is my third Mazda. My wife refers to it as "the other woman." I could have bought more car when I bought this one, and that will only become more true in the future, but I cant picture myself without this car. There is not a car made for under 35,000 that I would even trade this car for. The car handles like a champion and is wicked fun to drive. It is a beauty and has drawn countless compliments. It has proven to be reliable and inexpensive to maintain. Several friends have compared it favorably or even directly to a BMW 3 series. All of that said, read the laundry list of suggested improvements below.
