Overview & Reviews
The Mazda 3 is an all-new economy sedan and hatchback that replaces the Protege in Mazda's lineup.
- Fun-to-drive character, stylish interior design, strong engines, hatchback utility.
- Ride might be too stiff for some, a few ergonomic quirks, tight rear legroom.
User Reviews:
Showing 1 through 10 of 645.00-
I like many things about this car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
By James Forte - March 5 - 2:00 amComing out of a 98 Passat, I wanted more basic ride for my daily driver. The MAZDA3 is good, but certainly not comparable in attention to detail (but its $7K less!). I am happy with the fuel economy and design, although materials could be better. Mazda should be proud and has a car that competes with the base Jetta and Corolla. The real problem with this car is its brand. Nothing symbolizes second rate more than Mazda with its childish campaigns (please stop!). The goofy kid/song argh! Fortunately for Mazda, the product exceeds its poor brand image. For me, I have to fend off all of my buddies who tease me about Zoom Zoom (its better than Suzuki!).
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What a piece of ^%$^%$^&%! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
By stissenko - April 26 - 5:30 pmI have a 2.3 AT version with currently 83K on it. TO begin is I should say it is the WORST car I have ever had (and I have owned quite a few). I have recently changed: all 4 shocks , bar links, rotors, caliper, leaking radiator, engine mount, heat shield, had to fix exhaust pipe! Unfortunately, it didnt solve all problems: I keep adjusting the breaks (obviously, I do not count new pads, since it is a maintenance), but the noise is still there. Right caliper is about to have to be changed (I am selling the car prior to that). I guess I am really tired of having the car at the shop ALL THE TIME, trying to understand whats wrong with it. If you want a car: DO NOT BUY!
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NO good - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
By Mbauer - February 1 - 2:50 pmI purchased a Mazda3 Jan. 2004 to commute to school and work. I am very displeased with it. The worst problem is that, in automatic, when the vehicle shifts from 1st to 2nd gear, at around 2500 RPM, there is a great jolt. The car jerks a lot, sometimes more than others. I called the dealership and they told me that it was the "nature of the beast." They had gotten similar complaints, but there was nothing they could do about it. The car is also loud (belts and fans) and noisy inside while driving. I want to get rid of it.
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Not as well built at Acura/Honda - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
By neojamie - September 28 - 10:00 amI thought Id try a Mazda 3 as their styling was light years ahead of the Honda Civic. I was let down on 4 occasions already with the *@!# engine coming on every 200 miles or so and after replacing 4 major enjine parts like O2 sensor to Purge system it has made me decide never to buy a Mazda again. I have always purchased Hondas or Acuras and the quality and when they can catch up on the styling I am going back without a doubt!
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Worst car Ive ever owned - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
By fubo - April 30 - 11:01 amA piece of junk. Rust began to show all over a couple of years. All of the door jams and quarter panels near the wheels are rusted. Two years ago I had to have all 4 rims replaced because they were corroded. Luckily they were replaced under warranty. I asked Mazda for help this time around since the rust began to show when it was still under warranty but they refused, even though the dealership and the regional mgr for Mazda were "shocked" when they saw the rust and agreed this should not happen to a 4-5 year old car. Ive had a Ford and a Jeep, sold it after more than 10 years with no rust. Heat? Very weak. AC? At first I thought it broke down. Took it in, they said its normal.
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Somewhat Satisfied - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
By jacobsmommy17 - January 8 - 12:10 amOverall a fun car to drive there are just some annoying things. The seats arent too comfortable, the brakes squeal even after being replaced, the transmission shifts hard into second. Recently when slowing down, as the car is downshifting, it misses 2nd gear. When the trunk is popped it doesnt raise itself, and I think there is something wrong with the spring. Also, I have a 6 month old, and it is hard to get him in and out of the car. The doors dont open wide enough either.
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The Lemon of the Year - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
By Tess - January 21 - 4:46 amI bought a new 2004 Mazda 3 in 2004. From day one the brakes squeal when reversing (5 new sets have been renewed with no end in site - apparent reason, wet); transmission went at 48,000; Radiator chip dysfunctional and caused engine to overhead (1st time mis-diagnosed) second time (chip replaced). Have been towed 3 times before car reached 50,000 miles. While at servicing (same dealership bought at), car has received 2 door bang marks, engine was not cleaned of antifreeze from overheating, and recently black marks all over headliner when car was receiving new radiator chip.
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Problems at 2000mi one week for an appt - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
By Nomoremazdas - January 2 - 10:00 amI got my car in March 2004 and loved it. Fun to drive. Just yesterday the trouble started. The check engine light came on. I called to get an appointment at the nearest dealership, 15 miles away. Their next appt was 6 days from now. I wrote to Mazda to complain and their response was to try another dealer. If I chose to not go to another dealer at least 30 minutes away, that is my choice. I was just floored by their lack of concern. If I had read the forums here on Edmunds on Mazda customer service instead of just the glowing reviews here I might have made a better choice. Read them for yourselves.
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first year model problems - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
By mmsld - January 19 - 8:46 amThe car is nice to look at and very comfortable but it has typical first year quality problems. My suggestion is to wait until 2006 to buy one. The mechanical issues are too numerous on the 2004 and it is annoying to be continually running to the dealership for various mechanical failures.
