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 61 through 70 of 645.00

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  Everythings Great but the Engine - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Randy T. - July 26 - 2:00 am

  The engine has a flat spot, hesitation, a momentary loss of power. It also seams to have a miss at highway speeds. It feels like Im driving into a 100 MPH headwind. One time the throttle stuck wide open! No codes came up on the computer, they said they’d re- program it. Mazda hasn’t sent them the new software to do this yet. Ive put up with this problem for a month, now I have to wait another month before they get the update. I hope the throttle doesnt stick again, especially with my 6-year-old son in the car! I’m not very impressed! I only get 20 MPG or about 220 miles per tank!

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  Not bad at all! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Benny D. - June 20 - 9:00 pm

  Ive had my hatchback for about a month now and I like it very much. The red paint is gorgeous, unlike that cheap wall-paint you see on GM cars. The sporting character of the car (styling, handling, overally dynamics) makes it a great value, especially for its price range. The interior is very functionnal, precise, comfortable, simple and stylish. Engine output is only adequate - and this is the 2.3- liter. I can only imagine what the 2.0-liter feels like! However, I must admit that midrange thrust is surprising. Windows have a weird clanking noise when coming back up. Fuel economy isnt the best out there. Interior materials hard to clean. There are too many on the road!

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  Value in fun-to-drive market - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By hemoyt2004 - June 8 - 10:00 am

  17 inches wheels, 2.3L engine, Foglight, in-dash CD changer, leather seats and so on add to such a taut, competent compact yet pratical with the hatch designing, it screams the real value in the compact fun-to-drive auto market.

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  Great car, a couple small problems - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By mlh - June 8 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned my car for about 6 months now and it is really fun to drive.

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  Fun car. - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Tony Touch - March 9 - 10:00 am

  Im moving to Atlanta this fall for b- school so I needed to get a car. I started looking at the Mazda 3 when I read glowing reviews, and decided on buying one when my friend told me he could let me use his employee discount to get one. I love the european-styling of this car. People have mistaken it for the new BMW 3 Series, and I always notice drivers going the other way checking out the front end of this car. Its not as expensive as it looks. The flip side is that its not as fast as it looks. This car is a great value if you get it fully loaded. However, if youre just looking for a base model, you are probably better off in a Civic or Corolla.

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  great car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By sha - December 13 - 10:00 am

  Very fun to drive. Great car for new families. Built in safety for child seat. Sporty on the inside and outside. Great on gas and still has great get up and go.

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  Top car for the money, with a few quirks - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Aaron Oliver - December 7 - 10:00 am

  Thinking about this car? Well, its a solid choice. Dont waste your money on the larger engine, though. Even with the manual transmission, its weak, and city fuel economy is poor for this class: I get about 20 m.p.g. in town. Highway mileage is quite a bit better at around 31 m.p.g. On the plus side, handling and braking are both terrific, and the manual shifts smoothly, with just a hint of "notchiness." Interior space is also very good. A few parts are cheaply made. The glove box latches into a flimsy, molded-in, plastic bracket/notch. The drivers side fabric on my car began to pull away from the underlying cushion after only 6 months.

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  fun to drive - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mike - December 7 - 2:56 am

  I have loved owning this car - its a lot of fun to drive, gas mileage is great, peppy engine. Only gripe is the tires - Im putting on my 4th set in a year. Tried switching to another type hoping that would help, but nothing lasts longer than 4 months. Hopefully, Mazda will address this issue soon as its becoming a major cost factor.

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  Its great! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By nne3jxc - November 12 - 2:00 am

  The Mazda3s handling is tight without giving a punishing ride. The interior was nicely appointed and well laid out. Sure -- it doesnt have some of the fancy doo-dads that the luxury cars have, but I can turn on my headlights just fine all by myself, thank you. Its a comfortable little car that feels bigger than it is and has some nice bigger car features. (Many "stolen" from the upmarket Mazda6.) Its sensible without losing any of its zippy fun factor.

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  Mazda 3 2004 hatch back - tire issues - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Leo - October 26 - 4:53 pm

  Ive had the car for about 2 months, and still find it fun to drive. One Major disappointment is the handling on snowy roads. The 17" goodyear all-season tires are totally inadequate. The car fishtails on packed snow.