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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  Mazda protege 5 out Mazda 3 wagon in - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By renoman - October 8 - 1:00 am

  Ive had the car about a month now, with a little over 1k in mileage. Once again Mazda has done a very good job on the interior of the car. Overall a nice jump in interior room from the old protege. Only interior gripe I have is that when my legs are the right distance away, my arms feel too far away from the steering wheel. No adjustment left on the telescoping wheel. The old protege just fit. Exterior wise, I just like sport wagons, so this car fits me. Mechanically mileage has been 26-27 mpg mixed driving. I hoped for better, Im a little disappointed, but I chose sport over economy. The car is fun to drive, handles well, nicely finished for the price, and thats why Im on my second one

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  Its Okay..... - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By ChadM - October 6 - 8:50 am

  I have had this car for about 2 1/2 years and have a couple of issues with it. From the beginning I have been dealing with warning lights coming on non stop with nothing wrong. I had a blow out of one of my tires. In the pst 1 1/2 I have had to replace the tires twice, maybe because of my commuting. Overall I do love my car, its just been one thing after another though.

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  Still one of the better looking small sedans on the road. - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By zramil - October 5 - 1:54 pm

  The car is a great compromise between sleepy, although quiet Corolla and entertaining, yet loud and overpriced (for a used car) Civic. Very engaging ride, fairly precise handling, not the quietest ride but not as loud as Civic. Even though car is now 6 years old, its still a very good looking model. Interior is very well thought out, excellent fit and finish - clean, functional, attractive. This generation is notorious for rust problems, half of 3s I see on the road have rust which decreases resale value. Other than that had no problems with the car. If you are looking for a good quality small sedan mazda 3 is a must see - great balance between performance, quality, value and looks.

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  More than I need at below my budget !! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By TONWAT - October 2 - 4:36 pm

  This car has everything I need(fuel economy, fun drive, sunroof, Bluetooth, leather seat) and more than I need (Bose speaker, memory seat, BT audio, Adaptive head light). I was comparing with Mini Cooper, Honda Civic and VW Golf GTI and these cars have some good features, but overall, Mazda3 has better value than these. Plus, 0 down, 0% APR/60 month, no payment until e/April pushed me forward to purchase this car!!

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  Love it! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jen - September 30 - 11:33 pm

  Just purchased an I Touring model, the only option added was side airbags; definitely worth the low cost to add. Weve gotten 35 mpg consistently on longer trips, and close to that with stop and go driving in the city. Its sporty, plenty of zip, and very fun to drive. Did lots of research on other similar cars (Jetta, Honda, Corolla), and very happy with our choice at an excellent cost. Everyone thinks its a BMW. Our friend is 62" and has gone on long trips and has plenty of room. Only complaint is the lack of an automatic trunk opener on your keychain (theres one inside the car though). Otherwise, we love it and would definitely buy Mazda again. Good luck!

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  Whats with the brakes? - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mazda Owner - September 29 - 3:03 pm

  Love my Mazda except for the constant problem with the noisy front brakes. At 4000K had no brake pads and at 8000K had new ones again. Dealership said is is a problem but the new softer pads (sorry dont know the right terms) have reduced this problem. When it is cold outside however, the brakes when backing up scream. The dealership pretty much hates seeing me now, so I have decided to live with the problem. I guess if that is all that is wrong - its a bonus.

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  Best small car out there - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By JohnS - September 27 - 8:20 am

  Researched a TON of other small cars out there including the Fit, Civic, Versa, Corolla, Psion, Kia, Cobalt, etc. This is the only one that offers all the safety features available for under $18K, including Stability control. Great mileage, fun to drive, awesome looks; it literally looks and feels like a baby BMW or Lexus. Its my first Mazda, but so far it feels like a keeper. You can literally option this car out very affordable, but we decided on a base iTouring. the bluetooth phone/MP3 player also ROCKS! Works with my iPhone 3GS like a charm!

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  A happy "shotgun" marriage - so far! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Russell - September 24 - 7:53 pm

  Became acquainted with the M3 as a rental car while an SUV wed recently purchased was in the shop for some fit/finish issues. Liked how it drove and handled. BUT - our other car (Honda Civic Hybrid) was beginning to have serious premature trouble. Had to find something, fast. Looked at the Corolla and Civic, but we also test drove another Mazda3. Wasnt disappointed .... drove off the lot with it.

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  King of the Compact Sports sedan - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By Moses Tunde - September 24 - 10:00 am

  It took me a while to decide on Mazda.It was my son who opened my eyes to the aesthetic masterpiece of the mazda3 design. After getting past the grinning front end, everything about mazda is sophisticated.I have the 6speed manual, which was a little hard to obtain.My car tackles corners with unparalleled confidence. The gearbox was a close ratio one and the best any car manufacturer ever invented.The ride is supple, yet not floaty; brake is very assuring, yet not blunt; Four wheel independent suspension indulges me, yet not compromising in handling. I do not have any gripe with my new mazda. Not only is the interior the highest quality of any car in it class, everything came standard! Bravo! mazda.

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  Amazing Vehicle - 2014 Mazda Mazda3
  By knucklehead11 - September 23 - 9:26 am

  I just picked it up on Wednesday, September 25th. iTouring hatchback automatic. I traded in a 2008 Mazda3 iSport manual for this. The gas mileage on this car has been incredible. It has been improved by a land slide compared to my 08. Much smoother ride, great interior fit and finish, and the exterior is beautiful. The interior reminds me a little bit of an Audi, and someone told me they almost thought the exterior was Lexus-like. It has already done well on a road trip. Although the 2.0L isnt the beefiest in power, and yes there is some road noise, it is still an economy car, and for its price it cant be beat, so I give everything 5 stars. I highly recommend this car to anyone.