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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  Zoom Zoom! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By ML - September 20 - 2:40 am

  This is the 3rd Mazda I have owned, and although its only been a few weeks so far I doubt that Ill have any regrets. I compared the 3 to all its competition VERY closely before buying, and the Mazda was just plain more fun to drive. Most cars in this class have similar features (see Corolla, Civic, etc.) but if you are going to fork out THOUSANDS of dollars for a car you might as well get something thats actually FUN to drive too! Before this car I had an 08 Pontiac G5, and I never really liked it. Right from the start it just had WAY too many issues. (I bought a "NEW" car to DRIVE it, not to make repeated trips back to the dealer for "warranty" repairs!) Sorry GM, but Im done. ZOOM ZOOM!

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  Mazda 3 s5 - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By legally insane - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Bought the Mazda3 s5 to replace a 98 Jetta GLX. Like the versatility of the 5 door and the performance of the 2.3 engine. My wife liked it so much she traded her 2000 Jetta in on a 3i!

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  Best car ever! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By veester - September 19 - 11:05 am

  I bought this car brand new 8 years ago and I can honestly say it has been the best car Ive ever owned! Thus far the only things weve had to change on it have been the brakes and of course the tires. Anyway, great first time car for anyone! I will be trading up soon for a small SUV.

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  I got the skyactiv mazda3! - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By caloyski - September 18 - 5:16 am

  I love the new skyblue for skyactiv---a real standout from the silver, white & black cars you see on the road. I considered the new elantra, it was a sleek car and gets great mpg like the 3, but I was still biased towards the reliability of japanese cars. And the civic & corolla looked so plain---they were everywhere. I have read some user reviews here about the sound they hear from the engine is a problem. When not used to something, it doesnt neccessarily mean its broken. It has a new engine, so dont exepct old school appeal. It may make more noise to warm it up than a standard gas engine, but after that its great. I tried the new impreza w/ cvt, the sound was weird but not broken.

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  Way above its class... - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By omz2302 - September 17 - 8:46 pm

  So i have owned this car for about 4 months now. A fully loaded GT hatchback. I gotta say that mazda has paid attention to EVERY little detail in this car. When you enter the car, even before turning it on, the dials begin to illuminate slowly and the air conditioning controls pulse as the screen on the car reads "zoom-zoom". It just gets you excited to even press the ignition button. You hear the car rev, a pleasant tone is played and the cars headlights move around to calibrate. LOVE it! Try test driving this car at dusk, thats when all the cabin details in this thing can show off. Handling is good, i feel like the hatchback version does have more body roll, but thats what you get.

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  Gimme a break - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By silver mazda - September 15 - 12:20 pm

  I like the car but the brakes are a problem. Sometimes the brakes go down to the floor, sometimes it feels like it is hitting metal and sometimes it feels like I am hitting an empty box. The dealer out of a courtesy changed the front pads only as they were worn 30 percent. The rear pads are worn 50% and they refused to change them. I will see if this repair helps with my problem. I never know when my brakes will go out on me.

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  My NeW BaBy !!! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By ViNnYsHaY - September 15 - 10:00 am

  Imagine, all you Maz3 lovers, that I have to wait 2 months to get mine... Yess, youve heard me clearly, I ordered it last week and now I will only get a chance to touch it in june, so that will give me a lot of time to imagine myself in my new car... Anyways, fully equipped, this car will surely be the greatest car Ive ever owned up to date ( its my first one ; ) !!!

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  My Ride - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Skull Hunter - September 15 - 10:00 am

  I have this car and out of all the cars in theis class that I test drove this one not only looked the best but handloed better than any of the others such as, Acura RSX, For Focus, Honda Civic, and the Voltswagon Golf.

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  A Touch European - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By vahnce pitter - September 14 - 2:00 am

  The Mazda 3s interior and exterior design, doesnt give you the feel that your in a cheezie compact. Honestly, you feel as if your in a European car, such as an S-40 volvo: hint-hint!!! I work as a mechanic several years ago for mazda, and had reservations about buying a mazda, especially for the troubled history of the 626 and the MX- 6. However,I always loved the protege for its reliability and fun to drive personality, and for that reason I purchased a 3 two days ago and loving it. As for Mazdas trouble reliability issue, I think those days are long behind them.

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  Major Change - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mr.North - September 14 - 2:00 am

  You have a lot to improve. Mazda you need to higher who sense of what a car needs. Executive do you watch "Pimple my ride.?" First, you need an automatic engine; Get the gas tank on the driver side ; Leather heated seats, Remote controller, better gas mileage;more room at the back; Better stereo please.!!!