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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  Research Pays Off - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By JT in SC - September 14 - 1:00 am

  After much research, thought and debating, I finally picked up my Mazda 3i Touring before the old car totally gave out. Im am so happy I did. To me, the biggest difference between the 3 and the other cars I test drove is how well this thing handles. It also has the horsepower when you want it - even with the smaller engine. I specifically got the manual transmission and have gotten 28-30 MPG for the first four tanks.

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  zoomzoom!! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By zoomzoom - September 12 - 5:30 am

  Ive had my Mazda for 5 months now and i still absolutely love it. They happened to have the exact one i wanted with all the options i wanted fresh off the truck (moonroof, rear wing, in dash 6-disc cd change, among others)I cant wait to drive to work everday and i always offer to to drive everywhere and i love showing the car off. Like everyone else i agree it needs a trunk release! other then that no complaints! Love love love this car! no regrets buying it!

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  Best in Class 3i automatic - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Steve Cypher - September 9 - 1:23 am

  55 year old. My last car was a Focus ZX3 5-speed. The quality and attention to detail is incredible. Mine is Rally White with the moon roof, ABS, sport pkg and all the air bags. The car handles much better than the Focus and has the aggressive look of a BMW. Fit and finish is world class and the materials in the interior are light years ahead of any of the products offered by the big 3. I looked at the new Civic and really disliked the new dash layout and that was the only other vehicle that I considered.

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  Best Test Drive - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Test Driven - September 8 - 10:00 am

  I have never owned a foreign vehicle or a car and this was the most comfortable car. It is fun to drive, easy, lots of room.

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  A great value - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By chemsal - September 8 - 10:00 am

  I really enjoy my S hatchback. It has lots of pep, handles great and a super value. My wife drives a 325 XI BMW which is a super car, but dollar for dollar I perfer the Mazda. Its been over a month now and I still enjoy my drive time in the car. If there is a better valve out there I dont know what it is.

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  3 hatchback s GT - 5 speed -Titanium Gray - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By 783 - September 6 - 9:40 am

  Very pleased with the car, performance & handling, interior, stereo is amazing. Havent yet driven in snow, but I have a feeling that it will be reliable. Everyday that keeps looking better & better.

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  Great Car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Justin - September 5 - 8:33 pm

  I have had this car for a year now (24k miles) and have not had a single problem. The car handles great, has very good power (for the class), is very comfortable, and looks great! I have made a lot of long (8+ hour) trips in this car and it stayed very comfy all the way through. The car feels so tight and well built, very few squeaks and rattles. There are a few things I would change, but they are minor. I cant wait for the Mazdaspeed!

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  Well its been 16 months & 7000 miles - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By john brown - September 1 - 9:00 am

  Well its been 16 months and 7000 miles since I bought my Mazda 3s and the car is just as firm and tight as the day I drove it home for the first time, no rattles and vibrations (which I hate in a car). The steering and handling is just as superb, the brakes are just as good, the 5 speed manual (would never think of buying this car in automatic) is just as precise and sweet. I have even come to love the Goodyear RSA Eagles that everyone hate so much; excellent feedback to the driver from these tires, excellent cornering and braking, just go light at the start of a rain or they will spin. This is one awesome car that Mazda should be proud of making. Excellent driving machine.

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  Great Car - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By johndiggity - August 30 - 3:00 am

  Great handling and good power. Comfortable and attractive seats, roomy backseat. Cockpit is a little narrow. Quality materials and finish. Cheaper plastic on the lower console is prone to scratching, but its black. Stereo does sound a little muddy, controls on the steering wheel are a nice touch though. Great trunk space. Tons of fun to drive. This is a drivers car.

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  Greatest Value for under 18K - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Latinpashin - August 28 - 11:56 am

  You buy the 2010 Mazda3 because you are looking for a car that is under 18k, is practical, safe, economical, reliable, 4 doors and fun, period. I test drove the civic, corolla, subaru impreza, dodge SRT4 and Fit. I must say, the Civic ex came very close. I noticed that the civic had some real low end pep, better mpg, better interior, but in the end, the mazda3 seemed to have a suspension and road feel edge with the benefit of being a redesigned car that was engineered to be fun. A guiltless decision for a 35 year old guy who wanted a Subaru WRX.