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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  Best compact car available. - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Ed1032 - August 27 - 6:16 am

  This is my second Mazda3. Ive looked at every compact car under $20K, and the 3 is the best for the money. It has the best performance numbers, features and driving ability. Not to mention the build quality-Its a hair below entry-level German cars, so about the same as a good Volkswagen. From the 06 model, the best improvements are traction control and the auxiliary input jack. Otherwise the car is pretty much the same, and thats a good thing. I have a few minor quibbles: The dash is plain without sat-nav and is prone to attracting dust very quickly and the pedal placement is a bit off (brake and gas too close together). But dont worry, the car can take corners like a true sports car.

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  Sportability,Luxury,Economy - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By BLR - August 21 - 6:50 am

  More bang for your buck with this car. I have the 2010 Mazda 3 4 door Hatchback with all options possible. It takes a little while to figure out how to use all the technology features it has. Still trying to figure out the Homelink option.Otherwise very impressed with it. Cargo room is functional.This car has great steering and pep.Makes you feel like your driving a luxury car,yet saving you lots of $$$.Very sporty interior. I have had compliments on it from people as I am in parking lots. The smile shaped grin ,grows on you. Love the pwr.Moonroof Bi- Xeon Headlights that follow the roads curves. LED taillights show up well at night.So far it has been reliable and fun to drive.. Zoom Zoom

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  Lots of Power - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By gigiaguy89 - August 19 - 8:38 pm

  Nicely set up cockpit with well painted trim. Not a fan of the long front and super short back, but still has plenty of room in the backseat and trunk. Car has lots of power when it chooses to perform. Sometimes, it just wants to run sluggish, other times it wants to shift into the next gear harshly, but most times drives like it should. Very horrible on gas, but when you have a bozo trying to cut you off, it has enough power to keep them in their place (which is behind you). AC runs great and rain sensing wipers come in handy. Glove compartment is HUGE and there is plenty of places to put your little things.

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  very reliable - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By delesher - August 18 - 2:15 am

  The car has been very reliable although mileage is not very good for a small car. Plenty of room inside and can carry a lot of stuff. I have had it since new and have approximately 50K miles. Nothing but routine maintenance.

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  Tirrirrrr sound from engine - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By jangk - August 17 - 11:09 pm

  I bought 3 HB skyactiv 2.0 I touring a month ago. I drive city & hwy (60% & 40%), and get Average 36MPG, which is good. But, When I drive, I hear a very odd sound, that is heard like "Tirrrrr ttirrrirrrrrrr". It is not normal engine sound, it is extra abnormal sound. Especially in low speed, and at stop sign, that sound is very annoying. I told that problem to dearlership, but they couldnt find out the problem, and didnt fix it. I like eternal design and six speed auto transmission, but I dont want to recommend this vehicle to my friend.

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  Love it !!! - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By snowman80 - August 16 - 9:26 pm

  I purchased this car last week while looking at a mazda3i basic.The dealer didnt have what i wanted so i ended up test driving this model instead. needless to say i fell in love with it.Good power for a 2.5, responsive steering great clutch and shift feel.i highly reccomend this car to any dailey commuter looking for something classier looking then a Prius with more spunk. im averaging 30mpg right now which is better then advertised.

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  Utility, sport, and value - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Russell - August 16 - 5:50 pm

  I considered a CPO Acura RSX and new Scion tC, but the 3 was the best compromise between the utility, fun factor, and value that I was looking for. The tC was nice, but the interior cannot compare in terms of space, ease of access, or aesthetics. Cargo volume with the seats down was surprisingly similar. The RSX was ultimately just too small; the rear seat is a shelf for packages, not people. I do, however, wish I had the RSX 5-speed auto and the gas mileage and performance that came with it. Be careful if youre considering the 3 largely on price, especially with the hatch model as it starts at 17k and moves past 20k with a sunroof and ABS. Good value, but hardly inexpensive.

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  2010 sGT HB - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By mjm826 - August 16 - 4:50 am

  I bought the sGT HB in gunmetal blue w/ Sunroof/Bose Pckg. and Tech Pckg w/ auto. tran. at the end of May. So far, I have no complaints. The car is very comfortable and a pleasure to drive. I was downsizing from a FX35 SUV and looking for a vehicle that was much smaller, w/ better mpg but that still offered some of the versatility and sporty driving of my SUV. This Mazda fit the bill. It handles my dive gear, bicycles and kayaks w/ out a problem. Love that hatchback!! I looked at several other HBs but none matched (IMHO) the all-around value of the Mazda. I have owned BMW, INNfinity & Acura in the past. This Mazda offers compatible, if not greater, value for the dollar. Pd. 23,800 + tax.

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  repeat buyer - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By taki - August 12 - 7:10 am

  I was very happy with my 1995 Protege, so when it came time to upgrade, my choice was the 3i. Dont let salesmen try to supersize you into an s if fuel economy is of primary importance. You can get lots of extra features on an i, and its not always true that its "same price as an s" by the time youre done adding. I find 144 hp to be plenty of power for my commute, which includes pulling out onto busy roads and merging with traffic from a stop. My only real complaint is the all-black interior. Every speck of dust shows. Like a white kitchen floor, its going to take a lot of regular attention to keep it looking clean (sigh).

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  Absolutely Fantastic! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By JF - August 11 - 2:56 pm

  I bought my new 3s about two weeks ago and absolutely love it! It is far and away the best vehicle in its class. The ride is smooth and controlled with a poised, well-damped feel thats more typical of premium German cars than compacts. Handling is sharp and nimble and steering is quick and linear. It just drives like a much more expensive car than it is! The 2.5L 4cyl is smooth, revs quickly, and pulls hard all across the rev range. The 6-speed is slick and a joy to row. The interior is ergonomically perfect, impressively designed, and well put together. Exterior design is slick! My only complaints are a small back seat and average fuel economy, though I have been meeting the EPA estimates.