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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  This aint your Fathers Protege - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By eriescott - June 27 - 2:00 am

  NOT like any entry level car you have ever driven. No other car comes close...@ $18,000 loaded this car is a steal. Many cars look the part...but this one delivers looks and performance. Mazda has hit a home run!

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  small discomforts - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By daren - June 26 - 6:16 pm

  I purchased my new 06 Mazda3 i Touring in late May. I get roughly 28 miles per gallon with country driving to work few stop signs not many lights. The vehicle I have purchased is "fully loaded" with an automatic transmission. I believe the interior is nice along with the sporty look of the exterior. When I was in the market I wanted to purchase the s model which had most the options I wanted standard along with the 5 speed automatic; with the 3 i Touring model it has a 4 speed so not as good get up nor as good fuel economy but there were none in the area. The vehicle I bought was fully loaded with the same options I was looking for but you can tell the change from the 4 to 5 speed transmission.

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  Great car - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Shawn - June 26 - 10:23 am

  I got my three in Jan of 2007 and it has been a great car in in the past three years I havent had any issues with the car I would buy another any day.

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  happy diva - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By qtqueen2 - June 25 - 2:26 pm

  I love everything about this car! It is fun to drive, and sporty too. I like its performance. I couldnt have asked for a better car for the money.

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  I love my Mazda! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By rogrocco - June 20 - 2:00 am

  I traded in a 1989 323 with 125K miles for the new Mazda 3. The 323 still ran great but my wife was feeling insecure in such an old car. The Mazda 3 (Velocity Red Mica) is styled beautifully in and out. There is plenty of power with good acceleration. The ride is firm with excellent handling and braking. The AT can be shifted like a manual transmission. Its loaded with upgraded luxury and safety features. It looks and feels like a much more expensive European car. I hope it is as realible and long lived as my 89 323. So far, Im very pleased with this car!

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  Love my car but BEWARE - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By sydneycmiller - June 19 - 10:40 am

  My car is the plain Jane type but it was still love at first sight. I bought it used and had trouble with the second day I had it. Its automatic and it would stall at every light or stop sign I hit. Mechanics suggested it was a faulty computer. Mazda told me unless I could prove it, it wouldnt be covered. Reset the computer and it seemed to be fine until I hit 133k kms. Then the transmisson blew. So now Im stuck with a $2500 bill, AGAIN. I guess I got a lemon but most resellers dont even want to consider selling these transmissions anymore because they continue to come back on a regular basis. Also, the CD plyr is faulty and hates most CDS, old or new.

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  Fun car, minor annoyances - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Craig - June 19 - 8:56 am

  This is a fun car to drive, quick and handles well. Has a solid build feel and lots of bells and whistles. Having said that i am already thinking of getting rid of it, heres why: I am tall, 66" and with the sunroof the car is for a 65" tall person. The steering wheel does not have a comfy place for your hand on long drives. There is no remote truck release. I bought this instead of a Civic for fun factor and it is fun. I get 30 mpg average which is also great considering the way I drive. Leather is cheap almost like plastic, but the heated seats are great; heated mirrors would have been nice, but you cant have it all.

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  Best car for under $25000 - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By mazdaluv3 - June 18 - 12:43 am

  My mom bought this car for me yesterday. I have loved the mazda3 since the previous model came out. I am absolutely in love with this car. I test drove all the comparisons including ford focus, toyota corolla, honda civic, and vw jetta. This car deff stands out and is the best for your money in every department. The whole car feels like both a bmw and a mercedes in feel and quality of build. I got the gunmetal blue mica and it really makes the car shine! If you like a car where people look and ask you what it is, this is the one for you. I liked this car because it stands out in the parking lot, the design is amazing. The road feel is amazing and everything this car offers is amazing! a must!

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  Great car! - 2014 Mazda Mazda3
  By krisskross - June 16 - 3:11 am

  This is the second Mazda I have owned. I was car hunting and decided to take a look at Mazda after looking at the other brands. The first thing that got me was the redesigned look. The previous models look good (better than the protege i had) but this new design looks real good. I thought I end up with the 2.5L engine so I have that extra power to it, but after test driving the 2.0L model, I figure i didnt need it. This is the same engine that goes into their CX-5 CUV model. So with this engine in a much lighter frame, it has a lot of zip to it .

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  Possibly the best car I ever owned!!! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Zooming in TN - June 15 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my Velocity Red 3 for about 3 weeks now and I couldnt be happier. I have owned Hondas for the past 10 years, but just got bored with the unimpressive styling. This car is so much fun to drive and I really havent noticed too much loss of power from a V6 to a 4-cyclinder, or maybe its because I like this car too much to care!