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:
Showing 1081 through 1090 of 2,343.00-
nice little car! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
By lumpy - June 15 - 10:00 amIm very pleased with the purchace of this vehicle. Very solidly built little car. the only concerns Im having with it is 1) A/C is very weak. 2) passengers side front window makes loud pop noise when window is raised to top just as its closing. 3) rear wheel brake dust is very bad.
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Worst car Ive ever owned - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
By yagdoogie - June 10 - 4:06 pmReplaced the transmission. Twice. Motor "clicks," my mechanic thought it was going to throw a rod. Six months later, still clicking. Front end needed to be rebuilt at 102k. Roughest running four-cylinder Ive ever seen. Dealer said thats a characteristic of the motor. Hunh.
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AXELA - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
By Paul - June 9 - 10:56 amI bought this car because it took my breath away. Overall style, class, ride and just looks. I have driven and looked at many other cars, they didnt come close. I looked at this car once, wanted it without driving it. Then I drove it. So I bought it. Since then, it has been lowered, I added exhaust, changed the badging to "Axela," the Japanese version. This car is 2 years old, and I still get looks. I love driving my car, and all my friends love it too. I went from a beat up Honda del Sol, to this. This car is truly best-in-class. I dont care what anyone says. Toyotas and Hondas last forever, but I dont see a Civic or Corolla that looks or drives like this.
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lil red 3 - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
By chadw - June 9 - 2:13 amThe only thing you might run into is the manual gearbox. The tranny has a reverse lock out and if you are in fifth gear, every once in a while you wont be able to get into reverse at start up. Read the manual and it will tell you pop in N let off the clutch and retry. I was getting frustrated and now, no problems. It needs to recalibrate itself.
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The best car Ive owned - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
By David - June 7 - 9:53 amI bought the top-of-the-line sedan. It handles and rides very well. Its quiet inside without too much road noise. The automatic transmission is very smooth and includes a digital indicator of the current gear as it shifts, which is a useful feature. It has good acceleration with the 2.3L engine (but you wont mistake it for a V6 or V8.) The car was delivered in perfect condition, with no problems or blemishes of any kind. Both the interior and exterior have a "look" of quality. The car doesnt appear cheesy, like a lot of inexpensive cars do. On my 2nd tank of gas, the display showed 28.4 mpg average. It has a ton of equipment: Bose, Sirius, stability, xenon, advanced brakes, etc.
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Amazing car! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
By Jordan - May 30 - 7:50 amI would recommend this car to anyone looking for a fun to drive, attractive, and over all great car. I have had mine for about about 6 months and I love it more everyday! The interior looks way better than any other cars in this class, and the exterior is really good looking, sporty is the word I would use. I get about 32 mpg. The handling is amazing! Just ignore the signs that say 35 around a corner, go 55! Overall, I am very, very happy with my purchase!
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ZOOOOOOOM!!! :) - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
By paradude - May 29 - 7:50 amI needed more space than my Protege offered, so I traded it in on the 3wagon. WOW! What a car!
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Smooth city car - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
By Juan de fuca - May 22 - 9:26 pmGreat car! I did a ton of research before buying this car and drove just about everything I could find (Toyota/Scion,Honda,Chevy,Ford....). Nothing felt as solid and responsive as the 3. So far (4,000 miles) this car is great; its smooth, well built, the fuel economy isnt spectacular but it is reasonably good (25-28). It is a little too easy to speed.The clutch is good and the shifter is excellent. I can actually lay down in back to sleep! And Im 6ft tall! I highly recommend this car. Bargain for the price.
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Fun to Drive and Cool for the Price - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
By Maz3 - May 21 - 6:40 pmThis car is very fun to drive, especially with the 5 speed manual. Ride is firm and sporty, it sticks to the road like gum. Interior is cool to look at and feel of materials is up to par with other Japanese makers. The design is the best for cars in this group! Check engine light came on about 1500 miles, but that was just a gas cap issue, no problem. Although the 12v outlet did blow a fuse, replaced of course, again no big deal.
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For Those Who Love To Drive - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
By Jeremy - May 20 - 1:26 amWith all the modern improvements to newer cars (suspension, braking, steering, noise, etc) its getting hard to remember what a driving a car really feels like. Most new cars are taking away the responsibility of driving and putting it in hands of computers and technology. Although my Mazda 3 has all of these technological advancements, they have combine to provide a driving experience like few others. You will feel the road, have confidence while steering, hear the engine, and feel the grip under braking. Thus, it is not a car for the passive driver. But, if you are looking for a car that you will actively drive and get feedback during the experience - the Mazda 3 is a great choice.
