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 101 through 110 of 2,343.00-
The BMW from Hiroshima - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
By teamsc10190 - June 20 - 10:40 pmThis car is so dialed-in and direct it is a sheer pleasure to drive. I cant wait to get behind the wheel at every opportunity I get. If youre undecided which compact car to buy, drive this one and your decision will be made. I love this thing! This is really a great piece of work. I want to run out buy another one.
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No more Toyotas - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
By sabres fan - June 18 - 2:00 amI have had Toyotas my whole life and that is over. Having traded in my Tacoma (loved it) so my wife could have an SUV (Ford Escape) I was stuck in a Camry. BORING. Did some research and read reviews. Test drove Corolla Sport, Civic and Nissan Sentra. Never would have considered Mazda but I was looking for something sporty but not a "sports" car and I knew it as soon as I drove it that I found what I was looking for. Dumped my boring Camry and LOVE the Mazda 3. More room then any of the others and WAY sportier inside and out. Handles real nice and solid on the gas mileage. Pick-up could be better but once it is going everything is smooth.
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loving it - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
By love it - June 12 - 7:06 pmWow, Ive driven a Blazer for 4 years, decided to get a car. Never had a Mazda, but glad I read the reviews. This car is awesome, has everything you need for such a great price. Dont bother looking anywhere else for a compact car, this is it!
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Better than all - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
By john - June 4 - 5:26 pmThis is by far the most enjoyment Ive ever had driving a vehicle.This is by far my best car Ive ever owned, and Ive owned over 50 cars.I paid about 20,000 and it competes with cars in the 30,000 range.I now have 2800 miles and have loved every mile of it.
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Best small car in its class. - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
By Reggie - June 2 - 6:33 pmThis is a very fun car to drive. My wife and I was looking for a small car for our daughter to drive to school thats very safe. I was looking at the Honda Civic and the Chevy Cobalt only because it had OnStar in it. My daughter likes the Mazda3; I must say Im glad she did, cause I love this car too. I may buy one for me.
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Great! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
By Scott - May 28 - 3:03 pmI have been looking at the 3S for some time now and I finally bought it last week. I was attracted to it because of its looks and performance and mainly because it has great headroom. I am 62" with short legs so I am all back and have a real hard time with head room in cars and suvs. I have several inches of headroom in this car. I love how the car handles. I took it on some twistys today and was just blown away on how well it at the turns up (this coming from a sportbike rider!). And the really cool thing is that I had my mtn bike in the back! (hatchback) My 3s is "Velocity Red" and boy is it a looker - red with almost orange flakes = just beautiful in the sun!
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26k miles and I still love my car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
By maddie - May 25 - 5:50 pmI drive this little sporty car fairly hard and fast, and it has kept up for 26k miles so far. NO major issues at all and I dont expect them anytime soon either. This economy car is fun to drive, is very responsive, handles well and looks good while doing so! A zippy little car with a good amount of power and torque. Sure, its not a race car but what do you expect for less than $20K? The engine provides adequate power for the price, and if you want more, wait for the Mazdaspeed edition to come out! The suspension is solid and "sport" and allows for great cornering & handling; if you cant handle a stiffer suspension, go with a Ford or something softer, like a large Cadillac, lol!
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Great bang for the buck - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
By Bps1977 - May 24 - 10:00 amJust bought the 2004 S model This car performs much better then you would think for the price. Styling is perfect, inside and out. Corners great with its sport tuned suspension. Decent acceleration and very good brakes. Has the looks of an Audi or BMW, the price of a Mazda, what more could you ask for?
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Mazda3 - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
By silliewillie - May 24 - 2:00 amI have traveled 4500 miles so far. Ive been extremely pleased with the performance, reliability, and design of the vehicle thus far. Ive received complements from strangers on the visual appeal of the vehicle. Take a test drive and feel how well this car handles. The Mazda 3 is very fun to drive.
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Just bought the 3S and love it! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
By Bigcat817 - May 24 - 2:00 amI got the 3S loaded out (except navigation), it drives great. The extra 12Hp made a difference. It picks up speed smooth and easy, the Xenon lights are great, and cool red dash lighting. The 6 speakers/6 cd changer is avg. Handling is excellent, the leather seats Im sure will loosen up some once I have been in it enough. I got the Titanium Grey which was my favorite color and the reason that I got the 3S over the 3I. I did like the 3I 5 speed (which was great to drive, shifting was smooth). The Mazda/Ford plan was a great way to buy a car no haggle and i got mine 2k under msrp. Well I have to go now "Baby" is calling me :)
