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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  Nice little car! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Ed - May 17 - 3:00 pm

  Ive had this car for 5 months and 6,000 miles. The mileage keeps getting better as the engine gets broken in. Is now ~35 mpg (mostly highway) with the 2.0 and 4 speed auto, and still more than 30 with some city driving. I dont like the front seat and the console that cramps my right front leg (why do all these little cars have them if theyre FWD?), but its fun to drive with very good passing acceleration and the SMOOTHEST automatic transmission of any car Ive ever been in. The oil filter is not really a problem since the dealer is very reasonable on the cost (~$10 over Wal-Mart) and does an inspection, too. Nice little car!

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  Sporty little sedan - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Midiexpert - May 16 - 1:13 am

  This is my 4th Mazda, and the Mazda3 is a terrific upgrade from the Protege I previously owned. Handling is secure and precise, acceleration is good and the auto transmission is smooth. My fuel mileage has been a little bit less than I had expected, but still good. This is a fun car to drive and has a more expensive feel to it.

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  Good buy for your $ - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By KMJ - May 15 - 11:33 am

  I love my mazda 3GT. (2.3) Its a great car for someone who is single or with a small family. It HANDLES VERY WELL..the manual transmission shifts nicely and the power-performance is surprising for a smaller car. I drove a a civic (exc SI), Corolla and Calliber and for about the same price ...it is by far a better buy!!!!

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  Best small car out there - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Vk - May 13 - 7:40 am

  Forget boring Civics and Corollas. This car is stylish and handles beautifully. Platform is based on the new, yet to be released Ford Focus platform and is also used in the new Volvo S40. Very lively in the handling department and the interior is a refreshing change from the mundane plastic seen in other cars of the same class. Who says small family cars cant be stylish.

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  Pretty mediocre car - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Anonymous - May 12 - 2:00 am

  One year into ownership with the 2010 Mazda3 and its got a few positives, a few negatives and overall a lot that is just blah. The engine is rough-riding, doesnt rev well and when matched to the archaic 5 speed auto delivers wretched fuel economy: mostly highway driving and the car returns 20-21 MPGs. The engine seems to strain on any incline. The interior still feels cheap and rough. The car handles well but that cant make up for the fact its mostly just a bland car with a bad transmission and engine.

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  Style that seriously turns heads - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By ammo990 - May 9 - 2:00 am

  I got this car for my birthday the week it came out, and I love it. Its style is very unique and modern, the craftsmanship is great, as is the performance. I truly belive this car is worth more than the price it is selling for.

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  Zoom-Zoom too - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By MyNewCar - May 9 - 2:00 am

  Love this car, I did a lot of research, a lot of test drives. This car is the cream of the crop.

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  ABSOLUTELY THE BEST!!!!! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Alex Williams - May 9 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS THE BEST CAR I HAVE EVER DRIVEN IN THIS CLASS, THE INTERIOR IS GREAT, THE PERFORMANCE IS ABSOLUTLY ZOOM-ZOOM, AND I COULDNT BE HAPPIER WITH MY AUTO- MAZDA3 HATCHBACK. THIS IS THE BEST GIFT FOR A FIRST CAR, IT SURE WAS FOR ME. GREAT CAR, STANDS OUT, BEAUTIFUL STYLING, BEST BREAKS EVER SEEN!!!!, NOBODY HAS THIS CAR, GREAT TO SHOW OFF TO UR FRIENDS AND FAMILY. THIS CAR IS A LOTTTTTT OF FUN TO DRIVE.

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  I love this car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By tills24 - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my 3 a few months, and I cant reccomend it enough. Fun to drive, confertable, a dream.

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  Mazda3 is the way to go - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By stevemazda - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Its been a blast to drive. Suprisingly comfortable ride for a small sports sedan. It handles well and has good steering feel. It looks like a sports sedan. Well-equiped and priced below what Id expect. I feel like Im in a more expensive, substantial car. But its also rated as an economy car. I get about 28 mpg mixed city/highway. The 160hp engine has plenty of low-end to provide a spirited drive and the 17" alloys and v-rated performance tires add to its looks and credentials. I have a feeling youll be seeing a lot more of them after Consumer Reports does their evaluation in the August issue. This is a nicely-appointed and well-built/designed car.