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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  New Car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By John - May 3 - 7:00 pm

  Fun to drive car. I have done 6K miles on it already. The car handles really firm; fun to drive around corners. Wish the trunk had a handle to open. I think heating/cooling is not that great, compared to the Acura Integra that I owned before. I have the sports package, and I bought it for $19K total. I think the shift on the manual 3rd gear is not as smooth as the others. I had a crash sensor recall already.

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  More than your moneys worth - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jeff - May 3 - 11:03 am

  From the time I received the email reply from my dealer to this review, 1 month after driving it home, Ive enjoyed every minute owning my Mazda3s! For well under $20,000 I bought a car that performs, looks and feels like a $25,000 luxury car! Its fast enough to satisfy my demanding driving style, its contruction is solid to the point that I feel isolated from the outside on 90% of all roads and the upgradability of the car easily matches that of any Honda! The driving environment is encapsulating while nowhere near suffocating and my 58" frame feels right at home in the drivers seat! The only thing I regret is not putting down the money sooner!

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  A Civilized GTI? - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By B.B. Rich - April 28 - 10:00 am

  Twenty years after the original GTI came out we have a better "pocket rocket" than ever before. I have recently purchased the 5-speed hatchback with few options. Only ABS/Side air bags were added to the base model. There is very little not to love about this car, though it could be better... the price could be another $20,000 too. A TERRIFIC value by todays standards. 17" wheel/tires; A quick shifting/close ratio 5-speed; A taut suspension and seats; Power windows/locks/remote, and the list goes on, it would seem, forever. The A/C is weak. The driving position and view of the instruments could be better. Rear/side view could be better too.

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  My 4th Mazda, and not my last - 2014 Mazda Mazda3
  By amandakl - April 24 - 7:22 am

  I am in love with this car. I have owned a 2004 Mazda 3 sedan, a 2008 Mazda3 GT sport (hatch), and a 2013 Mazda cx-5. I traded my CX-5 in for the 2014 Mazda 3 and do not regret it at all. The car handles like a dream, hugs the road and corners perfectly. The interior is simple and modern, and the exterior is striking. I am getting 6.7L/100 (or 43 MPG) with combined city/highway, which is more than I expected to get. If you are looking for an affordable car that is fun to drive, gets great fuel mileage and is reliable, this is it. I have the GS (middle model) with sunroof package, and comfort package. I also had custom white leather interior installed.

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  Rewarding little car - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By lamis - April 23 - 11:56 pm

  Bought this M3 to have some fun and save on gas in daily city driving. For the fun part, its delivered above and beyond expectations. Handling, braking, road attitude, looks are great, surprisingly quick for a 2L AT, nice and roomy interior. Sadly, I must have gotten the thirsty one on the lot, hardly gets 25 mpg in the summer and 22- 23 in the winter. Suspension is perfect for zipping around town, but highway rides longer than 1 hr get a bit uncomfortable. Overall outstanding value.

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  2012 Mazda 3 with 1200 miles on it now. - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By sirturkey - April 22 - 6:00 am

  I got my Mazda 3 when it had 15 miles on it, and now it has around 1200. I love this car. I upgraded from a 2004 Passat. The SKYACTIV-G engine truly performs. Ive been getting a combined 34.8 mpg with mostly city driving but with a few long distance bouts. On my distance trips, Ive been getting 40-44 mpg at around 70 mph. I generally drive like a grandpa but its difficult NOT to accelerate quickly in this car! The seats are not nearly as bad as what other people say. Im 60 and they fit me rather well. As for the complaints about the interior controls, I find them rather intuitive. In regards to weird noises from the engine, I havent heard anything.

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  Awesome Mazda 3 2.5l. - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By chaps6 - April 22 - 3:10 am

  I bought the Mazda with 34k miles on the clock. It has all the bells and whistles...sat nav, bose, keyless entry, zenon, bucket seats etc. I have now done about 10,000 miles without a single issue. I hope to have this car for at least another 100k miles...perhaps pass it onto my kids when they are old enough to drive. It feels incredibly safe, very assured on the road and pretty sporty. It’s no race car but it really handles well and has create torque when you put your foot down. I looked at all sorts of other cars first…golf, accord, mini, jetter, passat, hyundai’s etc…none came close to the reviews this got…which is why I bought it.

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  Not Bad! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By flow_motion - April 21 - 1:07 pm

  I bought a used automatic Mazda 3 Sedan January of last year. It had about 103,000 KM. One year later, its now at 123,000 KMS +... This car rocks! Its been very reliable, has caused me no trouble. The dealership have been extremely curtious, and polite. Ill definitely buy another Mazda! I agree with one person though, the accessories at the dealership are way over priced. Nonetheless, this car definitely packs in the "zoom zoom". The auto transmission shouldve been 5 speed rather then 4. Gas mileage in the city isnt good for a 4 cyl engine. Those are the negs... The pos outweigh the negs 10 fold! Love the red interior lights!

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  Wonderful car, except... - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By T Block - April 21 - 12:46 pm

  it is awful in the snow and on ice. Sporty performance, fun to drive, roomy and a very efficient interior, cool looking dash at night, and I believe one of the best exterior designs on the road regardless of price. I love this car. I know I could get better mileage if I drove it conservatively, but whats the fun in that?

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  Love This Car! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By RubyRed8 - April 21 - 2:00 am

  We needed to downsize from a Z71 4wheel drive Suburban. After checking every option imaginable, I saw this car in a parking lot. I began to research options, etc.. We drove it and loved it. Even the teenager likes it. Roomier than most cars in this category. Many options available. Very, VERY happy.