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:

• 

  Zoom Zoom - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By natalia - April 5 - 5:23 pm

  I bought this car a month ago and, am very happy I did, its such a fun car to drive its pretty zippy and the interior is very nice it has a lot of features for the price, love the 17 alloy wheels, and it feels very smooth on the road and highway. LOVE MY MAZDA3 Zoom Zoom.

• 

  LOVE my new Mazda!!! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By cubbiesfan10 - March 31 - 2:46 am

  I was having a VERY hard time with the thought of getting rid of my Toyota Corolla S for a new car since I have never had any problems with my Toyota and absolutely loved that car. But it was time. After owning my Mazda 3 for one week I can honestly say purchasing this car was the best move I ever made. It has a very sporty feel (the low profile tires and sport-tuned suspension make it fun to drive). I feel like the car hugs the road and has VERY good pick up for being a 4 cylinder. I was VERY impressed at night when I noticed tiny indigo blue LED lights illuminating my cupholders and arm rests. This car is very well made, fun to drive and priced extremely well for all that it comes with!

• 

  best car for the $ - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By sorento2006 - March 30 - 11:29 am

  i did a lot of research before deciding on this car,and everything i have read from road tests is almost true.i got my 4-door with fog lights,spoiler,bose/moonroof package.looks great in dark grey.

• 

  Excellent overall - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By guinzuz - March 29 - 2:50 pm

  The fit an finish on the car is outstanding. Both exterior and interior styling are top-notch. Car is sporty to drive even with the smaller 2.0. Very practical and reliable. Driving position is very comfortable. Visibility is excellent. I would highly recommend this car.

• 

  Fantastic car and a blast to drive! - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By MJ - March 28 - 11:20 pm

  Ive had my 2009 Mazda 3 S-Touring for just 3 wks. and a little over 1,000 miles, but so far, I love this car! I commute 50-miles per day roundtrip to work and traded in a 2004 Ford Ranger for the Mazda 3 in order to save gas money. So far, the car is averaging 29.5 mpg, and on the highway trip home from the dealership, the first tank of gas got 33.5 mpg, which is outstanding. The car is a blast to drive, especially on country back roads with a lot of turns. The exterior is very sporty compared to all the other economy cars. The interior appears very upscale and the seats are quite comfortable. Stereo system is also great & auxiliary jack for iPod is very handy. Great acceleration w/ 2.3L.

• 

  Best car I ever owned - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Karl Scharf - March 28 - 12:40 pm

  Had my Mazda 3i for 3 Months, absolutely love it! It handles like a sports car and gets about 30 MPG in mixed driving. The manual transmission is excellent, acceleration is more than adequate. Never had more fun driving since the old days, when I owned a 54 Studebaker Lowe Coupe.

• 

  Great car I love it. - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By jorart1 - March 27 - 10:16 pm

  I have had the car for only 3 weeks but once you drive it youll know that is a great car to own. The quality of the interior is great, i would dare to say that is very close to perfection. I do think like other reviewers said that you get more than what you pay for (at least it feels that way).

• 

  This car puts me in a good mood daily - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By AKirby - March 26 - 2:00 am

  Every day when I get in this car I realize how much more I like it. I shopped everything, and I just couldnt find as much car for the money as the Mazda 3. The attention to detail makes it unfair to compare this car to its supposed competitors. This car feels nothing like a compact when you drive or ride in it. Nothing about it says compact, or cheap. The steering has a great feel. The racing type suspension gives you an unbelievable feel for the road that just cant be matched. So far, I like everything about this car, and I just can not believe what I paid for what I got. This car has no equal in its "class."

• 

  My Non-VW M3 - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Passat Passions - March 26 - 2:00 am

  This is the first non-VW product Ive owned in 10 years. For a vehicle in this price range, nothing can compete!

• 

  My new hobby is driving... - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Addicted to Driving - March 25 - 12:16 pm

  I just bought a black Mazda 3 GT (with the leather and GFX package) with sunroof, 6 disc stereo, black leather, 17" rims, rain sensing wipers, 5 speed auto transmission with manual shifter, heated seats etc. To start off I was limited to an automatic transmission as my wife doesnt drive a 5 speed. Fortunately the Mazda 3 has a automatic with a 5 speed manual shifter also. Sweet. From the first turn of the key on the test drive I was impressed. My wife loved the punchy engine, excellent handling, leather, heated seats. The interior is amazing for a car in this class. At night the gauges turn blue and orange. Really nice. When you drive this car you will soon realize you have made an excellent decision.