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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  Awesome - 2014 Mazda Mazda3
  By jdgrn8 - March 25 - 2:10 am

  Excellent car. 2.0L 6M Touring w/o infotainment system. Handling is precise, enabled by a decent engine and slick manual tranny, Performed admirably in the great Buffalo blizzard of 2014. ESC was great. AVG 39MPG on the highway, and 34MPG in mixed driving. Noise is minimal for the class. Ride is superior for the class--feels like a luxury sedan. Standard radio/speaker is plenty for audio. I test drove the $1600 technology package and was not impressed. Most of that value can be covered by any decent smart phone. Overall an excellent, reliable vehicle, that excels as a true drivers car. If you want to love your commute and not break the bank, pick up a Mazda 3.

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  Zoom zoom.....no rust.....rust....rust - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Rusty Mazda - March 24 - 11:13 am

  A fun car to drive for the first four years. Rust started this winter and in a few short months has almost devoured the car. Not since my 71 Torino have I seen a vehicle rust so bad. I would never buy another

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  The experience - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Kodiak_sniper - March 22 - 10:00 am

  Car handles/feels the same at 80 as 55 in slow traffic < 20mph you can here emgine fan turns on and off. stearing wheel does not telescope far enough for longer legged drivers. In tight curves at higher speeds on rough road, front tires feel like they are bouncing off the road like quick small finger tapping. Engine feels like its dragging at lower speeds < 35mph

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  Buy this car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By cliffordsnd009 - March 22 - 10:00 am

  I think mazda finally got it right.The styling is off the hook. I get so much attention with the velocity red which looks like a candy red when the sun hits it. The hids are great but not as colorful as I would like but overall,its a great car. I got mine with all the options except for navigation.I dont need it since I plan to put an aftermarket one in soon as a kit becomes available. I have 3 words to say. GET THIS CAR. CIVICS WATCH OUT

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  This car should be your 1st choice! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By onefanaticgirl - March 16 - 10:00 am

  This car has exceeded all of my expectations! It is a FUN car to drive. I love the audio controls on the steering wheel and the engine power is perfect. I only test drove this car for comparison purposes and was won over by the comfort and unique design.

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  Super fun sport-like drive - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Barbara Martin - March 15 - 12:10 pm

  I have owned my Mazda 4 Door (with hatch) Grand Touring sedan for two days and am VERY happy to have chosen it over the Toyota Matrix which, although of reputed higher quality, was a total drag to drive. The Mazda is zippy, smooth, and responds quite handily. Of course I wont get quite the mileage, but then Im coming off a 3500+ lb. mini-van so Im still way ahead. I have no complaints at all and recommend this vehicle entirely. If you want a fun yet semi-sophisticated car thats just roomy enough for 4 adults in super comfort and is also incredibly cute, this is your vehicle. I got many more features for less money than the Matrix but ended up with a much better and more nimble ride.

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  Luving our s Sport - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By clearwaters - March 14 - 6:43 am

  Bought this 09 automatic to complement my 08 5 spd. My mother drives it mostly and amazingly loves the power of the 2.5 as well as the gas mileage. we have noticed the tires seem to pick up a lot of nails, I dont know if that will change when I switch to (probably) Continentals. The interior design is great except for the odd speedometer numbering and map light switches which blend in too much with the interior to "feel" them in the dark. Im amazed that the Auto is just as much fun and Zoom as the 5 spd, thats more than rare! Car handles well, the safety features are incredible. Sad they changed the whole platform for 2010. The Stereo in the 09 w/MP3 kick a lot more Bass!

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  Love my Mazda 3 - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Love my Mazda - March 10 - 8:23 am

  I bought a 2004 Mazda 3 unexpectedly. Thought I liked the Mazda Protege,and test drove their new model. I liked it more than the Protege. I have it over a year, no problems, no complaints. A great car for the money. Very reliable. Fun to drive. Cute too!

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  Best Car EVER! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By David - March 7 - 4:36 am

  The car is an amazing piece of machinery. I recently took a defensive driving course; the participants were other economy sedans. Out of all of them the Mazda3 performed the best. It stops on a dime and handles extremely well. I was the only driver that went through the entire four hour course without knocking over any cones. Best car I have ever owned.

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  Loving it - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By CJRZOOM - March 5 - 10:46 pm

  I purchased my 3i Touring Value last Saturday. I have gotten nothing but compliments on the car. It has great acceleration, nice looks, has a moonroof and a 6-cd changer. The 5 spd has a good gear ratio and the engine rides smoothly, particularly above 55 mph. Handling is superb and on par with German sedans costing nearly twice as much. I was originally going for the 5dr, but did not want to sacrifice fuel economy. Car is still new, so cant judge everything just yet but it is near perfect and I have no regrets.