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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  Brand new, and extremely impressed! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By HALEX - March 4 - 7:43 pm

  2.0 VVT is lively with a stick. Air, in spite of past complaints, worked fine today in 88 degree, sunny and muggy day. Gearshift is smooth and direct. Steering is very secure; interior plastics have high quality feel to the touch. Engine feels very refined. Got 31 mpg on first gas tank in 50 50 city/highway driving (remember, still brand new, has 400 miles on car!) - cant wait until break in period is over!

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  My Mazda - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Donna - March 1 - 2:40 pm

  This car drives nice and smooth, you cant even tell when the engine is running. It has a lot of storage room. Its perfect. The only thing I dont like is the fact that it doesnt have power locks or windows. Anyone thinking about this car should definitely opt for one that has that. Its just a hassle to use the key to open the door. Then you have to reach over and open the door for other people.

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  2012 Mazda3 Skyactiv - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By dgraym3 - February 25 - 9:53 pm

  great car! love the styling and interior, shifter and clutch are probably the best in its class of cars. Im easily getting 38-42mpg with mix of country back roads/highway. Why by a boring Yotarolla when you can have something with more style and fun to drive. Being really picky: There is a small light rattle in the passenger front door area that I havent hunt down yet.

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  Fun and Stylish - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By DognPony - February 25 - 6:50 pm

  This is a fun compact that begs you to thrash it! Powerful (but thirsty) big 2.3L engine gets you there in a hurry ... great handling, and the looks of my 5 door turns a lot of heads. For $18,000 its loaded with most of the goodies (everything but GPS and leather in mine). You really wont believe how much fun this car is!

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  Great Young Person Car! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Chickities - February 25 - 10:40 am

  I havent even had mine a full week yet but I am in love. My boyfriend is actually jealous. I managed to talk the dealers into giving it to me for way less than what they wanted, so dont let them try to stick it to you for full price. Mines fully loaded without navigation and was under 18K. Fun car to drive, and I get way more double takes from guys than I did driving my Accord.

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  Great Great Car - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By DYWB - February 22 - 12:50 pm

  I bought my Mazda3 brand new from the dealer. It has been the best car ever. The stock tires wore out at about 30,000 miles, but other than that if you take care of the car it will take care of you. I have changed the oil every 5,000 miles according to the factory instructions. It was a good winter car for the Midwest. Driving in steeper terrain it is solid. I love this car. I will buy another Mazda!

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  First Mazda and loving it! - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By ffemt86 - February 18 - 6:51 pm

  I have always been a Truck and SUV type guy. Well with the cost of fuel and a hour commute every day to work I had to get rid of the jeep and get a car. I looked and found that the Mazda 3 had more for the buck then other cars. After now having it for 3 months I dont think I could of made a better choice. It has plenty of room for the family and I can even keep 2 strollers in the trunk. I average 30 MPG which is nice on the wallet.

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  poor miles per gallon - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By girvin - February 17 - 1:13 am

  just got a 09 mazda3 for my wife i love the design and the dash lights are cool the only thing that i really dont like is the miles per gallon it gets it only has 1100 miles on it not sure if these have a break in period or not other than that its a great car

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  Doubting this vehicle - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By mazda3owner1 - February 16 - 7:18 pm

  I bought the 2012 Skyactiv engine, 4-door sedan a few weeks ago and I, hear weird engine noises. I would describe it as a whistling sound under the hood. I thought it was a serpentine belt issue, and took it back to the dealer. They told me I had to give the car 200-500 miles to break-in. I still heard the noise after 500 miles, so I took it back today. Now, they are saying the noise is coming from the electronic steering and is a normal sound. I dont believe this. I think it is a skyactiv issue and they really dont know how to fix this.

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  Remarkable Car - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By ppudgem - February 16 - 2:03 pm

  Just got a fantastic deal at Duncan Mazda outside Blacksburg, VA. Purchased 2010 Mazda3 iTouring with 0% financing for 60 months and $500 loyalty cash for $16,500 out the door. It is a sweet ride with all the amenities. Our 1999 Mazda Protege ES has 259,00 miles and runs like a top although it has rust. Bottom line, the iTouring is the current generation of reliable, fun-to-drive and economical Mazdas. We compared ours to Honda Civic LX, Ford Focus SES, Suburu Impreza, and Toyota Corolla, and believe we got the best value.