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:

• 

  Great Little Car - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By R. H. Jackson - February 1 - 4:16 pm

  The Mazda 3 Grand Touring four door is a "great little car". It has more features than most cars in this price category. Comfort and build quality are very good. Attention to detail is amazing for a car of this price.

• 

  2000 Mile Update - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jon G. - February 1 - 10:00 am

  The Mazda 3s Hatchback is the best blend of handling, fun to drive factors and looks for under $20K. In fact, I test drove an Acura TSX, Suburu WRX and Accord EX-L which all cost 2-7K more and couldnt find any compelling reason to pay more. The 3 handles very crisply (See MotorTrend Slalom times) and the acceleration, although not WRX explosive, is quick and linear. Plus, the looks of this car distinguish it from every other car out there. Take a curve at 60 mph and the 3 sucks down onto the road. This type of performance is coupled with good damping so even harsh road surfaces are not too intrusive. The ABS is a must option and I added Xenons,leather and 6

• 

  ZOOM - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By melguy - February 1 - 10:00 am

  Love the car

• 

  Worst car ever. - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By briannnaaaaa - January 30 - 10:46 am

  This is my first car. Ive had it for about 2 years and 2 months. I loved it at first, then things started to break. My window almost fell out on a highway, all my tires have been changed at least twice, and they went bald after a year and 6 months. Ive had my breaks changed after a year. My passenger has stopped working, twice. So many more things have gone wrong with this car, I dont have enough room to type it all. I never should have gotten this car. It is horrible in the snow, and just starts failing after a year. Im never getting another Mazda, and Im ending my lease as early as possible. The driving is pretty decent, but its definitely not worth the money.

• 

  I have a Mazdaspeed3 and a 3 Sedan - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By UHATEIT - January 27 - 7:56 pm

  I personally own a Mazdaspeed3 hatchback and my wife enjoyed the sedan enough to want to get a sedan so we bought one. The interior on both is very nice and almost identical. My wife loves the look of this car and it is a very sport car with nice interior and looks on the outside. I had to add a rear wing to make it look sportier and upgraded my wifes interior lighting to LEDs and upgraded her headlights to HID as well as upgraded the rims to 18-inch. The stock 16s are really ugly and too narrow so the fenders stuck out like crazy, adding wider and larger rims made a difference. Also the rearend is too high up so we had to install rear springs to drop the back down a bit to even it out.

• 

  Nice car for the price - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Nico - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Thsi car is a fun car to drive, and it is great quality for under $20,000. It is made great but the only downside to this car i have noticed is limited interior space in the rear seats, but if you are a couple buying this car or have small children, it is perfect.

• 

  Good car with a couple of minor issues.... - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By ddau - January 22 - 11:50 pm

  I have owned my 2010 Mazda 3 Gran Touring 2.5L 6 speed since October of 2010. I recently hit 30K miles on it. It does have some minor workmanship issues. When its cold, the instrument cluster rattles (which stinks if you have OCD). The front left speaker needs to be replaced. And now the front rotors are warped. The dealership told me over the phone this morning that in Colorado, warped brakes are a common problem, but they arent going to do anything about it because its wear and tear. Funny, I havent had any "common" brake warping problems in my other cars I own, especially at 30K miles. Its a decent vehicle, but I have been reading up on the Dodge Dart.... just sayin.

• 

  Sweet Ride - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Taylor - January 22 - 9:00 pm

  Have owned an 06 3i Touring for a month. With automatic transmission, a/c, power package, alloy wheels, sunroof, 6 CD 6 speaker stereo. Great car. Cool looks, with silver exterior and black with gray interior. The interior layout, textures, design and feel is superb. The driver does not feel cramped or cheated, making it a pleasure and plain fun to drive. It is not a soft nor plush ride, but rather firm and sporty. Just right. The handling is top notch. 34 mpg my last fill up. We are big Toyota fans, but the Corolla is a dud compared to this, and we even liked it better than the newest Camry even though we love our current Camry. All the awards are well justified. Kudos to Mazda. Terrific car.

• 

  The Lemon of the Year - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Tess - January 21 - 4:46 am

  I bought a new 2004 Mazda 3 in 2004. From day one the brakes squeal when reversing (5 new sets have been renewed with no end in site - apparent reason, wet); transmission went at 48,000; Radiator chip dysfunctional and caused engine to overhead (1st time mis-diagnosed) second time (chip replaced). Have been towed 3 times before car reached 50,000 miles. While at servicing (same dealership bought at), car has received 2 door bang marks, engine was not cleaned of antifreeze from overheating, and recently black marks all over headliner when car was receiving new radiator chip.

• 

  my life post-BMW - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By stasia miaskiewicz - January 20 - 3:33 am

  i am a 50-something woman. 10 years ago i got my midlife crisis car, a BMW 328i. I loved that car. eventually, rather than repair, decided to move on...I must have driven 10 different types of cars before i settled on the mazda3. went for the 2008 because i think the rear lights on the newer models look sinister - just me. its been 8 months since purchase and i really like this car! - its fun!! drive one, youll agree!