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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  Mazda Dream - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Hold on - January 16 - 5:03 pm

  Its about time someone built a competitively priced vehicle that has great looks, handling, and of course power too.

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  THIS IS A GREAT CAR ! - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mike - January 14 - 10:06 pm

  I test drove this Mazda3 and a 09 Corolla S. I was very disappointed with the Corolla. For about $900 more i got a great handling fun to drive hatchback with a 2.3L engine,5 speed auto w/manual mode,4 wheel disc brakes,DSC, and 17" wheels,crystal pearl white paint to name a few. This car pulls strong through out the whole rev band, and handles like a go cart. I am very satisfied with my purchase so far. Just wish it had a little more cargo room. Kinda tight fit for my golf clubs.

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  Nice Little Car - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Cate - January 13 - 11:20 am

  Very snappy, fun to drive, easy on the pocketbook with the great gas mileage. Perfect car for the teen to drive around town.

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  Super Fun, Practical, Economical car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jon Donning - January 12 - 5:03 pm

  After owning a 2004 Mazda 3 for a little over two years, I am still impressed by its exceptional build quality, fun to drive nature, and great fuel economy and practicality. No defects or warranty issues of any kind. The car has survived a deer crash and a trip through a ditch in two different accidents. Body shops did a great job, and the car is still driving great. This is a car you dont get bored with very soon. Had the 30K service done a while back and everything checked out great. The tires tend to wear somewhat quickly, though. Replaced the original set at 27K miles with some Kumho Ecsta ASX all season tires.

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  Jans Mazda3 - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jan - January 10 - 7:20 am

  I love this car. It is a small car on the outside and a luxury car on the inside. Everything in it is comfortable. I got features that I thought only came in luxury models.

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  I LOVE it - Nothing Better - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By forjudges - January 9 - 6:03 am

  I purchased a 3s Touring 4 door manual sedan, with leather and sunroof in winning blue. I absolutely love it; it handles better than any other car I test drove (Corolla, Civic, Jetta). The interior styling is far above average, due to the use of higher quality plastics and attention to composition/arrangement of controls. The car feels very sporty, looks sporty, and drives it too. The harder than usual suspension might be too rough for some, but no doubt is crucial to its better handling. I have no doubt that given its competition and price range, it is the best car in its class - superior handling, styling, and performance; Ive heard it called the BMW of the compact class.

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  Mazda3 - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Joe - January 9 - 3:26 am

  This is a driver oriented compact car, Ive had a lot of fun driving it these 9 months but it sacrifices some comfort for handling. Exterior and interior styling is the best in the segment, its a very sharp looking little car. The fuel economy needs to be worked on though, Im only getting 20 MPG in the city, very disappointing. Also, there is a lot more hard plastic than the Civic, but it is put together very well. Even though the Civic has some advantages over the Mazda, I would still pick the 3.

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  Exelent - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By b_o_b_6_9_ - January 4 - 11:09 pm

  i have owned the car since it was relesed and since its done about 140,000 miles and hasnt had any issues , only thing i had to replace was the tyres and brake pads other wise its all good

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  Drives like a go-kart! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By venguyen - January 3 - 3:13 pm

  I upgraded my car from a very practical and fuel-efficient Honda Civic. I LOVE driving the Mazda 3--not just because of its unique styling, but also because of its incredible handling. I rarely brake around corners anymore--it drives like a go-kart. Very stable, incredible handling. The only thing I dont like about my car is the poor gas mileage. Other than that, it really is Zoom Zoom.

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  Terrific Car - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Richard Stone Mtn GA - January 2 - 10:53 am

  Ive been driving Alfa Romeo sedans for 30 years, so I know what kind of small high-performance sedans I like. I dreaded giving up my last Alfa, but when I drove the 3s hatchback, I realized that I had found a worthy successor. This car tracks like an Alfa, but I found the engine far smoother, torquier, and more powerful than a comparable 2L Alfa I4. After spending February in Turin, Italy and seeing the latest offerings from Alfa, then coming home and buying a 3s Touring, I realized I had found superior bargain. If Alfa ever comes back to the US, theyll never be able to match this Mazda in build or performance for under $20K. I love this car! (This is my first Japanese automobile).