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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  Zoom Zoom Zoom - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Ray Larson - December 26 - 4:40 am

  This my sixteen year old daughters car. It is every thing they say about it!

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  Best car for the price - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By montanac - December 23 - 6:19 pm

  I see a lot of picky reviews. I wanted a car as cheap as I could get it. I was unwilling to sacrifice gas mileage, cosmetics, reliability, and a sporty ride. Thats hard to find in these price ranges. This car provides. Would I like the ride of the Mazda 6 better? yes..oh but different price range. This car smacks the competition for someone looking at new for under $17k.

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  Poor Mans BMW - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By GLC - December 23 - 9:13 am

  Have owned this car almost 3 yrs. No mechanical/quality problems. Routine service only. Handles similar to my drowned BMW 325i, despite that it is FWD (specs for size wt and interior dimensions close, but definitely not nearly as refined as BMW, but ok for ~1/2 the price. Excellent outward visibility. Mileage ~22 mpg city and high 20s hwy. Good looking, especially to the younger set. Lots of amenities, leather, rain-sensing wipers, 5 speed auto with manual mode, atuo on-off headlights, side air bags, CD, heated seats, and more. Would definitely recomend this model for someone who wants a fun to drive, economical, utilitarian and reliable car that runs on regular gas. It is a GLC as in great little car.

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  great car for the money - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By nich617 - December 20 - 8:53 am

  I have had my hatchback for 5 months and I still love it. It drives so nice and the turning radius is unbelievable.The interior is so much nicer than other cars in its class. I never liked hatchbacks before I saw this car, but I love it. It is really comfortable and I havent noticed the problems other people had.

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  Love It - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jenn - December 20 - 7:13 am

  My college graduation present to myself. My first car was a 99 accord. I loved the accord but I do not regret my decision about the 3. I test drove almost every car in its class from civic to sentra and I can honestly say the mazda3 blows them all away. My advice to future buyers is pay the extra grand to get the s model because the styling is more refined than the lower models. And side by side there is a huge difference. People have actually mistaken it for a Lexus IS 250 from the back, which is fine with me!

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  Amazing. - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By jason - December 15 - 6:10 pm

  Ever since I first saw the Mazda3 I knew I had to have one. So I went about my goal. I had just graduated high school and had saved enough $ for a down payment, so I got the one I wanted. Car is INCREDIBLE. I love everything about it. Looks great, drives great, runs great. Best of all, it has been incredibly reliable - almost 29k miles and NO problems whatsoever. Ive had the car for almost 2 years now and can safely say I recommend it to anyone looking for a world-class car at a great price.

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  Great car - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By BigBear123 - December 15 - 11:40 am

  First, not mine, reviewing my girlfriends mazda3, i drive it a lot though. Think the 5 door is one of the best cars out there right now as far as value and what you get. 2.5l engine is peppy enough to enjoy, but small enough to average 30+ mpg, and the data center in the interior makes keeping track of everything easy and fun. This car looks good head to toe, interior is nicely laid out with lots of great features, from lighting for just about everything, to the good looking tac ometers. Hatchback makes hauling large or odd ball shaped things easy, like 46" flat screen tv. I have nothing really bad to say about this car, I want one, but she already has one... that would just be weird.

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  Fun Family Wagon - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jerry Wacek - December 13 - 2:30 am

  Bought new in July 2004. Very fun to drive, and it looks great for a 5 door wagon. Good amount of pep and corners flat with a lot of grip. Good cargo space, once fit an armchair in the back with the seats folded. Rear is a little tight with a rear facing child seat, but otherwise good for two adults. Im 63" and fit very comfortably with only a little rubbing on the center console. MPG are a little less than expected, partly because it is so easy to drive fast. My 2004 only has a 4 speed auto so RPM are a little high on the freeway. Negatives include weak AC, high road noise, ride can be firm on broken pavement, only one intermittent wiper speed, tires are expensive to replace

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  Japanese BMW - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By sbowden99 - December 12 - 3:33 pm

  Fun, extremely tossable hatchback. And you would not believe how much cargo this vehicle can hold with the seats folded down. Its my wifes car, but I feel lucky when shes out of town and I can drive it a bit.

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  You Must Buy a Mazda3 - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mel - December 11 - 12:13 pm

  I bought my 2010 mazda for its appearance inside and out. It takes corners sharply, ride is smooth, easy to handle, feels & looks sporty. Has awesome power. When I drive I feel like saying ZOOM ZOOM! I would recommend. 2010 has traction control which is an upgrade from prior models. Controls on the steering wheel is smart. Air Conditioner cools car down faster than I ever experience and it isnt too cold where you have to turn it down or off - just right.