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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  Fun ride, but beware of problems. - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Brad Benton - December 11 - 4:04 am

  Bought my car 3.5 years ago at 47,000 miles and now have 95,000 and am looking for a new car. This was a fun car, but had issues throughout the 3 years of ownership. Check engine lights galore, door locks not unlocking with remote/interior unlock button (had to manually unlock each door, got annoying after 1.5 years of them not working and incompetent dealer service department not fixing), 4 headlights replaced, fuel pump broke pouring gas I just bought all over the ground, and most recently my drivers window will not work. Auto trans shifts rough into 2nd. Its a shame because the car is fun to drive on the highway/down country roads, the car is nice and tight, drives like its on rails.

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  The best "driver car" - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By gary - December 6 - 4:03 am

  I bought the Mazda 3i 4dr 2.0. And its a great car. Handling is amazing. Ride quality is firm but absorbant. Road noise is also low. Pretty good power. Fuel economy is about 25-28 mpg. good engine. smooth trasmission. Interior is beutiful, exterior styling is unique and attractive, i pod jack built in. Im 62 and fit comfortably except my right leg very close to console. I sold hondas and toyotas this car exceeds both civic and corolla in overall value. This car offers more performance better looks and far better handling for less. Cant beat that.

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  Mazda 3 - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Stephanie - December 3 - 3:40 am

  Everyone of my friends are jealous of my car. Its cute, reasonably priced, and safe, PLUS it drives like a dream!!

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  north carolina review - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By john core - December 2 - 11:03 pm

  fun to drive. excellent handling and acceleration. much too much road noise.very well built. vehicle is a true quality product exceeding cars of much higher price tags.(I should know I owned a few of them)

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  A Great Value! - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Cameron - December 1 - 2:03 am

  For the money, this car was a great purchase. I added a spoiler and tinted the windows, and I have a nice little sports car for less than 19k. Its attractive, fun, roomy, and very practical. I only wish the gas mileage would be a little higher, but I guess Mazda didnt want to compromise the horsepower. Im surprised they didnt add a remote trunk opener to the keyless entry, a minor annoyance, but the other positives like 17" alloys, steering wheel radio controls, outside temp, moonroof, and fog lamps more than make up for anything its lacking. Mazda did a VERY good job designing this car, and its an unbeatable buy. Id highly recommend this car to anyone!

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  Redefining the Economy Car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By takeaphoto - November 30 - 5:13 pm

  After close to two years on the car hunt, I finally settled upon purchasing a used Mazda3. I discovered a great deal on a five-door model about 200 miles from home and had to get it. I love everything about my Mazda3 hatchback. It has a remarkably sleek look that doesnt appear to busy in styling. The five-door model has plenty of room for all my tennis gear, as well as my friends and their stuff. The interior is very well designed and ergonomic. The glove box and console are very useful in terms of storage and convenience. The 17" alloy wheels look incredible, and I cant help but wonder how anybody could choose another economy car. It is fun to drive and quite reliable. Great mpg, too!

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  Wasnt on my radar screen - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Scott - November 30 - 9:16 am

  I was looking for a Honda, as Ive had several over the years. I stopped by this dealership because he was a friend of mind. Frankly, I had forgotten he sold Mazdas (hes primarily a VW and Audi dealer). To be neighborly, I took a test drive and loved the way it drove. He had a silver one in his show room and I thought it looked great and had much better features than the cars I was looking at (Civic, Fit, etc.). I like the peppier engine and how sporty it is.

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  High Value - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By mazdat - November 26 - 12:16 pm

  I’ve heard good things about Mazda cars, and liked the looks of the 3, but never drove a Mazda until my 1997 Honda Accord EX with 200,000 plus miles needed more in repairs than I wanted to spend. The excellent driving dynamics of the 3, zero percent financing, and a great price loaded with options sold me on a 2011 Mazda 3 i Touring. The strengths of the 3 are handling, build quality, interior quality, good mileage, and an excellent Bose sound systems with Bluetooth phone/music player integration. My mileage with the 3 in a mix of city/highway driving was better than expected, returning 37 MPG employing a conservative driving style.

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  Perfect Commuter - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Scotticus - November 25 - 5:13 am

  Fun, reliable little car that looks good and scores outstanding fuel economy. For the first 1552.5 miles, Ive used 49.19 gallons for an average 31.56 mpg. 6-disc changer, power moonroof, comfortable interior and civilized conveniences make this agile little pet an outstanding compromise of affordability and comfort. Its the perfect commuter, and value-priced.

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  Dont buy a compact till you drive a 3. - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Dave - November 25 - 3:53 am

  After driving our 3 for about 6 months now, I can say without reservation that we have never owned a car that we enjoyed driving so much and had so much confidence in. It performs superbly, is beautiful to look at, and has so much more "character" than the other compacts we tested, including those from Toyota, Honda, Ford, etc. I dont know why anyone would need or want more in a car. It is an exceptional value because it looks and drives like a car costing twice as much. In short, wed buy another one in a heartbeat. Some Hondas and Toyotas get better mileage, but who cares? This car pays dividends in fun that the others cant touch and the attention to detail is exemplary.