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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  Best car for the money on the market now - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By CB - November 9 - 7:10 am

  Since buying this car early this year I have had an excellent experience. The fuel milage has been consistantly fantastic and the handling is awesome! Im so impressed with this vehicle that Im going to be purchasing another one in a month. Even with all the economic advantages of this car it still has a high performance ability for the road {ZOOM-ZOOM}.

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  zoom zoom zoom - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By izoomzoom - November 9 - 1:36 am

  Driving this car will put a smile on your face. The new direct-injected SkyActiv engine feels fast and powerful. The car handles great on the road. The i Grand Touring comes well equipped with features like leather seats, sunroof, navigation, bluetooth, and Bose stereo. The seats are comfortable and controls are well positioned. The navigation screen is small and a little awkward to use. Bluetooth works great. Bose audio sounds great. Visibility is pretty good except out the short back window. Good amount of cargo space. Overall the Mazda3 is a great car, and Mazda has improved it for 2012.

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  Its a good car, not a great car. - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Bubba - November 8 - 6:23 pm

  I’ve owned a few new cars in the last 7 years, and the only one I regret buying is the Mazda 3. I’m not saying it was a bad purchase but I should have spent more time looking at the Honda and Toyota. The Mazda 3 has a powerful engine and a refined transmission that make it so nice to drive, but it comes at the cost of low quality interior materials and poor fit and finish. Features are plentiful but lack quality, thought, and purpose, and may even be totally pointless like manual headlamp leveling. I love the sporty feel and tight suspension, but some may find the ride noisy and rough. Finally, there is no coolant temperature gauge??? What’s up with that???

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  Great value! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Tim - November 7 - 2:16 pm

  Just traded in my 2006 Tacoma for the Mazda3. Wow. What a ride. The performance and handling of this car put it so far ahead of the others in the class (can you hear me Honda, Toyota, Ford, etc?). Mines brand new, but Im already averaging 31 mpg. It is such a blast to drive, and surprisingly roomy inside considering how small it looks. When you first sit in this car, you feel like youre in a more expensive class of vehicle. Everything is rock-solid and extremely well put together. Just simply a joy to drive and own. If a small economical car is on your wish list, youd be doing yourself a great disservice to not at least look at the Mazda3.

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  I love my Mazda 3 - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Susan Marti - November 7 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased my car this week so this may be premature but I love my Mazda 3. I had test driven a Honda Civic EX and the difference in comfort and features for the same price was unbelievable.

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  Great purchase - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By LarryA - November 6 - 10:23 am

  Just purchased a new Mazda3. Had a wonderful buying experience getting the vehicle for $300 under invoice. So far it seems like a great vehicle.

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  KBs Review - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By kabnt2005 - November 4 - 6:00 pm

  I bought an all-new 2005 Mazda 3s, 2.3L, 4-speed automatic transmission. It is the sunlight silver metallic paint with the black w/ red interior cloth. I got every option package on the car (ABS/SAB/SAC Package, Moonroof & 6CD Package, Sport Package, Xenon & TPMS Package, plus the rear wing spoiler). I am in love with my car right now. One problem though, is that after I got my new after-market sound system put in, because of the load in my trunk, now the rear tires are rubbing against the top of the rear wheel wells.

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  2008 Mazda MAZDA3 s Touring - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Sal - November 4 - 10:23 am

  I was shopping for a new car, had a 98 Honda Accord for 11 years, needed something sporty and fresh. I really liked the styling of the Mazda 3 and was attracted to the many features and 156 HP. Love at first sight at the dealership, took it for a test drive and was impressed by the tight handling of this car. Have put about 800 miles on it so far, mostly highway miles. I find the mpg is a bit lower than I had hoped for, but it might be that I just cant go slow in this car! So far my best mpg is about 28 when I keep it on cruise control 70mph. So many great features-roomy, stereo is awesome with 6 cd changer, tight cockpit, bright orange instrument panel, safety features-great deal for 17k!!

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  Mazda Is Horrible In Snow - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Scott Mayer - November 3 - 3:40 pm

  I would be happy with my Mazda if it werent horrible in the snow and ice - absolutely ZERO traction. And the braking system they have in it is awful as well - loud and unnerving.

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  Great Car! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By bfong - November 3 - 6:30 am

  Adequate power for 2.3 liter, regular gas a plus. I get 25 mpg 60/40 city - on long trips I get 31 mpg hwy. Front seats are very good once all the adjustments are made. Stock Goodyears are worn out at 33k miles. Ill replace them with Yokohamas s-drive. Excellent steering feel. Mazda3 handles on rails. Get abs brakes, great feel but not the ultimate stopping power. Audio and cruise control on steering wheel. I added a louder horn for better sound. Slight vibration with 4A tranny at idle-still shifts good. Air conditioner kicks out sometimes-a quick flip of the fan speed switch turns it back on. Remote alarm ONLY beeps on lockup. Its quiet when you unlock it. nice.