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 3 - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By elijahg - October 1 - 2:00 am

  excellent car for the money. definitely worth a look

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  A car worth considering! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By polo_gin1 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned my Mazda3 for almost 2 months now and its been an absolute joy to own. The handling combined with heavy steering, and an excellent gearbox make this car very fun to drive. The quality of the fit and finish along with the layout of the interior is much better than I would have expected from a car in this price range. As other people have commented, the interior has a VW type quality. My previous car was a 1996 VW GTI VR6, and the Mazda3 is more fun to drive, more reliable (Im expecting) and gets almost 30% better gas mileage. If you are considering a car in this category, I would highly recommend taking a look at the Mazda3.

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  Fun, stylish, affordable economy sedan - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By bcadams - September 26 - 10:00 am

  The Mazda 3s is an extraordinary economy sedan. It blows its competition away in terms of styling and performance. The 2.3L 160hp engine is spunky and fun, the suspension is stiff and sporty and the styling is incredible. Its my first 5-speed tranny, so I cant comment on the gearboxs performance relative to other vehicles - but so far, Im having a great time zipping around town. To those Ive shown off the vehicle to, their first comment often implies I must have paid an arm and leg for the 3s. They are in total disbelief when I tell them I paid less than a Corolla S.

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  Fun to drive alternative to boring cars - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By lana0085 - September 24 - 8:20 pm

  Had a boring Toyota Corolla 08 for 2.5 years and was sick of it and its straining engine. Wanted to buy a sporty sleek car that looked different. For a decent price, you get more than you pay for. In my Mazda, I feel like I glide down the road, accelerate fast and turn corners effortlessly. I average 29-30 (city) mi/gal, which is competitive with other cars in its class. Interior is attractively lit red with glowing blue touches at night. Radio/dashboard display is positioned with driver in mind. Center console is curved and designed in a futuristic pretty way. Best money I ever spent! Mazda offering 0% apr for 60mo continuously and $500 cash back, so you get a great financing deal too.

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  Great Value for your money! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Sp23Freak - September 21 - 5:03 am

  You cannot find a better value for your money. My Mazda3 SP23 is fully optioned, with the exception of a Nav system. For under $21K you get 4-50 bumper to bumper warranty, leather, heated seats, power everything, ABS, tire pressure warning system, auto headlights, automatic windshield wipers, 6-CD Bose system, front/rear airbags, Xenons, LED taillights, polished 17-inch rims, power moonroof. Its optioned like a Lexus for less than half the price. So far very reliable; unique styling - get more comments from passers-by on this car than I get for my medium quasar blue metallic 92 Corvette...go figure.

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  Superb Overall Value - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By 68mpolo - September 20 - 10:00 am

  Had my eye on this car after initial test drive. Excellent handling and brakes. Got the Rally White HB automatic with ABS, moon + 6 CD (wish id gotten the NAV) for $19223 + tax,lic,doc.... For the price it cant be beat. Ive had it for 5 months now and I really cant complain. I get about 24 mpg city and 30 mpg hwy. If reliability is excellent, Ill keep this car Forever!!!

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  I love my 3!!! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By sillyguy - September 20 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car. The best I have ever had!

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  Why wouldnt you buy this? - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mikey Mike - September 20 - 12:40 am

  Ive only owned my Mazda3 Hatchback (s GT) for 3 months but every single day I have no regrets about buying it. I got the Bose sun and sound package and the tech package (why not?). The push button start and advanced keyless system is AWESOME! The way this thing drives is so much fun! I do 60 mph on off ramps (sometimes gotta take it back a notch depending on the ramp). Ive gotten so many comments from random people like "hey, sweet car!" The fuel economy when Im not zoom- zooming isnt too bad (about 24 mpg in the city, havent tested highway miles yet), my average is about 22 mpg though because I cant help but take off at every green light!

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  60,000 MILE UPDATE - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By hoveringfalcon - September 18 - 11:53 pm

  I’ve returned to update my review with three years of ownership and 60,000 miles under my belt. I take back what I said last time about the lack of driver seat comfort; a couple months after writing that I found a seating position that works for me. I lowered the seat all the way and that has eliminated all of my leg room problems. Piloting the Mazda is now a pretty comfortable experience if driving for less than a few hours. Steering and handling is still great. I replaced the stock tires with some Bridgestone Potenza summer rubber and this thing sticks to the pavement like glue.

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  Outstanding Car - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By OC - September 14 - 6:26 pm

  Bought this in July 06 to replace a gas guzzling Pathfinder. We had 1 Mazda before, an older Protege 5. This does not get the mileage the Pro 5 got (31/35), but that was also underpowered and the M3 has the bigger engine. We have the manual with the moonroof. I put an iPod module in it, and to my surprise you can run the iPod off the steering wheel. We drive a lot, and its very comfortable on long rides. No road noise, handles great in good and bad weather (Good in New England snow too). If youre worried about safetly dont be. My wife has been hit 3 times and this car is rock solid, surprising for a small car. All in all, very very dependable sporty car. Buy one!