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-Zooming Ahead of Civic - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By fplbob321 - September 11 - 1:13 am

  This is the best handling compact sedan I have ever driven. BMW like drive for 1/3 of the price. Giving up some MPG to Civic was well worth it. The "fun to drive" factor zoom-zooms Mazda ahead of Civic.

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  Love this car - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By BS - September 8 - 11:13 pm

  I got Bose and Tech pkg. Nav is small but easy to use. Love the advance key thats the main reason I got Tech pkg). The seat is comfortable for me(but they can be too hard and narrow for a lot of folks). Power is good (not as great as the Speed) but enough for me. Rear passenger room/hatch area is much smaller than my 2003 Matrix. Suspension is on the firm side which is what I like but I would like the car sit a little lower. The wheel gap is very big with a SUV look. Manuel transmission is easy to operate and shift smoothly. Just theres a groaning noise when the car start moving from 1st gear. Its not super quiet but I think its reasonable (change the OEM tires may help)

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  Amazing Car - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By HagarStone - September 8 - 4:40 am

  This Car offers the best bang for the Buck. Inexpensive, and quick- Fully Loaded if you get the Bose/Moonroof/wheel-lock special- It is only $1,000 more, Other Companies charge much more for those Luxuries. Smooth Ride, Very Energetic Acceleration, Great Cornering, Gorgeous Colors to choose from. Very Sleek look, Makes you feel like you bought an expensive Import, without the headache of spending a lot of money.

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  Pleasantly Surprised - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By ZMZM - September 7 - 8:40 pm

  I purchased a base automatic as a commuter car and got a huge surprise! The Mazda3 is an extremely well balanced car. Handling is tight and acceleration from the 2 liter engine above expectation and no "buzziness" as found from other products. Interior is base but well thought out. Power windows but not locks and a radio that while not exceptional is pleasing. Design of the entire car is well thought out both inside and out. Compared to my 2008 Corvette, some of the interior trim work exceeds the nearly $60,000 Vette. As a compact sedan, I would be pressed to have done better having spent $15000 for what I think is a bargain. We intend to pass this one along to our grandchildren!

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  5 Month Review - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By gzabts - September 7 - 12:06 am

  Very happy with this purchase so far. Car performs well on the highway, but where it really shines is off the beaten path (this car loves curvy roads). TVE packed with features, though not quite the gas mileage I had read about... yet.

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  my wifes other man - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By KING OF NY IN VEGAS - September 6 - 12:10 pm

  My wife and I purchased our metalic red 3 new .Granted her commute to work is 7 miles round trip , this car has performed flawlessly.no squeaks or weird noises at all.All Ive ever done to it was change the oil and rotate the tires .Thatss all it ever needed. Maintenance is very inexpensive. Its a little cramped for me at 64 305 lbs butit drives very well . Its quiet but very sporty. The handling in off the chain!The tranny has been reliable but needs another gear,the engine needs another 20-30 hp. MY wife picked it over the coblt because of its cheezy interior,it has better styling cues than the civic which to her is a me too car.I highly recommend this car to anyone, its that good.

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  Good economy, stiff ride, limited space - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By foggnm - September 1 - 5:43 pm

  Ive averaged 29.5 in mix of city/hwy driving. The car will get 39 mpg on the highway (when my canoe is not on top). The ride of this car is very stiff off the lot. It was almost jarring, but I think the suspension has loosened a bit or Ive gotten used to it. But this is typical of a small/compact car. The car handles superbly. The automatic transmission is so smooth and quiet. Highway performance is adequate, no problems passing or going up hills Cabin noise is minimal for a small vehicle. Cargo capacity is lacking compared to a small SUV or even a mid-size car. Technology/climate controls are simple and easy to use. Questionable value compared to Civic, Corolla, Kia.

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  Mazda 3s 2.3 AT - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Paul Davis - September 1 - 5:40 pm

  I love the way the vehicle drives for a 4 cycle. Handling is great. The build quality of the vehicle is top notch.

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  No regrets - 2014 Mazda Mazda3
  By kevin97223 - September 1 - 3:00 am

  This is our fourth Mazda and our second 3. We are loyal to the brand because in our experience their cars are reliable, stylish and fun to drive, especially with a manual transaxle. This car is all of the above, although since it has less than 5,000 miles I havent driven it far enough to rate the reliability. I have no reason to doubt that it will be as reliable as my wifes 2011 3, which has 30,000 miles and has needed nothing except regular maintenance.

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  Great fun car - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Braden - August 30 - 10:00 am

  The Mazda3s Grand Touring hatchback is just a hoot to drive. I downsized from BMW sedan that I liked to drift, and while the Mazda3 cant drift it can dart and squeeze through traffic like the BMW just couldnt. The car is very practical, very fun to drive, the engine loves to rev and everything on the car is very intuitive. if youre looking for a small, fun, practical car - hard to beat this one as I looked at everything. closest to it is the VW Golf/GTI - and then youre talking German size repair bills in a few years. no problems with the Mazda so far and it has 15k miles on it.