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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  Great car - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By great little car - August 30 - 10:00 am

  Coming up on 2000 miles, great car so far. 2.0 l engine is fairly peppy. The larger engine would be nice but I love the mpg. Averaging 32-35. Car is very fun to drive and really "sticks" to the road. Reminds me of a BMW rental I had in Germany. Seats can get a little uncomfortable on trips > 3 hours. All around good car, which is fun to drive.

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  Best choice for compact sedan - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Kayla - August 29 - 2:43 pm

  I bought my 3 Memorial Day Weekend and I couldnt be happier! I traded in an 03 Civic LX coupe and was looking for a 4 door that had that "sporty" look. I didnt like the look of the Civic sedan or the redesigned Jetta. I had a 97 626 and was already impressed with Mazda as a manufacturer. In my opinion the 3 will probably replace the Jetta as a sporty, powerful compact sedan. Quality parts, smooth, quick pickup in the 2.3, very attractive inside and out. The sport automatic is a great plus for moving in/out of traffic. I wanted a red car but did NOT want a light interior so the black w/red detail in the seats was another plus. The only con to consider is the rear leg room (tight for long legs).

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  Two months into my adventure - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By doug - August 28 - 4:23 pm

  My only complaint is that the car seems to hesitate when you applied pressure to the gas....and this is the 2.3

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  I LOVE my Mazda3 - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By traymee - August 27 - 10:43 am

  I have been driving trucks for the last 6 years and just bought my Mazda3. Before that I had some very fast sporty cars (Mustang LX 5.0 and Pontiac Tran Am) and as far as just plain fun to drive cars go, this one is great.

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  Excellent little car - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Carlos - August 27 - 9:46 am

  I needed a small car that gets good mileage because I drive 25 miles each way to work. My M3 is fun to drive, sporty, and very fast. I get 29 mpg combined miles for each tank and can go almost 350 miles between fill ups. The stereo sounds great and the instrument layout is easy to reach and use. It is a bit smaller inside than I would prefer, but otherwise I love this car!

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  Just what Ive been waiting for! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By D2 - August 26 - 2:00 am

  This car fits the bill for me! It is a perfect combination of price, performance, looks, and economy. I have always liked Mazda but until now couldnt get the right mix of features and options to satisfy. I have only had the car for a couple of weeks but I can tell you right now, it;s a keeper!

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  fun car - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By mrend - August 25 - 8:50 am

  This car is great and very fun to drive. The 2.3L gets about 26 city and about 32 hwy mpg. The trunk is large for the size of the car. The Bose audio is a nice and sounds GREAT! This car has great handling and smooth riding. I love this car.

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  Looks good. Runs good. Excellent value. - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Bestdaddyo - August 24 - 2:46 pm

  I like driving this car, even though I generally dislike automatic transmissions. I bought this mainly for my daughter, but shes away at college 7 months out of the year, so I get to drive it often. It shifts smoothly and quietly. Has plenty of quickness and power, and doesnt feel too small, like the Honda Fit, Nissan Versa and Scion xD. Excellent steering/handling. Plus, the gas mileage is pretty decent. I drive 90% city, and average 26.2 mpg. Road noise is a little high, but not a big distraction. It has every comfort and convenience feature one could ask for, yet the price is ridiculously low. Heck, in a BMW, you could spend the price of this car in accessories alone!

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  Zoom Zoom Baby! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jonathan - August 23 - 3:13 pm

  This is the first time I have ever had a brand new car. I bought the Mazda3 SGT in Mica Black, and I skimped on the navigation, but got everything else. The car is amazing! My only complaint is it is hard to keep clean, and those low-profile tires make me feel EVERYTHING on the road. Even after the 7500 miles Ive put on it.

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  Love it - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By 3Sport - August 20 - 10:33 pm

  Bought the car less than 2 weeks ago and am really enjoying my first Mazda. It handles well and I love having a manual transmission again. I like the bold styling and the silver color I got. I like the functionality and features, and the seats are very comfortable. The stereo is great as well, especially with CDs. As noted below, I would prefer to have a taller top end gear akin to what the automatic enjoys - the engine really does not need so tight a gear spacing at the top end, in my opinion. But overall, I would easily recommend this vehicle.