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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  WOW! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Ghis - June 30 - 10:00 am

  The new Mazda 3 is really an excellent car. In comparison, the Corolla, Civic, Sentra or any american compact car are far far away behind! Fun to drive, economic, comfortable, a lot of space! After 9000 km, im still in love!!

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  Best car ever - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By judge - June 30 - 10:00 am

  Wow! Cars are usually just to get from point A to point B, but this sure makes getting there lots of fun. Great car to drive, lots of zip with the 5 speed manual. Great audio system, seating and comfort. I researched cars for two months before getting the 3i. Every other car I did test drives on was okay, the 3i was an immeadiate differnce where you felt like you were in something special. People cant believe this much car for so little money.

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  Hands down, the most car for under $20K - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Paul M. Hirsch - June 30 - 10:00 am

  The Mazda3 has been the most satisfying purchase I ever made. It turns every trip or errand into an action packed blast. (Please obey the speed limit.) The right ammount of power, great brakes, superb handling and feel, and a shifter that makes you want to shift. Not only is it ridiculously fun, it is also ridiculously practical. I can fit 2 car seats and a booster in the back seat. (Carefully selected, narrow seats, mind you, but still 3 seats.) Attention people with 3 children: Dont get a minivan or SUV as a second car. GET A 3! I considered a WRX or SRT-4. Both are faster. Neither can match the complete package and value that is the Mazda3.

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  Im impressed! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By DonMTL - June 27 - 4:26 am

  5K miles in on a 06 fully loaded S hatch. So far Im impressed and quite proud to drive it. I came from the 4X4 scene but the fuel just got too much to deal with. This is quick, comfortable and fun to drive. Too small for ski trips, but excellent for 98% of my requirements. I would definitely recommend.

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  2010 S Sport 6M 2.5L - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By J - June 26 - 2:40 pm

  MSRP+Moon/Bose+Tech Pack= 22,080 Amount Paid:20,300+T/T Compared with Honda Si, Civic, 2009 Mazda Speed3. More power than my old civic & about the same as an Si minus the scream of vtec. Much less power than MS3 but much better gas mileage. Uses regular gas! Have had acceleration that was anticlimatic & also accel that put you back in your seat. DSC perhaps? Some pretty large blind spots compared with my old civic. Better than the old models though. Not enough for a dealbreaker. Saw this in a lot when it just came in. Bought it at 15mi on odo. I put at least 8 of them on with 2 test drives. Inquire about it online before you go to a dealer. Much better prices.

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  buy this! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Brian Neidt - June 25 - 10:00 am

  Just a great car! I need no further words to describe how happy i am with it!

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  best one ! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By hamada - June 25 - 10:00 am

  very best compact car

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  Best Car for the money - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Digga3 - June 24 - 8:56 am

  The car drives great and makes me very happy. I am an ex-mustang cobra convertible driver, and although that car was fun, it was a headache on my wallet and I never knew when the next major maintenance would arise. This is a great car, so jump on the 2.0 liter before they change it to compete w/Subaru! This engine is lighter than the 2.3 and in my opinion, more fun to drive.

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  My experience so far - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jason L - June 22 - 7:36 pm

  Im driving the 2.0 liter 4 speed auto. Before buying this car, I drove a 2000 Toyota Camry CE. Its really amazing the difference in interior quality between a Toyota and a Mazda. Toyota certainly beats the Mazda hands down in terms of build quality inside the car. I.E. Cheap plastics and poor stitching on cloth seats. That being said, the Mazda3 is leaps and bounds more fun to drive than a Camry. Virtually everything in the performance dept is better, with the exception of low end torque. Maybe its only the 2.0 liter, but the low end torque is a little weak. Once it gets into 3rd/4th gear, it accelerates QUITE nicely. When I need a burst of speed, the car definitely delivers.

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  zoom zoom - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By jeff - June 21 - 3:56 am

  Bought this for my wife as a xmas present. Have not driven it too much -- about 300 miles, but I love this car. Fun to drive, fast, holds the road, great looks sporty. Have not found any flaws with it yet, not sure how the gas mileage will be. I’m sure if I kept my foot off the gas it would be about what they say, love the 2.3. Matched great with AT.