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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  anything below 8.0 you people are stupid - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By dapumbanator - July 8 - 2:00 am

  i new this was my new car from the minute i test drove it, the shifting was awsome and and car itself is a nice piece of work. when u dont have the money to buy the 6 this is a really close second. though the color selection for the Mazda 3 s4dr sedan was a bit limited i wanted yellow but never found it other than that great car.

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  Sporty yet luxurious!! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Dawn Grutzius - July 8 - 2:00 am

  This car is fabulous! I am very excited about owning this vehicle. I have now had my car for three weeks and it feels like it has been months.

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  New, but impressed so far - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By timbo - July 7 - 9:00 pm

  I looked at all of the standard compact vehicles. Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Ford Focus, Nissan Versa. So far I am impressed with this car. I have always been a Honda and Toyota guy and we still have a Tundra and a CRV as our standard drivers. We needed something for gas mileage and went with this car and so far feel very impressed. First day, one hundred mile mixed driving we got a little over 31 mpg (standard tranny). It drips with quality in the interior. I think the only thing that I dont like the quality of the carpets, but overall I think its fantastic for the price. Hope it holds up.

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  Still happy owner - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Bowldog - July 3 - 10:00 am

  The car is impressive to drive, with the responsive 160 hp and the braking/handling this is a little go- kart. Had problems with the trans. nec to replace both front axles at 10,000 miles this was the third time in the shop for same repair, p/s front door panel noisey third time also and still not fixed. Do wish the fuel economy was a little better best yet is 26.3 on the auto side of the sport auto trans. Dealer installed larger 18" wheels with 225-40 Z rated tires not that it needed the speed as it cuts out at 118. Overall this car is still the best value for the money in the class. Lots of looks from every type of car and driver. Mazda ZOOM - ZOOM !!

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  Makes Sense - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By william - June 28 - 9:53 am

  Got a good model year-end deal on a silver 3 with leather and moon roof. Very happy with car. Everything seems solid and well thought out. Very quick, handling is precise and firm. Not sure about low-profile tires that came on car - they seem a bit noisy and not sure how much they add to performance. Otherwise, car is very quiet, with just the right amount of auditory feedback from engine. Slight flaw on placement of brake and accelerator pedals - a bit too close for large feet. Good for heel and toe but its easy to hit the brake when youre doing normal shifting. Taking some getting used to. Mileage has been less than expected, but the car and I are still getting to know one another.

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  22,000 Miles - Still Glad I Bought It - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Compared it 2 others - June 28 - 1:36 am

  I bought it in Feb 2007. Its a great car - and I would recommend it. A big issue with me is I wanted to get the car in light blue, but interior was an ugly beige, so got it in gray with black interior. I cant do beige upholstery - I hate it. Got the car with the ABS & side airbags as well, which was optional equipment at the time. Also, I really wanted the 5 door, even though the back end of the 5 door is kinda frumpy, but 5 door only comes in the S Model. The car handles well, the stick is real fun to drive, and has good acceleration. I think I am getting about 27-28 MPG. I like the fabric used on the upholstery, but the carpeting seems cheap. The car has a good solid feel to it.

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  More than an economy car, its a Mazda - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By RC - June 28 - 12:26 am

  Theres no other economy car in this price range that will get you Sirius radio, HID headlights, LED taillights, 17" wheels, automatic climate control, Bose audio, DVD-based nav system, LED gauges, heated leather seats, and rain-sensing wipers for $23K. Even base models are well-equipped! Sure, you could get a Hyundai for cheaper, but its a Hyundai and Im more social conscious than that. Its not wacky on the inside like a Civic, nor is it as bulbous as a Corolla on the outside - the 3 is just right. Well, its more than right...its pretty much perfect for the price!

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  Mazda 3 i Touring Great First Car - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By David - June 27 - 8:20 am

  I bought this car for my teenage daughter due to safety,stability control,6 airbags, blutooth, and great gas milage for under $17500,but I have found it particularly fun to drive. This car exceeds all expectations. The interior is well laid out and the car is fun to drive period.

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  Mazda 3S Touring - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Orland - June 23 - 9:46 pm

  I have recently purchased a 2006 Mazda3S Touring Manual w/ added rear wing spoiler, 6 disc-changer, moonroof ... and thanks to edmunds.com, I was able to become a smart buyer and purchased it at $17,915 (before taxes ... about $200 under invoice!). I did my research and it paid off. I did most of my research and dealing online and over the phone. So far, I love my ride and I am thankful for spending some time doing my research. Hope this helps... Zoom zoom zoom.

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  typical mazda, great for the $$ - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By mike w - June 21 - 8:23 pm

  Have owned a number of Mazdas over the yrs, all good except the American built 1999 626 - it was junk. Mazda 3 is recommended by me and i do lots of driving. problems ... rear view mirror set too low from dealership, almost wrote off car on third day due to blind spot ... hesitates on a damp mornings going up hills. dealership said knew nothing about it, until i gave them a list of 4 other mazda owners with same problem, and they admitted they all do it. I can live with it, but am careful to put in decent brand name gas, that helps. .... seats are a bit worn after 18 months and underside of glove box all scratched otherwise, its fantastic, too bad they changed the body style this yr