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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  I love it - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By newowner - June 21 - 8:00 am

  I have recently purchased a Mazda 3 and love it. It is a fun and stylish car with excellent handling. It also is much roomier than you would expect. I am happy I choose it over simlar cars in its class. It delivers the most bang for its reasonable buck.

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  Best of its class - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Colin - June 20 - 1:13 pm

  After driving several of its competitors, the Mazda 3 easily stood out for me as the best. Suspension is tight, engine is smooth and loves to rev, auto transmission is quick and well-programmed, brakes are strong, and the interior is the best Ive ever seen. Ergonomics are excellent; the driver can really feel like he or she is part of the car. Gorgeous styling, and the exhaust note is great. Gas mileage in the city could be better, but highway mileage is right up there with other compact sedans. Excellent build quality -- the 3 is built in Japan, and it shows. A very well-thought-out, fun, affordable sports compact.

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  Loved this car from the day I bought it - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Phil - June 19 - 8:36 pm

  What can I say. From the day I drove it off the lot it just passes the gas stations by and is just a total joy to drive.

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  ZOOM ZOOM - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jason baltimore - June 15 - 10:23 am

  I was in the market For a new car i test drove a couple Then the Three Came along WOW i was very impressed the The ride resembles that of a BMW! Handles Very NICE Everything Is layed out were it should be my Mazda 3s is everything I wwas lookingfor in a car Thanks Mazda J

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  2007 Mazda3 - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jennifer Galloway - June 13 - 6:16 am

  I have been very happy with the reliability, power, and comfort of this car but disappointed with the poor fuel economy.

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  The BEST Little Wagon - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jimoi - June 12 - 9:30 am

  Before purchasing the Mazda3 wagon, I compared it to the PT Cruiser, Toyota Matrix, and the Subaru Outback. The Mazda3 no doubt had the best performance, interior and exterior design, and unique features not found on the others. Acceleration is smooth and easy, but also has great pick up and go. Handling is tight and nimble; a breeze around corners. The stereo has a great sound, and the gauges are easy to read and a definite eye catcher. Many people believe that it is a higher priced vehicle that it really is!

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  Baby BMW - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Robby Butler - June 12 - 2:30 am

  This is one of the best small car on the market. The interior is well appointed, the seats are comfortable, and the stereo system is excellent. Close the doors and you hear a tump not a rattle like most small cars. The performance is great, and the handling is on the level of high ends vehicles. I have owned over 20 cars in my life time. I call it my baby BMW. I have owned two Bimmers and I enjoy this car better. I cant say more; I bought it for my wife, but I gave her my Expedition to drive and I take the Mazda. If you buy one you wont be dissatisfied.

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  Great car, when everything works... - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By perrito - June 11 - 12:23 pm

  I am overall quite pleased with my 2004 Mazda3 5 door with automatic. I would agree with others that the manual may be a safer choice; my automatic just died with only 13,000 miles on it - very unusual. And it stranded us between Colorado Springs and Denver. It handles nicely, is quiet (with replacement tires), and has a great, functional interior. I love the steering wheel controls; use them all the time. Its a fun car, but this automatic problem, and an early ignition fault, make me doubt the long-term reliability of the Mazda3.

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  A bit under the MPG in the first tank - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By kevivoe - June 11 - 2:50 am

  1st tank was only 23 MPG and I was expecting 25-31 MPG. I am hoping the MPG goes up during break-in. So far very satisfied with the car. Plenty of HP and FT-LB to move around well. Very quiet car, without checking the speedometer youll be doing 80 MPH on the freeway with no effort. Perhaps the performance is the reason for the lower MPG. Well do better the 2nd tank. The interior is roomy, the trunk cavernous. Love the euro style looks. Test drove a Jetta TDI and considered a Toyota Corolla ... certainly made the correct decision. Performance of the Mazda3 is far superior. Instrumentation is a.o.k. The Bose sound system is lacking. Too much "hiss" when music stops. Premium? Not quite.

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  It Just Screams: "Drive Me!" - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Zante64 - May 30 - 7:33 am

  Kinda stumbled onto this vehicle by accident. We were set to replace our 97 Jetta with a new one but we were not happy with changes VW made. Next looked at the Rabbit, but reviews kept mentioning the Mazda3. We figured it couldnt hurt to at least look at the Mazda3. Wow! We were instantly impressed with it! Its an amazingly fun and agile car. Every aspect of this car feels solid. No rattles or squeaks. The doors feel solid, the controls and gauges are easy to read/use. Initial mpg was a bit low, but with over 2500 miles now, were getting better mpg each tankful. Lots of room in trunk area, good driving position and visibility.