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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  The straight dirt - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By CJ - May 29 - 2:00 am

  Bought the Mazda3 simply because it was great on mileage, something my Jeep Liberty wasnt. On a full tank of gas, which is about 375 miles in the Mazda, Im saving $50 every time I fill up. Its a much smaller vehicle, granted, but thats a huge difference. And as fun as the Jeep was to drive, this is close, and thats saying something. Its quick, its stylish and comfortable enough. I looked at every other car in its class, and the Mazda3 not only looks better and got better ratings but its cheaper overall than all of them. Like many other small cars, it has its drawbacks. Its a tight car, but trunk space is good. But id definitely recommend it.

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  Great Car - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Daniel - May 29 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car a little over a year ago to replace a 98 Trans Am. My second choice would have been the Golf TDi. I love the extra space I get out of the hatch while still having a small car. At the time, it offered a lot more features than its competitors, though it seems Mazda is slowly taking those away with newer models. Ive autocrossed a few times in it, and while its not a fast car, I typically do better on the tight courses with it than I did with the TA. The interior is also a lot more comfortable (& better looking) than that of the TA as well. Overall, its a great car, especially for the cost, I just wish it got better gas mileage & had a better stereo than Bose.

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  The car I wanted when I was younger - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Juanito - May 26 - 2:03 pm

  This is a treat I gave to myself, since I did not have the money or I was not in the country few years ago. I have had more fun than I expected, and have to be very careful not to over speed. Very surprised to see mostly women driving these little spaceships. I even compare this 2.3 model with the 2.0 European version when I was in Scotland and I found more power and control in the curves in the American car. No problems with brakes and electronics I had with other cars in the past. I really feel younger driving it. Love the iPod connection, I did not buy the 6-CD option since I noticed this capability. Great sound system for a small sedan.

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  Performance and Good MPG - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By JLS - May 25 - 7:46 pm

  You dont have to sacrifice performance for good gas mileage. I have gotten 30-33 MPG on my first three tanks of gas. The engine isnt even broken in yet. I commute 120 miles per day and so far that car has been great.

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  Awesome little car! - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By sixkyej - May 24 - 9:12 pm

  I purchased this car 9 months ago and I couldnt be more happy with it! After trading in a 2000 Volvo S80 that was falling apart after almost 120K miles, I decided to get this car because I didnt want to pay any more repair costs. I havent had one problem with this car yet! I got the i Sport 2.0L auto version, didnt come with all the bells and whistles, but since its only me driving it and I was looking for economy rather than luxury, I decided to go with this model. But even for the standard edition it has plenty of features and feels like a luxury car. I plan on keeping this car for a long time!

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  The most bang for your buck - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Rachael - May 21 - 10:00 am

  I bought this vehicle weeks ago and I absolutely love it! It feels great to drive, hugs the road beautifully, and without a doubt offers the most bang for your buck! Am extremely happy with my purchase! Highly recommend!

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  Love it! - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By Colleen - May 21 - 5:43 am

  Love this car! It is fun to drive has a lot of power for a small car. Good on gas (but not as good as a scion or fit). Cant say enough about it. I am so glad that we decided to purchase this one over the scion or fit. I dont have any Major issues with the interior or exterior. The Bose stereo is awesome! Love the features.. This is my first Mazda. I bought a manual and love the way it shifts. It is very smooth! Zoom, zoom, zoom for sure!

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  An all around review - 2013 Mazda Mazda3
  By zoomzoomalabam - May 19 - 12:20 am

  We purchased our 2013 Mazda3 after loving our 2009 3, and this car is far better, with a 160 miles round trip commute daily, the car truly get 37 mpg @ 65mph highway. The bluetooth features lets me talk hands free all the way home, and I can listen to my favorite tunes with pandora, or bluetooth. The interior lighting is nice, with the blue LEDs lighting up the console and door handles at night, the downside on our model with in dash navigation, is that in the daytime, with headlights turned on (ie rain) you have a dimmed stereo console, so it makes it hard to see the radio and all in dash features. The bose sound is great, although the bass is only responsive at higher volumes,

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  I preferred my 2005 Mazda 3 - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By dawnmcaz - May 18 - 7:24 pm

  I traded in my 2005 3 in Jan for a new 12. I absolutely loved my 05 3! So fun & sporty, I was very proud of it. The a/c had gone out on it and after 1 summer in Phoenix with no a/c, I couldnt take it. It does get better gas mileage than the 05 did. I like that you can easily check to see how well your doing with mpg.

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  I love my Mazda3 touring wagon. - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Gerald Deckler - May 17 - 8:13 pm

  I love to drive my Mazda3 wagon. I live in Houston, Texas with some of the worse traffic in the country. My Mazda3 zips through difficult traffic situations with ease. The handling is like driving a European sports car. The interior is large and very comfortable with great eye appeal. The six disk changer is exceptional. Overall, I love this car. Zoom Zoom!