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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  Mazda 5 door 2.3L - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Dennis - April 25 - 12:50 am

  I have 49,000 miles on mine and it has been terrific so far. Very fun to drive, the only glitch has been that the tire pressure warning light has been stuck "on" for some time although I have confirmed no tire pressure problems and actually gone to a new set of tires. Dont want to pay the dealer an arm and a leg just to make the light go out. Anyway, a great little car and I laugh at the guzzling SUVs when I accelerate by.

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  Best Bank for the Buck - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Matt - April 24 - 10:43 pm

  Great little car. Handles great, strong, powerful engine, amazing bose sound system, solid construction, hatchback is roomy, gauges are clear and easy to read. I fell in love with this car the min a drove it and didnt even hesitate to trade in my civic on it. Couldnt be more happier with the car. Styling, power, handling, and stereo are hard to beat for the $20k I paid for it!

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  Best ride under 20 k - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Titu - April 21 - 9:56 am

  I have owned it for 5 months now with 7500 miles on it. I am highly satisfied with it. Its more like a cheap Audi A3/A4 than a compact. There is attention to detail in every part of this car. This is the only compact car to have a personality. I am surprised to see people buying Jettas paying 5k more instead of the 3. I found the 3 to be better in all respects except the interior. Go for it.

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  A Solid Decision (and lots of fun) - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By jpook730 - April 17 - 1:23 am

  Great Drive: Handling is superb; steering exquisitely communicative and well weighted,; engine (2.3) sounds great, revs easily, and goes like a Jack Russell Terrier after drinking a bottle of Jolt. Great Practicality: 5 door hatchback is flexible, roomy and comfortable; the cloth seats are grippy, supportive, and firm; gas milage is great (25/32 with the 2.3). Great Future: Highly rated reliability; fantastic projected resale value (best selling fleet car in Europe for this reason); safe; well-built and stylish. Conclusion: An economical, practical family hauler with the soul of a much more expensive european sports sedan (or is that Zoom-Zoom?).

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  I love this sporty little car! - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By david - April 13 - 7:43 am

  I am a 50 year old driver and have owned several cars for 12+ years so I was looking for a practical & reliable car. Boring right? Well, the Mazda 3i is all about practical & reliable...but the cool factor is off the chart too. I compared sevaral cars in the class for the following features: independent suspension & abs disk brakes on all 4 wheels, twin cam 4 cylinder, alloys, 4 doors, timing chain (not belt), cruise, curtain airbags, nice sounding sound system. I got all this and lots more at a much better price than I thought possible with the 3i value package. The 3 is assembled in japan which, in my experience, means very high quality. This car rocks.

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  In Sheeps Clothing - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By NH Zoom Zoom - April 13 - 2:00 am

  Just got the S five door, in black! Love it! Mazda was smart to make an affordable auto that includes some great performance elements. What a great mix of fun, sports, nimble driving, and practicality!!! This car is the most nimble car I test drove among the Matrix XRS, Civic, and Jetta GLS w/ sports susspension (yes its true).

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  Mazda 3 Hatch Kicks BMW Butt - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By California Car Boy - April 13 - 2:00 am

  After having an extremely high car payment and maintence bills with my 2000 BMW 32i I, I started shopping for a more reliable car with a lower price- point. I had owned a Mazda before and was at the dealership to look at an RX-8 when I saw this funky, cool Mazda3 5-Door on the lot. I was intrigued. I took it for a spin and was hooked. It has an engine that will move, looks that will turn heads and features that rival the BMW. And it cost about half of what I paid for the BMW four years ago. I walked out of there spending $24K including TTL and got a fantastic car with xenon, navigation, leather and more. Mazda 3 5-Door. A great car--a great value.

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  Nice compromise - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By guycan - April 12 - 9:05 pm

  Having owned both a Madza CX 7 (2011) and a Miata (2002) I have nothing but good things to say about the 3 hatchback. It is fun to drive whether on super highways or on country roads with plenty of room in the trunk to boot. It is highly responsive and much quicker than I had anticipated and gets exceptional gas mileage. My spouse who felt the 7 was unwieldy and difficult to park in tight spots is at ease in the 3 which , were boomers, is quite bit more comfortable than the Miata. We have not driven it yet in winter but do not anticipate any problems with icy or snowy conditions with the proper snow tires. Ony negative may be the standard Bridgestone Turanzas which are noisy .

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  Best of the lot - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Second Mazda - April 12 - 8:03 pm

  Looked at all autos in this category, none compared to quality, workmanship and price. You will not be disappointed with this car. Crash tested at the top. Stop looking and buy.Highest horsepower but thought mileage would be better.

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  So Much Fun! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Maxpelao - April 9 - 10:00 am

  What can I say? Its my first new car. But once I saw it, I had to get it. The test drive convinced me, and the fact that it looks BETTER than the Matrix/Vibe, and gets a LOT of attention makes it even better. The ride is fun (a bit stiff), but it kicks!!