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:
Showing 1371 through 1380 of 2,343.00-
awesome - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
By mrsandcastle - March 28 - 1:00 amI have owned this car for about 6 weeks now and I can say I absolutely love it. I originally wanted to get the Grand Touring, but they didnt have any in stock and I picked up the s sport instead and I dont regret a thing. I constantly make excuses to go places just so I can drive the car. I may be one of the few who say this but I like the front grill, I enjoy driving something that looks different from the other cars on the road. I have had many compliments on the car and I couldnt be happier driving it.
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Fun Car - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
By Jeff - March 20 - 6:10 pmGreat little car. Drives like a sports car despite being FWD. Overall quality is excellent. Not much rear seat leg room and MPG with the 2.3 L engine is so-so, but overall, this car is a very good buy.
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Uber wagon with a few quirks - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
By uber wagon - March 18 - 9:53 amGreat car. I love the hatch. I think that the sedan looks better but when you can put a fully assembled grill in the back it brings a smile to my face especially in an economy compact. Engine sound is buzzy, sound system is horrible and 4 speed transmission is is joke. At 80 MPH the engine revs at 3600 and this kills the fuel economy. I am used to a BMW 335i and Acura TL so my expectations are high.
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The best in its class - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
By Gurahg - March 17 - 12:50 pmI have a Mazda 3 5-door and a Nissan 350Z. Naturally the Z can way outperform my 3, but I have to tell you I love my 3. It is a blast to drive, and while not high performance, its pretty peppy. I love the styling, both in and out. In fact, I wish the Z was designed inside as well as the 3. After owning many Civics, the 3 outshines them by far. Great car!!!
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Wheres the air? - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
By Matt Breaux - March 14 - 6:56 amDo the Japanese not have summer conditions? In Texass 98 degree F weather, neither the fan has enough volume nor velocity, nor does the evaporator have enough capacity. Drivers leg room is awkward where the knee is in contact with the center console. Steering is great, shifting in manual convenient. Volume and radio controls on the wheel very nice. 1st gear leaves you desiring more. Maybe thats found in the 2.3. The trunk raises completely out of the way. Be careful with the doors when beginning to open, they dont rest until wide open, which may call for scratches and dings. Gauges are easy to read day/night. Terrible, horrible gas mileage for a 2.0L. Factory tires are low mileage.
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Fun to drive - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
By RA - March 13 - 10:56 pmNeeded something small and economical, without being a lame ride. Looked at corolla, and sentra. By far the Mazda 3 has the looks and the performance. Fun to drive, very quick. Not so fuel efficient only getting about 21 combined. Excellent handling.
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Second Mazda 3 - same zoom; better mileage - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
By madriver10 - March 12 - 1:31 pmWe traded in a 2004 mazda 3 sedan for a 2012 mazda 3 i Grand Touring hatchback with all the options. Also looked at the Focus Titanium and Subaru Impreza. Both seemed like solid cars, but Focus was more expensive for similar specs, and we dont need the AWD (and slightly lower mpg) of the Impreza. The Mazda hatchback has plenty of room in the hatch for a medium-size dog, and is still a fun-to-drive compact car. Our mileage has been in the low 30s in mixed driving.
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Jack Rabbit 3i - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
By PnBoo - March 9 - 9:40 pmBought the car for my 25 mile (one way) trip to work. After 8,000 miles, could not be happier. Averages about 32 MPG on highway. Very agile and turning radius is incredible. I test drove a few other small cars; this is the only one I felt a smirk come across my face during the test. I wish I had purchased the manual transmission. Only initial complaint was the seats, I had to use a seat cushion to be comfortable (very minor).
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Good - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
By DB - March 8 - 3:40 pmWith neither the proper (last-gen) Golf nor Focus available, theres not much competition so Im happy with what I get! The 3 drives well although the handling can be described as great only by comparison to something quite wobbly. The shift is tops but the steering isnt too precise. We couldnt get traction ctrl and/or ABS on our model. This is a top-spec (S) yet the power window has no one-touch up. Having just paid the toll you either hold the window-up button with a line of angry Boston drivers behind you or pull away into the Boston winter with the window open. Plus the buttons are placed too far ahead and arent illuminated. Please, a few LEDs for 17K!
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My Mazda 3 Experience - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
By lbb4 - March 8 - 1:41 pmI have owned a Mazda 3 for 2 years now. I cant complain much because it has been a reliable car. It is definitely NOT a family car but when we bought it we jumped quick because our other car was dying. The air conditioner is very sub-par, heat is good. Drives good, Interior is made fairly cheap as we have had several things break. Overall good car-I would recommend this car for a single person or a couple with no kids.
