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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Why buy more? - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
By FLL - March 7 - 1:06 amMaybe Im the industrys worst nightmare. Their strategy is to get people to move UP the price/prestige ladder, not down. As a cash buyer I cross shopped G35, IS250, 325i because they should have been my next "step" from a current Maxima. Those cars are certainly nicer than the 3 in some ways but definitely NOT $15-20K nicer. It is well balanced, composed, and offers a great compromise between ride and "connectedness". The ergonomics are intuitive and controls are well placed. Throttle response with the 5A is better than any other 4 cylinder/auto combination I can recall. This is an honest vehicle not trying to masquerade as something it isnt. Well done Mazda!
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Worst car purchase ever - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
By PBE - March 5 - 2:00 amI have had my Mazda 3 for a little over a year now. Since day 1, it has average around 15mpg. The car quivers at high speeds, has too much oversteer, and there has been a rattling sound coming from the steering column. After taking it in for service (at University Mazda in Seattle), they said that the fuel economy is due to the break in period for the engine; they said it takes 15k miles for this to happen, which is total BS. The whole Mazda experience has been terrible, and I cant wait until my lease is up to get rid of this car.
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Watch the tires - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
By cambridgedude - March 5 - 2:00 amAfter four months I have finally found something to complain about. Watch out for the 17" low profile tires. Lots of construction this summer/fall around here, and as careful as I try to be, raised manhole covers on stripped streets waiting for resurfacing have already claimed 3 tires. And these tires are not cheap - $200 per pop! Ive been driving for more than 30 years and this has never happened before, so I can only put it down to the low profile tires. On the plus side they do give amazing grip, and help the tremendous road holding of the 3.
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WOW! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
By Saabster27 - March 2 - 6:23 pmI just moved to a 2006 Mazda3 GT from a 2002 Saab 9-3 SE with 205 HP, sport suspension and 17-inch wheels. And let me say that beside straight line acceleration, Mazda3 beats the Saab in EVERY category, while priced less than half of the Saab. I also test drove the Audi A4 and and owned a Honda Accord Coupe V6 but those two dont perform better and dont come close to the value offered by a Mazda3 at this price level. The choice was pretty simple for me. And this car far exceeded my expectations after owning it for a month. I can say that I did not have the same feelings about the Saab after owning it for a month!
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Mazda has just about did it - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
By Macadonious - March 1 - 2:00 amEngine is a 2.3L with 160 crank HP. With this displacement, you could produce at least 200 crank HP by reworking the head and remapping the ECU. Exterior is unique and modern. The tire selection is the only drawback as they do not perform well on any vehicle. Interior is clean and easy to view. Material seems to be of high quality. Driver cockpit is a little tight. Performance is a little lacking. Though cornering is nice, the rear slips at high speeds. This is due to the tires and maybe the small rear sway bar. Power to the wheels is a bit hesitant while already moving at normal speeds, but on the other hand, speed does increase without even noticing.
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2nd time M3 Owner - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
By MazReview - February 28 - 4:03 pmThe 2008 GT was a good car with luxury items patched on to it. The 2010 GT is an improved car ( Horse Power, Handling , HWY Gas Mileage , Front Lights,Styling ) with the Luxury items designed in from the start. The steering wheel human interface for the Audio / NAV / Driving Metrics are first rate. Dual Zone Temp Control/ Heated Seats / Push Button Start / Bose Sound are all executed in fine fashion. At $25K- $26K you have a BMW Handling / Acura Electronics Sporty- Luxury car. The Acura TSX costs about 32K and is a "floater" in terms of Handling. $25 K might buy you a BMW hub cap. Like the Dodge-Hemi Charger this car makes those who spent lots more for a similar car feel strange.
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Fun to drive - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
By Kevon - February 27 - 4:40 amI have had this car for 3 months now and I still have a grin on my face everytime I drive it. I have a MZ3, cloth, TPMS, manual with navigation, and xenons. I recieved from my new car from parents and them being previous mazda owners (91 Mazda 626) of ten years and 400,000 miles I know it will last. The only downside is the power which it lacks, so get a manual it makes the drive more enjoyable. Performance parts are becoming steadly available so that can be fixed with a little tunning me being a teenager in all. The flip up navigation is nice also, not just for looks. To sum this up, this car is for the consumer that whats a budget vehicle with great looks and "moderate" power.
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Sweet Ride, Designed in 2004 - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
By detroit1701 - February 26 - 6:46 pmThe Mazda3 5-speed hatch is a great car to drive -- good handling and driving dynamics. Designed to compete with the VW Golf / Rabbit, it offers similar performance and fuel economy out of its 2.3L 156 hp engine. The only thing keeping this car from blowing out the competition is fuel economy. The next generation 3 should address these issues.
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Best Car I ever bought - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
By Sam Bennett - February 26 - 10:00 amThe 3 exceeded my expectations in every way. I am thrilled! Fast quiet exceptional build quality...I am buying a second one for my daughter!!! Gunther Mazda & Hugh Nemets the sales rep are the best!
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Best small car by far! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
By lmp180psu - February 19 - 10:00 amThis is my first "new" car, and it has been very fun to drive. The Mazda3 has the best combination of interior and exterior style around, and I love just looking at it. Aside from very marginal A/C, and excessive rear brake dust, this car have been trouble free (4000 miles so far). The acceleration from the 2.3 engine is smooth and the auto trans shifts very smoothly, and I love the manumatic function. Also the ride is comfortable / sporty without being harsh.
