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 131 through 140 of 2,343.00-
The BMW from Hiroshima - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
By teamsc10190 - June 20 - 10:40 pmThis car is so dialed-in and direct it is a sheer pleasure to drive. I cant wait to get behind the wheel at every opportunity I get. If youre undecided which compact car to buy, drive this one and your decision will be made. I love this thing! This is really a great piece of work. I want to run out buy another one.
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No more Toyotas - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
By sabres fan - June 18 - 2:00 amI have had Toyotas my whole life and that is over. Having traded in my Tacoma (loved it) so my wife could have an SUV (Ford Escape) I was stuck in a Camry. BORING. Did some research and read reviews. Test drove Corolla Sport, Civic and Nissan Sentra. Never would have considered Mazda but I was looking for something sporty but not a "sports" car and I knew it as soon as I drove it that I found what I was looking for. Dumped my boring Camry and LOVE the Mazda 3. More room then any of the others and WAY sportier inside and out. Handles real nice and solid on the gas mileage. Pick-up could be better but once it is going everything is smooth.
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loving it - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
By love it - June 12 - 7:06 pmWow, Ive driven a Blazer for 4 years, decided to get a car. Never had a Mazda, but glad I read the reviews. This car is awesome, has everything you need for such a great price. Dont bother looking anywhere else for a compact car, this is it!
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Fun but hurts - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
By TTprod - June 7 - 12:30 amThis is a Great little car cant ask for more for what you get. I am 62" the seat is a little small for me but thats my fault I should of went for a longer test drive the gas mileage is off the best I have got so far is 30.16 mpg the worst is 24.86 I drive interstate only the same way day in and day out I have just over 10,000 miles now and two oil changes. I think if I got the 2.0 with the power seats I would be more happy with the seat but my other car was an Infiniti with a 12 way power seat. the car is fun to drive and I have got use to the seat great part I can sit in the back seat just fine and my head does not touch the roof as a driver or rear passenger. spend the extra 1k for power.
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Better than all - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
By john - June 4 - 5:26 pmThis is by far the most enjoyment Ive ever had driving a vehicle.This is by far my best car Ive ever owned, and Ive owned over 50 cars.I paid about 20,000 and it competes with cars in the 30,000 range.I now have 2800 miles and have loved every mile of it.
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Best small car in its class. - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
By Reggie - June 2 - 6:33 pmThis is a very fun car to drive. My wife and I was looking for a small car for our daughter to drive to school thats very safe. I was looking at the Honda Civic and the Chevy Cobalt only because it had OnStar in it. My daughter likes the Mazda3; I must say Im glad she did, cause I love this car too. I may buy one for me.
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Great Car for the Money - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
By Ryan - June 2 - 10:00 amOut of college was on a budget of 15k. Bought a 2006 Mazda 3 with 45k miles on it for 12k, 14k after financing and taxes. Bought the 2.3 version, and it has been an excellent car. Great pick up for a 4 cyl. Handling is amazing, easily equals the maxima i had to trade in. Gas mileage leaves something to be desired (i average about 25). leather is fake feeling, but hey, heated leather for a 14k car isnt bad. on board GPS is ok but outdated. Bose sound system is nice but not as good as i expected (again 14k). sun roof is a nice touch. lacks torque to put you back in your seat. if you are a looking for a great, reliable, go-kart like car to drive for under 16k, look for used mazda3.
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Great! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
By Scott - May 28 - 3:03 pmI have been looking at the 3S for some time now and I finally bought it last week. I was attracted to it because of its looks and performance and mainly because it has great headroom. I am 62" with short legs so I am all back and have a real hard time with head room in cars and suvs. I have several inches of headroom in this car. I love how the car handles. I took it on some twistys today and was just blown away on how well it at the turns up (this coming from a sportbike rider!). And the really cool thing is that I had my mtn bike in the back! (hatchback) My 3s is "Velocity Red" and boy is it a looker - red with almost orange flakes = just beautiful in the sun!
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26k miles and I still love my car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
By maddie - May 25 - 5:50 pmI drive this little sporty car fairly hard and fast, and it has kept up for 26k miles so far. NO major issues at all and I dont expect them anytime soon either. This economy car is fun to drive, is very responsive, handles well and looks good while doing so! A zippy little car with a good amount of power and torque. Sure, its not a race car but what do you expect for less than $20K? The engine provides adequate power for the price, and if you want more, wait for the Mazdaspeed edition to come out! The suspension is solid and "sport" and allows for great cornering & handling; if you cant handle a stiffer suspension, go with a Ford or something softer, like a large Cadillac, lol!
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Great bang for the buck - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
By Bps1977 - May 24 - 10:00 amJust bought the 2004 S model This car performs much better then you would think for the price. Styling is perfect, inside and out. Corners great with its sport tuned suspension. Decent acceleration and very good brakes. Has the looks of an Audi or BMW, the price of a Mazda, what more could you ask for?
