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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  none - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By scoobydoobydoo - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Love it so far. Just wish the milage would be better.

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  A Bullet with a Smile! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By rickssr - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Love at first sight was just the begining. Sunlight Silver, Black Leather Interior, MoonRoof! What more could I say. The car just purrs like a kitten and is so silky smooth when accelerating I just have to keep an eye on the tach. As for the Hugging around bends and corners, off/on ramps.... just blew me away. 17" wheels and this car were ment to be. Even at highway cruising speeds this car is such a pleasure and a dream to be a part of I just cant say more.

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  A truly perfect car! - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By claycrenshaw - April 9 - 8:15 am

  Safety, horsepower, fuel efficiency, value, reliability, and FUN, all in one! Every second behind the wheel of my new Mazda3 is incredible. With Mazdas super reliable track record under the belts of my friends and family and the assurance of my vehicle being a Top Safety Pick, I know that Ill be driving my kids around in this car years from now. So many great features and incredibly fun to drive, and I am still in disbelief at how hard my dealer [non-permissible content removed] worked to get me behind the wheel of this amazing vehicle. You can certainly trust them to put you in the car of your dreams! I would recommend this car to anyone any day!

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  It worth every $ I paid - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By yli2 - April 8 - 5:57 pm

  My 2010 Mazda3 saved my life during an accident, so I decided to buy another Mazda. Finally choose this old model because I cannot trust 2012 SkyActiv tech. It took me a month getting used to this car since it is much bumpier then previous model. After test-driving VW GTi, I was assured the car was just tuned as it is. This car handles exceptionally well. Clutch synchronizer is smoother than my 2010 model. I get 30-32mpg, better than my 2010 model.

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  get the 5 speed - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By zookarama - April 5 - 10:00 am

  I only have a few hundred miles on the hatdchback so far, but Im very happy with it so far. The power of the 2.3 will certainly surprise you- its very quick. The car is quiet, very smooth running and it handles very well. The ride is what Im used to in my 626- not mushy, and perhaps a bit tight, but thats what I want. The manual trans is a delight. The gears are just where they need to be, ratio- wise, and the shifter is smooth and sure. Seems like the best deal under 20K, and Ive looked at and driven all the competitors these last few months.

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  I think Im turning Japanese - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By newlyconverted - March 31 - 10:00 am

  My family has always been a satisfied Chevy family. When I opened my options to include foreign cars for my first car purchase, I fell in love with the Mazda 3i. I needed an affordable car that was cheap to own and this fit the bill. I got the 3i completely loaded with options and I still found it very easy to afford. Plus, Im 64" and about 245 and I have plenty of room in the car. I compared with the Jetta, S40, and this car met every single one of my requirements. Contrary to most of the reviews on this site, I found the A/C to be plenty powerful...and Im a big sweaty guy!

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  I Love my ZOOM ZOOM - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By brittany16 - March 29 - 4:32 pm

  I owned a 2008 red mazda 3 hatchback for 9 months it had almost 55,000 miles on it and not a single problem and I recently traded it in for a 2011 celest blue Mazda 3 Hatch with 29000 miles on it. I have not one complaint about this car. Its 100% perfect. The handling is amazing, its got plenty of speed and is extremely comfortable. The outside appearance is very sporty and nice looking and the inside is great looking as well. I give mazda 2 thumbs up when it comes to building these cars. I wouldnt trade mine in for the world.

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  Mazda3 S, Zoom Zoom Zoom is no lie! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Nigel - March 29 - 8:53 am

  I cant speak highly enough of my bright blue Mazda3 S. It has been a joy to drive and absolutely trouble free. One recall for the crash sensor behind the front bumper. 10,000 miles a year, of which 70% is in town. Getting about 24 to the gallon in town and about 30 on the interstate at fairly high speeds. I have the shiftmatic version which Im quite pleased with (first one Ive owned) although I wish it was 5 speed like the later models. I find it hard to get off the line really quickly, but once the VTec cam gets going it positively flies. Handling is wonderful, accelerate hard through a corner at high speed and feel the Gs. Current models have much better equipment options.

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  2010 Mazda3 i touring review - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By kxdub - March 23 - 2:30 am

  I just picked the car up yesterday so the relilability rating is a guess. But it has a nice interior design, good gas mileage, and the engine seems to have more pep than the civic ex-l I tested. I love the streaming bluetooth audio feature. With an iphone (or any other that has apps I guess) being able to stream pandora, or ESPN radio app, or AOL radio through the bluetooth it almost negates the need for satellite radio. I like the suspension (a little tight) and the sport shift is nice. A comfy, good gas car, with a little pep and nice enough look. So far so good!

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  Will buy the same car if I need one - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By crazyjerry - March 18 - 5:40 am

  I constantly pay attention to better cars. Mazda 3 hatchback is still the ONE in this price range, best overall value for an upscale economy car. I have the strip version of hatchback with the exception of rearview mirror and mp3 player. I did not drive it hard (except break-in period), but rather lively most of the time. And this car definitely lived up to every occasion with zoom zoom, never missing a beat. It averaged 30 mpg in cold weather and 32 in warm weather, with about 70% of freeway driving, in its first 16k miles.