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 3i Touring - 2013 Mazda Mazda3
  By bfalck - February 18 - 11:28 pm

  One of the main reasons I choose the Mazda is the way it handles. Good highway acceleration, holds the corners very well with very little sway. The ride is fairly quiet. Six speed AT (with manual option) shifts very smooth. Four wheel disk brakes make stopping very even and sure. Rear trunk has a removable attached cover that conveniently rises when the rear lift gate is opened and conceals everything when closed. Black cloth seats are comfortable and nicely contoured. Owner’s manual is very complete and easy to understand. Cruise control buttons have raised centers which allow me to keep my eye on the road. Im getting about 30 MPG overall. Good safety features, insurance cost reasonable.

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  Most Fun for the money - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Rogracin - February 18 - 9:06 pm

  This is only the second new car we ever bought. The first was a 1988 Mazda MX6 GT and that car is still my daily driver (230K) so yes I am partial to Mazda. It was a little sluggish off the line until I installed a K&N air filter. Not sure what people are talking about saying they have poor MPG but dont forget the K&N filter! I would buy this car all over again!The original Eagle GT RSA tires were super hard and undriveable in any type snow. The replacement ContiPros ride and look much better but there is a slight roll over the sidewalls on very aggressive cornering. The interior is a little cheap like the sun visors and I gave a 8 on the build quality because I have a weird quirk where the radio does not always turn off with the car. Mazda has not traced down. Great car for the money!

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  2.3L Engine Prone to Failure - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By mazdaharp - February 13 - 5:59 am

  Ive owned this car since day one. It is 9-1/2 years old and 103,000 miles on it. Ive done all scheduled maintenance at the dealer. Ive had a problem for a few years where this car has been chewing through oil but no one could out where it was going (no leaks, no visible burning, no blown head gasket). Im adding about a quart every 750 miles. Insane. I finally took it to another dealer with a better service department when the first failed to identify the problem. The piston rings have failed. The only solution... a new engine for $7,200. The more research I do, the more I see this is a common problem but Mazda is refusing to acknowledge it.

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  Awesome! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Ali - February 13 - 2:26 am

  I have only had this car for a month but I ABSOLUTELY love it. Its wonderful and gas is great. Im so happy with my purchase!

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  Great little car - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By thetejon - February 12 - 5:40 pm

  Ive put about 4600 miles on this car, and I love it. All my complaints so far are pretty trivial - a little too much engine noise, the interior clock isnt that accurate . . . nothing to keep you from buying the car. Before buying, I read reviews that mentioned excessive brake noise - I test drove a couple of 3s, and the brake noise only occurred in the automatic. I was really unimpressed with the automatic - it felt sluggish compared to the manual. I get good mileage - average 23-27 MPG driving in traffic in Northern Virginia, and I dont drive it gently. I averaged over 31 for the tank during a weekend trip spent doing a lot of driving on country highways.

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  Better than the Audi A4 - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mazda Lover - February 11 - 4:20 pm

  Its hard to describe the quality of the suspension without driving one yourself. The fit and finish is world class. The price point is beyond anything else currently on the market. My husbands last 2 cars have been brand new Mercedes and he is accustomed to a quality ride and he feels that the Mazda 3 rides just as well. The xenon lights and Sirius radio are just two examples of the thoughtful features that were added to this car. If you are looking for a vehicle in this price range this car should be seriously considered.

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  I Absolutely Love It! - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By DAN-I-AM - February 10 - 8:56 pm

  I never thought I would buy a Mazda but I am sure glad I did. This car is a lot of fun to drive & handles the road quite well. Extremely smooth ride more so than my 04 Honda Accord. I find myself sitting in the car after parking just to listen to the stereo (which Ive never done in the past). I would highly recommend this great build of a vehicle. I plan on getting some options added later because I know I purchased a great car that I plan on keeping forever! :o)

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  In love! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By mazdalvr - February 10 - 2:16 am

  This car is awesome! I test drove all the other cars in its class, and after driving this one, I bought it on the spot. It looks so much classier/sportier than others I looked at, and The Bose Stereo is great, also loving the sunroof! Having Bluetooth standard is nice too. Coming from a V6 to a 4 cyl. wasnt a big deal as this thing can get up and go. To anyone looking for a car packed with options at a reasonable price - and great looks - BUY A MAZDA! You wont regret it.

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  Excellent Car! - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By Fun2Driver - February 9 - 8:50 pm

  My last car was a VW Golf. It served me well for 10+ years. It was a fun-to-drive machine, but quite costly to maintain, especially with age. So I decided its time for a new car. I test drove 3 hot hatches: new Toyota Matrix (158hp/4cyl); VW Rabbit (170hp/5cyl); Mazda3 5dr (156hp/4cyl). Heres my little comparo. 3rd place, Matrix. Highs: big cargo room, Toyota reliability. Lows: Mazda3 copy cat, dull handling, peculiar styling, high price (23k for XRS), poor corner visibility due to large A pillar. 2nd place, VW Rabbit. Highs: big engine, VW fun, quality interior. Lows: uncomfortable seat (angled too much), confusing controls, strange "wall" under windshield, questionable reliability.

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  Almost Perfect! - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jennifer - February 6 - 4:00 am

  I love love love my Mazda 3. I did a lot of research of the Honda Civic, Fit, Toyota Corolla and the Volks Jetta. I was almost going to buy the Corolla until I test drove the Mazda 3 Sedan. It was the handling that sold me and the expensive/sporty look of the trim. The Corolla was everything I expected it to be, but the Mazda 3 surpassed what I was looking for.