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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  Zoom Zoom #1 - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By mugwamp - January 28 - 9:16 pm

  This is the most fun I have had in a car in years. It is compact but still has head and shoulder room for my husband and myself, and we are not small people. With gas prices going up, it is terrific. My son did not want to learn how to drive a manual until he drove mine a few times. Now that is what he wants for his own car.

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  Great Economy Car - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By ingersom - January 28 - 12:33 pm

  the exterior of the car for this price range is fantastic! the subtle lines the beautiful headlights are a total turn on, however the interior is bland using black cloth and some silver trim throughout the whole car. you can be sure its not luxury. the features of the car are pretty limited but it does have bluetooth which is now a must have and pretty much all i needed... the ride is very stiff so if u frequent crappy roads u will feel every bump but when u get it out on a smooth fresh paved road with plenty of curves well... theres a reason why i have 4 tickets. road noise is pretty high especially in the backseat but at least while your back there you will have plenty of leg room

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  Unreliable, lots of annoyances, poor mileage, noise - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By wschloss - January 19 - 1:41 pm

  This car is annoying and high maintenance and sorry I bought it. It does have good power and sporty handling and can be fun at times, but "low profile" tires, counter-intuitive controls, and features that sound good on paper but are poorly implemented, make it expensive and annoying to drive on a daily basis. Gas mileage is quite poor. For instance steering wheel radio controls dont have the ability to "seek" or "scan" stations, only to go to the next or previous programmed channel. Cargo area is REALLY small, tie-downs are poorly placed, and the opening mechanism poorly implemented. Key-less remote is non-tactile and not illuminated. Very disappointing.

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  GO MAZDA! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By RotaryAK - January 18 - 2:00 am

  I love the new Mazda3 5 door. I think the regular sedan looks like it had its back cut off. Beyond that it is an awesome car!

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  The Class-Leader - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Eliot Rebensdorf - January 18 - 2:00 am

  I bought a 2.3 litre model with 4-Speed Sport AT automatic early this month and so far the car is excellent. The engine has great performance in low rpm range and you get greatly rewarded when traveling into the upper rpm range. The interior design and execution is almost perfect. The gauges are great to look at and easy to read. The dash is simple and offers unique immulating features. The only complaint is cheapish plastics scattered throughout the cabin, but for this price, who cares? The exterior looks are fabulous and the 17-inch wheel s and tyres make the car handle just like our BMW. Its a great car. Without a doubt, the class leader.

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  Fantastic Car! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Kentucky Dude - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Mazda 3s for three weeks now and am extremely happy! The engine is powerful and the sport AT is great (especially in manual mode). Ride and comfort is superb and the leather interior is first rate. This car stops on a dime - great brakes.

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  Awesome!! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By stephen - January 12 - 3:50 am

  I love my mazda3. It looks great, gets good gas mileage, handles great, and has great features. Mine has heated seats, gps, leather throughout, mp3 hookup, and love the look of the hatchback. I have the slapshift and it gets up a lot quicker when using the stick. I recommend this car to anyone!

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  Solid - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By BC - January 10 - 3:03 am

  What a great car. Fun to drive and looks great! We looked at Honda, Toyota, and once we drove it, we felt it was the best fit.

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  Wonderful - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By ksmazda - January 9 - 2:16 am

  This has been a great family vehicle, its reliable and extremely fun to drive. Weve moved twice since weve owned it and could not believe how much we could cram inside. The interior cleans up nicely with a vacuum or carpet cleaning. The only issue weve had with the interior is that the cloth on one of the doors wasnt glued well.

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  Mazda 3s 5door- It Really Is Zoom Zoom!! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Rillo - January 8 - 10:00 am

  This is my first new vehicle purchase and I have to say that I am VERY impressed overall. I love the body styling, the 17" alloy wheels, and the abundance of options you can choose from to customize your car! The handling and agility the car provides is incredible for this price range. The engine has a definite refinement about it that I did not feel in the Corolla, or Civic. Interior space is nicely appointed and can fit four comfortably. It feels large. The hatchback also provides ample room for cargo when the rear seats are folded down. Ergonomically the interior beats the competition hands down. My only complaint, gas mielage is lower than anticipated.