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 1411 through 1420 of 2,343.00-
2004 Mazda 3 - 5 speed 2.3 litre - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
By sy32004 - January 8 - 10:00 amMy first new car and i could not be happier. There are minor things that i feel could be better, but overall this is a great car.
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Despite few gripes, would buy again - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
By 3owner - January 7 - 9:53 pmThis car gives amazing performance for the price. Quiet, extremely smooth engine and tranny, firm brakes, great ride. It handles like its on rails. Rides/performs like a car costing 5-10 thousand more. For ca. $1800 and a couple bucks more per month on a payment, it is stupid not to get the Grand Touring model. Just the xenon headlights are worth it. Once you have driven a car with xenons, youll think normal headlights are pure junk. The leather, auto-on headlights and wipers are nice too. So get the Grand Touring!! We test drove all the popular cars, Honda, Toyota, Nissan, etc., and none of them held a candle to this car as far as equipment and performance for the price.
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Far Out - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
By Brian - January 7 - 11:43 amThis car is amazing! For the money, you cant go wrong. It feels, looks, and handles like a car worth much more money. On the test drive I caught myself grinning like a little kid and Im almost 59! My wife likes it two and we are having a ball! Go for it!
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Good Choice! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
By FullyFamous - January 5 - 4:10 pmIve had the car car for one week now. Very impressed with it so far. 1st tank of gas got 27.5 mpg (mostly city). The next tank was a true all-highway trip and I got 34.5 mpg. So far, so good! Not even broken in yet. Tilt/telescoping wheel can interfere with speedo/tach if adjusted to how I would ultimately like it; have had to adjust my seating position to work around this. Seems like some tire noise compared to my old 98 cavalier.
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No More Minivans! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
By FL Mom - January 5 - 4:30 amI absolutely love this car! I traded in my minivan because I was sick of spending $70+/week on gas. The handling, design and driving experience are all top notch. The 5- speed is very responsive and gives excellent control. I average just under 30 mpg in mixed driving, with A/C on most of the time (I live in FL). The hatch is surprisingly roomy inside: my 2 kids have ample room in the back, and the hatch has plenty of room for groceries and backpacks. The dash is very attractive, with logical controls. My only real beef is with the horn: wimpy and high pitched. I dont trust that it would grab the attention of other motorists in an emergency.
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I love my car! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
By Little Red - January 4 - 4:40 pmI dumped my horribly unreliable Volkswagen Jetta to buy this car, and I couldnt have made a better choice. It has been totally reliable and fun to drive. Gas economy is great. Its also super cute. Last summer I drove it down the West Coast and had a blast. It is comfortable for long trips, but also really convenient in the city. With factory issued tires it is not great in the snow. I have to put on tire chains at Mt. Hood when its snowing.
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Fun To Drive ... Zoom Zoom* - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
By JoJo - January 4 - 10:53 amI LOVE my Mazda3. It handles well for a car in this class, love the stereo controls and cruise control on the steering wheel. Seats are so comfy, huge glove box, tons of storage for bottles, maps, books, CDs, tapes, etc. Great stereo system. The exterior looks so cool. I have the Nordic green, it is almost a green/black color and I have seen people stop to look at my car on the highway. If my stupid neighbor didnt hit it 7 days after I bought it I would be even more happy with it. I will get it back from having it fixed and painted tomorrow, cant wait, I miss my baby. Anyway, if you have a choice in buying a economy car, this is luxury all the way for a car in this class!
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Fun to drive and WOW the power !! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
By dep292 - January 2 - 10:00 amThis is my fourth Mazda so it goes without saying that I enjoy the reliability of them. This; however, is the most fun car Ive ever driven, ok so its tied with my RX7. The sport package (2.3) is worth the extra money and the look of this car gets really turns heads.
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Problems at 2000mi one week for an appt - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
By Nomoremazdas - January 2 - 10:00 amI got my car in March 2004 and loved it. Fun to drive. Just yesterday the trouble started. The check engine light came on. I called to get an appointment at the nearest dealership, 15 miles away. Their next appt was 6 days from now. I wrote to Mazda to complain and their response was to try another dealer. If I chose to not go to another dealer at least 30 minutes away, that is my choice. I was just floored by their lack of concern. If I had read the forums here on Edmunds on Mazda customer service instead of just the glowing reviews here I might have made a better choice. Read them for yourselves.
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Whoootah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
By Flexxx69 - January 2 - 10:00 amthe handling is great....looks cool....fun....different than the SUV my wife now drives......tight on corners and has the ability to accelerate quickly when called upon.....
