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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  Driving Machine that is Practical - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By RGSComp - November 21 - 10:00 am

  The 5 door is a car you can work out of and yet have so much fun driving. I put 1000 miles a week in city, rural and highway driving and never tire of the driving. 5 speed is short throw and slick. Steering is right on and makes you feel like all roads are a track. Seats in front are very comfortable and supportive. Everyone comments on the quality of the interior. I have never owned a car that gets so many comments from young guys to older men and women. Unique look. The fuel mileage, and I keep accurate records, has been 28.5 to 29 on the 2.3 liter entine. The interior swallowed two people and 5 computers and monitors, plus supplies and too

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  NO REGRETS - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By HILLBORG - November 21 - 10:00 am

  I am 57yrs young,this car takes the boredom out of driving. Tried G35 sedan,Maxima and the Acura TL @approx $15k more CDN and bought the 3GT WITH OUT THE TORQUE STEER. This car is as much fun and the insurance was a nice surprise.The doors close like a vault and the car is extremly stable at high speeds,also like the extra room in the garage.

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  Great Car - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By todd - November 19 - 5:20 am

  Went from a Lexus IS 250 to a Mazda 3 GT with the tech and bose package. Couldnt be happier. For well over $12,000 less than the Lexus, I get far more features (heated seats, rain sensing wipers, seat memory, bluetooth phone AND music streaming, xenon adaptive headlights, Navigation, etc.). Much more fun to drive than the Lexus (got the 6sp manual on the 3). For the price (I got well under invoice) there is nothing that can compare.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mark - November 16 - 10:20 pm

  This is one sweet car. Well priced. Grand touring package comes with heated seats, xenon lights, sunroof, leather, etc.; basically everything. The transmission in the 06 was bumped up to 5 speed. Fit and finish are almost perfect. Styling in and out matches the great performance of the car. The 168hp engine is just fast enough to be fun but not unsafe. It is quick off the line and the smooth shifting make it both a pleasure and fun to drive.

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  Love it with reservations - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Kevin Guyer - November 15 - 8:30 am

  I traded down from a Volvo V40, now the V50 to the Mazda-3S hatchback. While the quality of the interior materials in the Mazda are of a much lower quality. the comfort and ride is far superior. This is a great car for the money. I just drove it from New York to Miami and it was a pleasure. The only problem, and this drives me nuts, is when Im in 5th gear, every time I put my foot on the gas pedal an audible whistling/vacuum cleaner sound from the engine starts and intensifies as I speed up. The moment I take my foot off the gas it stops. It is awful and I need to play music all the time in order to mask it.

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  BEST car in class - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Sergio - November 14 - 11:10 pm

  Easily best car for the money (reliability to be seen). The car is very quick with excellent handling with 205/55R16 tires. I opted for the 2.0 for the mileage (28 MPG city driving on 1700 miles). Very nice and roomy interior. I will echo the complaints about the weak A/C, and the remote trunk opening, but they are not show stoppers. Seats are a little hard and the doors do not auto-lock when the car is started.

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  New 2009 Hatchback; SoFar, So Good - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By Marc Rodgers - November 6 - 9:33 pm

  Just got the car on 8/22, put on about 450 miles over the week end. About 30 mpg, mixed highway/city driving. Initial impressions: responsive, OK for power, nimble, good turn in with slight understeer (expected with front wheel drive), very good brakes and steering feel. Nice interior layout, good fit and finish. The Bose stereo, wiper controls and trip computer seem rather complex, but Im on a learning curve. Great cargo and passenger flexibility. I wanted a well made, economical but still fun to drive little car and this fits the bill. At or close to best in class. My other vehicle is a 08 Ford F-150 Limited with a Cobra pack. A great truck, but not the constant $80+ fill ups.

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  Nearly perfect car - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Roger - November 6 - 1:00 pm

  I bought this car specifically to improve upon the gas mileage I was getting in my Maxima. Even though its rated for 35 mpg, I routinely get better than that when its warm out (37-38 is not uncommon). What Ive found really impressive is that at high speeds, the mileage doesnt seem to be sacrificed. On the drive from Salt Lake to Laramie, I must have averaged around 80-85 mph and still achieved better than 35 mpg. The stereo is great for a stock stereo and the MP3 jack is a nice touch. I previously owned a 2001 Protege ES which I thought handled slightly better than the 3, but the 3 is a much better looking car. Somehow with the same engine as the Protege, mileage improved big time.

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  Style but serious flaws - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By rconn2 - November 4 - 4:26 am

  I just bought the 2005 Special Edition Mazda3, with SP2 Security Package, Moonroof and Navigation. I have decidedly mixed feelings; am actually considering selling (and have had less than 2 weeks). Why? Despite researching and reading all I could, you dont really know until you buy. 1. There are many posts on the internet saying this car is awful in the snow... the worst theyve driven in 40 years... an embarrassment. Some say its the tires, some the wheels and tires. Who knows. 2. Fuel economy is poor -- especially with the automatic transmission. Lots of complaints here too. Like in the low 20s. 3. Consumer Reports just dropped it. 4. Nav system is featureless.

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  Avoid. - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Trex - October 31 - 10:46 am

  The car is really loud inside. No need to opt for the upgraded stereo because its really poor -you can tell when the car is parked. When the car is moving, you cant hear anything anyway. The interior and exterior trim are so cheap and flimsy. When you are shopping dont be afraid to tug on these bits and youll see what I mean. be gentle in case there is a break it you own it policy. I get 19.2 mpg combined, which is appalling for a modern 4 cyl 3000 Ib car. The seat is too small for me (front), Im 57", 140 Ibs. The lights are worthless, cant see anything- I could go on but Im getting tired -in short, please dont waist your hard earned $$.