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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  Small car but nice - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By My car - October 30 - 3:03 am

  For the money I spent I got a good car, gas mileage is great, a little too small inside, but so far never had a problem.

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  Fun car with a lot to offer - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mark - October 29 - 10:00 am

  Had this car for 1 month and absolutely love it! Very much a bargain for what was included in the Grand Touring (leather, climate, sunroof, sound). I little bit noisy on uneven pavement but very nimble and fun to drive. The hatchback offers a lot of versatility and the styling is very European - not boring like so many of the sub-compacts. Gas mileage could be better but I am willing to give up a few miles per gallon for the additional horsepower. Highly recommend this car.

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  Fun, excellent performance - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By crystal - October 29 - 10:00 am

  Like reviewer Tom Tom, I was looking at a Honda Fit. I chose this Mazda 3 because it drove better: smooth and responsive, quietly powerful, nimble and sexy. I almost got the touring model, but in Seattle, not much need for a moon roof. It feels luxurious inside and a lot better maneuverability than a Fit. Great trunk space.

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  Very pleased. - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Joe - October 25 - 11:16 pm

  I really like my Mazda 3. I traded a 2000 Miata for it, and expected a letdown in the fun-to-drive department when it came time to trade. I didn’t have much money to spend, and I needed something economical for my very long daily commute. Those criteria don’t usually lend themselves to much fun. Or so I thought. The Mazda 3 is great fun to drive. The 2.0 liter engine revs willingly and the five-speed manual shifts smoothly and positively. It corners flat, the steering is precise, and it brakes confidently. And for an inexpensive car, the 3 doesnt look or feel cheap. Materials and build quality are good. There really is something to the "zoom- zoom" stuff.

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  ANOTHER SUCCESS STORY FROM MAZDA - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jim Vesta - October 25 - 2:00 am

  The 2.3 liter engine gives this lightweight car a lot of Zoom Zoom. That said, you still feel like there is more real metal than plastic like in a lot of cars.

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  Satisfied with room to improve - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Davey - October 22 - 9:20 am

  I bought this car brand new and now have almost 50K on it. Only had one problem crop up so far with a bad sensor that ran me about $250 at the Mazda dealer. Never left me stranded. I took my stereo out and but in a JVC nav head unit. Great pick up for a 4- cyl 2.3 engine. comfy front seats and rear but short on leg room in the rear for 6 foot people. Truck is a decent size as well. Great chassis and suspension holds the road like nothing else

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  Zoomin Fun - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By ANPope - October 22 - 12:50 am

  My last car was an Audi A4. When it was time for a new car I went with the Mazda3. Its fun to drive and responsive, with decent handling for this price range. The only handling problem is the tendency to spin the front tires when making a 90 degree turn from a stop onto wet roads. It affords good visibility and I never have a problem merging quickly into traffic. I get 30 to 31 MPG on the highway even with the larger engine and automatic transmission, although you can knock 2 MPG off that when running the AC.

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  Great Experience - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Bryan - October 20 - 10:33 pm

  This car has turned a couple 34+ year olds with two children into the youthful spirits we had be yearning for. The car is fun to drive. I have experienced few better handling cars. The 5-doors styling turns heads everywhere we go. Lower the windows, pull back the sunroof..adjust the leather seats, switch to manual transmission mode..turn the 6-disk stereo up and...zoom,zoom.

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  Mazda 3 for me - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By keith - October 20 - 6:30 pm

  Great feel, fun to drive, handles well, solid braking, and plenty of pickup, especially with the 5 speed. Nice features, great sound, easy to operate.

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  Great except for the GPS...zero support from Mazda - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By jsites - October 20 - 6:49 am

  Great little car. Except the built-in GPS which is a rip-off. My brand new grand touring Mazda 3 came with outdated 2009 copy right maps on and SD card. After having a number of problems and fails with this GPS outdated maps (cant find direct route to the dealership for one thing.) I have attempted to get updated maps..... I am even willing to pay the hideously over-priced fee of $200 to get updated maps, they are simply not available (I was promised by the dealer when I bought these maps were easily upgradeable) The OEM supplier Denso says they are "out of stock", they do not respond to multiple emails Ive sent, they refer me back to Mazda, which refers me back to Denso..... what a joke!