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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  Very good car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By OnMySecondMazda - October 19 - 2:00 am

  This is one GREAT car. Very stable cutting corners. Here are only few "negative" observations; everything else is GREAT. Headrest is a bit awkward as it pushes your head towards the front (I was told this is good in the case of a crash?). Snow handling is very poor. My old Protege w/Michellin X1s could go up a steep hill covered with 7 inches of snow without a problem. My new M3 has a very hard time handing smallest amount of snow. OK it has sportier tires but I wish I did not have to get winter tires. Air bag light (red one in front of the driver) just started coming on (will have to investigate if this is a known problem).

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  Dont pass this up! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By av123 - October 19 - 2:00 am

  All The previous reviews say it all. This is probable the best car you can get for the money right now. I think Mazda went all out on this model to cut into the Honda Civics dominance of the class. They came up with a winner.

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  IT WILL TURN HEADS - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By lasso - October 19 - 2:00 am

  this was my first new car and all i can say is wow,i took my new car to virginia and got 32 mpg there and 29mpg on the way back,every where i go people turn their heads especially with the sport 17 inch rims.And at a good price range also u really cant go wrong.if u want a sporty car that turns heads,looks like a million bucks and feels great to drive then this would be it.

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  Wow - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By thefa11en - October 16 - 6:03 pm

  This car is amazing. Its very fun to drive and I was very impressed with the performance of the car. Not to mention the gas mileage is amazing, I drove from San Bernardino to Yucaipa 3 times, around the streets, and I still had half a tank. It was full when I started. Sadly though, a drunk driver hit me head on going 40 miles and hour and the car saved my life. I walked out of the car with no injury, no whiplash, but a few sore spots from the air bag and seat belt. I got enough to buy the same car, and truthfully, I will buy it again for those reasons.

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  Gas Mileage - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Al Bradley - October 16 - 12:16 pm

  My first tank I got 40 mpg. I could not believe this so I checked the second tank, 37.3 mpg, much better than what the EPA says (32). This was all highway driving in the mountains. Great car!!

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  2006 Mazda3 Hatchback - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By carl999 - October 16 - 12:02 pm

  A great small car. Fun to drive, always reliable.

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  Good Looks and Great Mileage - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Don - October 15 - 8:23 pm

  I have had this car for several months now. It gets better than advertised fuel mileage if not drivin too hard. I drive 50 miles to work everyday, over a mountain and average 36 to 38 MPG. I have had it on the open road and it gets slightly less, comming in at an average of about 34MPG. I think this is because at 75 MPH it is turning 3500 RPMs.You cant argue with getting around 400 miles on a tank befor the light comes on. I think the manuals could use a 6th gear.

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  So wonderful I bought another one - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By teamsc10190 - October 15 - 3:44 am

  I had a 2006 Mazda 3 SGT that was my favorite car Id owned since the early 70s. I decided late in 2009 that I needed to have another one but the second generation 3 was already at Mazda dealerships, sporting a vapid grin that I hated. I needed to find another first generation 3. The search for a SGT variant took me four years to find a low mileage pristine example CA car. When a 5-sp manual, White Pearl with navigation surfaced I pounced on it. It was well worth the effort and the wait. This car consistently delivers in smiles per mile. With the third generation 3, Mazda recovered the sexy face in a more capable and complete package that will be on my short list in the future.

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  Slick tires on water/snow - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By abc - October 14 - 11:10 am

  My husband and I have owned our manual Mazda3 for only a few months, and it is a joy to drive in ideal conditions. Pure driving enjoyment! If it is wet or snowy, however, we fear for our lives. The car spins to start at a light, slides a lot at a stop, and often fishtails in the snow. The factory installed Eagles are like skis and after 2 near-misses and one collision due to snow, we are getting the tires/rims replaced before we get hurt or hurt someone else.

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  2006 Mazda 3 - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Michele - October 12 - 12:26 am

  The driving of this car is great, handles curves very well and is all around a very fun car to drive. Gets great gas mileage. First Mazda we have owned but it wont be the last. I purchased this car from Gerald Jones Mazda in Augusta, Ga. and used Charlie Royal. He was impressed me with all the ins and outs of the car and made the process very easy. I highly recommend him and this dealership to any one looking for a new or used Mazda. I can definitely say it wont be our last Mazda.