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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  Overrated - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Eddie Money - October 9 - 11:03 am

  I traded in my Subaru WRX to save some money with lower payments, lower insurance and to get better mileage, plus the WRX required premium gas. I just wanted a nice commuter & I even bought an A/T car for the first time in 15 yrs. I like the styling and a lot of the accessories, but what really bugs me is all the loose things on the car. Lots of interior squeaks and there is a clunking in the back after only two weeks. I think the build quality is mediocre. The power sunroof is almost worthless because it makes such an annoying sound when driving down the road at 40-45, it goes away on the freeway.

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  Gas Pig - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Russ - October 8 - 9:20 pm

  Overall, its a great car. No mechanical issues at 16,700 miles. Its got great pick-up and looks great. I get 27 mpg on the highway at 65-70 and I think that bites. I can get 37 out of my Focus. If I drive at 45 mph down the highway I can get to the 34 mpg range. The 17" Goodyear Eagle P** tires are about worn out. Im really disappointed with them. Almost all my driving has been highway. They have a tread wear rating of 250. Ill be lucky to make it past the 20,000 mile mark without buying new ones. Had to upgrade to the Grand Touring trim at the last moment to get the side airbags.

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  Uncomfortable seats, rattles and weird noises - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By neems - October 7 - 1:55 am

  I never thought I would be one of the "those people that writes unhappy reviews but here I am. 1. The basic cloth seats look good, but theyre hard as rock. I dont know if there was some switch-a-roo but my seat barely have any padding and I can feel the seat structure of the chair. 2. For a two week old car, it sure rattles a lot especially on the passenger side 3. Theres an unusual humming noise coming from the middle of the car. It doesnt sound like idling or accelerating so Im concerned.

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  Great City Car - 2013 Mazda Mazda3
  By boomerbob - October 6 - 7:32 pm

  Ive had my Mazda 3 for just over a month and Im very pleased with the car. Most of my driving is in the city and the SkyActive engine has delivered right at 30mpg on the first 5 tanks. I really like the driving dynamics and the overall road feel the car gives. My only complaint so far is the road noise at higher speeds. Theres plenty of interior room and very comfortable seats.

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  From a former 2004 Audi A6 owner - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Michael - October 5 - 11:10 pm

  Just stepped down from an Audi A6 to a gun metal blue Mazda 3 GT (or did I). Love this car after just a week of ownership. Design, build, performance are all top notch for its class. Test drove this and a Mazda 6 (we already own a CX-7) and found that I liked the 3 better. I couldnt afford the six cylinder Mazda 6 and the 4 cyc appeared way down on power. Best bang for my buck. We now own 2 Mazdas with this being the fourth. No regrets.

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  Excellent car but.... - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By tnmats - October 2 - 5:16 pm

  The 3 is a fun car to drive; call it a BMW 3 on the cheap. Mine has the 4 speed auto, which while detracting a bit in the fun-to-drive area, still is a blast to drive. Steering is tight, handling is crisp. Its just right. The main gripe is the pathetic air conditioner. That is one known issue with this car, and so far Mazda hasnt really addressed it properly. Outside of that, the fuel mileage could be better for its size.

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  I cant stop driving it! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By passa34 - October 1 - 10:10 am

  Hey everyone, just purchased my Mazda3 about one month ago. I have no regrets. The car is really fun to drive, handles great and the manual shifts beautifully. The only thing I dont like are the stock tires; they are bad in the snow. We had a light snow fall here in Chicago and the car was sliding all over the place. New tires should fix that.

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  2007 Mazda 3 - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By ship_phi071 - September 27 - 4:34 am

  Purchased this car 6 years ago, car has 50,700 miles on it. Overall it gets me from point A to point B, however I have had to replace brake cable, calipers, rotors and brakes as well as the rear and front supsension. Apparently this is a not uncommon issue with the vehichle. Car warranty should be better as well only 3 years 36K miles

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  Love this car! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By BluZoom - September 21 - 7:16 pm

  Factory ordered Jan04; picked Strato Blue out of the book. What a looker! Will never find another paint this beautiful; even Mazda changed it after 2004, probably because it scratches so easily. Still turning heads after 75,000 miles though. Absolute fun to drive on tight back roads, but really tough on tires. Easy to spin even from a stop sign. Gas mileage with aftermarket roof rack is around 23-25 mpg mixed, but 30-33 mpg on long trips using cruise control. Good reliability; only three unscheduled trips to dealer that was the cars fault...dash cracked, CD player fried, and transmission programming issue. Most difficult is thinking of trading it off! Might just have to buy another one!

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  No whining, please! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Spoolie - September 20 - 4:50 pm

  This car has better overall performance than the most famous 1960 Jaguar MkII 3.8L! Yes, I wore off the Toyo OEM tires in 18k. Solution - some GoodYear Assurance TripleTreds rated for 80k. Yes, dont go in the snow with Toyo. Solution - again TripleTred fixed that. Yes, easily banged up in the supermarket parking lot. Solution - Its only a $18k car, so dont worry about it. I have a few wrinkles on my face! Yes, chassis outruns the engine once in a while. Solution: get the cold air intake and freer exhaust system for $1k = 25+ more hp. Or get the manual trans. Yes, a little "piggy" in the city = 22 mpg. Solution: Get on the highway = 38 mpg.