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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  Great Value and Performance - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Lance - September 19 - 2:43 pm

  I have owned more cars than I care to say, but I must say that this little wagon is great. I still cant get over the look of the thing, and the performance is better than most in its class with exception of the WRX. The fit and finnish is way above the norm compaired to the Hondas and Toyotas that we considered.

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  Zoom to the Front - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By NateM - September 17 - 10:00 am

  This is my first brand new car and after a year of researching cars I couldnt help but go with the Mazda. I owned a 90 MX-6 that had 261k on it when I sold it. This car gets compliments at gas stations and in drive-thrus. The gauge cluster invites you into a cockpit that tells you this car wants driven. Handling is world class, power is peppy, and people are amazed when I tell them I have the 6 spd Manual. Love love this car.

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  Mazda 3 Review - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Andrew Marino - September 15 - 10:26 pm

  Hot looking car. Extremely fun to drive. Outstanding gas mileage. Great performance from the engine. Comfortable in the front, a little tight in the back. Good storage space for a compact. I get compliments on the outside appearance of the car as well as the interior. Best purchase Ive ever made.

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  Makes long commutes fun and sporty - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By ThrilledCommuter - September 14 - 4:56 pm

  I love this car! I considered an Audi A3 TDI, which was easily $15K more, but am ecstatic I got the Mazda3. More Money does not equal a better car! My Mazda3 has the technology package and moon & tune package, so I am smiling all the way to work. It performs pretty well, and has awesome cornering. However, downshifting can sometimes be slow. But that is the only mediocrity I have with the car. My mileage varies from 25 - 28 depending on how much highway driving I do. But that is something I expected before buying. The technology package rocks! I dont mind the navigation screen size, and love the bluetooth audio streaming. Very comfortable all around, and hints of high quality material.

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  Superb car - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Larry - September 10 - 6:36 pm

  Just purchased this car a few days ago but it is clear what the pros and cons are. Great Handling, very firm and responsive steering. Acceleration actually surprised me when I first jumped on it and the car does feel sporty (I am guessing maybe 0-60 in 8 seconds?) For the money you can touch the performance and great looks. The only drawback is the seats are hard, they dont hug you like a Subaru or a Honda Civics, they are more like folding metal chairs (with lumbar support) I will be looking for a way to increase the comfort of them ASAP. The uncomfortable seats are a price I pay for the fun of driving this car, I never had a car I looked forward to so much to driving everyday.

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  Living Up to most of the other reviews - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By Staten Island Sr - September 10 - 6:43 am

  I found the Madda 3i touring Value Sedan had the best overall interior quality look and feel, and the standard equipment package included everything I wanted. Driving it over the past few weeks confirmed that I made the right choice. The seats are very comfortable, the car is nimble, very maneuverable and a pleasure to drive.

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  Gas Mileage and Power Delivery - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By fitterpaul - September 6 - 11:56 am

  One of the reasons I bought my 2012 Mazda3 hatchback with Skyactive was the expected gas mileage. I check it every fill-up and am only averaging about 28mpg with mixed interstate/city driving. I never encounter stop and go driving and the terrain is mostly flat. My best highway-only result was 35 mpg. With other cars I have owned I can usually get better mileage than the estimate. The other issue I have is power delivery. When excellerating from a slow speed or passing the car hesitates for a full second before shifting to a too-low gear. Thank goodness there is a manual shift mode that works well. Dont expect to get 39mpg or Zoom-Zoom with this car. It has neither.

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  Awsome Car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By agent_xiii - September 6 - 2:00 am

  I test drove this car about a month ago while shoping for a new car I instantly fell in love with it! I even waited a 3 weeks for them to get the exact color I wanted. Great car.

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  UNCOMFORTABLE - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By donchevy97 - September 5 - 8:31 pm

  takes corners and speed bumps terribly. rides extremely stiff

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  Many pros - one con - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Dairyland Purchaser - September 4 - 9:40 am

  Overall I am having a great experience driving the Mazda3s GT. It truly does want to zoom-zoom. I love the car. The only negative is that it is hard to read the instrument dials in bright sunshine. I cannot rate the reliability as I bought the car new, but I am counting on it lasting many years.