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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  Mazda3 - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By silliewillie - May 24 - 2:00 am

  I have traveled 4500 miles so far. Ive been extremely pleased with the performance, reliability, and design of the vehicle thus far. Ive received complements from strangers on the visual appeal of the vehicle. Take a test drive and feel how well this car handles. The Mazda 3 is very fun to drive.

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  Just bought the 3S and love it! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Bigcat817 - May 24 - 2:00 am

  I got the 3S loaded out (except navigation), it drives great. The extra 12Hp made a difference. It picks up speed smooth and easy, the Xenon lights are great, and cool red dash lighting. The 6 speakers/6 cd changer is avg. Handling is excellent, the leather seats Im sure will loosen up some once I have been in it enough. I got the Titanium Grey which was my favorite color and the reason that I got the 3S over the 3I. I did like the 3I 5 speed (which was great to drive, shifting was smooth). The Mazda/Ford plan was a great way to buy a car no haggle and i got mine 2k under msrp. Well I have to go now "Baby" is calling me :)

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  Mazda 3 Sport - poor mileage - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Susan - May 23 - 6:06 pm

  Purchased car in June 2007, has been in the shop for poor mileage and squeaky brakes twice in less than a year. Mazda claims the car will get 31 m/gal city and 41 m/gal highway. The best Ive gotten so far is 29 m/gal - this was obtained on an all highway road trip. Worst was 22 m/gal. Response from Mazda is that the mileage is considered normal??!! I will not buy another Mazda, they claim false numbers and will not stand by the product to find out whats wrong even when they agree theres a problem.

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  Beauty is in the Eye of Beholder. - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By joe mc govern - May 16 - 5:00 pm

  Car drives excellent on dry pavement. This car isnt a daily commuter if you have snow, the OEM RSA eagles slide all over in 2" of snow. Get snow tires. The car is well worth the money, but a lot of plastic and styrofoam in front end. Insurance is high on this car, but so is the Civic. The 2.0 engine is more frugal on gas than its 2.3 liter. I rented the 2.3 liter HB but it wasnt worth the extra gas money. This car is a sports sedan with the low pro tires and sits higher than a mini and Civic, thats why I bought it. However next year its history Im going with a car that has real carpets, and a more rigid build for safety.There are not enough options on a 2.0 also.

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  Great car for the cash - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By monstamaniak - May 13 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my 3 for about 3 months and have logged 5000 miles. This is the most fun and precise machine Ive piloted that comes in the under 20K range.The steering is tight and the body roll is slim.The suspension allows if not encourages spirited runs through the twisties and the engine delivers good power and torque.The transmission operates smoothly and the shifter has that "snick-snick" feel like a well-built Euro machine.Everything about the car in my opinion is outstanding except the carpet.The leather seats are attractive and supportive,what went wrong when Mazda was picking the carpet?

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  2 thumbs up - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mike - May 13 - 6:03 am

  Great car overall. Have both a 06 mazda 6 and this 09 mazda 3. although the interior is a bit inferior of that of the 6, the 3 is very well built and has seamless lines. The 2.0 litre is very peppy and I imagine the 2.3 would only be better, as my 6 has a 2.3. This 3 has very tight steering and has been successful to living up to mazdas zoom zoom motto. Excellent exterior as well, much better at turning heads than a civic and corolla in my opinion. Mileage is decent, although the civic may get a few more miles/ gallon (possibly 5 or so). Overall a great car for people who like to drive. Definitely recommended!!!

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  Better than a rabbit - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By michael roman - May 10 - 1:16 am

  Drove the 07 Mazda and the 08 170hp VW, and still chose the Mazda. Overall, a more substantial car with better handling, more features: leather, xenon, infinitely adjustable drivers seat, etc. Im 64" and fit comfortably with the seat back erect. Truly a poor mans BMW.

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  Fun to drive good looking sedan - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Chris - May 5 - 5:10 pm

  I drove an 2006 Mazda 3 iTouring for about three years before buying my 2010 3s. This car definitely steps up the included features without doing much to the price. For under 20K you get a lot of power and a good feature set vs Honda, Toyota, etc. The ride is actually a bit louder than before but overall this is the same car I loved in 2006 with more features and refinements.

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  Fun to drive, great price! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Patrick - May 1 - 3:16 am

  This car handles like a dream. Exterior looks great. I tell people the price and they just about fall over. A little cramped on the inside, but I am also 64", what could I expect. Carpet is cheap as is ceiling fabric. They had to cut costs somewhere. I would buy again if given the choice. Braking is great. Powerful engine, fun and easy shifting manual transmission.

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  Drives as good as my BMW 3! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Franklin - April 29 - 4:56 pm

  Hugs the roads and feels very tight on the steering. Fantastic.