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 Car!!!! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By mazdaguy - March 18 - 4:50 am

  Had this about 1 week so cant comment on reliability but this thing is a blast to drive, I test drove the corolla, civic, elantra and sentra and this car beats it by leaps and bounds. The interior is so upscale, they spared no expense (it looks like a BMW). No cheap plastics or loose panels. But the best part is the handling, this car wants to be driven fast and it handles great. You can take corners with confidence

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  Responsive - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By ACTD - March 16 - 12:40 pm

  Steering, handling, ride, and throttle response are nearly perfect. This car reacts to control inputs without hesitation while maintaining a comfortable ride. This is a true drivers car. No other cars in the compact class can compete. The true competition is in the near luxury class. I have owned Audi, Lexus, and Acura, and I dont feel like anything is missing from the Mazda 3. The 167hp will not win a drag race, but the power delivery is smooth with quick throttle response. Plus, there always seems to be plenty of power reserve waiting for merging and passing. Overall, I am extremely pleased with my purchase.

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  Fun car to drive - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mohan Nayak - March 14 - 2:56 pm

  I bought a black GT Mazda3 and it sure looks beautiful. The packages included in it like the bose and moonroof make it really worth the price. The interior with leather looks very slick. I get 27-28 mpg. Overall it is a good choice for a cost effective sedan with features. No other car will give you traction control and stability control at this price.

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  All around great car - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Eury - March 12 - 1:10 pm

  My wife got one of these as a loaner when her 06 Jetta TDI died, after driving it for a week, I loved it so much I went out and bought one for myself. It has excellent space, Im 6 tall, and can sit in the backseat after Ive adjusted the front to where Im comfortable. The hatch is a wonder of engineering how it can be reconfigured with all the compartments, and it is big enough for everything I can throw at it. I love the seat fabric, its comfortable, tough and cleans up well, and best of all, this car is FUN to drive! It handles great, and the ride is sporty without beating me up. Honestly, I love it more every time I get in it.

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  Very Pleased with 1st Mazda Top Notch - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Christian - March 12 - 12:20 am

  Recently bought my 3 and I am very happy with it. I have put about 1800 miles on it. Handles great, decent brakes (like to squeak when backing out of driveway). Hatch is very roomy, I am in the process of moving and it has been able to carry everything so far. The fog lights are useless, not worth buying on the 4 door; come standard on 5 door. I love the styling, projector headlights, euro style tails. Visibility is excellent, back seat a little tight for taller people, good for average height. Cant wait for the speed edition coming next year; do I hear TURBO ALL WHEEL DRIVE? Look out econo cars....

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  Fun car to drive - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By geisen111 - March 11 - 7:33 pm

  I just bought this car and I love it. This is the first 4 door car I have owned and it is very comfortable. Fun to drive. I love the style and sporty look of this car. I want to drive it all the time. There are some very nice features that make this car a great purchase. It has a luxury feel at a very affordable price. It has a lot of room considering that it looks small from the outside. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a sporty 4 door car.

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  Im as happy as can be! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Dquestic - March 11 - 6:40 am

  I searched and read reviews and hunted for a car for over a month. I went to Honda, went to VW, looked at Nissans and Toyotas, and its all by chance I got the Mazda. And boy has it been a blessing and just a treat to own. Phantom Blue Mica and the only one of the few. Just a gorgeous car. Smooth on the road, and living in NYC I have to deal with the constant potholes, but in this car they feel like a hump in the road and nothing more. Gas mileage is amazing, at 950 miles and have filled the tank 3 times. On the highway the gas mileage is amazing, around the city it seems to fall off a bit. Just a fun car to drive. And it can move too.

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  Great price to value ratio - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By k2kiceman - March 10 - 4:36 am

  I love this car, traded a 99 Jeep Cherokee on the cash for clunkers program. no regrets so far, its a lot of fun to drive and the fuel mileage is double that of the Jeep. Build quality seems to be excellent and the car has good acceleration and shifts smoothly and precise.

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  I Love My 3 GT Hatch! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By jlc0005 - March 7 - 8:40 pm

  I debated for over a year before I finally bought one and I couldnt be happier. I bought it in November, but only started driving it regularly after selling my old car about 2 months ago. So far, its been a great little car. Its an Aurora Blue GT loaded with Bose, moonroof, 6CD, 5-spd AT, and Homelink autodim mirror. I so look forward to driving my car, even though gas prices are outrageous.

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  Good but not great - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By lisal79 - March 5 - 11:56 am

  We recently bought a Mazda 3 right before Christmas. My husband and I both just loved the way it looked and drove. We didnt even notice the goofy grin, and even noticing now, I think its cute. I do wish that the car got better gas mileage. Right now were getting about 25mpg which isnt great. That is one of my regrets with purchasing this car considering that gas prices are starting to rise again.