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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  You cant beat the value of this car!! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By kelly418m - September 1 - 10:00 am

  Overall, this car provides you with the best value for your money!! It has great gas mileage and drives so smoothly. Also, I must mention that the body and interior of the car is very up to date and really makes the car look nice. If you researching cars right now, I believe you will not have to search any more because the Mazda3 has everything you need and want, all in an economical, yet, trendy car!!

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  Zoom Zoom w/ No Guilt - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By indigolane - September 1 - 10:00 am

  The Mazda 3 is sporty, sophisticated and hot all at once. Even light on the gas, you can fly. The steering console wraps around you with the feel of a more expensive sports model. Someone who likes to drive must have designed this model, cause it is a joy.

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  So much fun to drive! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Sue - September 1 - 8:40 am

  Love Love Love this car! It is so much fun to drive. It corners great and has great pickup. Love all of the features in the car as well. The bright headlights, the heated seats, the nice stereo make driving this car awesome!

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  Only had 3i for 2 weeks, but I love it - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By dkw411 - August 31 - 8:16 am

  I needed to find a stylish, economy car after my 95 trans am convt died. I thought that I would never find a vehicle that looked and performed as well as my trans am, until I found the 3i. I test drove this car and I loved the handling, performance, and overall looks. I do not miss the 285 hp, gas guzzling trans am at all. This mazda gets great gas mileage and it performs surprisingly well for the price. I first test drove a new Suzuki Forenza, which was nice, but the 3i seems to be in an entirely different class. I am about to graduate from college and I am on a strict budget, so I fell in love with the price tag on my 3i. I recommend this car to all college students and anyone on a budget.

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  Buying another - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Matt - August 27 - 9:06 pm

  Bought as third car because of experiences with 8 Mazdas owned over the years. Our other cars are a Porsche Boxster and a Honda Pilot. Car was such a blast to drive it accumulated more miles than the Porsche. On May 2, 2006 the car was destroyed by an aggressive driving 18 wheeler who ran over 2 pickup trucks and then me. The speed differential was estimated at 40 mph when the truck hit our Mazda. Structure of the car did exactly what it was supposed to do and collapsed, absorbing the blow. After the crash the front doors still opened & closed perfectly. Even with most of the rear crushed the tow operator was able to drive the car on to the rollback.

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  Hot Car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Chris Dellorco - August 27 - 10:00 am

  The looks of this car are incredible! Mazda really put together a great car. The interior materials are top notch and its put together nicely. The car in an all around beautiful car. It performs great and no other car comes close in it class. It begs to go for long fast drives, it loves corners and entrance ramps. Mazda is by far the hottest car company! The finished product is that of engineers who spent late nights and thinking outside conventional compact. Go Mazda!!!

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  zoom zoom - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By wheeleam - August 27 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car! I love it! It is comfortable and fun to drive. It also has a lot of great features.

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  New econobox on the block - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By clusk9 - August 27 - 10:00 am

  Our 93 Civic gave up the ghost after 224,000 miles(original clutch)& we needed another car quickly. Despite the temptation to go back to Honda I loved the 3 hatchback. However, we could not find one with ABS/SAC with a 5 speed in the time frame necessary. Cant say we settled as I think this is the best handling "economy car" ive owned since the 914, GTI or the Audi Coupe. Other marques didnt come close to the overall package in this price range. AWD for an additional 1 to 2000 dollars would make this car a world beater.

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  Best Bang for the Buck - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By mdsco - August 26 - 10:33 pm

  OK so I have only had the car for 5 days but I have to admit it has compelled me to write this review. The s Grand Touring hatchback is probably the best car for the dollar I have ever owned and that is saying something given my 51 years of life and a multitude of purchases. I traded in my Honda CR-V and have no regrets. Of course the car is lacking AWD and the extra room but if you can live without those features you will not regret purchasing the Mazda. I purchased the GT with the Moonroof and Bose stereo option, 24K total. Bi- Zenon Adaptive headlights, leather heated seats, rain sensing wipers, killer sound system, my wife has a BMW 328xi and prefers the Mazda, could of saved 20K.

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  great car, great price - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Kevin Hines - August 26 - 10:53 am

  you cant find a better car in this price range. It handles well and looks great. Interior design is far above what you expect from a compact. Seats are really comfortable.