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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  Amazing - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Chelsea - August 25 - 6:20 pm

  I have been in love the mazda 3 for years. So when I had my son, I decided to get rid of my trusty toyota pickup and buy an 06 mazda 3. I must say I am simple amazed still to this day 3 months later, It drives perfect, looks perfect, I just love this car, oh and the fuel economy is wonderful! I live in phoenix and go to LA quite often and I dont even have to fill up once - thats over 400 miles on one tank of gas... AWESOME!

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  Excellent in every category - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By laci - August 22 - 11:26 pm

  Ive had my Mazda 3 for 6 months now. I couldnt ask for anything better out of a vehicle. It meets all the needs that I asked for and more. The look of the car is very nice but the interior is my favorite. Its not considered a sports car but drives like one. I feel very safe and it gets really good gas milage. Its the fourth car that Ive owned and I like it the best by far.

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  Great purchase - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By retiredinaz1 - August 22 - 2:01 pm

  I bought new in May of 2008 when I moved to AZ. I only have 43,200 miles on it and it still runs like new. I did have to replace leaky shocks once but that was only problem. I change oil every 3,000 miles so believe that helps. I LOVE this car and hope it lasts me another 6 years!

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  You cant beat this wagon - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Joseph Kirk - August 17 - 10:23 pm

  Great vehicle so far, Like the mpg/horsepower tradeoff, but with current prices for gasoline, wish it got a few more mpg. Cant wait to get it on an open deserted road to test out the V-rated tires.

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  Legendary - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Stuntman Bob - August 15 - 9:33 am

  Have you ever seen or driven A car and said "I wish I had purchased that when it was new". Well if so then you will understand this vehicle. Being the prior owner of 2007 Mazda3 I can clearly say that this car far exceeds the predecessor which was something I was worried about initially. I, like most, was gun shy about a 1st year car and took a chance. Boy did it pay off. This car is FAR beyond "best in class" this car will be branded as "one of the best cars ever made" in the class with the 1969-2002/BMW,1978- VW/GTI,2002-Subaru/WRX- etc. I wont even start on how great it is as you just need to read the surrounding reviews here and elsewhere. If you miss this gem, too bad I told you so will do.

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  Cool drive - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By cambridgedude - August 15 - 6:26 am

  Only have owned this cool little Mazda for 10 days, but love it already. After 600 miles I am averaging 29 mpg, in about 60% highway driving. Decent acceleration, effortless cruising, wonderful cornering and handling. Slick 6 speed manual; dont get the auto unless you really cant drive a manual, this is one of the best shifters youll find under $30,000. Good deals going now, got mine under $18,200 with 0% financing, a great value. Styling is a matter of taste, personally I think its cool. Bluetooth cellphone connection is something I thought Id never use, but its extremely useful, particularly in a manual when your hands are otherwise occupied.

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  Great mix of performance and economy - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By monster289 - August 14 - 7:03 pm

  Had my car for three weeks now, 1300 miles logged. I have the hatchback with 5 speed manual. Got the s Touring model, but decided to save some money and not get options. Car is plenty quick, especially for a 4 cylinder. Im getting about 30mpg mixed city/freeway driving. It has enough power to go up steep hills on the freeway while still in 5th gear. I think they could have made 5th gear a bit taller to reduce rpms, but thats ok. Maybe having more power readily available is better than marginally better mileage. Steering wheel controls are awesome, and they are backlit at night. Ride is sporty and firm, very little body roll. May be a bit rough for some.

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  Gas Mileage Solved w/ Other Thoughts - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By john - August 14 - 4:16 am

  Ive been driving this car now for about six months. For the money, it cannot be beat - just straight up amazing value. The high end appointments (bose stereo, xenon lighting, heated leather seats, 18" wheels) make this car a head turner. But Ive read reviews about the gas mileage - my thoughts: your two biggest variables are temperature and conditions. If it is cold in the city, I get like 20 mpg, if its warm and on the highway, I get about 35. Huge range on this car. Its engine is a touch undersized, so anything over 70mph on the highway drops your mileage considerably. I got about 34mpg on a roadtrip to NYC this weekend - just cruise at about 68mph.

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  HATE MY MAZDA3!!! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By roxygurl - August 12 - 10:06 am

  Ever since I bought my Mazda 3 I have regretted it! Before this car I owned an Infiniti and before that a Honda, but nothing compares to this. It is by far the worst car I have ever purchased! If I could go back I would. It is loud, small and cheaply made. The only thing going for this car is the gas mileage and the overall exterior look.

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  Cant get a better car for the money - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By jjinqueens - August 11 - 8:56 am

  I have had the car for 2 months (sometime in that 2 months they started calling it a wagon, not a hatch?). I bought it in Feb, during some of the worst driving weather possible, and it handled as though it were a dry sunny day. I love the performance, and the stability control in the Touring model really helps grip the road (we have some tricky ones in the mountains). My husband loved it so much he bought the same in an automatic, which also handles beautifully. We wish we got better mileage (I get about 27 mpg) for a small car, but the emissions ratings are good. We recently had 3 teens, 2 adults, and all the teens college gear in the Mazda, no problem!! Cargo space is great.