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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  So glad to be rid of our Suburu - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By niner - July 26 - 2:00 am

  After driving a Suburu Outback for 3 years, that replaced a beloved Camry wagon, I am finally loving my car again. The Mazda is cuter, better on gas, way more comfy, much zippier, and smaller for the city. I dont even miss the Camry anymore. I had been looking at the Protege , but was bowled over by the M3 when I saw them, and made the plunge after the test drive.

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  A great car for the money - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By odie82 - July 26 - 2:00 am

  For the money, it cant be beat. Watch out for the earlier build dates though, they are laced with some problems. Id personally wait till mazda works out some of the kinks of their first year car. Otherwise, its a great drive!

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  Everythings Great but the Engine - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Randy T. - July 26 - 2:00 am

  The engine has a flat spot, hesitation, a momentary loss of power. It also seams to have a miss at highway speeds. It feels like Im driving into a 100 MPH headwind. One time the throttle stuck wide open! No codes came up on the computer, they said they’d re- program it. Mazda hasn’t sent them the new software to do this yet. Ive put up with this problem for a month, now I have to wait another month before they get the update. I hope the throttle doesnt stick again, especially with my 6-year-old son in the car! I’m not very impressed! I only get 20 MPG or about 220 miles per tank!

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  excellent car....wife "loves her zoom zoom"! - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By ajax13 - July 25 - 9:44 pm

  First car review I have ever written, at 59 yo too. But this car warrants the review!! We have had this car since the end of Nov., & 3500 miles on it now. Is my wifes car & her choice after driving the Hyundai Elantra, Ford Focus, VW Jetta...this was her choice hands down, & mine too! This is the first car my wife says, "she loves, & loves to drive", that she has ever had! She calls it her "ZZ"=zoomzoom-lol. When reading the original reviews of this car before buying it, I noted that the word "love" was used by most reviewers in the 1st paragragh=now I/we know why-it is plain fun to drive! Excellent car in all ways, as my ideal owned past car was a 1990 Nissan 300ZX, & this car matches it!!

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  Fun, Stylish, and Cheaper than a BMW - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Lots OTestDrives - July 21 - 10:00 am

  I test drove a lot of cars before deciding on the Mazda 3 S - including Imprezas (RS not WRX), Jettas, Altimas, Acura RSX, Civics, and Corollas. It had by far the best combination of style, quality, FUN, and practicality of the cars I drove. The RSX was as fun to drive but not as practical. The Jetta (1.8T)had a little more pep, but didnt handle as well and was missing the quality feel on the inside. The Altima was disappointing - the 5 speed didnt feel solid like the Mazda. Go with the S with 5 speed for the most fun. I actually look forward to driving to work in this car! AC blows cold all the time for me - Im in hot & sunny AZ.

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  I wish I could say I love the car but... - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By jl2157 - July 19 - 10:51 am

  I wanted more than ANYTHING for this car to be the last one I purchased for a while. Fuel economy was great (Avg. 30 MPG City) and its so much fun to drive. Sadly, at around 11K Mi. one of the transmission valves blew. Mazda replaced all the trans. valves without issue. Fuel efficiency dropped to 28 MPG. Then at 19,500 Mi. the transmission gave out entirely. Mazda Roadside was quick to response and the dealer has been excellent. Still, Ive only had the car 2 yrs. and the entire transmission is now being replaced!? This was a $24K car. To say Im very disappointed is an under statement. Sadly, Im now considering trading this in on a more reliable brand once repairs are done.

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  Great Car - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Siddharth - July 19 - 1:46 am

  I have now owned the 2007 Mazda3 S Touring for 3 months and am extremely satisfied with my decision. First the 2.3L engine gives great power without any noise. The car is very smooth to ride and handle. The 17" alloy wheels that come with S Touring provide an added coolness to the car. The interiors are extremely good and can rival that of any luxury car. The fuel efficiency is also good for a 2.3L engine. This is a great car if you are looking for an alternative for Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla. Looks better than its competitors, is more powerful and provides nearly the same fuel efficiency.

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  Pretty nice - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By JOHN M - July 18 - 12:06 pm

  This is our first foreign car and shes not too bad. We bought the Mazda 3 i Touring edition. You see we drive a 2002 Vette and a 05 Tahoe so we are used to V8s. We looked all over and went through all the motions in comparing the Civic, Nissa Altima, Cobalt, G5 and G6 and the Mazda 3. In the end we decided that the Mazda 3 looked the best and the gas mileage was nearly as good or better than the others. We like the ride, sporty feel and its pretty comfortable. We also bought the version with the Goodyear tires instead of the Toyo for the winter time. Im a bit disappointed with the mpg so far around 26 but I hear they need to break in so we will see.

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  Zoom-Zoom - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Fish fosh - July 18 - 4:13 am

  I purchased this car 5 days ago. I have had 4 Beemers looking to race me. (I didnt of course). People young and old look at this car. Lots of flash for the money.

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  TOP RIDE TO HAVE - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By HotMazda3Mama - July 15 - 10:00 am

  This car is one of the best out at this year. The cool low sleek design on the outside and the sporty, modern/futureistic design on the inside make for one of the best (of all things a hatchback) all around vehical for a younger gerneration. Another great thing about the mazda 3 is that it is one of the smothest, most quiet rides that I have ever owned, cutting road noise to almost a minimum and taking turns, bumps, and rough driving to another level (very comfortable)!!! This is the top ride to have if you are wanting heads to turn as you dirve by. Mazda definatly lives up to Zoom Zoom in this car.