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!!! FORGET FADING COROLLA AND PLASTIC INJECTED HYUNDAI - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By zoomhugger - July 12 - 6:10 pm

  BEST car ever invested with more appreciation to Mazda company than what I expected in other compact cars. NEVER will I own the cliche Toyota or plastic injected Hyundai. Forget about people saying "oh, you have to have car as reliable as Toyota or Honda.. BS. Any car in the Mazda line are much reliable and better built than family picnic Corolla, experimental Elantra, questionable crush proof Civic and BMA wanna-be Jetta also over-compensating interior light show Focus. Very glad to own a car that not what everyone on the road is whining about . I feel totally safe in this car than my Honda. Id recommend this car to anyone and will continue to follow future Mazdas.

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  Nice Car - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Rebecca - July 11 - 10:50 pm

  I love my car! The only "bad" things I could consider is the stereo system could be a little better. And I am used to SUV driving in the snow, not such a light car, so thats a switch for me. Has good pep, and nice bright low beams and the temp on the mirror is always nice to indicate whether road conditions are icy, etc. It has fast acceleration (the 2.3) and tight brakes. Good buy, and definitely satisfied.

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  Zoom - Zoom! - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Denise Martin - July 10 - 8:20 am

  I love this car! Its as stylish as any BMW but, your not paying that ridiculous price. I love the energy this car has. Its way too much fun to drive. Handles GREAT!

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  i love my car! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By amanda - July 9 - 1:36 pm

  I purchased my Mazda 3 about 6 months ago and have had no problems with it to date. I have found the manual trasmission to be extremelly fun to drive. I think that the ride is much smoother than a civic or corrolla... and I love the unique exterior design!

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  Fun, Stylish, Economical - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By John Sipple - July 7 - 12:26 am

  We love our new Mazda3. We got the fully loaded touring edition with the sport 5 speed auto transmission. We have not had an automatic for 25 years. This is a pleasure to drive in both auto and manual mode. I just drove the length of Mulholland Highway today, switching between the two shift modes. It really is a pleasure to feel the quality and performance of a well-made small car. Works well for shopping trips also. All the grand touring extras seem to be worth the extra money ... trip computer, high tech adjustable headlights, premium audio, etc. They all work and we are using them. Great car.

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  Take notes big 3 - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Big A - July 6 - 6:30 am

  I will admit that I was a fan of the Corolla, until I bought this car. Do yourself a favor and find a windy road and a Mazda3 with a moonroof. I guarantee you will finish the drive with a big ole grin on your face. I average about 28 MPG in mixed driving; which is respectable considering the Corolla averaged about 30 in mixed driving.

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  Most Bang For The Buck - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Scott - July 3 - 2:36 pm

  Test drove this and a Civic and handling and pick--up were like night and day. I was looking for something that got good gas mileage, but yet could still get out of its own way. This is this car! Pick-up is good and handling is exceptional. It hugs the road great and I was actually impressed with the lack of road noise. This is a compact Mazda, not a Cadillac CTS; there is going to be road noise. Im 36 years old and starting to feel the miles in a car and after a 300 mile trip yesterday I dont feel that bad. This car is loaded with little perks which I think are cool. Overall I have no regrets and feel comfortable with this purchase.

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  Fun, Practical, and Good Looks - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By richee51 - July 2 - 12:37 pm

  Have driven for a week now, love it. Traded a Prius with great mileage, for something I can enjoy, with 6-speed manual, I can shift, sun roof is great, interior and exterior are just cool. Really like the car so far. Gas mileage seems decent so far, wont be on the Prius level, but willing to give up mileage for a bit of sportiness.

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  so-so for the 3 - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Sillycat - July 1 - 6:03 am

  I thought the 3 was an awesome car, very cute and sporty, but at 3559 miles, it needed a new engine, due to spinning a bearing. Very disappointing! The dealership was not that great at helping me through the situation. I am looking at selling it, because I can no longer trust it.

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  My 3 - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By c - June 29 - 5:20 pm

  I love the handling. I can hang a turn that makes my wife nervous. I smile when she acknowledges how well the car performed. The one thing I have a problem with is the pesky reverse lock out Mazda put on the 5M. Every once in a while you can not get it R. I was about to take it and have them slap a new tranny in and then I read the manual. It states leave it in neutral and let the clutch out and re-try. It works and Im trying to "train" the sensor I hope, so it wont lock me out.