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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  Important Things to Consider - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By BlueMazda3 - June 26 - 5:26 pm

  I LOVE this car.Its just fast enough, handles maneuvering like a Porsche, possesses features that will make you think you spent more, and looks absolutely commanding on the road. Ive owned the winning blue 5 door touring wagon for about a year now and here are just a few things that I didnt hear much about in other reviews: 1) If you live in an area with snow and hills, you WILL have a little trouble in the snow. There were about 3 days last winter when I just spun around. Consider winter tires in Dec/Jan, 2) Replacing the tires with original equipment tires will cost you about $225 PER tire...the cost for performance, handling, and looks. The tires are very wide and thin.

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  Practical with style and handling - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By emRaleigh - June 24 - 5:30 am

  Its so easy to get in and drive. Mine has the Bose/tech package with moonroof. I didnt need the nav so the smallish screen doesnt bother me. Bluetooth hands free operation is easy and the media console is well laid out for use. The stereo beats that of my former 2007 G35. Im averaging 26.8 in mixed driving with high-octane gas. Rear seats fold flat and hatch hide cover removes easily to really load it up when you need to. I hauled a full sized mountain bike in their and only had to move the passenger seat forward a bit. Everything works. It brakes effectively and its generally a quiet ride at any speed. My 510" son fits in back with a couple inches to spare. Hard to beat the value.

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  How is a car this cheap this good - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Will W - June 23 - 10:00 am

  I have had six - yes, six - Mazda 3s. All were manuals. Four were 3i and two 3s. 5 sedans and now this 2010 3s hatchback. There are not enough superlatives to describe how this car drives. Not a better manual tranny/clutch combo on the planet for cars under 40 grand. Definitely, the best car for the buck Ive run into in my lifetime and Im 62. One can only remark: "How can a car this good be so cheap." Buy this car for the suspension, the tranny, the clutch, the brakes, the steering, the handling, the cornering and to heck with everything else - it doesnt matter. thats enough! All one need do is upgrade the tires and you have an econo-box supercar.

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  Zoom Zoom 2.5L Style - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Evans Zoom Zoom - June 23 - 10:00 am

  Coming from a mid-size V-6 sedan I was concerned if I would be able to adjust to a smaller car w/ 4-cyl engine. After 7 weeks and 1500 miles I have no more worries about this. The front seats are comfortable and will be fine for most people as long as youre not too tall or heavy. The rear seats are only good for SMALL people or pets. This car has a lot of bang for the buck--tight build quality, well balanced ride, lots of features and good quality materials throughout the vehicle. It looks more expensive than it is--especially the "s" models with the 2.5L engine which have upgraded interior and exterior materials and features.

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  Meant to Be - 2014 Mazda Mazda3
  By rdouble - June 21 - 8:02 pm

  I bought a 2014 Mazda 6 in Jan 2014. Unfortunately, I was hit by a van which slid and hit me on my door. Safe Car! but damaged beyond repair. I decided, in its replacement to get a 2014 Mazda 3 4 door sedan Touring; . I have to say it was meant to be. This car practically drives itself; I feel the road, I feel safe and I enjoy driving again!. Its beyond perfect for me and I am so thankful to Mazda for producing such a gem of a vehicle!

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  Many More For Me - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Chris - June 21 - 6:56 am

  I have a 2007 Mazda 3 GS (which is second from the top of the line) this is a beautiful car. This car preforms at an extreme level and it has plenty hoursepower for a 4 cylinder automatic. When I needs to pass a car up hill or down the Mazda can pass it with no hesitation. I would definitely recommend a Mazda3 to anyone who was thinking of purchasing a fun car. The only problem I have with this car is that there is a squeak in the center console which Mazda says they cant fix. And after a night of the car being parked, the back brakes stick and then squeak for a few minutes, not a big deal but very loud. Besides these little problems that I found, this is an awesome and fun to drive car.

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  Not bad at all! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Benny D. - June 20 - 9:00 pm

  Ive had my hatchback for about a month now and I like it very much. The red paint is gorgeous, unlike that cheap wall-paint you see on GM cars. The sporting character of the car (styling, handling, overally dynamics) makes it a great value, especially for its price range. The interior is very functionnal, precise, comfortable, simple and stylish. Engine output is only adequate - and this is the 2.3- liter. I can only imagine what the 2.0-liter feels like! However, I must admit that midrange thrust is surprising. Windows have a weird clanking noise when coming back up. Fuel economy isnt the best out there. Interior materials hard to clean. There are too many on the road!

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  Like a Wagon - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By jjimbo - June 20 - 7:46 pm

  The 2007 Mazda 3i seems to have a great mix of speed, style, and sporty looks for its class. The car is very fun to drive and looks double the amount that it was in 2007. Two flaws that the car has is the super stiff suspension that feels like a wagon on the open trail. The other problem is the bodys integrity. The sheet metal is very soft and the plastic seems to be so cheap that it looses color after 5 years.

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  What A Value! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By edweissmanesq - June 20 - 6:13 pm

  After looking at other 5-door hatchbacks in the price range (notably the Kia Spectra5 and Toyota Matrix) I test drove a Mazda3. 10 minutes behind the wheel sold me. The 2.3 liter engine with the auto- stick transmission is probably the most powerful 4-cylinder power plant Ive ever driven. Nothing in any of the competition came close. The Kia, while good with some low end torque, was noisy and bottomed out at 70MPH; the Toyota was marginally powered in the FWD configuration, and painfully underpowered in the AWD version. Neither of those cars come close to the tight handling of the Mazda3. The interior of the 3, though smaller than the Matrix, is surprisingly roomy and comfortable.

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  My second Mazda3! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By lmp180psu - June 16 - 11:43 pm

  I bought my 06 GT 5-door to replace my 04 3 sedan, which I loved aside from the cargo carrying limitations. I have 3 dogs, and occasionally have to transport them 150 miles to visit my mom. I also went for the GT hatch because of the new features (for me anyway) such as leather (heated) seats, auto climate control, information center, auto lights/wipers, and 5 speed auto.