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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  Its fun to be 3! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By johnny2003 - June 15 - 3:33 pm

  Traded in our Mazda 5 in order to pass this car on to my kids, now 12. Now at about 14,000 miles, I am just as happy with it as I was with our 5. Its a great looking car and I really enjoy the bluetooth feature. Love using the manual shift and it is nice and sporty with alot of get up and go. Not thrilled about the gas mileage, but if I keep my speed under control, mileage does become better. Got Pearl White with beige interior and tinted the windows. Pay close attention, it looks exactly like the new Lexus 200CTH at half the price! Would buy it again in a heartbeat!

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  Handles great, but not perfect - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By kyjd75 - June 15 - 9:33 am

  This car handles fabulously! Ive owned great handling cars for years (BMW 528, Nissan Zs, Mustang GTs, etc.). This car can hold its own with any of them--that makes it worth it for me. However, it is not perfect. Ive had some problems, such as air bag system failure, peculiar engine noises at idle, and paint chipping. It also has lots of road noise as well. Also, gas mileage is good but not great (24 mpg overall). I bought this car for my wife as a supplemental car to her Mustang GT convertible (didnt want to drive it in bad weather). It serves well in that role. Overall, I would recommend this car, but you need to understand what you are getting.

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  Best Car I have Owned - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Kevin - June 15 - 6:43 am

  I traded my 3 series BMW for the 08 S-GT Hatchback . Got it loaded with the Bose Audio, front Spoiler and the base accessories are mind boggling , Xenons, Leather , Roof , Power all around , heated seats . It was an outstanding value and now that they changed the body in 2009 I realize what a masterpiece of beauty this body style is. Designed By the Jaguar designer and he did a top notch job I must say. It launches with ease cruises at 90 not even breathing and has the suspension to match.After I hit 30K had the fuel injectors cleand and the throttle body and after that the car was like new and started giving me an extra 3 mpg on the fwy with more power. Dealer said stop using 91 it worked!

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  I Love My Car - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mike - June 13 - 12:10 pm

  I have a automatic Mazda 3 S and I love my car. I usually drive it in the manual mode and I get better gas mileage than when it is in full automatic. The AC takes awhile to cool the car (especially because my car is dark silver with black interior) so I got the windows tinted and that solved the problem. I listen to a variety of music and the sound system handles all of the music I play very well. I especially love my sunroof and 6-disc in dash CD player. The only things I have to complain about is the fact that there is no truck release on the key fob (I am a guy and I could care less about a panic button) and I wish it got a little bit better mileage in the city.

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  Mazda3 - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By LDW - June 12 - 2:00 am

  I love this car!

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  Control your drive - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By jazzman - June 11 - 7:13 am

  I got this car just 6 days ago but already felt compelled to write something. I have the touring i automatic and the engine gets you off the starting line very well. I love good handling in a car and this one delivers with precise steering, good road feel, holds center real well. I own the 2009 mazda 6 too and its been fantastic. The 3 is sportier and I hope to have great driving experiences with it. The dealer was good to me and the price and financing were excellent.

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  Not very Impressed - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By Not very Impressed - June 10 - 2:43 am

  Ive had my Mazda3 for a little over a year and I have had some issues with the car that should not be present with only 15,000 miles on the odometer. The brake system make an awful growling noise each time I back it out of my garage. Sevice engine light came on at 13,000 miles, was told that the gas cap needs replaced, replaced it and at 14,000 miles the light came back on. I will have to replace the tires soon, wore out way to soon. Road noise is very annoying, seems to get worse as the tires quickly wear. The whole Mazda experience has not been very good for me, zoom-zoom-BOOM?

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  Value in fun-to-drive market - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By hemoyt2004 - June 8 - 10:00 am

  17 inches wheels, 2.3L engine, Foglight, in-dash CD changer, leather seats and so on add to such a taut, competent compact yet pratical with the hatch designing, it screams the real value in the compact fun-to-drive auto market.

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  Great car, a couple small problems - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By mlh - June 8 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned my car for about 6 months now and it is really fun to drive.

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  Love it! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By m3fan - June 6 - 9:40 am

  This car looks and feels amazing! Handling is top notch, and the acceleration with the S is great. Even at high speeds the car has plenty of pep to reach down and enable easing passing on the highway. The styling is sleek and aggressive. As others have commented, the car gets mistaken for a Lexus IS 250, especially the rear styling.