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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  Fantastic after 2 years - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Sara - April 28 - 5:36 am

  This has been one of the best cars I have owned. I live in small town Oregon so rarely ever see a freeway or a big city. Mostly I drive 60 mph between towns. My gas mileage is 30.5 around town and 36mpg when traveling. The manual tran is fast and fun to drive. I have had zero problems in the 2 years with only required service when needed.

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  by far the best small car out there - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By gary - April 27 - 2:13 pm

  This car is awesome and the only car Ive ever had that I have truly loved. Go Mazda go.

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  Zoom, Zoom, Zoom - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By adam - April 25 - 8:56 pm

  I researched for several months beginning with a Caliber, then a Vibe, and a Matrix, before I finally found the Mazda 3, which had better reviews than all of these other cars and the Honda as well. I am extremely pleased with my purchase. Mine is True Red with black leather interior and I love it. I was previously driving an Intrepid which I loved. My wife now drives the Intrepid and I am blessed to drive my new Mazda. It drives so much better than the Intrepid (which really does drive well, just not as good as the Mazda) and is very peppy. I would definitely recommend that you buy this car if you are looking for something with good MPG, but also with a little power. I love this car!

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  Still A Great Little Car - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By R. H. Jackson - April 25 - 4:50 am

  I now have 7000 miles on the Mazda 3s Grand Touring and I am very pleased. The options, ride, performance, instrumentation, and handling are outstanding for a car in this price range. I have experienced no problems. I have only been back to the dealer for oil changes and tire rotation. Everyone who sees this car thinks it is a more expensive car than it is.

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  Mazda 3 Wagon horrible in Snow - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By JKromberg - April 22 - 6:03 pm

  I replaced my 2001 Celica with a 2007 Mazda 3 wagon. Based on the first snow of the season, the Mazda 3 is the absolute WORST performing car I have ever driven. I got stuck in 2 inches of snow in the dip at the intersection! I can not make it up a mild hill that everyone else was flying up. My old Celica drove like a tank compared to this. I hope the problem is only horrible tires from the factory. If not, anybody want to by a used Mazda 3 Wagon? I should also mention that during the summer, the air condition could not keep up. It was 100 outside and 90 inside. The dealer said it was working fine. The car does have the utility inside that I was looking for in terms of a wagon.

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  Great handling car - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Dom - April 22 - 5:13 pm

  I have driven small sports cars or SUVs my whole life. This is the best blend of performance driving and utility that you can get, even if it is front wheel drive. The interior is fantastic and the electro-hydraulic steering is an undersold point in these cars. Its a very smooth driving car that livens up the instant you begin to push it. Awesome throttle response in 5th gear on the highway for a 4cyl. The seats are the quality that you find in much more expensive cars. Gripes: speed sensitive volume control on the stereo is useless, power windows/sunroof only work with ignition on, not accessory.

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  Nice little unit - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By robb - April 21 - 6:06 am

  Fun to drive. It has a lot of nice little "luxury" items standard in this model. I am 64" and my wife is 53" and we both can fit, though when I am driving my right leg is a little tight against the console. The passenger side is very comfortable. Only real complaint is there is a LOT of road noise, tires and wind are a lot louder than I was expecting

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  Love my car - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By carol - April 20 - 12:56 am

  Ive had my hatchback for three weeks and absolutely love it. The ride is smooth and the car definitely has great pickup. The folding seats are great for storage and very easy to get up and down. It is a really comfortable car to drive. The air conditioning is good, the stereo great and the interior is very comfortable.

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  One of the best cars in its class. - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By pezzy669 - April 19 - 7:19 pm

  After 8 months with my Mazda 3 Grand Touring sedan I am still extremely happy with my purchase. Of the 5 cars I have owned over my lifetime this is the best car I have owned. The fun to drive quotient of this car should be the benchmark in its class. It does mean a firmer ride but for myself it is in no way objectionable. The interior features are astounding. Bluetooth, Bose stereo, heated seats, leather, etc. make for a very nice place to be. Overall you cannot go wrong with the Mazda 3, it is definitely a worthwhile competitor in the segment and in my opinion leaps and bounds better than the Civic and Corolla.

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  Love my new Mazda 3 - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By A Erickson - April 19 - 4:00 pm

  I have owned my new Mazda for a month. Just love it. I traded in my suv gas guzzler. So I am loving the gas mileage. I know it is not as good a others on mileage but for the style compared to Toyota and Honda I would sacrifice. Im am still getting use to the front grill, it seems to grow on me everyday. This car is so fun to drive compared to my tank I use to have. My first new car was a Mazda 323 back in 1988 loved Mazda then and I am loving Mazda now dont know why I went away from Mazda.