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:
Showing 151 through 160 of 2,343.00-
A Total Redesign - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
By MZDADRVR410 - March 3 - 11:33 pmI test drove 22 cars in 5 weeks while I was shopping for a new car. The 2010 Mazda 3 s GT 2.5 was the very first car I drove, and was the car that I purchased. For a car in this class you simply cannot and will not find more available options. Fully loaded this cars sticker price is about 24,000 and its worth every penny. This car is zippy, fun to drive, and responsive, but still maintains a smooth ride. There are options available in this car that you wont even find in a 3 series BMW.
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Sporty Performance AND Good Fuel Economy - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
By hoveringfalcon - March 1 - 10:47 amThe beauty of the SKYACTIV Mazda3 is that it achieves good gas mileage without making any sacrifices when it comes to agility. Id estimate my driving to be around 2:1 highway/city. I get on the highway for about 35 minutes going to work, and 35 minutes coming back. On my days off, my driving would mostly be considering "city driving"-- short bursts of movement between stoplights. I average 36 to 38 miles to the gallon with those driving conditions, which I find pretty darn impressive. If I was driving exclusively on the highway I have no doubts I could hit 40 mpg. All the while, if push comes to shove and Ive gotta get my Zoom-Zoom on, SKYACTIV doesnt disappoint.
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Unbelievable - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
By Unbeilevable - February 28 - 1:33 amI almost bought the BMW 325. A friend bought this car; I was so impressed with it that I decided to buy the Mazda instead and I am not sorry. Automatic climate control, heated leather seats, xenon headlamps, auto rain sensors the list goes on all for $20,000.00 I love this car! I saved about $12,000. Average mph is 28-30 for me (had an X-Terra that got 15 mph so I am thrilled). Cannot say enough about this car.
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ya gotta be kidding me! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
By Riverguy - February 27 - 2:00 amO.K., we have only had it for 3 days but it has to be our favorite car of all time. Handles great, smooth, strong, comfortable and fun. If it turns out to be reliable, we will trade it in on the successor. We fight over who has to take the Denali.
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Six months in - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
By JT in SC - February 23 - 6:50 amUpdating my earlier review: I have had my Mazda 3 i Touring (with manual transmission) for six months now (just over 7500 miles). I am still very happy. Fuel economy has actually gotten better! And thats with running the A/C much more. I am getting around 31-32 around town and 34-35 on the highway. It is still a solid performer and just as much fun to drive.
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comfort, conviniense and performance - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
By Atif Siddiqui - February 22 - 10:00 amBest compact sedan for the price. Comfort and conviniense with performance havent seen in one car before.
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sweet - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
By deeze - February 22 - 10:00 amgreat car for speed racers
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Great car for everyday...almost perfect - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
By QuickTurn - February 21 - 7:40 amOverall, this car feels much more expensive than it is. It offers driving excitement in every run. With a manual transmission, the power delivery is sufficient for everyday drive. It really shines in corning ability. By braking early, you could really accelerate through the turn quickly without a hint of loss of grip. It also rides very well on various road surfaces although its on the firm side. Mazda did a great job tuning this car. One more thing to mention is the quality of the dealer work. After installing accessory or repair work, I couldnt tell any sign of R&R even by careful examine of the relevant areas. The same cannot be said to Toyota or VW, at least to my experience.
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Fantastic! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
By Nick Man - February 20 - 12:06 amI have owned my Solar Yellow Mazda3s since April 2004. After test driving the bland Civic, outdated Corolla & overpriced Jetta, my decision came with the 3. I purchased mine with every option available including leather seating surfaces, xenon headlights, auto-dim temp/compass rearview mirror, all-weather floormats, tinted windows (performed by the dealership shortly after purchase) & a whole lot more for less than 20k. Anyone would be hard- pressed to find more "luxury" in a subcompact than Mazda has offered in the 3. People need to remember, this is not a luxury car, it is a subcompact. Were talking a 3, not a 3-Series.
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Great Auto Experience - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
By Sageking - February 17 - 1:56 amI live in Puerto Rico, which has winding roads, hidden roads, streets arent in the best shape. This car is absolutely up to the task. I have had this car for 5 months now, its a beauty to look at. Its great fun to drive, sometimes I look for side roads just to be able to put that suspension to the test. The accelaration is great almost gave me whiplash the first time I rushed out after light change. The Mazda 3 is an absolute must to test drive. The SP23 has a rich cabin filling sound by Bose. Enough space in the glove compartment to store small appliances. I test drove Corolla and Civic and this car is ALOT more bang for the buck, motors cannot be compared, the MAZDA3 beats them both.
