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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  Road Hugger - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Paul D. - April 17 - 7:46 pm

  This car doesnt seem to lack all that much. Best priced in its class. Ample power from the 2.0 engine. The stiffer suspension allows the car to hug turns in the road like a nothing else Ive driven except a corvette. Fun to drive.Road noise is a bit above average on the highway. Stock Goodyear tires are junk. The wear way to fast and are no good in light snow. MPG is not bad Ive gotten 26 mpg combined many times. Interior is smartly designed and comfortable for a small car. Base sound system sounds good but aftermarket speakers dramatically improves sound. If youre looking for a sport compact without a high price, this is the car.

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  Honest Assessment from previous BMW own. - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Ben - April 15 - 6:40 pm

  A month ago my cherished 323Ci had a meltdown. Living in L.A., I loved taking it through the mountain twisties on the weekend. With this economy, I decided to be prudent with replacement car. My ratings are based on expectations of the class, and not comparisons to my previous luxury car. Im quite pleased with the handling of this compact. Though somewhat under-tired, it can stand up to a road like decker canyon blvd (23). The clutch is light in feel, but gives you a good sense of its action through your foot, gearbox is excellent. Had the opportunity to test the brakes in a panic stop in my first week of driving, and theyre probably in the top 10 of any car under $100k.

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  This is a Mazda? - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By ghostwriter2 - April 15 - 10:00 am

  I saw the Mazda3 when I was test driving a BMW330, and was impressed with its styling. That was nothing compared to when I actually drove the car. This car is awesome all round, and I have only purchased luxury cars in the past! Forget Volvo, Infinity,Lexus, Saab and BMW, if you want the features and driving ability of those others you can have it it all in the Mazda3 -Incredible car for the price!!!

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  Awesome car! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Nickwad - April 15 - 9:06 am

  This is one of the best cars Ive ever owned. Ive owned all of the Japanese brands; this one feels like a European sport sedan. Great handling, build quality and mileage. I average 28 mpg and would probably get 31 mpg if I could keep my foot off of the firewall! Its just fun to drive.

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  Love my M3 - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By Ed - April 13 - 9:26 pm

  My Mazda M3 is more than I could ask for in value. As a previous Protege Owner the M3 is great. I am having problems with the clutch pedal position and think other comments about finding the gears is from the pedal being too far forward and you have to lift your from the left side foot rest. I am looking for an alternate pedal or will actually modify it myself. The pedal needs to be further back behind the foot rest so you can pivot with your heal, and not have to lift your foot forward and bring your knee up. That is why people are having a hard time finding the gear because they are clutching the way they should but the throw is off on the pedal/

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  love this car - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By luvmymazda1 - April 11 - 5:27 am

  I just got my Mazda 3 4 days ago and I love it. I had been looking at buying a new car for about 5 months and I was trying to decide between the mazda and the dodge dart. As of now I think I made the right choice The only negatives to this car is I dont recommend if your going to have frequent passangers in the back seat it is a little tight. If you really need a navigation system this one is not adequate but for me I live in a small city so to me it is cute decoration. The heated seats will be nice in the winter I like how you there are 5 settings instead of just on or off. The seats are comfotable. I will wait to review more when I drive it in winter

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  Excellent and Fun to drive car - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Alex - April 9 - 4:03 pm

  I love this little mazda 3 GT. It is extremely fun to drive with great handling and decent fuel economy. It never feels like it lacks power and it constantly turns peoples heads. Plus the amount of standard features this car has makes 50,000 dollar luxury cars look mad.

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  Saved my life - 2015 Mazda Mazda3
  By nfp - April 7 - 3:24 pm

  I bought my 2015 Mazda 3 s Grand Touring sedan just after a crash that totaled my 2014 model with the same trim. I was T-Boned at full speed on the driver side by an SUV. The impact spun me 360 degrees and across the divider in opposing traffic, and I was hit on the other side by an oncoming car. My car was creamed. But side, curtain and front airbags cushioned me in nano-seconds, the frame held up enough, and my automatic 911 system triggered a call through bluetooth while I was still figuring out what happened. I slid out from under the airbag, out of the car, and stood there shaken but absolutely unhurt, not even sore. A 5 star safety rating? You bet! No way I wasnt getting the 2015!

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  2005 Mazda M3 - all around great car - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Ben - April 3 - 1:03 am

  I just bought a new, off the lot, M3 from a local dealership. My motive to buy was to own a more economical vehicle - i was driving an F150. This vehicle handles great. I got the sport package which comes w/ 17" wheels - it really grips the road. It performs much better than my needs, and also cruises on the interstate very comfortably. The external styling is superb, w/ a noticable euro-style feel to it. The interior features are also great, although just a step up from adequate. It has a super sharp feel and look when sitting in the drivers seat - all primary and 2ndary controls are at easy reach and visible. Overall I am extreemly pleased with the purchase.

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  M3 5 door--Budget Sports Hatchback - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By B. Hunt - March 20 - 5:20 am

  The only car in its class that I seriously considered. I wanted a real nice, fast, sporty handling hatchback with great reliability and decent fuel economy that wasnt more than $21,000 in my driveway. Thats what I got with the Mazda 3 GT 5-door.