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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  Best Car Ive Ever Had - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By bwalk05 - March 4 - 6:43 pm

  Ive only had my Mazda for a little over a month, but it has been a beauty! It gets great gas mileage, nearly 400 miles to the tank. It has superior handling ... it can take on any corner at regular speed. Mine is white, it doesnt show the dirt as much.

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  I love my Mazda3 - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Melissa - March 2 - 8:40 pm

  Traded in my extremely basic Chevy Cavalier for a Mazda3 and i Dont regret it one bit. The comfort is spectacular. The Cavalier seats were made of nothing and the Mazda has the adjustable seat height I love it. I love how it lights up red at night. I love the Copper Red Mica Color! Its not as fuel efficient as my cavalier but who cares. I have a/c now and for the texas summers thats a major plus. Minimal road noise. Even though it looks tiny its pretty big on the inside. The glove box is large and the trunk is very deceiving although its short once you pop the trunk it goes back pretty far. I would highly suggest this car to anybody.

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  True zoom zoom - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Paul F - March 2 - 6:30 pm

  I owned a 97 Acura Integra, put 190k miles on it without a problem and thought it was time for something new. Boy was I surprised by the Mazda. It is way better than the Acura in all areas. I did a 1300 mile vacation trip to New England and averaged 34 MPG. The sticker shows 22-29. I was impressed. It is comfortable, peppy and very agile. My only negative remark is the amount of road noise that comes into the cabin, I think Mazda could insulate a bit better. Overall it is a great value and a fun car, I am very happy with it.

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  Mazda 3s a great compact car! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Chris - February 28 - 7:36 pm

  I was sold the moment I sat in the new 2007 Mazda 3. I had done a lot of reading and really like the looks of the car. But the moment I got in and started the engine I felt a connection I hadnt with any of the other cars. It just felt...good. Taking it for a drive confirmed that -- it runs as good as it looks. Quick and fantastic handling. The car has nearly zero body roll around corners. The steering is extremely tight and responsive. The five-speed manual shifts smoothly (minus reverse which needs to be coerced.)

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  A must look in the small car class - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By mikeman075 - February 24 - 9:56 pm

  After years of driving a thirsty pig of a Nissan Maxima, I decided I wanted something smaller and more economical. The thing is I was not willing to give up the fun to drive factor. After looking at many different cars, I always came back to the Mazda 3. It provides by far the most fun in its price class. In the nearly three years Ive owned this car, Ive been very impressed with the overall performance and quality. The steering and handling in particular are outstanding providing nearly BMW style feedback. I love this car as you could probably tell by now. Id highly recommend it to anyone whos looking for a economical car but cant stand boring cars like the Toyota Corolla.

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  Hell alot better than a 99 Toyota Camery - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By JONBOS - February 22 - 4:20 am

  Well this has been a great car for the past 2 weeks. Really Fun To Drive!! From a Toyota Camery, 4-speed auto; now I got a 6-speed Manual. What can be better?! The design is out of this world with the lights and that Graphite Grey paint job. Wicked, way better than white and a vinyl roof! Well its very sporty, I think Mazdaspeed had a hand in this, with the suspension. The Hatchback is very cool looking, best on the market, and love the versatility for cargo. Bluetooth is sweet (freak out the friends), they need to work on the voice recognition though. Interior is very comfortable in both back and front seats (rear windows go all the way down). I also looked at (Lancer and Imprezza) FAST!

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  Best Car, EVER! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By PJ - February 21 - 2:20 pm

  I just traded in a 2004 325ci BMW for the 2010 Mazda3 2.0liter. OMG, I am so happy with the trade. It drives like a dream. Tight handling, great gas mileage, very roomy back seat. And the best part: body style is awesome. I plan to drive this car a long time.

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  WOW! Nice car - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mike - February 21 - 9:56 am

  Before you buy a Nissan Sentra, Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic. You owe it to yourself to try out the Mazda3. The 3 handles great, incredible brakes! Very comfortable seats. Nice ride. Looks great! The manual mode in the auto shifter is a nice feature.

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  Good for the money, but... - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By eburt - February 20 - 6:36 pm

  Ive been driving my MT 3 for 8 mos. All in all, Im satisfied, but there are some major engineering errors that they need to address. I added the Sirius radio after I got the car (bought through the dealer, but installed at an aftermarket), and by doing so, the aux button for my iPod no longer worked. Was told that its either one or the other - after purchase of course. Complained enough to the dealer that they gave us a comp on the switch box needed to use both sat and aux. Claimed they didnt know. Dont pay $150 for a feature that should have been there from the start. I drive 95% highway and only average 26.2 after 8K miles. Was told would get 30+.

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  ZZZZOOM - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Kevin G - February 20 - 6:00 pm

  I ordered my 2006 3i Touring Sedan at the beginning of September 2005 and got it October 11th 2005. The best value for the money in its class. Be sure to get the optional side airbags/ABS package. I have over 3000 miles on it so far. Im getting 34MPG with the 5 speed manual transmission. This car cruises very nicely at 70mph. The overall fit and finish is excellent except for the cheap material used for the carpeting. The seat are comfortable but I would have paid extra for a 6 way power seat option. Get the beige interior. It is much nicer looking than the black interior.