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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  just cant get enough - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By murfslk230 - February 18 - 2:10 am

  Traded in 2000 Contour SVT and this Mazda blows it away! Zippy, quick turn-in, and extremely predictable, even in Minnesota winter driving. The Mazda3 has incredible value for this class - for under $20k it offers niceties like heated seats, nav system, rain-sensing wipers, tire-pressure monitor, electroluminescent gauges, automatic climate control and xenon headlights. No other car in the compact class offers that kind of value. The exterior offers 17 inch 5-spoke wheels with brake-assist and EBD.

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  So far, so good! - 2014 Mazda Mazda3
  By bog72 - February 17 - 10:06 pm

  Just traded a 2006 Mazda 3 iTouring hatch with the 2.3L engine and 5spd Auto Trans. I loved that car, but a pothole created irreparable problems in the front suspension. Decided to go with the 2.0 in my new iTouring, sacrificing quickness in handling and acceleration for comfort of higher-profile tires and and fuel economy. Im not disappointed - this is a very solid car, and quite roomy. Seats are exceptionally comfortable, and seating position is perfect. The higher profile tires that come on the 16" wheels are more forgiving in the sea of potholes we have in DC.

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  A whole LOTTA car for the money - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Fatty Arbuckle - February 15 - 7:53 pm

  Im 23, and had to decide between the Scion tC and Mazda3. Two features of the Mazda won me over: the 5-speed auto with sport shift, and the interior design. 7000 miles in, and I have no regrets. The driving experience has always been fun, and usually exhilarating. This is due to the tight suspension, tight cornering, and plenty of torque @ 4000 RPM in 2nd gear. No major problems to speak of; the wipers cracked early, leaving streaks. A small squeak has arisen from somewhere beneath my seat.

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  Continually amazed by great performance - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By DARIN - February 14 - 3:36 am

  This car can be summed up in one word - tight. It is one well built car, and I knew this the minute I shut the door after the first test-drive. It drives circles around the Civic. The interior is roomy, and all the gauges are fun to look at. This car is the Swiss Army knife of cars, it can do so many things. Coming from a VW, this car is light years ahead of VW in performance, and reliability. Just in case, Mazda includes a 5 year, 50,000 warranty. The engine just purrs. I have a manual, and is it so fun and easy to shift. If you are looking for reliability, great looks, and some power to haul the family around with, the M3 is it.

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  Bottom engine protector - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By TC in MT - February 9 - 2:46 am

  We have torn two under guards off because of the low clearance on this vehicle. As a consequence we have gone with out this under guard and now see some pulleys & belts with wear & tear. My wife and 16 yr old really like it, me? Im on the fence.

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  glad I did it - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By John - February 8 - 5:43 pm

  Having owned four Chevrolet Cavaliers in the past I expected this car to a much better machine based on all the research I had done. Although the Mazda3 is considered a compact it is a completely different vehicle than any other compact I have driven. I understand the Cavalier has been around forever and the technology is old but I must say the cars I bought served me well. My sister has a 2005 Honda Civic and her husband has a 2006 Volkswagen Jetta. They are both nice cars but after having been in all of them I dont think there is a car on the market today that can compare to the Mazda3. I bought the s Grand Touring Sedan with just about every option you can get. Buy it -- you will like it.

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  Great car - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Chuck - February 5 - 5:20 am

  Needed a car for back & forth to work but wanted something a little different & fun to drive. Well my Mazda 3 was it. I love the front grill, 17" tires, sport tranny, & steering wheel controls for radio & cruise. The 2.3 engine really moves & the handling is great. Interior quality is much better then my 03 Jetta. Trunk space was a little small even with the hatchback, but my golf clubs fit so Im happy!

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  Powerful, Good Looking, and Economical! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By coleman97 - February 5 - 2:00 am

  I drove the Civic LX, and Corolla LE. Neither of them shifted smoothly, were underpowered, and werent fun to drive or look at. Also drove the Subaru WRX, and I actually prefered driving the Mazda 3. The Mazda 3 is the most fun car that Ive driven in years! It also happens to get great mileage and the base model comes loaded with more stuff than the Civic or Coirolla, and at 160 hp, it has plenty of power. Its also rock solid on the road, and handles great. I drove the Protege also, and this is a totally different car, much improved. Too early to judge reliability yet, but with the same engine and trans. as the Mazda 6, Im expecting it to be good.

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  The best small car under 20,000 - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Joel D. - February 4 - 8:06 pm

  I chose the Mazda 3s 5-door hatchback for a number of reasons.It is practical and more dramatic-looking than the sedan. Its delightful to drive and pleasing to look at both inside and out.It has a commodious cargo hold. The most exciting thing about this cabin is the list of available options including navigation system, Xenon HID headlights side curtain airbags, and a tire- pessure monitoring system. Mazda 3 brings exciting features to the class of economy cars. On the road, the 3 has enough power to please an econo- excitement. The car handled twisted road with ease. It has a firm suspension. The seats are supportive, and with telescoping/tilt wheel, its easy find a driving position.

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  Great little car - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jason Trojacek - February 1 - 6:30 am

  I had a Dodge pickup truck, which I loved, but the gas priced were killing me. I get about twice the gas mileage in this little car. Its not as good as some other small cars, but compared to the truck its excellent. The base 5 door is loaded with all kinds of fun stuff. I could use a little more horsepower and torque, come on Mazdaspeed. But the car serves me well in my daily commute. I was a little put off by the walk-in price. I couldnt get anything below MSRP. So I tried the internet and was able to find one for $100 over invoice.