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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  Poor gas mileage - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By mmmm1982 - November 29 - 2:55 pm

  Ive had this car for almost 2 years and havent had any major issues so far. All the maintenance is done regularly, but the car still gets only 24-25 MPG in the mixed cycle. I guess all of Mazda3 have this issue with the power steering pump, which I had to replace under recall. Interior looks kinda cheap.

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  Great car for the money!!!!!! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Alex - November 29 - 2:20 am

  I bought this car a the day after Christmas. I was looking at a VW GTI and a Honda Civic. The GTI was nice, but overpriced. The Civic was nice too, but lacked the "extras". So I looked into the 3. Wanted the HB for the extra storage capacity. This car has everything you could want in a car at a very reasonable price. Ive only put 100 miles on it so far, but it is so much fun to drive! My aunt had a Mazda in the 80s and 90s. She drove it to the ground and never had any issues. Mazda makes a solid car. Making Car and Drivers 2010 top 10 list isnt too shabby either. MUST BUY!!!

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  Follow-up Review: 12K miles later UPDATE! - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By surfnjm3 - November 28 - 2:09 pm

  So i posted a review about 6 months ago when i had about 2K miles on my Mazda3 SkyActiv and wanted to follow-up for any who is still looking into the car. After 12K miles I must say the car has been extremely reliable which was one thing I was worried about at first. I have had 0 problems and only maintenance has been the usual oilchange/tirerotation at 5K & 10K miles. Internally the car has held up GREAT! (i use the car for plenty of projects around the house and have been hauling all types of items) car fits anything in it. As for the engine, it seems to actually be running better after breaking it in, I recently got approx. 33mpg average on 950 miles of driivng about 25% highwy 75% city,

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  Replacement Tire Suggestion - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By MarRod - November 28 - 9:23 am

  With 29,000 miles on the original (junk) equipment tires, I read several tests and found a very good replacement tire for the Mazda3. Try: Continental Extreme Contact DWS (Dry,Wet,Snow) They transformed the car, with much improved wet and light snow traction, much less road noise, better steering feel and much better tar strip and rough road performance. Have 5000 miles on them so far. A very good all performance season tire. Also much cheaper than replacing the factory original (GY) rubbish.

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  Great First Car - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Tyler - November 25 - 4:00 am

  I have the 2008.5 Mazda 3 GT sedan. I have one semester of engineering school left and I am so happy with my first vehicle (and first big purchase). This car is fully loaded and I couldnt ask for more. Car handles great, corners great, and has good acceleration (which you can improve with the automanual). The black leather seats are very firm yet very comfortable and the heated feature works very fast, ~30 seconds. This car has the best turning radius of any car Ive ever driven. I could say a lot more but just know it is a great car and you really cant go wrong purchasing it.

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  My 2007 Mazda 3 i Touring - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Kprice_79 - November 23 - 9:20 pm

  I love this vehicle. I bought mine July of 2007 and absolutely love it. When it is time to trade this one in, I will definitely be getting another Mazda. The only thing I dont like about it, after a certain amount of miles (low mileage) the tires seem to make a loud noise after accelerating to a certain speed and when slowing down. I would also put at trunk release on the keyless entry pad. Would be a great help.

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  Mazda 3 5-door - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By d harvey - November 20 - 7:03 pm

  Great storage space with real sports car feel.

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  Whats up with these tires!!!!!! Help! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Graciegirl - November 19 - 4:00 am

  I love my Mazda3 hatchback but, I can not seem to keep the tires from "cupping". I am replacing tires about every 25,000 miles, this is getting expensive. My dealer has replaced tires for me twice but, has never actually come up with a solution to the problem.

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  Fun little car with some problems - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Anna - November 18 - 6:06 am

  I bought my Mazda 3s in April 2006. About 3 months after I bought it, the brakes started squeaking, then about 5 months after I had it, the cd/time/temp display went out and I had to have it replaced, which took forever because they had to order the part; however it was under warranty. Also, be prepared to spend extra money for an oil change because it takes a special filter and oil that is an extra $20. The car does not handle well in snow or in hard rain. I really do like how the car drives and the way it looks, but I hope in the long run it will be a better car than it was this pass year.

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  ZooM ZooM! - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By dssomerville - November 16 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had my 2011 Mazda 3 for a few days. Im starting to like it more and more everyday. It can get up and go if i want it to and looks amazing as well.