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:

• 

  Its great! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By nne3jxc - November 12 - 2:00 am

  The Mazda3s handling is tight without giving a punishing ride. The interior was nicely appointed and well laid out. Sure -- it doesnt have some of the fancy doo-dads that the luxury cars have, but I can turn on my headlights just fine all by myself, thank you. Its a comfortable little car that feels bigger than it is and has some nice bigger car features. (Many "stolen" from the upmarket Mazda6.) Its sensible without losing any of its zippy fun factor.

• 

  zoom zoom - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By lhixson - November 9 - 2:43 pm

  Overall fun car to drive, you can feel the quality thats built into this vehicle. has a lot of options not offered by competitors of small wagons.

• 

  Hatchback vs. Sedan - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By oxford_b - November 7 - 9:10 pm

  I bought a red Mazda3 S sedan for my wife last year. I liked driving it so much that I bought another one (the hatchback) for myself. Storage space, fuel economy, etc. are all excellent as other reviewers have said. Heres the real deal: the sedan is just faster. The weight ratio must be different between the two because the sedan flies. It shifts into second gear like its trying to win a race regardless of whether you push the accelerator. The hatchback requires just a little more coaxing. Im pretty sure the rear door weight is the culprit. What you lose in pep you make up for in utility with the hatchback, but theres a little more Zoom-Zoom in the sedan.

• 

  Love it, love it, love it! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Bill - November 7 - 2:03 am

  In 25 years of car owning, this is by far the most fun car I have ever owned. After nearly two years of ownership, I still cannot believe I paid well less than $20k for a car that drives like a sports car. Acceleration is great, its comfortable and quiet on my daily 45-minute combined city and highway commute (on which I average 29 MPG). I would buy this car over again in a minute. Previous cars: Two Accords, a Golf, and Rabbit.

• 

  My 4th Mazda wagon - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By gregstl - November 5 - 5:41 pm

  Previously owned: -02 Protege 5 -08 Speed3 -10 Speed3 Many things remain the same through the years. Sporty handling, quirky but some how attractive interior, road noise, fun-to-drive, best hatch for the money, etc. What was new and enticing was the Skyactiv drivetrain and a Mazda3 getting over 30mpg.. let alone nearly 40mpg. Havent quite gotten there yet on average, but it seems possible. If you keep the RPM around 1800-1900 which is close to 60mph.. youll break 40mpg. After that it seems to dissipate pretty quickly. Youd be lucky getting over 30mpg at 70mph. At the end of the day, you can pick one of these up for under $17K brand new at some dealers. Best car made under $17K.

• 

  A Great Little Car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By TOM K. - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Had the for about 2 weeks now, great handling, smooth 5 speed. Still working on the gas mileage part, getting 26/27 on local/highway driving.

• 

  good car!!! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By dobbydou - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Very good car, nothing to say for the price.

• 

  I recommend it to anyone who asks - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By 05Mazda3 - November 4 - 10:33 pm

  After two years and 39k miles, I still enjoy jumping in this car for a trip to the store or a 1500 mile road trip. Its comfortable, fun to drive, and packs more utility than every small SUV Ive looked at. I cant see myself trading it for anything else anytime soon. For the detail oriented: mileage: 27.4 mpg over 39k miles of Atlanta traffic. Things hauled: 1 fully assembled grill, a stack of 2"x4"x8 lumber with room for 2 passengers, two 40"x48" pallets, 1 dresser w/ 1 bookshelf, 1 cubic yard of bark mulch (in 3cu.ft. bags) and 5 adults (1 not terribly happy). All items were hauled separately, but with all doors, hatches and windows closed. Out of room, but I love this car.

• 

  Mazda Fun - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By BluesMedic77 - October 31 - 10:00 am

  I bought the 3i to get the price a little lower. I did have the Power package and 16" alloy wheels added. Aside from the slightly bigger engine and fog lights, the 3i is no different than the 3s. Its a fun car with great handling and performance.

• 

  First Car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Shortiestephy - October 31 - 10:00 am

  The mazda3 s is my first car. Ive had experiance driving my brothers Corolla S and after he had a chance to drive my Mazda he sold his car and got a Mazda3 as well. I think its safe to say that my whole family is happy with the mazda3. My father also owns a Mazda Miata, in which he is also happy with.