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:

• 

  2008 Mazda 3 Sport GT = Problems - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By darkface23 - October 28 - 11:29 pm

  I cant believe any of these reviews Im reading, so I am moved to write my own TRUTHFUL review. I bought my 2008 Mazda 3 Sport GT new off the lot. I made that mistake once, and I wont make it again!

• 

  07 Mazda 3 Sport - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By MLC - October 27 - 9:56 pm

  Very happy and look forward to driving everyday! Great gas mileage. Drove to Yosemite and S.F. (over 1000 miles round trip) and only spent $120 on gas. Tight around curves and very responsive handling. Interior noise is sometimes a bit much, but still very happy overall. The best buy Ive made so far in a vehicle.

• 

  ZOOM-ZOOM - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By JUICE88 - October 27 - 9:53 pm

  Ive owned the car for ten months, so far a pleasant experience. Great value for the money. Definitely a set of snow tires in the winter solves any traction problems.This car is fun to drive.

• 

  Mazda 3 2004 hatch back - tire issues - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Leo - October 26 - 4:53 pm

  Ive had the car for about 2 months, and still find it fun to drive. One Major disappointment is the handling on snowy roads. The 17" goodyear all-season tires are totally inadequate. The car fishtails on packed snow.

• 

  I love my car - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By J - October 26 - 4:43 pm

  I love this car so much...has so much pep for an economy sedan. Its extremely fun to drive...has great pickup on the highway and responds to steering input beautifully...manumatic is also fun to drive. I wasnt so happy with fuel economy, but then I realized that its about 2/3 the size of my old Camry tank and that was why I wasnt getting as many miles to a tank. After doing the math, I now get in the mid to high 20s mpg, which I think is decent.

• 

  Way to go Mazda! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Larrell - October 25 - 2:10 am

  This car has all the bells and whistles including navigation, bose premium 6-disk changer, satellite radio, moon roof, rear spoiler, heated seats, cargo management system, auto transmission/manual tap shift option all for an an amazing value. This car is fun to drive has amazing get up, curtain airbags, and gets all the looks from car enthusiasts. I highly recommend this car for any person ready to ditch their gas guzzling SUV and who wants to drive a fun little buggy that gets great gas mileage, and thats big on style and bang for the buck! Way to go Mazda!

• 

  Drives like a zoom out of Hades - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Robert Ross - October 23 - 9:26 am

  Continue to be amazed by thoughtfulness of detail and quality of fit and finish. Drives like a go-cart and turns quite a few heads as I pass them. The dealer sold two more of them while I was buying mine. Another winner for Mazda.

• 

  Computer MPG is off - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By jackstraw22 - October 18 - 1:15 pm

  Ive had this car for about 2 months and while I do enjoy driving it, Ive noticed the computers MPG is off. Ive checked it several times by filling up my gas tank, resetting the trip meter and then resetting the computers MPG. After running it for about 300 miles I filled the tank back up. I then divided the miles on the trip meter by the number of gallons I put in the car. My latest manual observation was 27.2 MPG while the computers MPG was 29.8. So far my driving has been about 90/10 city/highway, so Id expect the MPG to be low. But I would have expected the computers MPG to be more accurate. Its been off on every test Ive made.

• 

  Very Nice Car - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Shawn - October 16 - 10:46 am

  This vehicle is fun to drive. It handles so well. For the size engine it has, it sure does get up and go! It also rides very well, and it is pretty roomy interior wise. In may i will have had this car a year, and I have not had a single problem with it.

• 

  Believe the hype! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Steve - October 15 - 3:33 pm

  I just picked up my new M3 last night, and it is awesome. While I have not had the chance to really open her up, I could tell just by my ride home that this is a sweet ride. Quite a few of my coworkers have compared it to a BMW 3-series after taking a spin in it. I would highly recommend this vehicle to anyone.