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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  vroom vroom - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By pefnam - October 12 - 10:26 pm

  Bought a Mazda3 Sedan a month after buying a Toyota Matrix wagon and the Mazda is so much cooler than the Toyota that we wish we had bought the Mazda3 Wagon as well. Fun to drive, stylish, sporty, better mpg.

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  Fun Hatchback & Save $$$ - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By ptchang - October 11 - 6:53 pm

  Very fun to drive; can whip around corners. Hatchback is very functional. Premium Bose audio sounds fantastic. Very happy I got the Grand Touring trim with all the little features. Best hatchback by Consumer Reports; better score than Audi A3 which costs about $10,000 more similarly equipped.

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  Best Car l have ever owned - 2014 Mazda Mazda3
  By bmystro - October 10 - 8:32 pm

  The Mazda 3 I have is hands down the best car I have ever owned. The design is great and with the connect system it makes driving on road trips so much better not having to mess with wires. The price is great and when you look at comparable features in cars like Mercedes and Audi this is just a awesome value. Proud to drive such a nice car!

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  Lots of car in a manageable package! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By hthomas - October 8 - 3:06 pm

  Was looking for a fun-to-drive, economical car for daily use and after research, narrowed it down to the VW GTI or the Mazda 3. The VW was more powerful, but the Mazda3 GT 5-door won me over due to its premium features and content, pricing, an engine that doesnt require premium unleaded (unlike the VW), and its comfort and handling. I have had the car for over two months now, and I havent regretted my decision one bit. I love my Mazda, and I love the fact that I got so many premium, luxury-level features in a small, nimble and efficient vehicle. The blue accent lighting in the interior is a nice touch, and the fit and finish seems to be great. Im very happy with my purchase.

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  Best car Ive owned - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By bjerwin99 - October 5 - 11:43 am

  This is easily the best car that Ive ever owned. I switched to the 3 from a 2002 Honda Accord EX-V6 Coupe and never looked back. The mileage is great, it has lots of passenger room, and the hatchback plus fold down seats give tons of room. Mazda could charge $10k more and I would have still bought it.

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  The 3 is go-go - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By tom-tom - October 4 - 10:00 am

  I was going to buy a Honda fit sport but was concerned about the lack of hp, 4 wheel disc brakes, useful sun-visors and tight legroom for my 71 1/2 inch frame. For a bit more money the Mazda 3 hatchback addressed all of these issues and rides and looks better too. (the smiley grill is livable, and I prefer a happy car) The only trade-off was settling for less gas mileage than the fit offered, but the rewards are worth it. I call the Mazda 3S hatchback "Honda Fits better looking big brother".

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  A College Students Dream - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Camille - October 1 - 9:46 pm

  I have had my mazda 3 for almost a year now and I love it. Ive driven it from the coast of California to the coast of Florida and I couldnt ask for anything better. The ride is smooth, reliable, and enjoyable.

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  Mazda 3: $21,000 worth of fun - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By StukaFox - October 1 - 6:16 am

  Dropped $21,000 cash, not a BIT of regret: car is surprisingly peppy; suspension like a racecar; snaps to attention when right pedal is pressed. Expecting laggy and plastic, got a car out of a videogame. No bad habits on the road; does what its told without complaint. Visibility like a F-16s cockpit. Interior is luxury-car roomy. Cargo space that would make some SUVs blush. Piled on leather, airbag package, and ABS, still only came to $21,000 out the door. Was never going to buy import, Mazda 3 totally changed my mind. Detroit, wake up: Japan is about to eat your lunch again!

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  Low quality Mazda - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By needquality - October 1 - 1:21 am

  I made the mistake and believed Edmunds when they talked up the Mazda3. I bought a 2009 Mazda3 with 10K miles. I am very sorry I did. The car is covered with very low quality materials. Some examples... The carpet and upholstery are of the lowest quality I have ever seen. The body panels are like aluminum foil. You do not want to lean on your car. The trunk latch is all plastic. The huge irritant I have now is the drivers seat. It squeaks horribly whenever I adjust my position even a little bit. Dealer cant fix and Mazda refuses to replace seat. I am looking for a after-market replacement. Do not buy any Mazda if you care about quality. Thanks, Edmunds, for nothing.

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  Everything I expected. - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Peace Brotha - September 30 - 10:36 pm

  I couldnt pass up the incentives on this car I had been interested in since 2004. My old car, though reliable, was 8 years old and rusting. It was time. I appreciate the Mazda3s straightforward interior design and comfort, unique styling, and quality of materials in and out. I expected a little extra wind and tire noise compared to my old mid-size car, and I got it, but its more than acceptable. The 2.5 engine pulls very strongly throughout the range and has a lot of pep. Mileage is average to good for this class of vehicle. Very satisfied with the vehicle and dealer.