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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  Couldve been better - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By modred17 - September 20 - 9:23 pm

  Bought almost 3 months ago, and while I like the style, I find it has little substance. I am very disappointed by the gas mileage. Averaging 21 miles in city and 29 on interstate. Should be better for a 4 cylinder. The automatic transmission is slow to respond sometimes. Rear seating is also a little cramp. Should have spent more time looking at other makes.

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  Great Fun - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Elliott - September 18 - 7:16 pm

  A very nice car, and a great value for the money. It has excellent acceleration and handling, and the shifter is a blast through the gears. I tried the Civic, Elantra, and Sentra, but the Mazda3 was just more fun. I also like the black interior with red gauges. It makes the drivers seat look like a fighter cockpit. Theres enough room for four in a pinch, and the trunk is big enough to fit all of my stuff, too. My gas mileage has been about 26 mpg in mostly city driving, which is so-so compared to cars like the Civic, but good enough for me. If I wanted to save the planet I would have bought a Prius.

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  Great Car For The Money - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Cody W. - September 17 - 2:50 pm

  I have had this car only for a few days... but it is Great! Since I was down sizing from a fully loaded SUV I still wanted all the comforts I could get. I got the sGT 5A with both the moon roof and Tech packages. I got it in automatic because of all the city driving I do. I like having all the toys I can get and for the price I paid, it was a steal. I got it for a thousand under invoice. The comfort and interior design are perfect. I took my girl car shopping the other day and I had a dealer from another manufacture tell me that he thought it looked great and he was going to get one. The car drives tight and firm just like a sports car. Its all about ZOOM ZOOM baby.

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  Great car - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Justin - September 17 - 4:10 am

  This car is great, the underpinnings are derived from a Volvo s40. The design of the interior looks good and is functional along with the multiple airbags and H beam overhead for rollover protection. The exterior looks great. The engine has plenty of power for the vehicle and tranny doesnt shuffle around for gears, the manual feature is great too. As far as the suspension and brakes are conserned they exceed my expectations by far. For a fwd you cant beat the handling. Overall this car is definitely worth the money.

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  Protege of the Protege, But Better - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By RG59061 - September 13 - 10:00 am

  I just picked up my Black Mica Mazda 3i a few days ago and I have been thoroughly impressed. The 2.0 Liter Duratec 20 gave me exceptional gas mileage and tons of power. Shifting was very smooth and the transmission moved between gears flawlessly. The ride is very smooth for the compact class and steering conveyed only confidence. Inside, the car was built to incredible quality. plastic graining was attractive and subtle. The cloth seats were very supportive and easy to adjust. The 3i is also very ergonomic inside with all controls easy to reach. I must say, this has to be the best car since the 6 and proves that Mazda, is back!

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  Great Car! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By AUGal - September 12 - 9:56 am

  Have been driving the "3" for 3 months now. We are so impressed with the performance and comfort. Drives like a sports car but feels like a big sedan inside.

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  My ideal car - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Clare - September 6 - 12:33 am

  I test drove several vehicles in this segment and none had the feel of the Mazda3. It genuinely feels like a far more expensive car. It is a real treat to drive and own. I highly recommend this car.

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  LuVmAzDa - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Zippie - September 3 - 1:16 am

  I traded up from a 2002 Honda Civic LX. I was a little iffy about trading a Honda for a Mazda as I have never driven one, but Im so glad I did. I love this little car, it handles like an Infiniti and even the interior is comparable to the Infiniti. This little car is surprisingly fast and it has that agressive street racing look. I love this car. :)

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  On my 2nd Mazda3 - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By JJ - August 31 - 10:16 am

  My first car (05 3 s) was a lemon but I liked everything except its reliability so Im trying again (with extended warranty). I got a White Pearl GT 5door and so far so good. 5spd auto seems to get better mileage than my old 4spd so thats a plus. Handles very well, frictionless steering and the ride is nice and firm. There is some body roll because of the high weight but its nicely controlled. I love the heavy feel of the car and the dynamic driving experience. Also, the looks of the car still draw lots of compliments. The 07 model seems to have fixed the problems w/my 05- weak a/c, rear brake dust, harsh shifting auto transmission. Im relieved and can now enjoy the ride!!

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  A nice car that somehow is made cheaply - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By ejh - August 30 - 1:53 pm

  Ive had this car for 15 months and 18k miles. It is a fun car and until recently I would recommend it to anyone. Ive had a few things go wrong that should never be an issue, especially for a Japanese car. Some are minor, some are not: * The plastic battery box cover broke the first time I opened it. * The gas cap broke, with part of it stuck on the filler tube. * The clutch is not working right. Something inside the clutch assembly broke causing poor engagement/disengagement of the clutch, which is felt as a notchy, clicking sensation in the pedal. The actually clutch friction plate is fine (this is not an issue due to poor manual driving skills). * Stock tires only lasted 17.5K.