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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  Glad I Bought It - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Penten15 - August 26 - 9:03 pm

  When I bought my Mazda3 it was actually my first new car. It is very fun to drive and the steering is more precise than anything I have ever driven. The leather is very comfortable although the dark leather certainly keeps the car warm. Fortunately the AC is amazing. Fuel economy is good but not amazing, but the car is more fun than anything that that gets better gas mileage.

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  great car - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By mazdaowner - August 26 - 2:33 pm

  Have had mazdas and still own them, but like this interior layout. Seats not as comfortable as the older protege, but pretty good. Much quieter than the protege. Love the value edition. Homelink mirror works great and got rid of garage door openers from the visor. Wish the fuel economy was better, but it gets what its rated for. Hope this helps

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  At 44,000 - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By johnny2003 - August 24 - 4:32 pm

  At 44,000, I like mu little Mazda just as much as I did the first day I got it.

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  Zoom Zoom Dude! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mechanix2001 - August 24 - 6:00 am

  I was looking for an economical car with some kick. I was not interested in driving a Civic or Corolla. There reliable cars but so unoriginal; I like something different. My friend and cousin both have one and they rave about it constantly, so I had the chance to get a good test drive, and I agreed with them. From driving an old pick-up the gas mileage was a great difference. The best thing I noticed about it is the handling, I mean if you like driving, like I do, youll enjoy whipping around the back roads with ease. The interior is very sporty and the seats grip you like a racing style seat. Anyways, GO have a test drive, for the money you wont be disappointed!

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  Fun little car to drive - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By heffay6 - August 18 - 6:27 pm

  Just bought an i Touring sedan and it is a blast to drive. This car replaces a worn out Cadillac Catera, so Im expecting much better service than the often broke down Catera. Havent had it long enough to report on gas mileage, but the acceleration is great for a small 4 cylinder car. Cabin is a bit on the smaller side but we do not anticipate having back seat passengers very often. The fit and finish is very good for a car in this price category. Good job Mazda. The wife and I are enjoying our 3.

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  What a LEMON! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Ihatethiscar - August 17 - 1:03 pm

  My engine light keeps going on.The dealer fixed it three times and the engine light went off again. I think the car cant handle the cold. With 10 months & 4,000 miles, I should be ok. Car slides all over the road and wont stop on snow covered surface; mechanic blames 17 inch tires. Dont buy this lemon!

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  Fantastic Car! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mazda Convert - August 15 - 5:20 pm

  Just bought this little beauty for my wife and we absolutely love it! Drive this, then go drive a BMW 328 and Im pretty sure youll find it difficult to justify spending another 15K for little more than luxury brand image. Mazda built one heck of a car. Only complaint is lack of standard IPOD integration -- bluetooth is great though so we just stream music through our iphones (the bose stereo is worth the extra $). For a compact the mileage may not be what most expect, but if you want 4 or 5 more mpg buy a Civic (great car too), but youll miss out on the great character and the hell this car can raise on the road!

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  Sweet Ride - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Uncle Stu - August 13 - 6:53 am

  We bought my wife an 2008.5 grand touring hatch, manual transmission new in 2008. So far no problems aside from once, the power steering failed then started working again (about a year ago). I have a g35 but I take this car on the weekends -- it handles better.

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  Great Lux - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jon - August 13 - 6:46 am

  This s Grand Touring is one heck of a machine to drive! Safety features and rating are unmatched - with adaptive headlights, H-bar skeletons, and built- in bluetooth system. The Bose surround- sound audio system with the noise canceling just puts you right in the studio! Love the push-start botton, dual-zone automatic climate control,and the hatch versatility that transforms into a storage capacity that rivals any small truck! This is in-deed a vehicle in a class of its own!

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  a detailed look - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jimmy P - August 12 - 9:36 pm

  I got the 09 M3i, 2.0 manual. I deliver pizza and do a lot of driving. Ive driven nice cars; a porche, some bmws and a few other nice cars so Im trying to be completely objective with my review and will break down my scoring on the scale above. Performance: zippy, but not real fast, cant hang with the big boys but the handling is superb, which brought the score up to a 7/10. Comfort: I drive for HOURS! Im never uncomfortable. 7/10. Fuel economy: I avg 27 mpg...depending on the use of AC and if im driving like a maniac which i sometimes do. 350-290 miles per tank.(usually around 320). 7/10. Fun to drive: that the handling is so surprisingly responsive combined