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:

• 

  Best Car on the Road - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By AmberB - August 12 - 2:00 am

  I love my Mazda 3! Its the best car Ive ever owned. I plan to drive it until the wheels fall off.......if that will ever happen!?

• 

  Close to a perfect 10! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By ppdiablo - August 12 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car for the money. I got it loaded and out the door with tax and license for 21,000.Great looks with great performance.Dont know whats up with the gas milage.I only getting 22 at best.Even with the bad gas milage I love this car...fun to drive and would recommend to anyone.

• 

  Superb for the price - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By chinds - August 12 - 2:00 am

  This car handles great. I have the sports package with 17" wheels. It kicks the crud out of my 2001 Jetta Wolfberg Edition in terms of handling. Though 160 hp is adequate, the Mazda3 S would be an absolute kick in the pants if you could squeeze another 20hp out of it. Im sure the aftermarket will make that possible within the next year. Over all, this car is a great value for what you get, and real fun to drive.

• 

  best car ever! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By ex-hondagurl - August 12 - 2:00 am

  think about everything you would want in a car based on the car ur currently driving.....CK out the Mazda3s-it has it!

• 

  Best vehicle out there for the money - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By Canaan - August 9 - 1:33 pm

  I purchased this vehicle at the very beginning of January this year (so it is difficult to estimate items like "reliability" and "build quality." I have thoroughly enjoyed everything about it so far. Its very stylish exterior is, in my opinion, best in class. It is fun to drive, handles well, and the 2.0L engine feels like a sizable step up from the 1.8L of my former Corolla. The interior is well-designed and comfortable, and the dash looks sleek (and the controls are easy to use, contrary to what I have seen in reviews). The fuel economy is perfect for me, even if not the best in its class. I get almost 30MPG off freeway. The value here is undeniable, so why wait? Get one now!

• 

  Pros and Cons - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Tin - August 9 - 7:36 am

  I just bought my Mazda 3 about 3 months ago and I will give you guys a full feedback. 2 months later, I got rear-ended on I95 at 70 mph by a SUV and Im ok. The trunk is crushed and rear window is shattered. Overall, this showed me that the car is extremely safe. I must say that out of most sedans out there, this is probably the safest car out there. The airbag DID NOT pop, so not sure if thats a good thing? PROS - Got the car for $24k with Nav + 6 cds + moonroof. Takes 87 octane gas (yay!). 18" rim a plus. Spacious trunk. CONS - Fairly noisy engine. Expect a bumpy ride - cheap suspension. I know its the Mazda3 (not 6) - dont expect a lot of backseat room.

• 

  Visibility driving/Acceleration/Cargo - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mike - August 6 - 5:43 pm

  NOTE: Vehicle is less than one month old. My issues may stem from being the owner of a new, small car -- having switched from a 2 door coupe, larger American vehicle to this new small, economical car. Front visibility is very good, but side (from 2nd row seats back) and rear visibility is not. Large pillars in rear near hatch make for small windows. That, coupled with tall headrests, makes seeing other cars while changing lanes a hit or miss proposition. Acceleration is somewhat sluggish before vehicle warms up. Also, there seems to be some sluggishness when vehicle changes gears. Cargo space is pretty good when rear seats are folded flat. W/ seats up, cargo space is limited

• 

  I Love my Mazda 3..... - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By mwheatley - August 6 - 9:11 am

  When I first bought the vehicle, it was a horrible headache, and it was too bad but I received a Lemon. The Motor Blew at 28,000 and I drive it like a grandmother. I think almost every part on the car fell apart or was defective, I would list however the list is way too long, no word of a lie at least 20 different parts in/and out. It was so bad at a certain point I gave up and left some stuff broken ex. vents However I still love my car, its always a fun drive. I would even buy another. My wife bought the same car except it was hatchback and it has over 300,000 kms and still going strong and other then general maintenance, the only part that we needed to replace was the Altenator.

• 

  I love it! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By kc2007 - August 4 - 9:40 am

  I cant say enough about my Mazda3. I got everything I wanted in this car at a great price. I do agree with the prior comment about thin paint. Ive never had a car chip so much as this one. But I can live with that.

• 

  Driving Is Fun Again - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By John - August 3 - 12:23 am

  I bought this car for two reasons: I drove a 1996 Protege that I treated me dearly and I recieve special pricing being a part of the Ford family. My only thought now every morning as I hop in my car is, "driving is fun again". I have never been more proud of a car, both in style and reliability. Theres nothing about this car I dont like.