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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  I love my Mazda3 - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jess - June 28 - 11:36 am

  I decided to buy myself a birthday gift in 2005 and got this car. It had all of the features I wanted and is the best looking hatchback on the market. It is so much fun to drive and has never had a single mechanical issue in 2.5 years! I will drive this car for many many years, even if I could afford a higher performance vehicle. I mean it isnt as much fun to drive as a Lotus Exige S, but for a hatch that can easily fit snowboards (and a bunch of furniture from Ikea) it is the best option!

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  running great and fun to drive - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By adam - June 27 - 11:53 am

  I bought my Mazda in March 05 and now have 33K on it. I havent had a single problem. Only routine maintenance. It drives great and is fun to drive.

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  Good for 30,000, then all heck breaks loose - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By lunaris - June 27 - 10:08 am

  I dont generally review cars, but my experience with this vehicle was so horrible that I felt motivated to counter some of the shameless praise the Mazda 3 receives on this website. To put it bluntly, my Mazda 3 was a troubled vehicle. It was loud from the first day (I knew it would be), but the noise level rose as time passed. The tires wore down very quickly, and were extremely expensive to replace. But, what ultimately killed me was the clutch. Just over 41k miles, the clutch began acting up. I know a fair bit about cars and realized what it was immediately. Come to find that the clutch is a chronic issue for this car -- with many failing far earlier. And even at 15 or 18k, Mazda...

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  Excellent - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By mazdaspeedfreak - June 27 - 4:43 am

  This car has the best looks, performance, reliability for its price.

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  Very happy with the lovely 3 - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By ylli - June 26 - 1:22 pm

  I leased this mazda 3 August 2010. I really love the brilliant handling and the comfort seat and ride. Steering is very fast and precise. I guess for the price, you cant find other car in the class with better driving experience. I did do some autocross with this car. Even on all season tire, it can still shine. I also did a few 800 mile journey, it is comfortable enough that I can drive 13 hrs straight in the car. The down side would be so so fuel economy, I normally average 23-24 mpg in town, barely 30 mpg driving on highway. Also the build quality could be slightly improved. My car did develop a slight rattle at the back of the car at around 5000 miles. Overall, i am very happy.

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  My Long Term Review After 1 Year - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By Fun2Driver - June 26 - 12:30 pm

  This is an update to my review back in 4/2009, after 1 year plus few months of ownership of my Maz3. The cars still in excellent shape after more than 23k miles of hard driving, mostly long distance highway miles. No major repairs needed besides routine maintenance and oil changes. Overall I have no regret for my ownership. The most major complain though, is from the P205/50VR17 stock tires and Maz3s stiff suspension. The tires are almost worn out (should last 30k miles). They are very noisy. They are all-season tires, but absolutely horrible for driving in snow! Unfortunately, Ive moved to a potholes-ridden and snowy state. That proved to be the most unforgiven condition for my Maz3.

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  Super Value for a Great Car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By vuter - June 26 - 10:00 am

  This is a super car. I love it. I keep thinking the market guys at Mazda made a mistake in pricing. In comparing the 3 with the civic or corolla, its no contest. I personally think closer competition is a class up with the likes of the accord, camry, or jetta, but the 3 is a smaller, more nimble, in general more sporty which is what I prefer.

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  Glad I bought - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By spt1026 - June 22 - 1:40 am

  Just got this car a couple weeks ago. All I can say is that I always have a smile on my face when I am behind the wheel. The car hugs the road and a blast to drive. Interior is nice to look at and really comfortable. Plenty of cargo room for all of my gear. A big improvement of any other car I have owned. I love the Bose sound. Just traded in a 2004 Altima. The only down side is I wish it had better fuel economy.

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  The Best of All Worlds - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By B Man - June 17 - 9:40 am

  Im going to be honest and tell you I had to replace the fuel pump two days after buying this car. Im calling it a fluke. Aside from that, this car rocks. Ive been researching this one since it first came out, and now that I have it, its everything I could want in a car. It came down to this or the Honda Accord, but this car has so much more passion. I know its an economy car, but seriously, this is the closest thing to a BMW 3 series that Ive driven this side of 25 grand. Its really that good. The engine is super smooth and powerful. The suspension is perfect, and the layout and design of the car is spot on. Buy this car. Its even better than youre hoping it will be.

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  Love this car! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Cassie - June 16 - 6:50 am

  This is the greatest purchase I have ever made! I owned an F150 prior to purchasing this car and was sad to see it go, that was until I drove my new Mazda home. This car is fun, sporty, and looks cute. I feel very safe and love getting in and going.