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:

• 

  Nearly perfect! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Dan - June 16 - 4:46 am

  I was debating between a (Toyota) Scion TC and a Mazda 3. After researching, testing, and spending some time with each car, my only regret is that I wasted so much time with the TC. I settled on a 2004 3s (2.3 engine and trim extras). The quality of the parts and build is simply amazing for a car in this price range. If you spent 10 minutes in either car, the difference is night and day. Anyone in the market for a sedan under 25k should look everywhere else first, then when you see this car youll be even more amazed at what they offer you for the price. For the gas mileage people: im getting BETTER than rated (im at 28/35) at 1,300k...so its not even broken in yet!

• 

  Awesome! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Kristina - June 16 - 3:50 am

  I have absolutely loved this car! It is fun to drive, pulls uturns on a dime and is so comfortable that 3 people for 15 hours in the car was no problem. I am so happy with this purchase!

• 

  Best in Class - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By PrinceJ - June 15 - 11:40 am

  I didnt consider this car until I couldnt get a Civic EX-L with a 5-spd; I sat in a 3 and immediately felt the level of refinement it had over the Honda--yes the "great" Honda. I love this car! It handles well, it rides well, Ive gotten 33 mpg on a 2.5hr trip, and 26 mpg in mixed driving! If youre looking at compacts, youve got to try this one. Cash for clunkers worked for me!

• 

  Good but Flawed - 2014 Mazda Mazda3
  By Zoey Broussard - June 14 - 6:57 am

  The M3 has nice, soft-touch interior materials and a sleek exterior design that helps it stand out from the crowd. MPG is good, but not quite as good as advertised; I usually average 32 while commuting with a roughly 60-40 split between city and highway driving. Roof/head space can be a bit tight if you sit close to the wheel like I do, but otherwise room and space in the M3 seem fine. Although I find it tolerable, many have said the radio is ugly. Headrests are uncomfortably angled. My biggest gripe though is that the A-frame pillars create blind spots towards the front of the car that I find very noticeable when turning/pulling out at intersections.

• 

  Best I could do to replace Acura Integra - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By mhouse - June 13 - 6:03 am

  After owning Integra for 17.8 years, finally found something to replace it with. Nice size for one person, nice luxury features. Not as fun to drive as Integra but handles just as well, even better on fast curves, like its on rails. Quietness masks real acceleration compared to Integra which was "throatier". A lot has changed in cars since 1991 so Im still getting used to things like position of steering wheel (further away), thickness of steering column (limits leg room), the explosion of new technology, and in my case, four doors. Bose stereo is good but I do have to have the volume way up to level 40+ hear details (deaf in one ear so this may be me not the car). Mileage in upper 20s.

• 

  Why pay twice the money for a BMW?? - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Elliot - June 12 - 1:56 pm

  I have owned this car for about three weeks now, and it has been an absolute pleasure to own in every way. So much, that, upon comparing it with my friends BMW 328i, I actually preferred my Mazda, because the BMW didnt really offer many things over the Mazda, especially since it cost twice as much. The Mazdas acceleration is a bit (but noticeably) slower than the six- cylinder BMW, but the 170 horsepower four still makes the Mazda plenty quick. However, I found that the 450- plus-pound-lighter Mazda was much more fun to power around corners. The interior actually surpassed the BMWs, with very cool-looking gauges and expensive-looking trim. With a couple reservations, I love my Mazda!

• 

  The Love-to-drive- drivers car!! - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Victor G - June 9 - 7:43 pm

  I test drove other Mazda 3 competitors models (Rabbit, Civic, Cobalt, Focus). None matched the comfort, performance, style or price value of the 3. The cars looks great, has many added features and its not as common as a Civic or Focus. The Mazda provides the best all around package of reliability, easy to find parts, reasonable price, performance and sense of exclusivity. You still dont see that many around.

• 

  Try To Beat It.! - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By David - June 8 - 7:03 pm

  If you like sporty cars, you cant beat this one for the money. Blows away all the competition. This is my third Mazda of this type (323, Protege, and now Mazda3). All the performance features (brakes, acceleration, handling) are top-notch. The I-Value package gives you all you need. BMW for a cheaspskate.

• 

  2006 Mazda3 Grand Touring Hatchback - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By markanash - June 7 - 4:19 pm

  Great little car now with 138K on it. Nice features including the Bose sound, LED lights, adjustable headlights, great styling, etc.

• 

  Good times - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Kory - June 4 - 10:40 am

  Its a great car. I have loved every minute of it. The drive is fun and the manual is smooth.