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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  2008 Mazda3 i sport - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Elliott - June 4 - 5:16 am

  I am leasing the new 2008 Mazda3 with the 2.0 liter engine and so far, it has been great. It is the later 2008.5 model with more standard features. It handles extremely well and corners sharp-great for city driving. Amazing MPG as well.

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  How fast am I driving? - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Waldemar - May 31 - 8:43 pm

  The Mazda3 is fun to drive and gets good mileage. I bought it fully loaded with automatic, ABS, and side air bags. I like the cars handling, feel for the road, and the manual mode on the automatic transmission. On the other hand, a nearly fatal flaw is that the speedometer and other gauges are so far recessed into the instrument panel and unlit that theyre extremely difficult and tiresome to read on sunny days within 3 hours of sunrise/set or driving in and out of shade. I have to stare at the instrument panel for a second or two to let my eyes adjust to the darkness before I know how fast Im going. The gauges are fine on cloudy days and fantastic at night.

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  Best purchase ever made - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By amati5 - May 31 - 7:39 pm

  This is the only car we bought without going back to the dealer in almost a year. In the past 6-7 years, we bought 4 cars (Toy, Hon, Nissan, Maz) and the other 3 had to return to dealer for some dumb repairs within the first year. This little car is perfect in every way: the price, the sporty ride and no rattle even in the cold weather and with the firm suspension. The 2 liters is tuned for low end torque and exteemly responsive. I guess this is the reason it has less gas mileage compared to others in the same class. A couple of less mpg but totaly worth it. The Turanza tires came with the car are very noisy so be patient or switch them out. Bluetooth works very well. Nice dashboard.

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  Best car in class - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Anonymous - May 31 - 2:33 pm

  The Mazda 3 is by far the best value for the money. Great features, awesome to drive and great design. No other car on the market can match the performance, comfort and style in its price range. Very reliable and well made. Definitely recommend this car to anyone.

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  Awesome Value - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By zoomzoom - May 31 - 9:33 am

  I had an 02 Protege ES and loved it. But the Mazda3 S I recently bought just blows that great car out of the water. The quality of the interior is something youd expect to see in a BMW 3 a couple of years ago (its that good). While it feels a bit heavier and less agile than the old Protege, the Mazda3 is better in every other way, and still handles very nicely.

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  LOVE MY 3 - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By G-MAN - May 30 - 6:40 pm

  Love this car. Bought the lava orange with a five speed and have no complaints. Had a Jeep and just could not afford the fuel to drive it. I drive at least 60 miles a day to and from work. Been on a vacation to New Jersey with my fiance and our two friends with a baby; we live in Ohio.

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  Fun and economical - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By mehra - May 30 - 10:56 am

  A car you should have if you are looking for practicality, fun and power. Mileage is great and balance on curves make it strongest in its segment/category. Great resale value and lot of things are already included in the base s model.This is not possible in civic as the required options make it $3k more expensive than Mazda3. There are no Cons, other than car could have used little stronger AC.

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  Mazda 3 best in class! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By TLH028 - May 29 - 10:00 am

  The 2010 Mazda 3i Touring (Auto) is a really fun car to drive. Its has a very tight feel and handles extremely well. Although the ride may be to firm for some the driver really gets a feel of the road. The styling both exterior and interior crush the competition, (Civic, Corolla, Colbalt & Focus). The 3 is a little bit small in the drivers seat and prob would not be comfortable for 62" or taller drivers. The quality and set up of the interior controls are outstanding. The funnest and most enjoyable car to drive in its class...ZOOM ZOOM

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  3 is happyness - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By silvermzda3 - May 24 - 1:26 am

  I have had this car for 2 months and a little over 4k miles and I am like a little kid every time I get to drive somewhere, even work. I wanted a GTI, but it was a little too pricey; tried the Rabbit, and was disappointed after the GTI. Found a wonderful compromise in the 3 that gave me a solid, beautiful car with zoom zoom, and a better reliability record. I have since driven a Civic EX and am I ever glad I got the Mazda. Available power is not over the top, but is more than adequate for spirited driving. The gas mileage suffers when you zoom, and it’s worth it. I love to drive and this car feeds that desire.

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  Better Than a Honda! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Collette - May 19 - 9:26 pm

  I love this car! I was choosing between a Honda Civic sedan and this car and after test driving both at the same price I was so excited to buy my first Mazda after owning a previous Honda Civic.