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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  Wow - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By igozmzm2 - May 18 - 2:00 am

  I love this car! Its the best looking car that I have seen in a long time, and everywhere I go, people are saying great things about it. Many of them have begged for a ride, and love it. Its the most fun to drive, and since Ive gotten it, 2 of my friends have now purchased one as well. Its a luxury car without the luxury price. The controls are easy to use, within reach, and the navi system is a breeze to use. I went out of state the weekend I purchased the car, had no problems using it. I feel like I got a steal when I purchased this car...people think its a 30K car, when I tell them 20K they flip out.

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  Most fun Ive ever had behind the wheel - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By JMZ3 - May 15 - 4:16 am

  This is by far the most enjoyment Ive ever had driving a vehicle. I traded an 03 Mazda 6 for this M3 and have no regrets. The increase in horespower and better handling was apparent as soon as I took the car for a test drive. Highly recommended.

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  No regret - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By NK1982 - May 14 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned Titanium Gray Mazda3 for about 3 months now. It comes with everything, including the navigation system. Of course, Ive found ups and downs since I bought it but for the overall part, Im very plased with it. Its a smart buy!

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  Mazda 3 Hatchback - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By sakkarilius - May 14 - 10:00 am

  Dealerships said there was shortage of Mazda 3. Hard to budge on price. Compared this car to Toyota Matrix and Subaru Impreza/Forester. Mazda3 was best performer. Car had lots of safety feature including ABS, side air bags and curtains. Also Xenon HID headlights and tire pressure monitor. Hatchback comes standard with 17 inch alloy wheels. I made my purchase in May. There were no rebates and 3.9% financing is a bit higher than Toyota (0 to 1.9%) or Subaru (1.9%). If you can wait till August, you may get a better deal. The leather seats were kinda cheap looking but aside from that the car is built very well.

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  Mazda Sp 2.3 - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By culinarykid - May 13 - 9:40 pm

  I love my Mazda3 SP 2.3. I have the navigation, Bose system, 18 inch rims and brown leather. I am telling you for the price of the car and the things you get, its a awesome car. I can not tell you how many people roll the windows down on their car to tell me how sharp my car is. The color is great too. The color on the SP you can not get on any other Mazda car. Thats what also makes it special. If I had to tell anyone who was looking into a new car I would totally tell them to look at the 3.

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  Decent economy car - 2013 Mazda Mazda3
  By hmowner - May 13 - 10:44 am

  Of so many choices in the compact car market, Mazdas marketing motto has been "Zoom Zoom". Well, I bought into that hype but found the car to be just one of the economy compact cars. It gets decent mileage and it is fun to drive if you rev the engine and give up the mileage. You do pay a bit more than other compacts for the privilege of enjoying the "Zoom Zoom" - which is really about the car handling, not the acceleration. Interior is a bit old compare to Hyundai/Kia. The major surprise that I found is the terrible road noise. Dont know if its the factory tires or the car itself, but this is one of the nosiest compact!

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  My Little Mazda - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By mazda3driver - May 8 - 8:00 pm

  I bought my Mazda3 in Nebraska and drove it back to Vegas. Thats 1255 miles. I got an average of 24-26mpg the whole way. Not bad, but definitely could be better. This includes the driving in Colorado. If anybody has driven through there, you know what I mean. I got about 24 in that area. Your auto-stick really comes in handy up those hills. I was in 3rd gear up most of them. While in Nebraska, it was really cold. For some reason it didnt want to start early in the morning at 0 degrees. Not sure. After it was started, everything was fine. Took a couple times, but it did start. I tried putting heet in the gas tank, but didnt seem to do anything. The tail end likes to slide in the snow. A+

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  Great Car, Zoom, Zoom - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By NeilTheWheel - May 8 - 10:00 am

  The most fun car to drive of all we have owned. The Navigation system really adds independence to our driving.

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  I love this car! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By UNLogger - May 8 - 10:00 am

  I just wanted to say I love this car. It is fun, responsive and handles amazingly. In addition, it is extremely comfortable and I love all the safety features that came standard with the S package.

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  MAzda 3-S Sedan Auto - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Newmazdaowner - May 8 - 10:00 am

  Impressive. Hopefully the Zoom-Zoom feeling will stay throughout the life of the car. What a buy!