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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  Happy with my choice - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By jgibson146 - May 6 - 3:26 pm

  I bought this car for the available options and the options werent even available on the Civic. The Civic just looked too boring compared to this car. I also bought the car because of the safety equipment. The real reason I bought this car is the looks for the money. The dynamic stability control I think saved me once when I swerved to miss something on the highway and overreacted. I turned the wheel way too much and then corrected to go straight again. My last car was a Park Avenue and it would have gone out of control for sure, not that I am knocking the Park Avenue.

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  Mazda 3s - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Bob - May 5 - 3:03 am

  The car is a great car for the $. I only have one real knock against this car; it has too much road noise. Mazda really needs to work on this - it should be a simple solution and would dramatically improve the driving pleasure!

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  I love my mazda3. - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By rob917305 - May 3 - 6:02 am

  This is my first mazda and Im very happy. I got my mazda3 two weeks ago and totally love it more everyday. It handles superb. Very nimble, lightweight, and sporty suspension. The manual feature is like a turbo magic button. This is the best designed compact economy sedan that drives like a mini bmw, is cool looking, and not boxy. Oh and forgot to mention, priced right.

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  Best C-Segment car with potential to be even better - 2014 Mazda Mazda3
  By lahrs37 - April 28 - 11:54 pm

  This car is really fun to dive and it is also nice to look at. After making a compromise with my wife to get a four door hatchback, I assumed that driving excitement would have to be banished. Not so! This car is a blast to toss around in the corners. The seats hold you very well in place and manual transmission is one of the best I have sampled. With all of that said I do wish that some of the money spent on technology whiz-bang was diverted to more sturdy interior materials. The stalks coming off the steering wheel feel like they might break if hit too hard and the silver plastic door handles remind you every time you exit the car that this is no BMW.

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  ZOOM-ZOOM ! - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Lee - April 28 - 8:43 am

  I traded in my 03 vibe to get ABS, traction control and a little more power, what I got was a car in another league entirely. I thought the vibe handled good when new, but as time went on I realized it wasnt that great (no ABS or traction control). I was surprised to be getting about the same gas mileage with the Mazda3, with better power.

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  Love it! - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By chickie - April 27 - 10:06 pm

  I owned a 95 Mazda Protege for 13 years before getting my Mazda 3. I am really enjoying this new car. Looks nice and I receive many compliments on it. Rides wonderful and handles wonderful....sporty feel. My hubby remarked how comfortable the front passenger seat is, and hes a big guy. Love the stereo system. Only thing it needs improvement on is gas mileage. Could also use a little more room in back seat. Dont know what the reliability will turn out to be, but gave it a high score based on my 95 Protege. Test drove 5 cars in its class, and this one, by far, was the best. Some felt junky, cheap interiors, handled lousy, or too expensive. This one is best value for the money.

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  2010 Mazda3 Hatchback - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By twebb - April 25 - 6:43 am

  Great car for the money. It has good power and a hint of exhaust note that make it fun to drive and it handles well. The updated styling looks good, and the hatchback is convenient for hauling small loads. The only slight drawback is the fuel economy - Im averaging 24.2 mpg w/ 2500 miles driven. I suppose if it had 20+ less horsepower and was slightly smaller like the Civic it would be better. Ill take fun to drive and a couple less mpg.

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  Very Happy - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Roxy in Northern, VA - April 24 - 3:53 pm

  Before buying this car, I shopped for over a year for the right car. Other vehicles I considered were Nissan Altima, Acura TSX, and Honda Accord. I am very happy with my Mazda. It is so responsive and fun to drive. I live in Northern, VA, where there is a lot of traffic. I am happy to say, I have used this car many times to get out of bad traffic situations. It accelerates quickly, even with a car full of people. Its so comfortable and stylish. My only gripe is that the horn sounds weak and I dont think the mileage is all that great. Overall, Im extremely pleased.

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  this was the best decision ive ever made - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By D.Coplin - April 22 - 7:40 pm

  this car is amazing...it meets my every need....it goes fast looks good and can hold all my junk!!!!!! its the real meaning of zoom-zoom because thats all i do!!!!!!!

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  Fun! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Tyler - April 18 - 10:36 am

  I bought this car to replace my 96 Pontiac Bonneville. This car was a huge improvement! Given, the interior wasnt quite as nice, but it was sporty, which was what I was looking for. The car is much more responsive than I would have expected and has an all around sporty feel. If you want a nice smooth, quiet ride, this car isnt for you. You can definitely feel the road (which I like), and its a little loud inside, but it could very well be my tires. The suspension is superb, you can take 90 degree turns going 30 mph on a dime. If you get this car, make sure to get the manual! This is what makes it so much fun!