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:

• 

  Good So Far - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Ernie - April 12 - 12:16 am

  The Mazda is solid and handles the corners very well. We have had it 1.5 years (42,000 miles) and its reliability is excellent so far. The manual transmission works very well. The mileage is not as good as the competition, but it is a joy to drive and feels like a sports car. We are very satisfied and the kids all like to drive it more than the other fancier, larger car.

• 

  Great Car! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By ShaneT - April 6 - 2:00 am

  I bought the M3 a couple of weeks ago and it great all around from style to performance. It gets good gas mileage (around 35 mpg) which was very important in the decision. Also, the body style and colors to choose from were all excellent.

• 

  The Surprise Winner - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By BarrY Evans - April 6 - 2:00 am

  I decided to test drive the Mazda 3 just to be sure that I did not overlook anything before I dropped 20K. This car out drove anything else I drove (Jetta, Civic, Altima and Matrix). Shifting is simple and precise, not the sluggish start of the other cars I drove. The engine revs freely and clutch is very smooth. Steering is a bit light but provides a good sense of the road. The car interior is well laid out though a bit quirky in its styling. The result is that I bought the car. Mazda really has delivered a drivers car at a reasonable price.

• 

  Awesome Car! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By jtemp7 - April 6 - 2:00 am

  This is truly a fun car to drive! The interior is comfortable yet sporty. It handles very well. The highway ride is smooth and quiet. The car can be customized to fit your peferences, while remaining affordable. I would highly recommend it!

• 

  The newest Zoom Zoom - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By romasuave - April 6 - 2:00 am

  I bought this model 2 weeks ago and I love it. I couldnt believe how affordable this was to purchase seeing how much I get for my money. For around 17k (Tax and title included) I got a 2.0L 144 HP 5 SP manual with power eevrything and 16" alloy wheels. Having driven a 95 Nissan 200 SX I could see a huge improvement. Very fun to drive, fuel efficient, nicely designed inside and out and packs quite a powerful engine. A definite must buy.

• 

  Mazda 3 lives up to expectations! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By VWGator - April 6 - 2:00 am

  I was on the market for a reliable new vehicle that I knew I could build up to high performance standards. The Mazda 3 has given me a jump start on this goals at a great price. This vehicle should be around a long time.

• 

  Great Econo-box - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Gone Ron - April 5 - 9:20 am

  Purchased the car for business trips. Has averaged between 32 - 35 MPG on highway, has plenty of power and has proved to be very comfortable on long trips. Stereo (6-CD changer) is awesome, still getting used to the atomic cockroach exterior styling.

• 

  Even works for the family - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By mmb - April 5 - 3:43 am

  Weve had our Mazda 3 for a little over 2 months now and we are very happy with our decision. We wanted something that was going to get good gas mileage and the Mazda 3 has lived up to that. We are constantly getting 30 mpg which is greatly improved from the 16 mpg we were getting in our SUV. We thought this would be a vehicle for commuting back & forth to work, but actually our 3 children, ranging in age from 14 to 2, fit in the backseat just fine (even with a car seat) so we use it for family outings too. It has great handling and acceleration.

• 

  Love my new Mazda3! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By L.A. Girl - April 4 - 8:46 am

  I reluctantly said goodbye to my 11- year-old Saturn after repair costs became too great. I would have considered another Saturn but I have concerns about the future of the company. Since I know nothing about cars, I spent a lot of time here researching. Consumer reviews for Honda and Toyota were mixed but reviews for the Mazda3 were great so I decided to start my test driving there. After my first test drive, I didnt need to test anything else. I drove two hours to the only dealer who had the iTouring in gunmetal blue. Im glad I did...the color is beautiful!

• 

  Luxury Car Replacement? - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By TheRas900 - April 2 - 12:13 am

  This is an initial review and Ill provide more feedback after logging more miles. However, here are some first thoughts. The Mazda 3s GT is a very fun car to drive, with good performance and excellent handling. It is not very refined, with much engine noise and some cheap interior materials. It is a very good car, but maybe not as great as people say. Compared to a Civic or Corolla it is worlds better; compared to an Audi or Saab it is worlds worse. The decontenting (no more mirror signals, foot well illumination, etc) that took place mid-year gives away some of the cars edge on competitors.