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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  Dont buy if you have bad roads - 2013 Mazda Mazda3
  By steve333 - March 16 - 10:19 pm

  I actually wanted a sporty handling car, at least for a compact. However, I was not prepared for the horrible ride quality the 3 has on anything but perfect roads. The car feels unstable, the freeway ride is awful with the car tramlining all over the place. 2 dealers told me thats just the way the car rides. Biggest mistake was buying this car over the Chevy Cruze.

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  In A Class of Its Own - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Romanizer - March 11 - 9:53 pm

  Tough to add to so many enthusiastic reviews. They are all correct. I have owned all sorts of cars and can tell you that this 3 is an amazing little machine. Sexy looks, stellar handling, zoomy power plant, lux/techy/sporty interior, chock full of technology. Plus, Mazda reliability. All at a ridiculously low price. Pssst, buy this car!

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  A worthy little sedan - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jefferson - March 10 - 5:23 am

  I needed a reliable vehicle with good fuel economy. The 3 was my final choice. So far Im pleased with the car. Ive put about 800 miles on it and its averaged 33 mpg thus far. The 2 liter engine has adequate pickup, but I would recommend the 2.3 if you dont mind paying about $1000 more. I test drove models with both engines. The brakes are very good and the handling is excellent. The build quality is very solid. The interior is very well laid out and materials are of high quality. Road noise is very pronounced at highway speeds.

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  Awesome car for the money - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By ash Khawaja - March 10 - 3:53 am

  I purchased a Mazda 3 s Grand Touring last week,and it is awesome. I own a 3 series BMW,and this the closest car that comes to it in handling. I love the feel, and fit and finish.

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  Cant stay out of it. - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By sdavis - March 7 - 11:10 am

  I commute 45 minutes each way to work. Since I bought M3 I find myself getting a earlier start each morning so I can take the back rodes to work. I have 2008 S Touring 5 spd manual and it is a blast to drive. Prior to that I owned a 2004 Mini Cooper w 1.4 liter engine. Mini hugged the curves better but did not have pep that 2,3L engine provides. M3 revs at about 3100rpm at 80 mpg, Mini over 4000. Suspension stiff on both, which I dont mind. M3 looks cool and theirs more room in the back for the kids. M3 doesnt get the gas mileage that Mini did but I can run 87 instead of premium. Trade off is worth it. In my mid fortys but I feels like a kid again when i get in this car.

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  Mazda3 s sedan, auto - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Loramay - March 1 - 11:30 pm

  I just bought my 2004 Mazda3 s last week, but Ive already driven it over 1000 miles on a trip. My first impression of the car was great, its sleek and drives well. The only issues Ive had with it are that the driver seat seems to be made for tall people with long arms. When I push the seat back so that your foot is a good distance from the pedals, I have to hold my arms out straight to hold the wheel. I also bought this car not realizing that the 2.3 L engine didnt get very good gas mileage. I was hoping to improve over my V6 mustang, but the mpg is only slightly better. But I like the way it drives, and I think it will be a great car for me.

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  Mazda "Axela" excels competition - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By MazdaMan - March 1 - 3:13 am

  The new Mazda 3 puts the competition to shame when you compare it to a Honda Civic or Kia Spectra. Ive taken a lot of cars for test drives and none felt quite as solid as the 3, otherwise known as the Axela. The turning ratio and grip to the road is amazing, especially compared to a Dodge/Plymouth Neon or Chevrolet Cavalier. Aside from that, the styling is way more appealing to the eyes than any other car, even more than most in the sport compact class. Another HUGE plus, the interior design, though very race-inspired, is still luxurious and comfortable. On the exterior, there are no lines more than a centimeter away from each other making this car the best choice under 15,000.

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  Buy this car - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By medken - February 27 - 10:00 am

  I agree with a lot of the reviews of this terrific little car. I previously owned a BMW 3 series, for ten years, and so I am used to great handling and a few creature comforts indoors. This car, so much less expensive (which in this economy was important for me) made me feel right at home, right away. So fun to drive, I dont want to arrive home. In fact, I drive slower just to prolong the joy. This is my take on the car and believe me I am not prone to giving excessive praise to anything or anybody.

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  Love it! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Marlea - February 27 - 10:00 am

  It took me forever to decide what kind of car I was going to get. Theyre all so similar, I didnt know where to begin. The moment I saw my Mazda in person I knew it was the car for me. It wasnt even the color or model I had the dealer quote me via email, but I knew it had to be mine. It is so much fun to drive, music up sunroof open, its my "me" time!

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  This car laughs @ Corolla and Civic - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By Tony the test driver - February 27 - 10:00 am

  This automobile is exactly what I wanted. It handles well, comfortable and well designed and executed car, loaded with all main safety features. It has a pleasant growl during acceleration. The shifter is nothing short of magic. The exterior is perfect (besides the smile). It feels nothing short of German sedan, especially at night when the dash goes red with bunch of lights. You feel the road and you feel as part of this car when you drive it. Seat has good lumbar support. Ergonomics are good. Ride not worse then in Civic EX. Fuel economy should hit 30 mpg combined. Build quality is top notch. Headlights are super bright at night. Protege beat Civic/Corolla 12yrs ago for me and did it again