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:

• 

  Nice Car for the price - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By yoho - January 30 - 2:20 pm

  I have owned my Mazda3 for about a month. I went and drove the new Hondas and the new Toyotas and did not even check out the American makes. For the price of the Mazda3, it out performs in acceleration, handling, braking and shifting. It is also more comfortable and just all around more enjoyable to drive. If you want a nice car that has a sexy design and drives well for a great price, then I suggest the Mazda3.

• 

  A Mini Audi A4 - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By HockeyFox - January 28 - 7:03 pm

  After owning a very problematic Audi A4, I vowed never to spend that much money to spend that much time at the service department. After giving way to accepting that Honda made a reliable car, I test drove the new Civic. Nice, reliable, but boring to drive. Quality was apparent, but it didnt feel European tight. On a whim I test drove the Mazda 3. It was like driving my A4 all over again. European flair and quality construction. Reviews are very favorable and reliability history appears to be quite good. I purchased the vehicle and expected some remorse towards not buying the Honda. NO REMORSE WHATSOEVER. Best purchase I have made. Love the ride, great comfort features. Winner!

• 

  One of the best! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Rob - January 26 - 10:30 am

  I loved my 2005 Mazda 3 sport sedan as it was a great car. Over 160000 miles on it with absolutely no issues what so ever. This new 2010 model is even better. Better mileage better comfort and better features. Build quality looks to be very good again with fit and finish again at the tops of its class. Im six foot 5 inches tall and I fit in this car with no troubles at all. Im not sure what the other guy was talking about when he said tall people look elsewhere? Compared to its to closest competitors, its got the most room inside for us tall folks. The only other small sedan that can compare comfort wise for us tall folks is the Nissan Sentra. Great buy, great car, recommend!!

• 

  Quality plus Handling - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By White Flash - January 25 - 5:36 pm

  I drive 1000k a week and finally I have a car with great handling, comfort and good mileage. Have averaged 29.0 (accurate) for the the last 20k. The handling makes you feel like a professional driver. Brakes are awsome, but be careful of those tailgating SUVs. Ergonomics are best of any car I have owned and love the red interior lighting. So far NO costs above tire rotation and oil change. Fit, finish and interior quality that of a much more expensive car. Mazda 3 just got a good and recommended rating from the Insurance Institute for frontal crash. Safety extras are the collapsable brake pedal (in accidents), side and curtain air bags. What more could you want?

• 

  Great vehicle but dont load it down - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By NJA - January 17 - 5:23 pm

  Ive owned my Mazda 3 i-touring (2.0 cylinder 5M) for about 5 months now and I think I can give an honest review having used it for ALL purposes. I initially used it to commute daily (120 mile round trip) and it was SUPERB. Great mileage, fun drive, good turn radius. My one complaint was perhaps road-noise on the highway and the stereo is a little tinny. Next I drove it long haul from Northern WA state to Southern CA loaded with luggage. While I did fine maintaining highway speed, I got bad mileage and the car rode HARD. Also, I was very uncomfortable no matter how I adjusted the seat. It has done great in SOCAL. Recommend: Use for city and commutes - avoid full passenger load - rides hard when full.

• 

  A good value - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Steve - January 15 - 6:00 pm

  I have only has the car a short time, but I am overall impressed. Good features for a compact car. I traded in a 2004 Acura TL because of financial reasons, and dont feel like I have given up a lot. I got the NAVI and Bose. I would like to be able to play MP3 CDs, but got the cassette deck to use an adapter for my iPod. Works fine. Much better utility than the TL. My complaints are lack of dead pedal, mats are lousy, and the brake and accelerator are a bit too close. I find the left side of my right foot hitting the brake when I put my foot on the gas or take it off. My TL had great cupholders (seems silly, but used every day, right?), but these are good too.

• 

  Love LOVE this little car - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By anna - January 15 - 8:30 am

  After reading all the wonderful reviews here. I test drove the mazda3 and it was love at first drive. The little car is wonderful. I traded in a Lincoln navigator and dont feel I made any compromises. I love the interior of the Mazda. It hugs the road and it truly a joy to drive. Thanks to everyone who submitted a review.. I can now zoom zoom.

• 

  Awesome car for the money, ZOOM-ZOOM! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By stallionre - January 15 - 2:53 am

  This car is a total ZOOM-ZOOM ride and buy. I test drove many cars and found this one to be the very best for the value and safety. This sedan falls in the class of a higher model, even with heated seats. I am so impressed with all the options, and especailly the look and style of the car. My wife loves the interior of this car, especially at night. Sweet instrumental colors. This car is built well from Japan and is a "J" car. You can not beat the price, options and features. You cant beat the feel, drive and stablity of this Mazda 3 S Grand Touring. I am more than happy with this car. I have added all the accessories that I could get with this car. I have added: bra, wheel locks, 6 CD Bose system, moonroof, all weather floor mats, cargo mat, compass/autodim mirror with Homelink, rear lid spoiler and the cool intake unit.

• 

  Mazda3 Pretty Decent Vehicle - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Eduardo - January 14 - 9:50 am

  I was suspect not having owned such a small car, as a daily driver, for over twenty years. I was also suspect about the Ford connection with Mazda. So far, I havent had any concerns and I can be pretty picky. The car delivers 23MPG with mixed driving and about 27-28 MPG strictly highway. The automatic tranny is fine and I have the slapstick manual option which is nice. I am wondering how it will handle New England winters, especially with 17" speed-rated tires. The vehicle does have one quirk; in idle, the heat vents blow cold air, even with a warm engine. When moving, the heat is strong. Makes it difficult to warm up the car in the morning since it only will blow cold until driving.

• 

  Mazda 3, Oregon Review - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By kens mazda - January 12 - 11:03 am

  Overall the vehicle is ok, 4 cylinder engine kind of gutless. Too much road noise. Have to turn radio up to drown out. Wouldnt want to drive it across the country.