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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  Part III of My Reviews - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By Fun2Driver - January 8 - 6:56 pm

  I decided to write a PartIII to my reviews. PartI compares Maz3 to 2 major competitors. PartII adds more details on Maz3. PartIII will add more comments and answer two critical questions for buyers/owners. Handling is the selling point of Maz3. But on center feel is not as good as German cars. Above 70mph, you better hold onto the steeling wheel tight. The P205/50VR17 stock tires provides adequate grip. But wider tires with directional patterns will sure improve traction more. Understeer is presented in high speed. DSC is not available unless you have the touring model. Zig-zag shifter needs get used to for straight shifter users. Trunk design can be simplified to yield more usable space.

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  No Compromise - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Montana Driver - January 5 - 4:40 pm

  Traded my 2002 Miata SE for this car. Wanted an all season car without giving up much handling and fun to drive. Shopped Civic Si, WRX, Altima Coupe, Mazdaspeed 3 and GTI; chose a Mica Copper Red Mazda3s Touring 5M for price, fuel mileage (premium fuel not required) and versatility. Figured I was making a compromise for enconomics sake. My 1st drive was over a winding mountain pass here in Montana and I havent smiled like that since I got the Miata. Of course it doesnt have the kick in the pants acceleration of a WRX or V-6 Nissan, but the handling and transmission is more then up to the task. Im 64" (yes I fit in the Miata) and found the front seats as comfortable as any I tested.

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  Mazda 3 - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Kristie DeLuna - January 2 - 1:10 am

  I bought this car for a sales job with lots of miles, it was perfect in every aspect. I especially loved the red dash lights, it made it feel like a small sports car, but it was still roomy enough for the family. My only complaint is that when I totalled it out in December from rear ending a car in front of me, from what should have been little damage (the other car only had a scratch) My Mazda was demolished, over $11,000 in damage and the airbags never deployed. I went to the dealership who said although I hit the other car head on, because the passenger side took the brunt of the force, no air bags deployed. But, as long as you dont wreck it, youll love it.

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  Great Little Car - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By john in whitestone - January 1 - 10:26 pm

  Nice acceleration even with an automatic. Looks great! Turns corners like its on rails and stops on a dime. And its decently priced.

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  Mazda3 Sedan - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By vinlander - January 1 - 11:53 am

  I bought my Mazda3i sedan AT two months ago. It performs well, Im only sorry I didnt choose manual transmission as the engine is very lively and car itself is light, so MT may give you better feeling of the car. But the AT performs smooth, is very responsive and very comfortable to ride. Being 62" means many of the cars just wont give you enough space. Only question I may have is the fuel economy. I do 1/2 hwy & 1/2 city with one passenger and after 2500 miles, I got not more than 26 mpg. I thought it would be more savvy on gas consumption.

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  Zoomin on Oahu - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By Zoomin in Makakilo - December 31 - 11:23 am

  I recently purchased my Mazda3 (5 dr hatch, 5 spd auto - Copper Red Mica) within the last month, after I checked out comparable models like the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic and determined they didnt compare. In my personal opinion neither were anywhere near the Mazda3 in quality of build, handling, response and overall driving satisfaction (definite zoom-zoom factor). The car seems like its rarin to go right now but I want to ease into it and not push it too early. I am getting great mileage so far, especially with gas the way it is, and am very pleased overall. If youre looking for a great compact car with a lot to give - the Mazda3 is the "Ticket".

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  I am in LOVE with this car! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By lepupu - December 31 - 10:00 am

  Have had this car since mid-May and I love it. Lots of trunk and glove compartment space! The car is pretty quick for a 4cyl.

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  Mazda3... My New Car ! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By KCOM2006 - December 30 - 1:06 pm

  I recently bought myself a new car and chose the Mazda3 as for under $20,000 you get a vehicle comparably priced to one around $30,000. It has all the bells and whistles, but is lacking in torque. Yes this car accelerates, but it doesnt grab you an make you fell like it is accelerating. But the bonus is excellent gas mileage!

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  65,000 update - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By diehard080 - December 30 - 12:24 pm

  I have had nothing but great driving experiences and initially when this car came out people were wineing about the front end ,now almost every car company has stolen the body of the Mazda 3 2010 hatchback .people are stopping me at gas stations so it seems mazda again way ahead of its time .Im writing this just after the first plug change & using mobil1 20-50 syn as factory oil in 2010 for the 2.5 was 20-50 Dino , I switched after break in at 10k . Then in 2011 the 2.5 got 0-20 syn as factory oil. So after plug change this thing bloomed like a new car and rips like a rocket thats been sport tuned . It definitely still blueprint balanced .

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  no regrets - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By John - December 27 - 12:23 am

  This is a great small sedan for the price. The mix of features, price, build quality and driving mannerisms far outpace anything else thats available in this class of automobile.