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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  love this car - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By quakk - December 26 - 4:03 pm

  i read the reviews here before i bought this car used, and i have not been disappointed. i love this car. its fun to drive, rather zippy for a 4 cyl, stylish, great stock sound system. cup holders are poorly placed right behind the shifter or in the doors (ok for a bottle, but not for a cup with straw). both back seats fold down, and i fit my 62cm road bike in the trunk just this morning. i get 28mpg in the city, 34mpg on the highway in the arizona mountains.

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  Lot O fun for the $ - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Kilmer - December 26 - 3:13 am

  Decided to get the base hatchback which is called the "sport" and its set up exactly as the higher priced "grand Touring" same, suspension, 2.5 -4 engine, interior/ext size , just a few less amenities. but U do get a 7-phone bt system, stability& trac control, CD,Ac ,all- pwr,TPMS more- . This car is chock full of goodies for the money and blows me away with its manners as after testing the "competition" it literally was no contest ! corolla- not, sentra-not , civic-not even close , I mean Mazda was thinking so far out of the box that the others are eating dust and Im certain many other designers/techs at the aforementioned companies lost their jobs because this Maz-3 deserves the Gold Medal

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  Mazda # - a winner - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Pres - December 25 - 10:00 am

  Test drove lots of other cars, Ion Red-line, Scion TC, Nissan SER Spec V, honda Civic, Toyota Corolla XRS, Neon. Final decision came down to the Scion and the Mazda 3. Opted for the 3S because the Scion TC felt to sedate and heavy. The 3S is like a big cat, light on its feet, flat in the turns, responsive at the wink of an eye. The interior fit and finish is superb, and the seats are a nice turn for an econocar-they are actually firmly supportive. The seating allows crank up or down, and the wheel repositioning is all needed to find a great driving position, oh yeah lumar suppport too. Mine has 5 speed, zenon lights,changer, TPMS, moonroof, and ABS and side airbags.

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  Great Car - Poor Quality - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By wardboom - December 25 - 3:53 am

  The car drives excellent and feels solid. However, I have had problems with the engine light repeatedly coming on (5k-10k miles) for no reason. The repair is under warranty but it is a nuisance to keep taking the car to the dealer for repair. Now at 38,000 miles the driver’s side wheel bearing needs to be replaced and the tires need to be replaced soon. The wheel bearing is also under warranty but I am told that the tire is normal wear and tear. It appears that the tires are an off-brand. I like the car but quality is poor. I would not buy another Mazda of any kind.

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  Smart and Practical - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By jtk - December 22 - 4:13 pm

  We were originally considering the Civic but took a test drive in the 3 after reading positive reviews on this site (and others). Wow, what a pleasant surprise. The 3 has much more pep (especially with the manual), is better looking, and has more standard features than the comparable Civic LX. It gets fantastic gas mileage! 1500 miles on our 3, and were averaging around 30 to 33 mpg with about a 50/50 city/highway driving. Granted, its no BMW or Lexus but for well under $20K, you cant go wrong.

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  I love this car. - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Hannah - December 20 - 9:33 pm

  Ive had this car for only three days now and I am infatuated with it. When Im not driving it, I am wishing I were. I love doing errands now! It handles so well. The steering is incredibly responsive and the brakes are excellent. It feels like a much more expensive car than it actually is. Mazda did a fantastic job. One complaint - the ride over a bumpy road can be pretty rough. Also, if you turn on the lights during the day, you cannot see the numbers on the dials because of the electroluminescent lights. Other than these tiny things, its great! Im cutting this review short so I can go drive.

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  Very cool car! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Justin - December 20 - 8:16 am

  I am a new buyer of Mazda cars and so far, I am impressed. Everything about this car works for me. The look on the outside as well as all the standard features are awesome! I have a 3i sedan with the standard trans. and the power out of the 2.0 4cyl is more than enough for comuting.

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  I Love this car!!! it is Awesome! Great - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Pedro Repollet - December 20 - 1:20 am

  I was in Real estate for many years and always drove the E Class Mercedes Benz, and honestly, This mazda 3, 2.5, has nothing to envy that car from Mercedes Benz, this Mazda 3 drives perfect, handles beautiful, saves gas, lots of features like, bluetooth,system ready for I-Phone tunes, and MP3, I-Pods, car looks better than any other car in its class, i drove the civic, sentra, corolla, and they look like old cars compare to this modern and advanced Mazda 3 , 2010, I highly recommend this car, it drives so smooth, and yet looks so sporty, there is no competition on its class! Run and lease one!

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  All other compacts - eat your heart out - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Sandi - December 19 - 9:30 pm

  I bought my Mazda3 at the beginning of November & so far have had NO problems but lots of fun! This car is fun to drive, has room for all 4 of my family, and a cute sporty look to it that gets constant comments.

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  I love Mazdas - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By gary - December 18 - 5:43 am

  I feel young again driving this fun little car, I just love the way it handles and looks.