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 it! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Paul - December 13 - 8:33 pm

  Have had for a few weeks. Great in all ways. Cant wait to drive it. For my wife but I love to slip in. Seats are perfect for a small car, great support. Interior is gorgeous. A lot of fun to drive. Plenty of power. Handles like a Mazda. Not sure that you can get anything close in the price range. Bought it loaded, except nav.

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  Glad I waited... - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Phx - December 11 - 11:50 pm

  I had initially planned to purchase a new 3 a year ago, but when I found out Mazda was going to redesign the car, I decided to wait. Glad I did! Finally purchased the car one week ago, and every time I drive it, I am still impressed with all that the car offers compared to the price. From the exterior design to the finish and instrumentation layout inside, this car puts my Toyota to shame. It has been a good while since I owned a Mazda, but from what I have seen so far, I am glad to be back.

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  The Best Car Under $22k - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Miikeymaranello - December 7 - 5:30 pm

  Forget Civic, Corolla, even an Accord 4 banger. Buy a Mazda 3. This is the 2nd one Ive owned, and its great. Great option packages, good engine, with outstanding reliability. This car has features that cars in the $30k range dont have i.e. leveling headlights, leather seating, heated seats, mp3 output, navigation. All of these are available, and at a great price. Now for the engine, lots of "Zoom- Zoom", but go for the 5 speed manual-lots of fun. The only thing I dont care for are the tires that come at standard equipment. These Goodyears stink, but when they wear in 15k, Im going for the Michelins. I had em on the last one and they are great in all weather.

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  fun, fun, fun on the autobahn - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Rocky - December 7 - 8:03 am

  We also own a fairly loaded 2.5 X Type Jaguar. The Jag. has been trouble free and extreemly nice on the road. However my 3 is the car I drive the most. I have 5 door that has everything except the nav. system. It has been trouble free, a lot of fun and constantly brings lots of good comments.

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  The Wifes Toy - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Chris Review - December 6 - 11:46 pm

  Overall this is a very good car. We had some issues early with the dealership and the rear spoiler (color). The car just went into the shop for a leak in the transmission. The dealership says there was a leak at the temperature sensor that was not mounted flush. This leak was discovered at 3,500 miles at a local mechanic -- not the dealer. The car does plow in corners when speed is applied. My wife loves the car and its "pep." The fuel economy is a little weaker than I thought it might be. It also might be our lead foot as well.

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  Faster than youd think - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By JT - December 5 - 1:50 pm

  I have had this car for about 2 months now. The first month spent breaking it in, while the second was more agressive driving. If you want a comfortable, fuel efficient, family sedan, buy this car. You cant beat it for the price. If you want an import racer... BUY THIS CAR. So far my brothers EX Civic with mods cant keep up. My brother-in-laws Integra GS-R modded out doesnt pull away like youd think. Oh yeah, a 98 Mustang V-6 doesnt even compare. And OH YEAH... I have the 2.0 that doesnt have any mods other than I took the air silencer off. I plan on getting a cat- back and CAI VERY soon.

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  Great CAR! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mark of MS - December 5 - 7:40 am

  I traded a 2003 Chevy Silverado in on this Mazda 3 5-door because the Chevy truck was the most uncomfortable vehicle Ive ever owned. The Mazda 3 has a 2.3l inline 4-cylinder that has quicker zip than even my 6-cylinder truck had, and 30 mpg highway isnt bad. The drivers seat is very comfortable and all the controls are very easy to reach. I strongly recommend the 5-speed manual transmission for the most pep. Visibility is awesome in this vehicle. I drove a Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tuscon, Mitsubishi Eclipse, Honda Civic (my second choice), and a Dodge Caliber before finally deciding the Mazda was the best choice. None of the other vehicles even come close in performance and visibility.

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  What a Blast - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By KC - December 1 - 10:06 am

  This is just the sportiest little sedan ever. I cant get over how much it resembles a BMW3. You get more amenities for your money than any other car in this class. And this is 1/2 the price of the Bimmer. It has just enough ZOOM to keep me entertained and the AT is fun to shift. I dont think you can go wrong spending under 20K here.

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  Loving it - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Rachel - November 29 - 11:00 pm

  This is my first car and I am extremely satisfied with my pick. The 2.3 liter 160 horsepower is the best in its class. This car gets the job done and does it well. Always fun to drive, its a zippy little car with an excellent turning radius. My little brother is a new driver, and he prefers driving my car over my Dads 2005 Acura TL and my brothers Honda Accord.

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  Zoom Zoom Is Definitely True - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Scott B - November 23 - 12:06 pm

  I traded in my SUV (gas prices too high) for my Mazda 3s Touring Wagon. I needed to get better gas mileage since my commute is 70 miles each day. I fell in love with the car the minute I sat in the drivers seat and drove out of the parking lot. The price was great for all the features you get on the S Touring Model. I cannot wait to see what they do to the Mazda 3 over the next few years. They are moving in the right direction with their line of cars. It was difficult to find the Pearl White S Touring Wagon in CT. They had to get the car from NY. This makes it a little difficult to bargain since there is only one car within 4 states. The dealer did not want to take much off price.