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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  4dr S 2.3l - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Joseph8 - November 23 - 2:00 am

  I purchased the 4 door sedan fully loaded and am very pleased with it so far. The car rides smooth and handles great. The engine is very quite and has impressive power. A nice balance between performance, style, safety and comfort. Going 75 MPH on the highway feels like your doing 40 MPH with a smooth quite ride that makes you feel safe.

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  Impressive Ride - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By iCGAux - November 22 - 5:13 am

  The Mazda 3 hatchback is an incredible value. So many standard features that you would most likely have to pay extra for with other comparable brands (Honda, Toyota, Subaru). The car is a joy to drive - handling is impeccable for its class, engine is powerful for the weight to power ratio. My decision to purchase this car was also based on the new Consumer Reports 2010 best cars, which the Mazda 3 received an excellent rating. My only concern is gas mileage. I do about 50/50 city/highway and the car computer (neat feature) is averaging 25.5 miles per gallon. I fully understood the gas mileage expectations before purchase, but it would be nice to average 30 mpg.

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  My cool red 3 - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By islanderon - November 21 - 1:23 pm

  Bought my car in March 2004. Very sporty and comfortable. Ride is firm but not too firm, makes for a great highway cruiser. All over very happy with it . Despite reports of tight rear seat, back seat in quite spacious in my opinion. I recommmend it highly.

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  Bumpy ride in Mazda 3 2011 - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By 99intrigue1 - November 21 - 11:38 am

  Just (within past two days) leased a 2011 Mazda3 i touring and absolutely hate the ride! I felt every tiny bump in the road....stressful and uncomfortable!! Also noticed handling on turns was odd...not smooth by any means. Looks great and nice features, but going to call dealer and see what my options are.

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  happy so far - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By highwaystar - November 20 - 10:43 am

  Im really enjoying driving my new Mazda. It combines sportiness with practicality while giving me around 30 mpgs. This Grand Touring model is flush with several high end features such as the adaptive xenon headlights, memory drivers seat, and auto on headlights and wipers. My wife insisted on heated leather which we have need for much too often here in Wisconsin. Am currently having an issue with the outside temperature thermometer which is very slow to adjust to the actual temperature. A small problem perhaps but frustrating all the same. It was just such gremlins that led me to trade my 2006 VW Passat for this vehicle in hopes of higher Japanese build quality.

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  fun car to cruise in - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Larry - November 19 - 12:20 am

  So far my experience has been excellent. I love the way it handles, and it gets great gas mileage. For a 4 cylinder its got some power. I would definitely buy another one in the future.

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  its good drivin - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By mikal5555 - November 18 - 10:00 am

  i just got my mazda 3 s its a very fine pieace of machinery when you drive this car you automatically feel like you are driving a much more expensive car it really is a zoom zoom experience.

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  I love this Mazda3 - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By CardinalFan_101 - November 17 - 12:23 am

  Im a previous owner of a 06 Mazda3 S Grand Touring, but the new 2010 Mazda 3 S Grand Touring has improved 100 times over. The handling is improved, gas mileage has improved and you get all the great toys that all the top Luxury brands have to offer. Mazda is a top rated car company with a good reliability score. This is a great vehicle and Mazda did a great job with the re-design.

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  Work of Beauty! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Victor - November 13 - 11:56 pm

  The Mazda3 is just a fun drive. It doesnt just get you from point A to point B, it makes you want to go to point B. while some might see that as a problem, i think the worst part about this car is that you just want to keep driving. A lot of the reviews you read online say that they dont like the engine noise when your accelerating. But i see this as a plus, since it only gets loud when your trying to go fast. The Mazda3 makes 120mph feel like 40 and handles like it to. Great car great buy, Id recommend it to anyone.

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  ZOOOOOOMM ZOOOOOOM - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By mack13 - November 13 - 10:00 am

  After being greatly disappointed by the Matrix XR, my wife and I went to try the next car on our list, the 3s Hatchback. No comparison. The 3s blows away the Matrix on HP and standard equipment. We got the Titanium Gray color with 4 speed auto. The dealer had a labor day sale going on, and we got it for $17,109. I love the getup and go this car has, and the tranny shifts smoothly. It reminds me of the 1989 Honda Civic si that I had because it is just fun to drive. The controls were hard to get used to, but, are very easy to use after a little bit of practice. I had a 1975 Mazda GLC, and got about 240K out of it. I have nothing bad to say about this car at all.