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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  A Best Buy By All Means - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By dbiri - September 26 - 3:06 pm

  This is my 3rd Mazda, 2 previous Proteges; all great cars with no problems which keeps me coming back to Mazda. But this CAR by far takes the cake. It has all the extras you could ask for and then some. The interior of this car look like it belongs in the class of cars that cost as much as $30k. For a small car this car handles like a dream for those who enjoy those twisty roads. Also if you are looking for the best car that money can buy this is it from the leather, xenons, 6 disc Bose, automatic A/C, you name it, its there. As far as gas mileage goes its about average for a 4 cylinder.

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  love this ride - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By adrian - September 23 - 7:10 pm

  Perfect car, nothing wrong to talk about, great looks, good performance, nice and smooth. I have about 4000 miles and very happy, standard options, price, looks, two thumbs up!

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  Terrific Value - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By miken - September 23 - 10:56 am

  Im amazed with the level of equipment that comes with this car, for the price (I got the car at invoice). I have the 5 speed automatic, which includes sport shift. Love the looks, ride, handling, and utility. The car is a lot of fun and the gas mileage pretty good -- about 28.5 after two fill-ups.

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  Mazda 3i Touring - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Nadia - September 23 - 9:13 am

  I purchased this car about 3 weeks ago. I really like the vehicle. It has numerous options at a great price. Only two complaints; one is that the muffler had surface rust on it. I thought that was odd for a 2006 with 5 miles on it. Also, due to some bad luck in the past for a family member, I had the battery tested prior to driving off the lot. Guess what? The battery failed the test! I would have been stranded somewhere for sure after a couple days/weeks. So I had to have the battery replaced before I actually took the car home. I found that quite disturbing. Most people probably dont ever think of doing such a thing but look at what happened. No a bad idea for others to try.

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  Good Car But Minor Tweaks Needed - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Eric - September 22 - 3:56 pm

  I bought my brand new Mazda3 S GT in Black. First off, there were 2 chips in the hood that went down to the bare metal. They replaced the hood which I am thankful for. Today, while cleaning my vehicle I noticed a rock chip on my windshield the size of a pin head. Great car, but it seems to be easily prone to rock chips. I had a 99 Camry, and had many rocks hit my windshield, and never a chip. Now I have to pay 60 dollars to have the chip filled with no guarantee that it will last. I hope Mazda strengthens their windshields on future models, but overall this is a classy little car with a BMW 3 series look to it.

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  Canadian Mazda - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By oksana - September 21 - 7:53 pm

  Just an excellent small car! So fun to drive! Beats my old 316 (to my surprise). Zips around the city, good and steady on the highway, get better mileage than manual claims.

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  Are you kidding me? - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By 10M3guy - September 21 - 8:16 am

  I have been waiting for Mazda to come out with this car since last summer. It is everything I was looking for. I really like it a lot. The ride is smooth and quiet but firm. Some may say it is too firm but those people should be driving a corolla or civic. It accelerates well and has very little engine, road, and wind noise. On rough surfaces you have some noise from the low profile tires but nothing to be concerned about. Everything seems to be in just the right place. Big people need not apply as this car is just not built for them. It is obviously made for us smaller folks. I will post again after I have put some miles on it but so far so good.

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  Beautiful, sporty, and inexpensive - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Martay - September 19 - 2:50 am

  I bought the Mazda3 because I thought that its price was a bargain, and because Mazdas have a good reputation for reliability and good handling. The car has delivered in every respect. One thing I hadnt planned on was how nice looking the car is. Mine is red, and people constantly comment on how nice the car looks. It has a nice stance and good lines. Im a fairly big guy, and I fit into the car easily. The seats slide very far back and there is a lot of headroom. I strongly recommend this car to anyone in the market for a smaller car.

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  Manual Mazda Forever - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By roger bower - September 17 - 5:33 pm

  well built,good priced,good looking/performing,reliable,roomy hatchback .. glad I chose the 6spd man over the auto .. way better performance and much more fun to drive .. would recommend to every owner to change out the original air- filter element with K&N, I noticed a huge improvement .. gas mileage is still disappointing for a 6spd man .. I got better gas mileage out of my old 2.5 Altima with four spd auto

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  Best thing ever!!!!!!!!! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mazda3 Zoom Zoom - September 17 - 8:13 am

  I purchased a Mazda 3i about a year ago ,and i love it! Very very fun to drive, and you cannot get all of the same features at a better price. Mine has the power pkg, Moonroof+6CD. I also ordered mine with the tiptronic auto, very cool. Overall I love it would defiently get one again.