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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  Another Great Mazda - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Barney - September 12 - 10:06 pm

  Ive had a bushel of mazdas over the years and this is the best hatchback yet. So much fun to drive. Never been to the shop for more than tires. Plenty of power, better than 30 mpg average, a ton of room, wicked reliable.

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  The "un-Honda" - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Steve - September 11 - 5:23 pm

  The car handles well (especially for slow to moderate speeds), feels relatively solid and (with the 2.3 motor and 5 speed automatic) accelerates well. While mid range punch is only fair, the pull off the line and ability to hold speed on the interstate is quite impressive. Fit and finish are first rate as is the overall styling. In other words, the car looks and drives like it should be a lot more expensive than it is.

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  Fun to drive, but a real fuel hog! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Michael - September 9 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my Mazda3 in Dec 2009, but ended up selling it just 6 months later. While the Mazda3 was absolutely a blast to drive, I never did fall in love with the goofy "smile" on the front end. The seats were tight and uncomfortable for any trip more than 20 minutes, and the interior styling was just too much black. But the kicker was the terrible fuel economy: I averaged just 25 mpg after putting 12,000 miles on the car. I sold the Mazda and got a Civic. Yeah, the Mazda was far more powerful, but the Civic gets 37 mpg on average, is more comfortable and is overall a wiser choice. Shame on Mazda for poor gas mileage!

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  Best car for the money by far - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By KCD - September 7 - 9:33 am

  Purchased this car as a commuter: 90 miles round trip up the canyons. Power is great and gas mileage is amazing. We average 35mpg climbing 2500 feet to get back home. We looked at the Corolla and the civic and there was no comparison. We went with the Mazda because of reliability, power, and gas mileage. It is also a much better looking car. This is our second Mazda, we still own the first: a 1990 Miata with 100K miles on it.

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  Awesome car! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Carlos - September 6 - 8:33 pm

  I have had my Mazda 3 for two weeks now and totally love the car! After researching which cars were good and what I liked, I narrowed it down to the Mazda 3 and Civic. When I test drove the Civic, it was sluggish and felt cramped inside. When I test drove the Mazda 3, I noticed the greater space and almost gave myself whiplash because the pickup was so good. Im still getting used to the "smile" but I must say the car puts a smile on my face every time I drive it! Im finding excuses to got out just so that I can go drive it some more! This is my second Mazda and I love them both (wifes is 2003 Protege with 145,000 miles). Mazda is at the top of my list for future car purchases!!

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  Best Bang for the Buck...AGAIN! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By NoVa - September 6 - 9:46 am

  I bought this to replace my beloved Civic Si after the great reviews I had read and the exhaustive research available on the net. This is by far Mazdas best offering for the money in any class. The engine is peppy if not outright powerful. The exterior design is broad shouldered & modern. The interior is well though out & purposeful. Material quality could be better as the plastics get dirty quickly but can be easily cleaned. The mileage is the biggest disappointment as only strictly adhering to the 55 speed limit will get you EPA advertised mpg.

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  Zoom zoomin - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mike Speed - September 4 - 8:03 am

  I am a Mazda guy. I love Mazdas. My first van was a used Mazda MPV and when I sold it, I got 500 dollars with 340,000 miles on it. I recently had a 95 MX-5 and absolutely loved to just drive drive drive. Then I had kids. So I went out and bought a SUV. (stupid me.) So I drove this SUV for 1.5 years and it was dull. plus it didnt help that I was getting 11 miles per gallon during hard times. So guess what I did? I comprimised and shopped around test drove. I got a Mazda 3 Hatchback. I love it,love it, love it. Beautiful car, fast and fun to drive. plenty of room for kids. So so happy with it. And no I dont work for Mazda.

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  Rally fun and sport comfort - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By SLO Road Czar, Ret. - September 1 - 4:06 am

  I bought the Mazda 3s to drive to work, then retired early. Yes, Im that old. Its been a great car, fun to drive and fairly grippy at speed on winding roads. We drive between Montana and California living in two rural communities. Fun driving at both ends. Not bad on long trips and adds FUN to the drive. Good mileage (between 25 and 30) and no repairs to date (about 30000 miles). Ive owned a 325 BMW, TR-6, and still own and drive a 91 Corvette and this little 3 fits in nicely with the fun to drive group.

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  New Mazda3 s - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mickey - August 30 - 12:33 pm

  Just love this car. Acceleration, albeit not that of a BMW 5 series, is excellent for the class and certainly far more than adequate. Steering is precise and braking is excellent. Engine seems very refined. Love the cruise control and radio controls on steering wheel. Glad I bought her.

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  Beat a Civic in All Ways !!!!! - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mike F - August 29 - 11:43 pm

  We looked many different cars and the Mazda 3 is perfect. More opitions for less money and more room than most. Runs and rides like a sports car. And the 17 inch wheels and very stylish. We would advise anyone it get one over the Civic.