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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  Great deal for a great car - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By t. p. - August 29 - 10:13 pm

  My first new car purchase. Ive had this car for 3 weeks now and it is great. I enjoy driving it everyday (plus you dont feel so bad b/c it gets very good gas mileage). Mine has ABS/sideairbags, moonroof, 6 disk, tpms, 5 spd, xenon,step plates, wheel moldings and diffuserplate. I would suggest finding one with ABS/airbags b/c tests show poor side impact ratings w/o sideairbags. ABS brakes feel great stopping the car. Step plates are good cheap option for protecting rear bumper. I would not suggest buying arch moldings or diffuser since they are non- functional. Ride is firm which I like. I highly recommend this vehicle. Get the stick if you can; manumatic will not allow downshifting as i wish

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  Best In Class - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By HelmetHum - August 25 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned my Mazda 3S for 2 months, and I love it!!! It was my first new car purchase. I did a lot of research before buying this car; and did not find any other cars in this class that could compare. I come from a family that reveres Honda, but have all acknowledged that the Civic has been beaten. Badly. My friend has a new Audi A4 1.8T and was very surprised at the 3s performance (much faster off the line than the a4), as well as the well appointed interior of the Mazda 3. The low price of this vehicle also put a big lump in her throat. The 3 has a perfect balance of Performance, Economy, Luxury, and Fun. The 5 Speed gearbox in this car is amazing!

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  Love This 3 - 2014 Mazda Mazda3
  By fluffyan - August 23 - 5:18 am

  I have owned this 2014 Mazda 3 for two months, have a little over 1,000 miles on it. So far, I am very happy with it, although I wish it got closer to the 30 mpg rating. I looked at Toyotas, Scion FR-S, and checked online on Fords, Chevys, and Nissans. The Mazda 3 manual is so much more fun to drive than anything else I drove, and it met most of my other criteria. I had driven a Camry stick for the last 12 years. The Mazda 3 is a little smaller, but also quicker and way, way more fun. It has a little more style than the same-old-same-old looks of most sedans. I am getting 26mpg, wanted more, but I recommend this car!

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  Still happy after 1 year - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By DrShmerl - August 21 - 1:06 pm

  Bought my black 3s sedan after seeing one on the road,loving its looks compared to everything else in the price range. Decided on the stick for fun & added power, upgraded virtually everything I could. Car has proven to be a blast! Look forward to driving it whenever I can. Quick, confident handling & braking, quiet, comfortable, tons of room for its small size, stereos great, stick is fast & easy. I would get the automatic next time cuz of the traffic Im often in. Overall, cant recommend this car highly enough. Fit and finish were flawless.

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  A car I can appreciate every time - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By crazyjerry - August 20 - 12:00 am

  After owning the car for a year, the only car I wish to have instead is the newer 2006 Mazda 3 which added a trip computer. By all mean, this is a car I would otherwise pay additional $5k for, of course with a few more bells and whistles. But the basic feeling and driving is all there to it. This car is not just one step ahead but way better than any other new compact car in this price range. I stick with the basic features for the best value. Skip the ABS...this car stops well in the rain. Choose manual tranny and you wont be disappointed with the performance and gas mileage.

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  Rivals the best - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By matt - August 19 - 2:03 pm

  I cant believe I am saying this but my Mazda is more fun to drive than my Benz AMG. Hysterical- but true. The responsiveness is better than any vehicle I have owned before- and I have owned nearly every vehicle known to man. I bought this for a daily driver/airport car but find myself driving it more than my other vehicles. Sure the engine is a 4 banger vs. a 8, but its truly the most agile & fun to drive vehicle I have ever had. Decided to go frugal this time around, and so glad I did. Now trying to talk the wife into selling the ML500 for a CX9!

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  Best bang for the buck - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Kitten - August 18 - 1:10 am

  In Canada we have the top of the line GT with a GFX package. This car is so much fun to drive and the handling is just amazing as well as the brakes. Interior is beautifuly crafted with high quality materials which puts other cars in this class to a SHAME. This vehicle is by far of superior nature and quality. The 2.3 engine with a 160hp is fun and gives great gas mileage. Id suggest to get the 5 speed manual to truly enjoy what this car can throw at you.

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  Great car almost luxury - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Brad - August 17 - 10:13 am

  This is an awesome car! The outside is very sleep and stylish, the headlights are similar to BMW, the black looks very classy.The alloy wheels are nice, the interior is very comfortable and the controls are well lit, very very very nice car for the money. Great power. Smooth quiet ride.

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  Best in show - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By LB - August 15 - 12:13 pm

  I took my time and test-drove almost every Asian or European car in the small-sedan class but the 3i Touring stood out. Now that Ive had it for 3 months and taken one long trip (2000 miles), Im more convinced than ever I made the right choice. The competitions cars are either fun or economical, never both. This car is. Ive been getting over 30 in the city and over 40 highway, up to 44 mpg! Not a fast car but zippy and very nimble. Wow. Absolutely get the stick. The worst problem is road noise but every car this size has it so I guess its just part of the deal.

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  Best in show - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By LB - August 15 - 1:56 am

  I took my time and test-drove almost every Asian or European car in the small-sedan class but the 3i Touring stood out. Now that Ive had it for 3 months and taken one long trip (2000 miles), Im more convinced than ever I made the right choice. The competitions cars are either fun or economical, never both. This car is. Ive been getting over 30 in the city and over 40 highway, up to 44 mpg! Not a fast car but zippy and very nimble. I paid $15,700 for mine with the ABS-6 airbag option. Wow. Absolutely get the stick. The worst problem is road noise but every car this size has it so I guess its just part of the deal.