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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  Mzda3 "s" is GREAT!!!!! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By vinceB - December 17 - 9:06 am

  I recently purchased this car in early November--a 5 speed manual, 2005 model w/ airbags/ABS/moonroof package. This car has very few faults. For the money, this is like driving a mini Infiniti G35 (because we own one of them as well). I put in a nice alarm system, added rear tint, and upgraded the weak factory stereo system. Overall, Mazda 3 s .......Im impressed!

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  Great bang for the buck - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Steve Breen - December 16 - 10:50 pm

  Ive been a pickup truck guy for years as my daily drivers. My need for a pickup has declined in recent years, and I was getting weary of constantly putting gas in the thing. So, I began researching cars that were: 1) Cheap to own and operate 2) Fun to drive 3) good features and finally 4) great value. Well, this car actually exceeds across the board. I looked at the usual suspects in this group, and nothing has the personality and depth of features that this little Mazda has. I actually look forward to driving now, as this thing is a blast to drive. For as little as it costs, it just seems like a steal!

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  Wow, I really like this car! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By robin82732 - December 16 - 6:20 am

  Well I just bought a used 2007 Mazda 3 and I have to admit, I like this car. Boarder line love this car. I went from a BMW 5 series to this car because of the need for better gas mileage and my BMW was getting a little long in the tooth. Although, not as quite and as luxurious as the BMW it has all the same features and then some. And, over 30 miles to the gallon and when you commute 80 miles a day that adds up very fast. All in all, I really love this car. Sporty, handles better than the BMW and surprised at how well the 2.3 preforms. I was a little worried about the whole handling in the snow thing but the previous owner put on some great tires and it is AWESOME! Highly recommend this car.

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  Great car for a great price - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By Phil S - December 13 - 6:26 am

  I put 211,000 miles on my 1993 Protege without a fault. Bought a 2008 Honda Fit Sport 14 months ago and it was totaled. Drove the 2009 Fit Sport, Saturn Astra, and Mazda3 5dr and the game was over. The Mazda is much more car than the Honda and much nicer. The Astra is nice but awkward and the lack of an aux input for the MP3 player just shows a lack of consumer focus. The Honda feels "empty" and lacking when compared to the Mazda. The prices are all very close so its a good comparison in my book. Id like the sunroof to be an option by itself.

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  Fun Daily Driver. - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Luv2drive - December 8 - 7:26 am

  I have an 06 with a 2.3L engine and manual transmission, and it is one solid, sporty little car. Its interior and exterior styling are, without a doubt, the best in its class. Everyone who rides in it comments about the cool interior. Its way more fun to drive than its price tag might suggest, especially with the manual transmission. The engine is responsive and rev-happy, the steering is precise, and the suspension tears up corners like a sports car. The only reliability issues Ive had were minor annoyances related to my own modifications. This is probably the most exciting car you can buy for under $20,000... and it still gets 26/31 mpg!

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  Good Alternative for Compact - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Chip - December 4 - 5:56 pm

  I felt that this car was overall better than the Civic & Corolla. It came w/ more standard features and the quality of material was supurb. As for the Proteges success, I had no doubt in purchasing it.

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  30K mile UPDATE- - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By diehard080 - December 1 - 2:02 am

  I have revirewed my 2008 versus this 2010 and already have concluded it just that much better. I will focus on the passing of time,servicing and performance continuity. I replaced the Avid-Yokos which I found on the harsh side like the previous 08-09 suspension set-ups but slightly more ameinable to all-around driving with a bias towards all-out sports car tuned firmness. I installed Bridestones new Pole Position S-04s and even though the overall tire is heavier at 70-90mph this car is silent and super-stable at 85 Im turning 2900 rpms and its not even breathing hard -this damn 2.5 wants to be ridden to 120+ and sprout wings. Everyting else is tight and right ! Just oil/filter and gas .

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  I would buy another one! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By clapp6 - November 29 - 10:49 am

  After owning this car for 1 year here are my thoughts: 1)Fun to drive everyday 2)Not as much cargo room as you think 3)Breaks a lot! (been in the shop multiple times for bad shocks, replace belts, power steering pump, and many more parts) 4)Good gas mileage but could be better 5)That zoom zoom factor is addicting Simply put, every time I drive this car I fall in love with it a little bit more even though it has it flaws.

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  Great Car - not so fuel efficient - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By rsilverst - November 28 - 5:23 am

  I am writing this review as a mostly happy owner of my new Mazda3. After driving my first 1000 miles of mixed highway/city miles, I am a bit disappointed that all 4 tanks of gas have yielded between 23 and 25 miles per gallon. I realize that the car is rated 22/29. Nonetheless, given the highway split, I am a bit surprised its coming in at the low end of middle. This is not a large car, and it surprises me somewhat that my 13 year old Corolla with 155,000 miles on it was getting significantly better mileage. For now, I am very happy with the car - its great fun to drive. But maybe I will end up going for a hybrid in a couple of years.

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  Headlight Problems - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Brittany - November 27 - 10:40 am

  I have had my car for three years this Feb. and so far, Im content. However, Ive had to replace my front headlights, two times each, and my tail light once; within a year! Im really annoyed because the dealership charges $36 for the bulb and $40 for labor! Then they said bulbs only last a years time. Im not so happy with this. Plus, Ive had instances where the drivers window wouldnt go up when I tried the first time. The second go around, it worked, but it becomes temperamental.