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 mileage, cramped and impractical cabin - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By clee15 - August 5 - 9:47 pm

  I drove a Protege5 for 10 years and I loved that car. I fully expected to love my new 2012 Mazda 3 but have been disappointed--no love yet. Yes, it gets awesome gas mileage -- but it is not nearly as spirited or fun to drive as the Protege5. Hugs the road well, but quite sluggish acceleration. If you have the 6 spd manual, plan to do a LOT of shifting very quickly. Disappointing driving experience compared to Protege5. Interior cabin is cramped due to enormous dash and console, and ceiling in rear is much lower than Protege so if you have a dog in the back, it better be a short one.

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  Big mistake - 2013 Mazda Mazda3
  By diana37 - July 1 - 11:09 pm

  I wish I had known how uncomfortable this car is for driving more than around the block in a test drive. I bought a new 2013 Mazda 3 three days ago, and it hurts my back. I will have to sell it and take the financial hit. I am sick about it.

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  What a piece of ^%$^%$^&%! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By stissenko - April 26 - 5:30 pm

  I have a 2.3 AT version with currently 83K on it. TO begin is I should say it is the WORST car I have ever had (and I have owned quite a few). I have recently changed: all 4 shocks , bar links, rotors, caliper, leaking radiator, engine mount, heat shield, had to fix exhaust pipe! Unfortunately, it didnt solve all problems: I keep adjusting the breaks (obviously, I do not count new pads, since it is a maintenance), but the noise is still there. Right caliper is about to have to be changed (I am selling the car prior to that). I guess I am really tired of having the car at the shop ALL THE TIME, trying to understand whats wrong with it. If you want a car: DO NOT BUY!

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  I pretty much hate this car... - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By watyf - February 20 - 12:26 pm

  I had to drive my 98 Civic today because the wife needed the Mazda, and I was literally relieved to not be driving this car. Mainly because its incredibly uncomfortable. The seats are rock-hard, the whole cabin is cramped, there is NO rear legroom if the front passengers are normal-sized, the steering wheel never stays straight (apparently "sporty handling" means "have to make constant adjustments to the steering wheel even when driving straight"), the headrests are awkward and stiff, and you feel EVERY bump in the road. The little things about this car, like cupholders that a cup gets lost in and a trunk that DOESNT pop open (unlike every other car Ive ever owned), just add to it.

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  NO good - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mbauer - February 1 - 2:50 pm

  I purchased a Mazda3 Jan. 2004 to commute to school and work. I am very displeased with it. The worst problem is that, in automatic, when the vehicle shifts from 1st to 2nd gear, at around 2500 RPM, there is a great jolt. The car jerks a lot, sometimes more than others. I called the dealership and they told me that it was the "nature of the beast." They had gotten similar complaints, but there was nothing they could do about it. The car is also loud (belts and fans) and noisy inside while driving. I want to get rid of it.

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  New clutch at 20k miles - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By chris_1 - January 8 - 12:00 pm

  I first took my car in to the dealer when I noticed the clutch slipping after I shifted or when I accelerated at freeway speeds. Now, after 16 days, I finally have my 2011 Mazda 3 back with a completely new clutch assembly. Mazda paid 50%, not including the rental car. My final bill: $700 (not including the rental car cost for this time). They replaced not only the clutch disc, but the flywheel and associated bearings and parts. Apparently they consider replacing the clutch at 2 years / 20k miles to be "normal wear and tear" and not under warranty. In my opinion, the fact that it wore out so quickly, in itself, means it was defective.

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  3 months in... - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By cblais19 - October 22 - 11:36 pm

  My wife fell in love with the darker blue Mazda 3 sedan, and my attempts to convince her to get a Civic came to no avail. We purchased the 2.5l sedan with the moonroof/Bose package. While this is most certainly a very fun to drive car, I found it lacking in areas especially when I did back to back test drives with it and a Civic EX. Seats are too narrow, the flares on either side that are supposed cradle you wind up digging into my shoulders. Im 5 10" and 180lbs, and these seats just dont work at all. Road noise is pronounced due to the low profile tires. And we already have rattles in a couple areas, one in the door after the first week. And one of those silly tires has a bulge already

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  Not as well built at Acura/Honda - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By neojamie - September 28 - 10:00 am

  I thought Id try a Mazda 3 as their styling was light years ahead of the Honda Civic. I was let down on 4 occasions already with the *@!# engine coming on every 200 miles or so and after replacing 4 major enjine parts like O2 sensor to Purge system it has made me decide never to buy a Mazda again. I have always purchased Hondas or Acuras and the quality and when they can catch up on the styling I am going back without a doubt!

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  Worst car Ive ever owned - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By fubo - April 30 - 11:01 am

  A piece of junk. Rust began to show all over a couple of years. All of the door jams and quarter panels near the wheels are rusted. Two years ago I had to have all 4 rims replaced because they were corroded. Luckily they were replaced under warranty. I asked Mazda for help this time around since the rust began to show when it was still under warranty but they refused, even though the dealership and the regional mgr for Mazda were "shocked" when they saw the rust and agreed this should not happen to a 4-5 year old car. Ive had a Ford and a Jeep, sold it after more than 10 years with no rust. Heat? Very weak. AC? At first I thought it broke down. Took it in, they said its normal.

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  Mazda3 skyactiv - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By rxb3 - February 28 - 4:28 am

  Traded my 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT with 200k on it. Great car and it got me 30mpg! The only reason I got the Mazda3 sedan was for the 39mpg (manual trans). So far, with 3k miles, I have been avg 38.2. Thats better than my last car but... Pros: when in the right gear, it has some get up and go (for a 4cycl) Bluetooth is great. Works very well with iphone, hands free calls that are voice controlled are great, and streaming music. Handles well, seems sporty Of course the MPG is the real sell. Cons: the seats are horrible! I commute 1hr20min each way every day. 78miles each way every day adds up. This is a huge deal for me. The savings in gas is great but the seats suck!