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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  Fantastic Hatch Action - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By perrito - July 14 - 10:00 am

  I just bought an 04 Mazda 3 hatch, with automatic, and most of the options. I traded in an 02 Subaru WRX wagon, and despite the lesser performance of the 3, I am not dissappointed. The 3 is quieter, easier to drive, and has oh so many more creatures comforts. It is smooth, but you can still feel the road through the steering wheel, a very nice quality in my book. The "reliability," of course, is just a best guess at this point, since it is new.

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  2007 Mazda 3 - Awesome! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Morgan - July 13 - 8:00 am

  Purchased a new 2007 a couple of months ago. We researched other vehicles and found this to be a ton of car for the money. Well built, great looking and fun (very fun) to drive. It looks like a small BMW and drives a bit like one too.

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  Nice, for the money. - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By dwaynepg - July 8 - 3:36 am

  Overall nice car, good safety features, good performance. Back seat is fairly roomy, like the dash and radio setup, huge glove compartment.

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  Love the look - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Pamela - July 5 - 6:46 pm

  I was captivated by the exterior of the Mazda3 hatch. I had been to Europe before purchasing the car and I liked the the look of many cars there. The Mazda3 looked almost European. The power windows and keyless entry float my boat. Im not used to luxury. The disappointing 24 mpg city surprised me. My very old Toyota Corolla did better than that. The suspension is a letdown. When taking turns I dont feel the tightness of a former Honda Accord. Its very similar to the Corolla. The price at $18,300 is reasonable. "Winning Blue" is an eye popper.

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  An Alfa for the US without the Heartache - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Molson - July 3 - 10:30 am

  1st, now have a company car, so the M3 is asleep during the week. Its so much fun that I decided to keep until end of lease (unless someone wants to buy). Super fine suspension tune (firm, not harsh, well dampened, great balance). Awesome feature content (tilt/tele S/W with audio controls just the beginning). Head-turning looks (doesnt look like an econocar at all, even though its priced like one). Zippy 4-cylinder, though could use a bit more top-end. Still, more than just a grocery getter. Negatives: 2 recalls for airbag sensor, dealer dent in roof (dropped tool, apparently). Needs advanced traction controls(TCS, at least, if not ESP). Tires are junk (why Goodyear still has good rep is beyond me.

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  Honolulu traffic - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By lockmittel - July 2 - 10:00 am

  I like to compare it to my friends new Jetta. Of course he paid alot more and cant control his radio from the steering wheel as I pull away from him!

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  Hatchback great small package - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By madmazda3 - July 2 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my mazda3 right on the spot when I sat inside. I had been looking at small cars for 2 weeks, Ford, Toyota, Nissan, Suzuki and Huyndai. The interior build quality and the added features that are standard made the decision for me. not to mention the room in the hatchback. The rear gate lifts almost straight up and out of the way. The cargo configurations are plentiful and my two dogs ride great with the seats flipped forward. Although I am 64", I fit without the tight feeling I felt in many of the other cars I tried. The guages are excellent and the sporty interior is very pleasing. The engine was a surprise in the fact that I felt as though I was driving a 6 cylinder.

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  BEST CAR MAZDA EVER MADE - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By DNOBLE - July 2 - 10:00 am

  THIS CAR IS THE BEST CAR IVE EVER BUILT.

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  Mazda3 S - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Shawn - June 29 - 2:00 am

  Have over 20,000 miles on it in a year and it has been great. Very well handling car. Can be sporty when you want it to be, but can also perform like an economy car when you want it to. I consistently get 31-35 miles a gallon on the highway (rated at 31).

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  Good All-Around Car - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By JustAGuy - June 28 - 12:03 pm

  Ive had this car for almost a year and have enjoyed it very much. It is very comfortable and stylish and is a pleasure to drive. For being a naturally aspirated 4-banger, it also performs pretty well. It is a great daily driver that I am very proud to own.