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 compact car - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By yjystr - June 28 - 6:30 am

  Its really a fun-to-drive car, much better than Civic and Corolla. Made in Japan makes the car perform very impressive.

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  Very Impressed - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By ms_addy - June 27 - 7:04 am

  I spent a whole day with my father test driving cars. It was around 6pm that I had my chance to test drive my Mazda 3. Let me tell you, it is an awesome ride! I was trading in my 07 eclipse and looking for a four-dour under 20k. I tried hyundais and honda but I felt like I was driving a car for my mother. The mazda 3 I got had everything I wanted and then some! Im a young lady finishing College and needed something with good gas mileage without being weak and slow.

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  My First Mazda! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Lisa - June 26 - 3:53 pm

  Ive only had the car for one day but I absolutely love it! I have the GT HB with the Moonroof/Bose package and Im amazed at what you get for the money. I looked at Toyota Rav4, Matrix, Nissan Rogue & Versa, Subara Impreza and Mazda3. The Mazda3 had everything I wanted at the right price. The others didnt even come close. Ive been driving Nissans for 22 years so I really had to step out of my comfort zone to buy something else but Im glad I did. The car is fun to drive and thats a priority for me. Im still in shock that I actually have it! I had trouble finding a GT HB with a M/T in Black with black interior. I was told it would be August but one dealer in Texas had one and I got it!

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  Value and Performance! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Zoom, zoom! - June 20 - 5:20 am

  I just traded in my 2005 Explorer for this gem and I am not sorry. The 3 has great get-up and is a blast to drive. It does not feel cheap like its competitors (Honda, Chevy, etc.). I got the metallic paint upgrade and people say it looks more like a Lexus or a BMW. Interior is great, also. Reminds me a bit of an Audi A4! The fuel economy is nice. Really fun on a curvy road as there is very little body roll. Decent stereo and low cabin noise. Nice tranny action. 6 airbags, nicely bolstered seats, nifty looking headlights and taillights, and a large trunk. All this for very little money! Couldnt ask for much more.

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  Zoom Zoom Zoom!!! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Napster - June 17 - 7:50 pm

  Traded in my Protege5 for the Mazda3 Special Edition. What a find! Excellent handling and an interior that belongs on cars costing twice this amount. I couldnt be happier with my purchase. Find a dealer with a Special Edition and make an offer.. Then Zoom, Zoom, Zoom!!!

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  Good car - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Lisal - June 9 - 2:00 am

  I love my little car. Great fuel mileage and has never given me a bit of trouble. My only complaint is the suspension package. Sporty handling, but what the dealer fails to tell you is about the tire wear. The Mazda mechanic didnt even know this...The wheels have a negative camber, meaning they tilt inward at the top for better gripping and handling. This also causes uneven tire wear. I was fortunate that my tires lasted 40k miles but the far inside tread was completely bald. I hope I can get than many miles out of this second set. Buyer should be made aware.

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  Good Car for the money - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By SanMan - June 7 - 11:23 pm

  I sold my 2004 Camry Solara and bought this one. It was a step down as far as luxury is concerned but this car is too much fun to drive. Also it has the utility of a full size car. I was surprised by the trunk space for such a small car. I absolutely enjoy driving it.

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  Would buy again. In fact, about to! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Dennis - June 6 - 8:46 pm

  Interior & exterior look stylish & expensive: people often assume it cost $10k more. Fast, with good midrange power (though more at low RPM would be nice). Manual tranny feels good (but improved clutch feel would permit smoother launches, and the too-tall 2nd gear ratio drops you out of the engines sweet spot around town unless you wring it out in 1st.) Precise handling, yet good comfort (although more steering feel and suspension travel would be nice). Road noise seems excessive but thats partly because the engine is so quiet (silent idle, & easy to forget to shift to 5th). Brakes are fantastic (though the rotors eventually warp, as they seem to on all modern cars).

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  Way Over Rated - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By natelogggg - June 5 - 11:45 pm

  The build quality seems cheap. It feels like some one built it out of legos. Lots of road noise, and not very comfortable. Best gas milage was 26 mpg. The suspension is rickety as well. Within 3000 miles, it was in the dealership because it was pulling to the right. They did the alignment for me and sent me on my way. A month later I had it back in for the same issue. This time I was accused of putting the car in the ditch since they found mud under the fenders. I live a mile up a dirt road, and it rains alot. The dealer tried saying that this is not normal wear and tear. After an argument and a threat to call BBB, they fixed it again. Now the transmission is shifting hard. Car has 60k mile

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  Great new car to start with! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By bugbond79 - June 5 - 2:00 am

  iT WAS SO FUN TO DRIVE. Taking turns was like a race car game. And best of all, I paid Invoice for it. Pickup is excellent, even uphill and the AT transmission switching to manual for pasing rocks.