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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  Mazda 3 S - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mazda 3 Solid Car - June 5 - 2:00 am

  Great power delivery: it almost feels like a V6 engine (very similar to a VR6 Jetta I used to own). Great handling: Its roadholding is 0.87g according to C/D mag. That is close to Infiniti G35(0.88) and higher than Acura TSX (0.85). Interior: The individually sunk dashboard looks spectacular especially at night. Remote radio controls placed on the steering wheel comes in handy. Exterior: It looks a little chunky from certain angles but overall looks very sharp.

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  So much fun to drive - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By jim foehner - June 3 - 5:13 am

  I never dreamed that a 4 cylinder car could combine great gas mileage and power. In town handling is superb and its so easy to maneuver through city traffic. Since I live in a small town, most of my driving is on the highways and back roads which is so much fun. Before you know it, Im hitting 80 mph. You dont feel the speed like most other small cars. Ive taken 1500 mile trips out to New Mexico and the comfort level is outstanding. It just glides along the road and I dont get the least bit tired or stiff between fuel stops. Oh, Ive owned 47 autos and the Mazda3 is in the top 3 of my favorite cars. The other two were a 1956 Chevy and 1965 Mustang - cars of my youth.

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  Zippy & Fun - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Melanie - June 2 - 5:30 am

  This vehicle is surprisingly peppy for a four cylinder. The handling and response are first rate. Automatic transaxle shifts smoothly. Very sharp looking car with a lot of thought put into the interior. Comfortable and user friendly instrumentation. Locking gas cap a big plus. Two trip odometers. Large trunk capacity. Tight turning radius. Would highly recommend to all!

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  Great Car for the right driver - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Tom - June 1 - 10:40 pm

  Overall, excellent choice and Im very happy. I decided between this and the 2008 Toyota Corolla...my last car was a 1996 Toyota Corolla, which did the job, and got great mileage; was ready to move on though, and the Mazda3 had always caught my eye. Fun to drive, handles great, easy on the eyes; My 3 is blue with a beige interior. If you want a car to get you from point A to B that will never fail, with great mileage, get a corolla. The Mazda3 mileage isnt great (26 comb). I was getting 32 combined in my corolla. But...if you want a more all around package, go with the 3; no problems with it at all, and have gotten a lot of compliments on it; definitely feels a lot more expensive it is.

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  Just Awesome - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Daniel P - June 1 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Mazda. I have always owned Acura and decided to purchase this car after seeing it at a car show. I love it! It handles nicely and is great on gas. GREAT DESIGN! I am hooked!

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  one great mazda - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By dallas1 - June 1 - 10:00 am

  My sixth mazda and by far the best one yet for looks performance and features. At 64" legroom is critical and the 3 has the best drivers space of any cars in its class with more legroom than my wifes volvo S60. Outstanding handling and precise and sure stopping. 5-speed is smooth and shifts are 2-click exact.Leather seats are firm and yet comfortable. Watching for excessive rear wheel break dust which may reduce after some mileage on pads and rotors.

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  Fun to drive but mileage suffers - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By TheAsianRacer - May 30 - 9:30 pm

  Previous to this, I had a Mazda Protege5 and that was fun and I had gotten great gas mileage regardless of how I drove it. Recently I got a Mazda 3s and it is fun to drive but my protege was more fun. The biggest issue I have with it is yes, we get more performance but your gas mileage suffers greatly depending on how you drive. My style of driving has been the same and yet Im getting just barely 22 mpg around town and if Im lucky Ill get 28 on the highway. The car is a blast to drive but the 16in rims and tires make the car feel less responsive but otherwise its a great car.

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  fabulous car - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By bekah - May 30 - 12:13 pm

  I love this car. So cute, so much fun. I feel like I am in a hatchback sportscar. LOVE IT. Would recommend Mazda to anyone.

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  Awesome peppy car - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Nancy - May 28 - 3:43 pm

  I love driving this car. Its small enough to get around and find parking in NYC, but when the seats are down I was able to fit 2 mountain bikes in the bike with the front wheels off. No problems yet handling in raining conditions, havent tried driving in snow yet. Fuel economy could be better, but at least it takes regular vs premium.

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  Love My 3! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Matthew Smith - May 26 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my 3 for 3 and Im still in love. Its one of the most fun cars Ive ever driven, definitely an enthusiats car. Remember, at its heart its an economy car, so dont expect ferrari like performance, but its soul is definitely zoom, zoom. Handling is great, its got plenty of power. Ergonomically its great, all controls within easy reach. Shifter has a nice short throw, clutch is smooth and weighted just right. ABS is responsive. Interior is roomy, backseats too. Cargo aplenty and versitile. Love the giant glove compartment. For the money, I dont think you can get anything better. And it looks great too, inside and out!