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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  2010 Mazda 3 Grand Touring Sedan - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By det_wings - May 13 - 2:56 pm

  Ive owned the car for about 8 mos and put 20K miles on it. I ordered the car with audio and tech packages (bose and nav system). Car handles great for its class (suspension is a little soft for my driving style, though). Ride is good, but not great. Road noise seems excessive. Gas mileage has been good for me. So far Ive averaged about 27 MPG (about 90% highway miles). I can get 30 MPG if I drive less aggressively, so I think its very good. My wife really likes the car, too. Now she says she wants to replace her SUV with this car. I give the car high marks for its class. Compared to others in its class, the Mazda 3 wins hands down in my book.

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  2 year review - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mark Skinner - May 8 - 12:00 am

  have owned for 2 years now - no unscheduled trips to dealer. Great reliability, very comfortable, the 4 doors and hatchback are very useful. Only wishes - about 40 more horsepower, a better stereo, and a 5 speed auto.

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  Well Designed 3 - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By mazdaboi - May 6 - 3:30 am

  After numerous mazdas I fell into another one. The new 2010 design was not all that catchy at first, but gradually grew on me until I broke down and just bought one. Very comfortable, sporty, and fits a family of 4 comfortably. Car seats work well in the rear. Very nicely engineered and designed transmission with 5 gears, little to no "shift-shock" almost feels like a CVT. Really cant complain at all. Great price and extremely high crash ratings compared to others. A++ Mazda.

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  Great First Car - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By jax - May 5 - 6:20 am

  This is my first car and it has met and superseded all my expectations. As all others I love the handling and the acceleration is great. It looks great, a lot better than the new 2010 (smiley face and ugly tail lights). I have driven 27,000 miles in one year and it runs great with no problems. Get a car bra to protect the paint if you drive on highways often, otherwise it will surely get chipped. The tires are a bit skittish in wet conditions although was fine in snow and I live New England.

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  You Wont Be Disappointed... Zoom-Zoom! - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By dan_clear - May 4 - 1:00 am

  Love this car... there is an s-turn near my house and this car eats it up. Looked at the Civic, Matrix, VWs, Nissans etc. but I chose this car because it is a blast to drive. Build quality is great and there are features that you would expect to find on more expensive cars. Leather seats were a deal breaker and rarely found as an option on smaller cars. Also, I am 62" and there is plenty of room for me in this car. For just a shade over 20k you cant go wrong!

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  125,000 miles and going strong - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By michdude - April 30 - 10:02 pm

  I bought my 2005 Mazda 3 as a used, certified car with 48,000 one owner miles on it. I had just started a new job which is 25 miles one way so I needed a reliable, fairly fuel efficient car that looked sharp, was fun to drive and could seat four adults when needed. Im 63" tall so I also needed a car that could handle my lanky frame. I have to say my Mazda 3 has been a pleasure to drive over the past three years. It has also been reliable. The only mechanical failures Ive had are the serpentine belt tension pulley and the drivers side front wheel bearing. I have replaced the brake rotors and pads and bought new tires (Continental ExtremeContact DWS. Overall I love my 3!!!!!!!

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  my zoom - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By ohio mazda - April 30 - 3:00 pm

  I have not had any problems with this car. I currently have just about 25,000 miles on it. Fun to drive.

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  Awesome car - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By me - April 30 - 1:16 pm

  This is just a terrific car. Reliability has been very good except for shocks and battery been replaced at 24k (Puerto Rico roads are awful), otherwise excellent. Power is impressive for a 4 cyl engine, and ride comfort is acceptable despite having 17s on 50 series tires. Handling is awesome, it just sticks like glue. In the end, the best compact you can buy today

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  My favorite car - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Seva Popov - April 30 - 10:33 am

  I was shopping among more expensive cars like Acura TSX and Subaru Legacy when my attention was captured by the Mazda3. Immediately I liked the Mazda3 looks from the outside and the contemporary design inside the Mazda3 cabin. I did a test drive of Mazda3 and fell in love with it. Ive been enjoying it for three months now. Mazda3 is a very fun to drive. I am very happy with my decision to buy it.

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  So far, so good - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By mary_228 - April 28 - 1:20 am

  I"m writing my review after the thrill of new car ownership has faded. Im happy with the car in general, but there have been a few problems. The brakes are still extremely squeaky even after 7500 miles. The dealer changed the front brake pads but this had no effect. Secondly, there is still a noticeable catalytic converter smell if you go to the back of the vehicle after turning it off in the garage. The dealer claims there is a break in period for this. How long, I wonder?? There is no area for a purse if you choose to use the driver side cup holder. Finally, the car handles badly in snow. The small incline to my garage is impossible to manage with even the smallest amount of snow.