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:

• 

  Mazda 3 - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Carolina - April 27 - 2:50 pm

  Great car, very reliable and fuel efficient if its use in normal traffic (not stop and go).

• 

  Mazda3 S - touring. Still 2nd best - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By rogracin - April 27 - 12:49 pm

  Purchased our 2006 Mazda3 s - new. Went with the Touring package to get side curtain/seat airbags and sport tires/ rims. We have 77k miles now, While it is good car the quality is low. Carpet, seats, visor, rear view mirror, visors are all worn or broken. One major thing I hate is the oil filter placement. Had to replace the drivers window/lock cluster cause that stopped working. I do all my oil changes but to reach the filter you have to remove the underbody shield consisting of 5 bolts and numerous clips. This car replaced our 1988 MX6 we kept for 23 years. I did not have these problems until well after 150k on my MX6.

• 

  Buyers Remorse Does a 180 - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By bobmor99@gmail.com - April 27 - 2:23 am

  I had considered replacing the timing belt on my 2003 Honda Civic and keeping it for another 100,000 miles but I decided, somewhat impulsively, to get a new car. I test drove the new Civic but didnt like the drive-by-wire delay when punching the throttle. Handling and acceleration are much enjoyed. Fuel economy is not that big of an issue - as long as its in the same ballpark as its competitors. This is the first automatic Ive owned in a long while. Im used to it and I like it.

• 

  Zoom-Zoom-Zoom - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jays98978 - April 24 - 2:00 am

  Just like the commercials say this new Mazda 3 goes zoom zoom zoom. I Love my car. I test drove both engine types and found out that the 2.0L has a little drag so I decided to go with the 2.3L and was very pleased. The car has great suspension and great turning. The driver side has plenty of room but if you’re tall like me (60ft) then its difficult for a passenger to sit behind you. The interior is hi-tech and flashy. Overall the car is great and fun to drive. Expect to pay close to sticker price because this car is selling quicker then Starbucks coffee. Enjoy!

• 

  Love my new 07 Mazda3 S - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By E_Rod23 - April 21 - 5:46 am

  I just bought my 07 Mazda3 S in May and love it! I drove 2 different Toyota Celicas my whole life and loved them but wanted a car that was still sporty and with 4 doors. I think the Mazda3 is hands down the best car out there right now for what I was looking for. I was going to look at a Toyota Corolla but the look just does not compare to the Mazda3.

• 

  LOVE IT - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By holliq - April 20 - 10:40 pm

  I have had my 3 for a year and I absolutely love it. I get anywhere between 30 and 35mpg never any less even when my oil change is coming up. It is a fantastic car.

• 

  "Almost" Perfect - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By dhectorg - April 20 - 3:50 pm

  I purchased this car 5 weeks ago and I am very happy overall. Its fun to drive, has plenty of extras for the price, handles/rides like a dream, and looks sexy. For almost a year, I had been searching for something in the small car class that wasnt just gonna blend into the crowd. While at the same time, offering near best in class quality, performance, and handling. I believe Ive found that car in the Mazda3s Grand Touring 5-door. Mazda deserves accolades for pushing the bar higher in a segment that usually inspires boredom. Keep up the good work Mazda.

• 

  2000 mile review - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By zoomzoom2012 - April 20 - 1:21 pm

  Looked at the following Hatchbacks. All Subaru models Nissan Rouge GTI Focus Mazda 3 After looking at everything I was willing to buy, I purchased a 2012 I-touring with Skyactiv Engine and Auto Trans. This power plant it awesome. It is the smoothest I have ever driven. Power really comes on at 2800 to 3000 rpm giving me ability to choose gas mileage or Zoom zoom. The interior is Spartan but still an upgrade from my 2002 Wrangler. I really like the BT hands free phone function. According to the computer I am getting 32.1 MPG since buying the car, (50/50 hwy and city). I checked at the pump and my numbers came back 31.8, that to me is pretty good.

• 

  Fun, flexibile little car; great value - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By cheddar_brett - April 17 - 9:47 pm

  This car punches above its price. As I write this, Ive had the car for about a year and have but 16K miles on. I wanted a wagon or hatch that was fun to drive. This was cheaper than the alternatives I considered. This car replaced my 2-door 2004 Accord EX V6 coupe, and with 2-kids and a hatch for their stuff and my hobbies, a nice upgrade. A smaller overall car, but bigger on the inside than the Accord. It is great for what I need - commuting (including dropping kids at school), weekend run-about car with the fam, occasional weekend trips, and space for chores and hobbies. Its been a year, and Im thrilled with this car.

• 

  An excellent car thats fun to drive... - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By natas74 - April 17 - 10:16 am

  My 06 Mazda3 GT 5 door has almost 40k miles on it and its been a great car so far! I read the consumer reviews before purchasing and researched it well. I really enjoy driving this car, its very responsive and fun to drive. With all the features, I feel its an excellent value. When folding down the backseat, you get a good amount of cargo room. With the backseat up, you can comfortably seat 4-5 in the car. Overall, the car has a sporty look/handling, but is also a safe family car.