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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  Best car for the buck! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By lucaspl88 - April 15 - 11:20 am

  I recently bought a mazda 3 hatchback with manual transmission. It was a used car, and the only words that came out of my mouth when I drove it for the first time were OH WOW!! Car is incredibly fun to drive, great gas mileage, and it also looks great. Great torque, no need to down-shift when passing someone up on the expressway. Great car, fits all my friends, and the most important, fits my personality.

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  Great commuter car - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By cardriver15 - April 15 - 4:43 am

  After test driving the Civic, Focus and Elantra, I decided on the 3 because of that fun factor. It doesnt necessarily feel like an economy car when driving. Im getting the advertised 32-33 combined mpg. 40+ highway mpg is feasible if you stay below 70mph. Ive found 37-38mpg is more realistic if youre like me and tend to drive faster than 70mph on the highway. Its aged pretty good for an almost 3 year old design. I think newer designs like the civic and Elantra already look aged compared to the 3.

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  Nice Little Sedan - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By reed jones - April 13 - 10:00 am

  I currently have 2 Mazdas in my driveway; a Protege 5 and a 3 sedan. Why? Because Mazda builds a great car for the money. Fun to drive, handsome, decently built, well equipped; whats not to like? Yes, my new 3 has a rattle in the door to be looked into and some parts of the car are executed better than others, but the sum of these parts is simply not to be beat at its price point. More soul than a Honda or a Toyota, fewer quirks and better reliability than a Subaru, less over-the-top styling than a Nissan, WAY more reliability than a VW: in short, Mazda is on to something. Vroom-Vroom!!

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  Style and Substance - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By MTTX - April 13 - 10:00 am

  Gorgeous car (in 5 door form). Vette drivers stare. The metallic Velocity Red Mica paint is stunning in sunlight or other strong lights... it burns with orange fire highlights. Lacks a bit of Protege5 visual character, but is much more refined. Driving it is very pleasant. Handling is very good up to the limit, but then it becomes vague. Engine is so quiet, using auto-manual mode requires watching the tach. Weak, thirsty engine. A/C is weak.

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  Bought another one - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mr Bill - April 13 - 2:20 am

  I just bought my second Mazda 3, hey, why pay 30K for a small Lexus or BMW when you can get the same reliability and quality for a little over half that. I bought a 2010 Mazda 3 and traded in my 2006 Mazda 3 that never let me down as I drove across the country twice. These are really great cars for the money, down the road I may be back for a 2014 !

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  Still in love - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By klann1246 - April 12 - 4:22 am

  I was going between the Civic and the 3 and of course I chose the 3 and 9 months later I am still so happy with my decision. The functional, flashy and fun to drive. I feel good walking up to it in a parking lot.

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  Mazda 3 Hatch after 500 miles - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By banthony - April 8 - 10:00 am

  I was looking for something to replace my boring 98 Corolla sedan, but with the 30+ mpg. Test drove both of the new Corollas with the 130 and 180 hp engines. Both of these cars sucked compaired to the old car. Looked at the Matrix and Elantra GT, but never drove either of these (cold only find them in automatics). Matrix looked small (Geo-Mertro like) from the outside, and the trunk was small on the inside. Then I sumbled onto the Mazda 3 Hatch. Wow, this is what I was looking for! A car with style, good performance, smooooth engine, smooth clutch, smooth shifting. The Mazda 3 has farily comfortable seats, and arm rests that you can accually use. This car can be fun to drive.

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  Best Bang for the Buck - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Nolan - April 8 - 10:00 am

  Simply amazing. I went from a Miata, to the three, and I was worried about losing the feel of driving, but it didnt happen. The car handles great, has a very direct feel on the road, and has enough torque available from as little as 3000 RPM to the redline to pass cars in 5th, with comfort. I would highly recommend this vehicle to just about anybody. And the Quality is also amazing.

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  Peppy Little Sucker! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By electrified - April 7 - 1:25 am

  We got this car brand new back in 2006. 6 years and less than 33,000 miles later (wasnt used often until the second half of ownership), this car is quite the joy! The 2.3L engine has plenty of get up and go w/ a perfectly sensitive throttle and brake pedal. Brakes bite really well, but seem to fade kind of quick with repeated use. 5AT works well, but dont expect it to be butter smooth. The ride is firm, but not enough to make lunch run back out. Ive gotten 26 city/34 hwy. Handling is this cars best trait! Turn-in is EXCELLENT, with plenty of steering feedback and response. But I dont like the "floaty" feeling when taking corners spiritedly and there is a bump/ridge mid-corner.

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  Snappy - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Martin - April 5 - 5:43 pm

  I bought the car because the 17mph I was getting was crazy at $3.50 a gal. I looked at Honda and Nissan, but the performance sold me, as well as the 4 yr., 50k warranty. It still surprises me everytime I put my foot into it. The car rockets to the 6500 redline, and there is a huge torque leap at about 3500. You have to watch your speed though because the car gives alot and can surprise you with its agility and handling. I do a 90-mile round trip about 6 times a month, and Im used to getting about 29 mpg, lead foot and all. Inside it has the feel of a small BMW and all the bells and whistles too. This is one fun "economy" car! Zoom, zoom.