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:
Showing 2081 through 2090 of 2,343.00-
The unexpected... 2,000 miles later - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
By Fshkpr1 - March 17 - 6:13 amSteering wheel feels great to grip. Does not feel like a front wheel drive car. Manual shifter is not only slick but has good insulation, almost no noise or vibration! 2.3L engine is smooth and powerful but gas mileage is not good, about 24 mpg (combined driving). Pretty roomy inside for a small car. Not much room for drivers feet, gas pedal and brake pedal are too close together. (This is with manual trans.) Standard single disc CD stereo sounds great, better than that in my 06 Lexus GS 300! Horn is too weak, a safety concern! Most unexpected: I still CRAVE to drive it, although I have been driving for 35 years and have sampled over 10,000 cars as a mechanic!
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Interesting - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
By i love this car - March 16 - 10:00 amI bought this car back in 2006 and the only real problem I have had is the tires.
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Just a Great Value - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
By Heidis3 - March 15 - 12:36 amI did research for a couple years prior to deciding on a Mazda 3. My mom had owned the 323 and a Protege for as long as theyve been around, and this Mazda 3 has the same peppy driving feel. Its small, but feels so roomy inside. The handling is fantastic and feels like a much pricier sports car, especially around the turns. Ive only had it for a month, but am absolutely in love with it! Its getting around 30 MPG but thats mostly been in the city, not highway. If you want a cute, sporty car, thats fun to drive and an incredible value, this wont disappoint!
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sporty - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
By PL - March 12 - 2:00 amfun car to drive
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Great Car for the money - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
By mazdantech5 - March 11 - 8:06 amBeing a honda and toyota guy for many years. I have finally step foot inside a Mazda dealership to check out the final year release of the 2009 Mazda 3 hatchback. Hey ,they are practically giving these away right now & with 0% APR. I like the styling , boy racer look thats me. I couldnt understand why I have bought and sold my previous 08 4 door civic si and 09 corolla s within 6 months time, their styling was not really my cup of tea. I quickly got tired of the 6 speed manual and ridiculous righ revs on the honda and the boring ho/hum corolla styling, and its slow/weak acceleration. Mazda did a great job with the exterior and interior styling. I added the 18"mazdaspeed wheels and I am done
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Great Deal out there - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
By Danti - March 10 - 7:06 amHi all. Im from Atherton, CA. Just got a new mazda 3 touring celestial blue w/ tech and roof packages a few days ago 06/07/10 after came to terms that I like driving more than going with the hybrid Insight (feels like you floating w/ Insight). Cant comment much since the maz is still new to me. Handling is good but not quite in the line of bmw 3 and that says a lot for the money. I would recommend readers to explore the lease option currently offer from mazda. I ended up leasing after a good finance guy explained and compared buy/leasing terms to me. My deal--$200 over invoice; 3.4 apr/15000 miles lease over 3 yrs. love the deal; no worries after warr. expires
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Great dynamics, so-so build quality - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
By Chris - March 8 - 8:33 amThe driving dynamics of the car are hard to beat. Snappy transmission, soft clutch, responsive steering, linear brakes, and agile suspension. The engine power is adequate, but well matched to the car. The interior is well appointed with leather seating, heated seats, moon roof, premium stereo (which is decent, but not great), and HID headlights. The materials feel of high grade, and the design is sharp. The only gaff is the crammed info LCD. The build quality leaves something to be desired. The interior looks fine and the gaps are minimal, but after only 400 miles, Ive already got a ridiculous windshield rattle (ticking might be more apt) and buzz in the headliner near the moonroof.
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Cant get any better - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
By sitik - March 7 - 2:00 amMy Mazda 3 was under $18k. Because of its exterior design people thought it was European. Because of its interior design and features people thought its was expensive. When I told them that it was under $18k they were surprised. In addition, they were astonished, when I told them that this car pushes 160hp and does 0 60 mph under 8 seconds. To sum up, I love this car!
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What the 3 Series used to be - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
By D_Stutzman - March 7 - 2:00 amI bought my Mazda3 2 weeks ago. By far best car I ever owned. Head turner, quality is impeccable, 2.3 litre with manual is fantastic. I put in Bosch quad Platinum spark plugs that bumped my torque up a bit. Great car, handles like a rear wheel drive with no torque steer.
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Mazda 3 is surprising for a Nissan Guy - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
By Kevin C - March 7 - 2:00 amI have always loved Nissans. I thought I would never drive anything else until I drove this little car. Pretty exciting little thing. The only thing I could say I didnt like was the price tag, but after a little negotiating it was a sell. So far the gas mileage has been excellent and I could not ask for a better car out of a 4 cyl.
