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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  Baby BMW - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By mazdaman - February 22 - 1:46 pm

  If BMW built a compact car this would be it, handling, design, interior all are great for the price. No problems thus far and when pushed to limit corners like a sports car.

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  comfort, conviniense and performance - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Atif Siddiqui - February 22 - 10:00 am

  Best compact sedan for the price. Comfort and conviniense with performance havent seen in one car before.

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  sweet - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By deeze - February 22 - 10:00 am

  great car for speed racers

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  Unsatisfied with the Warranty & Dealer - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mazda3 itouring 4 dr - February 22 - 5:40 am

  I bought this mazda3 new and 3 months later I had brake/rotor problems. I took it to the dealership 3 times in 11 months, they mechanically fixed my rotors and 1 month later the same problem happened. My steering wheel shook every time i braked. I called Mazda one month later and the dealership and Mazda said i was not under warranty. What? Whatever they did to my car was not sufficient. I am still dealing with the problem and found out today i have a manufactures warranty for 3 yrs/36,000 miles. So, everyone lied to me and still nothing.

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  Great car for everyday...almost perfect - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By QuickTurn - February 21 - 7:40 am

  Overall, this car feels much more expensive than it is. It offers driving excitement in every run. With a manual transmission, the power delivery is sufficient for everyday drive. It really shines in corning ability. By braking early, you could really accelerate through the turn quickly without a hint of loss of grip. It also rides very well on various road surfaces although its on the firm side. Mazda did a great job tuning this car. One more thing to mention is the quality of the dealer work. After installing accessory or repair work, I couldnt tell any sign of R&R even by careful examine of the relevant areas. The same cannot be said to Toyota or VW, at least to my experience.

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  Fantastic! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Nick Man - February 20 - 12:06 am

  I have owned my Solar Yellow Mazda3s since April 2004. After test driving the bland Civic, outdated Corolla & overpriced Jetta, my decision came with the 3. I purchased mine with every option available including leather seating surfaces, xenon headlights, auto-dim temp/compass rearview mirror, all-weather floormats, tinted windows (performed by the dealership shortly after purchase) & a whole lot more for less than 20k. Anyone would be hard- pressed to find more "luxury" in a subcompact than Mazda has offered in the 3. People need to remember, this is not a luxury car, it is a subcompact. Were talking a 3, not a 3-Series.

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  Great Auto Experience - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Sageking - February 17 - 1:56 am

  I live in Puerto Rico, which has winding roads, hidden roads, streets arent in the best shape. This car is absolutely up to the task. I have had this car for 5 months now, its a beauty to look at. Its great fun to drive, sometimes I look for side roads just to be able to put that suspension to the test. The accelaration is great almost gave me whiplash the first time I rushed out after light change. The Mazda 3 is an absolute must to test drive. The SP23 has a rich cabin filling sound by Bose. Enough space in the glove compartment to store small appliances. I test drove Corolla and Civic and this car is ALOT more bang for the buck, motors cannot be compared, the MAZDA3 beats them both.

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  a different car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Gary - February 16 - 8:50 pm

  I have had no problems with the car. The styling has been copied now and will be used partially in the design of the EVO 10. It is so much different than having a boring Ford.

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  More fun than a Civic or Corolla - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By gantw - February 16 - 5:53 pm

  I bought my Mazda3 after owning two Honda Civics and a Toyota Corolla. The Mazda feels like a race car in comparison: peppy 2.3L engine, strong 4-wheel disc brakes, quick steering, precise clutch/ shifter, and firm suspension/tight handling. I plan to drive my car in autocross races -- its handling is that good. On the flip side, my Mazda3s build quality is poor compared to Honda or Toyota standards. After just four months and 5,000 miles, my car has more rattles in the dash and doors than one of my Civics had after eight years and 110,000 miles! My cars fuel economy (2.3L engine/manual trans./moderate throttle) has been 25-27 mpg city (A/C on) to 30-31 mpg city (A/C off).

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  2.3L mazda3s sedan - great car! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By m3gozoom - February 16 - 10:00 am

  You cant really find this kind of compact car elsewhere - its for people who want more than the low powered corollas and civics and dont want to pay mega bucks for the bmw/audis. I find it great to drive, everything I expected and more. I wanted something a little more powered and a little bigger than my old corolla, and this fits the bill exactly! Found out that my tire pressure monitoring system works - 3wks old and a flat tire =( I get about 25-26mpg and its about 50/50% city/highway driving. Insignificant minor flaws, super features. Brake dust is an issue, but thats only because the open spoked hubcaps make it visible - cleaning it can be a pain.