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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  Nice car, just not for me. - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By margaretanne - March 6 - 10:55 am

  I bought this car new a year ago, and traded it in today. Really like the exterior on this car: fun design, sporty look. It was just not for me and I began feeling claustrophobic and cramped. The seat belts were extremely difficult to buckle ~ the buckle was placed REALLY low, esp. in the drivers seat. My kids couldnt buckle the belts for themselves and we would have to dig for the buckles under the booster seat. The fabric on the seats started wearing badly, and the finish was bad on the console. I would buy this again, for a young adult. Not really for a family.

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  Excellent Car! - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By christophe111 - March 3 - 9:10 pm

  I bought my Mazda 3 brand new 7 months ago, and dont have a single regret. I love the handling, and wanted a manual, but decided an automatic was better suited to my long commute which often leaves me sitting in traffic. Everything has worked perfectly, and other than routine maintenance I havent had it to the dealer for anything.

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  love it ! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By M3H - March 3 - 12:46 pm

  I did a lot of reviews on mazda3, civic, corolla, drive them all and wow, what a difference. You can really feel the power of mazda3, I love the features, you have all you need and they are really useful. I bought this hatchback at invoice price, graphite color to hide the smiling grille. I have the Bose package but my accords sound system is way far better than the Bose. Maybe because it doesnt have the subwoofer and only the front speakers are the Bose, the rest are standard. Over all, I love the aggressive look of the hatchback, civic and corolla just look so boring. Well see this coming fall when the 2011 civic comes out. Im a Honda boy, but the m3 hatchback is really a top competitor.

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  2009 Mazda3 GT (Sedan): Quick Review - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By Cardero - March 1 - 6:03 pm

  I purchased the 2009 Mazda3 GT w/ Luxury Package in September 08. I have put close to 4k KMs on it since. I had compared it to several other cars in its price range; overall I am very pleased with my purchase. The combination of sleek exterior design, modern interior loaded with standard features, and quick and agile response and handling make this car a pleasure to drive. Features included with the GT trim w/ luxury package (i.e. moonroof, leather interior, Bose audio, heated seats, chrome door handles, modern interior and exterior trim/dash design, climate control, nice front grill, curvy where it counts) support the feeling that I got a ton of value for my dollar.

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  Drives like Sports Car... - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By GetinAticket - March 1 - 10:00 am

  After driving my last Mazda for 190k+ mi. I expect a long life out of my 3. This car is just fun to drive. It has great pickup, and it corners like a sports car. The cars comfortable speed is 80mph. ;-) I did a lot of research before my purchase and bought one of the first ones sold in my state. This car is truly the best value of its class.

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  2004 mazda3 4dr se - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By christine123 - March 1 - 10:00 am

  this was my first car and i did a lot of research before deciding on the mazda3. i was on a budget and mazda ofered the most for the money, including reliability. it has more passenger seating room than any car in its class. The transmission is very smooth and the independant suspension takes the bumps out of many roads. test drive the mazda3 and you wont want to buy any other compact sedan.

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  Fun to Drive!! - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By mark - February 28 - 8:23 pm

  Been driving my Mazda3 for over a year now, and absolutely no complaints. Its a ball to drive, and the 2.0L 5 spd, packs quite a punch as well. MPG are an awesome benefit, have averaged 36 mpg for the summer & 28 mpg for the winter. Took a road trip to the smokies this past summer, and the car handled awesomely in the S-turns thru the mountains. I am very happy to be driving/owning my Mazda3!

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  3 Series? - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Itsjustlife - February 27 - 10:06 pm

  Ive never really been impressed by any new car under 20k and definitely never have had a huge desire to buy one. It was at little to no sacrifice. I cross shopped the Acura TSX and Volvo v40 (The mazda 3s cousin) Nothing really compares to the 3 for the money. I got the titanium gray w/ all the options, and the excellent NAV system although a little slow to program. The handling compares to most sports cars double the $ but double the fuel economy as well! It was my first 4cyl but that didnt let me down. I havent had to bring it to the dealer once and the interior layout and quality is top notch. You cant go wrong with this car!

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  Best for Money - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By NickNich - February 24 - 10:00 am

  After breaking my foot in a biking accident,I had A LOT of time to research a new car. I began with the latest issue of Consumer Reports, Edmunds.com, and data from the internet. I narrowed down my search for a fun and fuel efficient vehicle to the Mazda3, Acura RSX, and Scion Tc. I personally loved the Scion, but was concerned about production problems (and the seats hurt my wifes back). The Acura handled well but only had two seats in the back and I have 3 children; & the cost was getting above my budget). The Mazda3 was the best value and is a blast to drive. I got every factory installed option except for the navigation system. I saved money and now

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  Quality Compact - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By european sensibility - February 24 - 10:00 am

  My search for a new compact lead me to two cars in the end. Both the VW Golf TDI and the Mazda 3i had features that attested to their quality build. They both handled the road nimbly and had adjustable seats/steering columns which were important for my short wife. The Golf TDI is a stylish car that gets great milage but its reliability seemed questionable after reading all of the reviews. The Mazda 3i seemed to be a little more reliable in the long run. In terms of fuel economy, nothing can beat the TDIs 49mpg, but when you consider all the smog that it produces, Mazdas clean burning engine is much more environmentally friendly.