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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  Great Car - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Dan - February 6 - 1:40 am

  Although Ive only put less than 500 miles on my car, it has exceeded my expectations. The handling is superb, braking is excellent, and acceleration (4 speed auto, 2.0 145hp) is not rocket-like, but I can enter California freeways above freeway speeds with power to spare. Interior and exterior details make it look like its much more expensive then it really is. So far so good. Good Job Mazda!

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  Infotainment problems - 2014 Mazda Mazda3
  By alanjd - February 4 - 1:30 pm

  One of the main reasons I choose the Mazda3 was to have email and text read out to me for safety reason. The feature doesnt work on Iphones and most other phones as promised by the dealer. I checked the site after buying and could not find a phone where email worked and only a couple where text worked Contact import is useless. It brings in the suggested names contacts from the phone. These do not have phone numbers or addresses so they are useless. It is limited to 1000 contacts so most real contacts do not get loaded. Cant get anyone in support to tell me if this will be fixed or if I am stuck using SIRI for calls and GPS addresses.

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  The Best "Mazda" - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By nikkidunford - February 1 - 11:36 am

  I have fallen in love with Mazda, the only thing is that oil changes are the not the cheapest but still not the most expensive. Non-dealerships dont usually stock parts for these cars. But well built great new design. Awesome car.

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  I was hooked on Toyotas ... not anymore - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Nicole - February 1 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned the Mazda3 hatch (in the attention commanding Winning Blue, of course) for 6 months and I am VERY impressed. Ive never considered vehicles outside of Toyota or Honda and am so glad I took the leap. Ive never had better handling. I saw this car on the road and HAD to have it. I spent just a little extra to get the moonroof/6 cd package, rear bumper step plate, moonroof wind deflector, cargo tray, cassette player, and autodim mirror. Coming in at exactly $20k, every option was well worth it and, since I purchased them with the vehicle, they are warrantied for 50k miles too. Only thing to add now is the $700 Phatnoise MP3 system. Mazda is smooth to offer this voice activated system.

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  Former Camry Owner Loves the Mazda3 - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Susan - January 30 - 11:56 pm

  I was tired of driving my "old lady" Camry and when I found this Mazda3, I had to have it. I chose the smaller engine for better fuel economy and added the sunroof option and a rear spoiler. This is a great looking car and so much fun to drive.

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  Poor Mans Luxury Sedan - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By SoCal23Female - January 29 - 2:00 am

  Hot little vehicle with a decent price tag.

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  Great car, bad city mpg - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By lurch - January 27 - 7:46 pm

  Most reliable car I have owned. Logical layout of interior, sporty looks and good performance for the price.

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  FUN! FUN! FUN! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By fotojournalist - January 27 - 12:30 am

  What an incredible vehicle! So sporty, so fun! Solar Yellow is THE only color to have. The metal flake in the paint is what makes the color pop. Comfortable and a great price. ZOOM! ZOOM!

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  I love my 3 - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By jason - January 24 - 8:10 pm

  This car is a blast. It has about every feature you could want standard.It also has the best horsepower to gas mileage ratio. I think Im gonna buy another one.

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  Mazda3 2.3L Engine Failure - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By bmpskier - January 23 - 6:56 am

  Heads up to all owners with Mazda 2.3L engines. I bought a 2005 Mazda3 with 110K km on the engine. It was in excellent condition inside and out having been maintained regularly per the Mazda recommendations. Less than 2500 km after I bought it it suddenly dropped 3L of oil in about 1500km. I had to spend 7K on a new engine having. There was no evidence of a leak or that it was burning oil. It just disappeared. I spoke to the service dept at the dealership and they told me that the 2004-2007 2.3L is prone to this problem and short of replacing the engine there is no fix other than to put in a heavier oil to slow consumption.