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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  So far so good - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By jhunterk - January 13 - 6:26 am

  Have had the car for 10 months, 6k miles, 0 problem so far. IMHO, it is the best compromise among gas mileage, cosmetics, reliability, and a sporty ride. On highway, the 40mpg is spot on. The hatchback is super useful, once I was able to put FIVE dinning chairs in it. Very good lumbar support too. Con: The ride could be bumpy on crapy road because of its sporty suspension. Not as quiet as toyota, could use better noise isolation

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  Made of Win - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By shawn - January 12 - 3:00 pm

  Love my car, it is a beast, so glad I got the manual trans though, without it I could imagine this machine being a little sluggish for my tastes. I wanted a car I would enjoy for many years to come and I think I have it. Excellent gas mileage, even considering how I drive it at times, got 39 recently, mix of highway and back roads, and I tend to drive fast, needless to say, impressed with the zoom zoom. This car is a flat out awesome for its price, and has a lot of potential and I just got the base line model!

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  We love this car! - 2014 Mazda Mazda3
  By tomandtess - January 12 - 2:49 am

  We traded in our 2011 Ford Fiesta for this car. While the Fiesta was fun to drive on short trips, going any distance caused my husband to have to see his chiropractor! After trying out five different vehicles and doing tons of research, we knew this was the car for us! We have two crew cab 4WD trucks and a minivan. We just wanted another car for when he and I take long road trips, skiing, running errands, etc. and still get great gas mileage. We found it!

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  Feels Great! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By A. Brenneman - January 11 - 3:00 am

  Every time I drive this car it makes me smile. The car handles extremely well, has good power and looks great inside and out. Have taken one 2000 mile trip and am very pleased. The seats were comfortable and had good support. The trip felt much shorter than it actually was. Mazda has done a wonderful job creating an an affordable car that feels anything but.

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  So Far So Good - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Matt - January 8 - 4:16 pm

  The exterior look of the car is about average for an economy car. I think its a tad nicer looking than the civic and corolla. I test drove all three, and walked away with Mazda as the clear front runner. I would imagine that a Civic will typically be more reliable way down the road than the 3, but we will find out. The 3 feels sturdy (corolla did not) and it has more get-go than the civic had. I was in a car accident(vs a Trailer truck) last winter and the car appears to have recovered nicely and Im alive to talk about it. If you are looking for an economy car, give the 3 a shot.

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  the car that shutter. confirmed by mazda - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By some_guy1 - December 31 - 5:13 am

  The car is scary to drive. there is a shutter that mazda said should be there. It feels like a little earth quake. I didnt notice it when i bought the car but the first time it happened i got scared. On top of that the car slams into gear and has such a jerky transmission that i cant believe the car is not being investigated by the NTSB. as long as you dont mind a car that shakes and you hit your head because the throttle is all over the place this is the car for you. Me hindsight 2020 i wish i never got it. I cant be more disappointed with it.

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  Perfect Car - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By hbd2 - December 30 - 10:21 am

  I was planning on writing this great wordy review but after I thought about it I though, keep it simple. I have driven all manors of cars and owned mostly Hondas and Acuras with a Subaru thrown in there for fun. This is how I feel about the Mazda 3s GT. Its awesome in every way. The clutch, shifter, brakes, interior, exterior, stereo, suspension, mileage and ergonomics. It all just works and works very well.

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  Great Value - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Dan - December 29 - 9:03 am

  Ive driven this car from RI to California and back, then from RI to Florida and back twice. Ive logged lots of miles, and the reliability and ease of maintenance is awesome.

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  Much sharper than my Civic - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Michdee - December 27 - 5:23 am

  I just bought this car and gave my 01 Civic to my teenage sons. I have the fully loaded version with automatic transmission, leather seats, moon-roof etc. Drive is very smooth and has great pick-up for a four cylinder. Looks very sharp. I really wanted a small car with heated leather seats and it is very hard to find unless you want to step up to a luxury car in the $35K plus range. Surprisingly the gas mileage is not good. I get about 19 MPG (mostly city driving - I average 17 MPH). I was hoping for a little better than that. Car looks more expensive but everyone knows how much it costs so that doesnt mean much.

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  I No Longer Desire An Audi - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Velma - December 26 - 8:36 am

  I researched and researched this car and decided to get it. Its awesome in everyway, and Ive had no problems with it. My dream car is the Audi A3...but now I dont know. Im very happy with this car in everyway. I drove from NC to Toronto, Ontario and had the best drive.