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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  Fun First Car - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By GatorKnight - December 26 - 5:26 am

  This was my first real car, and I love it. It is a fast car for a base cheap car, and handles well. I love the look of it, especially with the wing spoiler. The comfort is great and the interior features are also great. Overall, this is a great first car for any person.

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  fun 2drive, poor MPG with 2.3L engine - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Andre - December 24 - 7:16 am

  2005 Mazda3s hatchack. Pros: good looking car, fun to drive, good output above 3000 rpm, good handling, does not lean much in corners, assembled in Japan, warranty 48 months. Cons: poor gas mileage with 2.3L engine (regardless if MT or AT), poor visibility, cupholder position for MT owners, low rpm torque is absent, soot on exhaust pipe, soot on sparkplugs, brake dust, dust & dirt & scratches shows easily on interior, windshield wiper control is too busy with too many functions (hard to turn the damn wipers off). Underdimensioned catalyzer for the 2.3L engine?

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  AMAZING!!! - 2013 Mazda Mazda3
  By dolphingray - December 21 - 2:03 pm

  This is one of the best car i ever bought. Its incredibly good performance, slick, compact fast and very fuel efficient at 28/40 mpg! thats amazing. It has all the technologies in it "skyactive" theres nothing more i can ask for.

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  Buy what you need - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Schadenfreauda - December 21 - 10:00 am

  I examined all the levels of this car and found them to be vastly different in power and capabilities, yet all were well built. Now if you go out and buy the least expensive m3, its the only one without power locks and hubcaps, well thats what you get. Fortunately if you upgrade a few thousand you get more power and amenities and the car is a different animal-= my sport hb is fast, out-handles my previous BMW 3 series and smokes my girlfriends Lexus is250 like its asleep. So if you know what you want and shop smartly you will have no regrets. Buy a base model and yes you get pinner tires and plastic hubcaps - but how can you complain its not a Ferrari when you know what you bought?

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  Best Bang for the Buck - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By mzdafan - December 21 - 10:00 am

  We are on our 3rd Mazda3 if that tells you anything. We purchased a new one in 2006, traded that for a 2008 with more equipment and traded that and leased a 2010 when the body style changed, we just had to have it. We wondered how they could improve on a car that we loved so much but they did! Our 2010 is more refined, quieter, more responsive. Thus the need to have it!

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  Fun, Value, Economy, Pesonality - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By woofer - December 20 - 10:10 am

  So far Im impressed. My 3 may be described as a Japanese VW based on certain similarities. Handling is great, interior quality is great, and engine is smooth with better than expected torque and a great sound. A drivers car at a low price. Beats Civic and Corolla for personality. Thus far got 34 MPG. 5-spd is fun to shift. Body metal feels thinner and structure is less strong than my superb Golf TDI (which I kept); cheaper build, cheaper paint, but the price is lower.

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  rocket ship - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By hotptato - December 17 - 2:00 am

  test drove the sedan 2.3L 5spd. wow what a rush,great take off speed,0-60 in a blink of an eye,handled turns outstanding,its like buying a BMW but alot cheaper, cant wait to buy one with in a month

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  excellent vehicle - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By steve - December 14 - 3:06 am

  This is a fun car to drive and it the quality of build is high. It is priced to beat the overly popular Civic.

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  Edblors new Mazda 3 - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Edblor - December 11 - 2:00 am

  Ive only had my Mazda 3 a few weeks, but it has quickly become the most fun, most enjoyable vehicle I have ever driven. Fuel economy is great, the performance surpasses any expectations you might have, and the creature comforts are A1. It turns heads, provokes questions from strangers and is simply a pleasure to be in.

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  2007 Mazda3 = a must buy - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By shivy - December 10 - 8:33 am

  This has been the best car Ive ever owned. The drive is amazing and every time I step into my Mazda3 it feels like a new fun filled adventure awaits. I have the Mazda3 s sport (black w/ black interior and spoiler) and love its style and look. (get many compliments from friends and strangers). The ride is extremely smooth and it has great acceleration and speed. I would recommend getting a radar detector to alert you and remind you to look at the speedometer because its easy to lose track of your speed. ZOOM ZOOM!