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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  Zoom Zoom - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By jumpback - October 27 - 6:16 am

  I test drove just about every small car available. None drove like the Mazda 3 Grand Tourer. This vehicle is just snick, snick great. The interior especially is upscale for a small car. If you are looking for value and a not just another boring econobox check this baby out.

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  Great Car - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By izzy - October 23 - 8:36 pm

  Purchased the car 3 weeks ago and already put in 1000 miles on it. Interior is very comfortable around town and on long trips. Mileage is not that great but it does have a relatively large engine so thats to be somewhat expected. Bose sound system is great. Would highly recommend this car.

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  Just got one - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By rjacrossla - October 21 - 12:53 pm

  I fell in love at first sight. Committed after one test drive. I was waiting for VW to roll out 4-door GTI (heard rumors/got kids/they sell em in Europe). Couldnt wait. My 100 mile a day commute across L.A. killed my old car. This is the first full week of commuting in the car and I love it. The ride is solid, the car corners nice and flat, and the gas mileage is pretty good. The car is so fun to drive, Im leaving for work at 5 am so I can take her up to speeds faster that 10mph. My wife even likes the car (hated the GTI). I would recommend to any one looking for value and fun.

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  Mazda 3 Wagon: happiest Car on Earth - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By JAGGER1024 - October 21 - 12:16 am

  Had a Mazda 6 Wagon. Loved it. Went to replace it, but 6 wagons were discontinued. Tried out a 3. Loved it. Comfortable, zippy, no problems whatsoever. As much as I liked my 6 wagon, it did have a faulty gas tank. No issues with the 3, however.

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  The Uncorolla - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By jazzfocus - October 20 - 6:40 pm

  Most reviewers for this car seem very content. After owning this M3 for nearly a year I am in that camp. If I ever run into one of those "discontents" I would gladly take the car off their hands at a deep discount for my son or daughter. Handling is superb...power from the 2 liter is fine for my needs...mileage has been decent, not great. Car has done very well in snow and slippery conditions due to esc, traction control, abs. Very well designed body for high wind stability. Ride is rather busy around town due to tight suspension but thats the way sporty cars feel.My wifes 2009 Mazda 6 is much smoother so we use it on big trips. Love that car too. Rear bumper scratches easily in parkin

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  luxury finnaly at a reasonably price - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By machr85 - October 20 - 1:43 am

  Very impressed with this car, my friend had the mazdaspeed3 and I drove it one time and thats what got me into it, I couldnt afford the speed3 but got a 06 hatchback gt, I must say the interior has nothin to envy thus of a Lexus. Performance is great ride is great, only thing Im waiting is for repairs hoping since is a Japanese car it might be expensive.

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  Sweet ride for the family & under $17000 - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By M3ownder - October 19 - 10:00 am

  WOW, what a ride for $16962.00 out the door. 17" allows on a great looking sports car, big enough for a family. No minivan for this family with two kids under 5. After 6 months I still love to get into the 3 and drop the clutch. Mazda scored huge with this one.

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  05 Mazda 3 - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Lee - October 19 - 6:53 am

  For a small car, the front seats have plenty of room for my 64" frame. Love the steering wheel audio controls, snazzy interior, and good stereo system. I added a mask on the front and graphics on the side and frequently get comments on its looks. Ive put 26,000 miles on it in my first year of ownership and LOVE driving it. My 3 has the the 17" wheels and the handling is great. I love zoom zooming around curves.

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  So nice - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Skoobaed - October 16 - 2:23 pm

  This is the first new car Ive owned and by far the best. Everyone I know likes it and Mazdas definitely still reigning at top of the economy cars(if you wanna classify it as such). It drives like a sports car and the interior is so nice. The gauges at night are one of the coolest looking Ive ever seen glowing a cool blue while other features are glowing in red. If you were an older person you might think that the interior is too hip, but being a 19 year old guy I enjoy staring at it.

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  Additional Comments to My Last Review - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By Fun2Driver - October 14 - 4:33 pm

  More comments here of Mazda3 for buyers/owners to note. Again this is a great car, simply the best in class. Few improvements here but all are minor. Exterior styling is great. Head lights should be pointed slightly higher. On downhills, the lights fall a bit short. The red tail lights are a bit dim and small. Should be brighter for safety reason. Though the bumper reflective tapes help a bit. For s model, you get black plastic in real bumper. But its more scratch resistant, good when loading cargo. Real bumper does flex a bit.