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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  Best First Car! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By johnnymize6 - October 13 - 3:06 pm

  For my first car I bought a white 2010 Mazda 3 2.0 liter i Touring with the moon and tune package. It currently has just over 52000 miles on it. The 2.0 liter 4 cyl. has good pick-up around town, but passing and merging on the freeway are a little strained. Its a fun little car that handles great and has a lot of nice features like a Bose sound system, a power sunroof, and Bluetooth. The ride is surprisingly comfortable on most bumps but on wavy surfaces it bounces up and down a lot. Its pretty quiet inside now that I put new tires on it. Everything is easy to reach while youre driving. It feels really nice and stable on the freeway, and the ride settles a bit as well.

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  Awesome! Buy One! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Matt - October 12 - 3:06 am

  Great little car. Moved from my 2006 Mazda6 to this. I bought a manual because they are fun to drive. I found out that they are not as comfortable as the 6 at all. Car has a lot of pep. Lots of compliments. Get the White Pearl!

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  Mazda 3 rulez!!!! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mazdamania - October 12 - 2:00 am

  This is the best handling car Ive driven besides the BMW! Its amazing! I love the performance and the style. Its very aerodynamic and again the best handling car out there for the bucks. Plus its fun to drive and great for cutting corners. This is a must have for anyone who seeks a car like BMW and cost 1/3 the price of the the BMW.

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  So Far an excellent car - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By minichrt1 - October 5 - 2:36 am

  To keep this short and sweet my wife gets almost 500 miles per 11 gallons of fuel. It is a 14 gallon tank so when the fuel light goes on there should be 3 gallons left but it is hard to ignore the fuel light and the range being under 40 miles. Best example of mileage that we have repeated more than once... 60 mph in 6th gear on a straight and level stretch or road with the cruise control and AC on with 4 people in the car 44.7 mpg turn off the ac and it goes up to 47mpg. This is not drafting and the instant mpg readout will hold steady as long as the road is level.

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  Zoom-Zoom 3 - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Tom - October 1 - 5:56 am

  I love this car! My 3 is the best car I have ever owned. I get looks almost everywhere I go. Everyone loves this car, Cant say I blame them because I love it too. I would not trade this car for anything - its one in a million.

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  Dont hesitate, just get one! - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By gishapir - September 29 - 4:23 am

  I couldnt be happier with the car so far and Ive only done a few hundred miles. The AC works beautifully (I know some people have complained with the 07 model). The back seat area, although small, fits 3 people in the back rather comfortably. When only 2 are in the back, there is a rather wide seat separator with two cup holders. Even the doors have cup holders on the sides! The car is a 4 cyl. car so dont expect crazy acceleration, but it does an amazing job of taking off and accelerating via the manual control from 3 to 4th gears. The car takes turns amazingly. The car is virtually silent while idling. There is also amazing room in the glove comp. Im very pleased so far!

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  Best bang for your buck - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By zoomzoomz6 - September 26 - 9:46 am

  Test drove the Civic before deciding on the mazda 3. It is faster, more fun, better build quality, and does not feel like you are driving a spaceship. If you want to be bored of your car, buy a corolla. Civic is still a good well built car but nowhere near as much fun as they used to be. The engine is very strong for its class and is just a great example of how good Mazda is.

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  Unhappy with my zoom-zoom - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By cherie - September 23 - 2:10 am

  I have had a very bad experience with my vehicle. I am only getting about 14- 18 miles per gallon ( supposed to be in the 24-36 range). I was given the run around and basically told that there was no problem with my vehicle.

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  My Experience with my Mazda 3 - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Kimmie - September 20 - 11:46 pm

  The Mazda 3s is as fun to drive as their brand phrase "Zoom-Zoom". Even though this car has only 160hps it is still very fun to drive. The audio system is configured to give you the most of convenience while you are driving this car.

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  I Love My Blue Baby! - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Maxine1981 - September 20 - 6:13 pm

  Bought my Mazda3 used in July 09 with a little over 6K on the dash. As of this writing, its a little over 15.5K. I enjoy driving this car! for a little 2.0, it moves just enough for me. (this is my first car ever--dont need it to be any faster ;-) ) I absolutely love the sporty look.. the xenon head/tail lights and spoiler are cool. Stereo has enough bass and treble for me. The A/C could be a wee bit cooler, beige interior is ok, just gotta be careful with stains.