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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  Got it Loaded with everything - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Hypnodude - February 16 - 10:00 am

  Okay, I have to say I like the power of the 5-Speed. I think for the money you cant beat it.

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  Recent Purchase-So far, so Good. - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By SI Steve - February 15 - 2:16 pm

  Have this car for about a month. So far, wife and I are very pleased with the seat comfort,interior materials and design. I also like the quick pick up from a red light that makes it seem as if theres a much larger engine than the 2.0 L 148 HP standard mill. Very nimble cornering and turning... I avoided a stuck car in the middle lane of a major highway with its quick steering response, but steering is too sensitive at 60 mph + and requires constant minor corrections to stay in lane.

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  18 Months of Driving - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By bronxy192 - February 10 - 8:18 pm

  Ive had this car for 18 months now with over 8,000 miles. Its a skyactiv 6 speed manual. The only complaints I have thus far is the acceleration and the middle console. I find myself needing to downshift to pick up any speed. Its a bit sluggish, but once at cruising speed on the highway, the 3 drives great. The suspension is good. I have hit several pot small holes after a wild winter here in New Jersey, and the 3 has handled them with no problems. The middle console is little to be desired. I wish the arm rest would slide out to accommodate my arm, but its very short and placed in an odd position. It has storage and I find I need to shift and turn my body around to open it.

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  100,000 Miles - Great Car - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By cleaver - February 7 - 10:22 pm

  Weve put 100,000 miles on this car. The struts are just now needing to be replaced. Other than that, we have simply changed fluids and replaced tires on this car. The original brake pads are still on it. For a $16,000 car, this was a bargain. It does everything a cheap car should do, plus some. The suspension is well-tuned and the steering doesnt feel dead in the drivers hands. It isnt a racecar by any means, but it is a drivers car that lets you know how the tires are working while you are driving. Gas mileage often over 30 in mixed driving. Ill keep buying from Mazda after this experience.

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  More amenities than a loaded BMW - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By gina4321 - February 5 - 12:36 pm

  I have owned this 2008 Mazda S Grand Touring since July of 2008 and just LOVE it! I sold my BMW X5 to buy this Mazda and it has more bells and whistles. Heated seats, Xenon headlights, leather seats, Bose Stereo, 6 disc, auto wipers etc..It was used with 14k miles and I paid 17500. for this in 2008. What a deal. Currently has 23000. miles on it with no problems what so ever!!

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  Bulletproof-monkey - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By diehard080 - February 4 - 11:25 pm

  Yep I was admittedly worried that my 2007 was going to be a regrettable trade in on the 2010 2.5 but I just because it was Mazda I had faith in their underdog drive to make things just that much better ,the. 3. Remindes me f the Porsche 911 better by incriments yearly . I got the gt hatchback with the electronically controlled 5 speed automatic with sport shift that actually works ! And well . This tranny shifts smoother than my old mans s500 Mbz. And my 328 BMW from 2002. By far . Its seamless , heck Grand Prix cars all use automatic gearboxes now , it was a choice I dont regret ! Awesome car. Just turned 50k. And it is spot on !

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  Owned my 06 M3 for 1 week.....GT Hatchback - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Gruffydd - February 4 - 10:03 am

  Other than the crack in the windshield I got while driving to Vegas (in less than 12 hours of ownership) I love this car. Fun to drive, fast (you need to remember that 60mph is not on the top of the speedometer, but at 90 degree angle.) Lots of room - 3 suitcases would have fit. I like the folding seats, the plastic tray, the little compartment to the right inside the hatchback. Comfortable on long trips. I like the automatic climate control Still trying to figure out what all the displays mean.

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  was sadly disappointed - 2014 Mazda Mazda3
  By mark394 - February 4 - 5:59 am

  Weve always liked Mazdas, this was our fourth, a 2014 mazda 3 Touring sedan, it could have been so good, but the front interior space felt cramped and a bit difficult to see out of, the rear seats were very difficult to see out of. The really ugly looking radio looked velcroed to the dash was a constant eye sore. Not sure if anyone else has been bothered by this but there was always an very annoying clunk sound coming from the suspension going over bumps. We traded it after four months for another new make :(.

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  Love my 3! - 2013 Mazda Mazda3
  By slickmz3 - February 2 - 4:10 am

  Loved my 2011 i Touring sedan so much that I recently traded in for a 2013 Grand i Touring hatch. Didnt think it could get any better, but it did! Really love having the extra room in the hatch and the Skyactiv engine, which is going to save me about $600 bucks this year on gas. I largely agree with other consumer reviews. It is definitely a firmer ride, but handles amazingly and very is responsive (the catch phrase is zoom zoom zoom for a reason!). I actually like the construction of the cockpit-style dash, but it does take up some room leaving the overall interior on the small side. This car is one of the sportier small compacts on the market, and it is a real pleasure to drive.

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  SAYYYWEEETTTT!!!! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By STERN1 - January 29 - 12:33 pm

  I purchased this brand new, loaded. I drove 500mi a week to and from work..this car is AWESOME!! It was red mica w/ black leather. I just sold this car to a family member and REGRET doing so. Only complaint is i was on my 3rd set of tires (low profile).. other than that NO problems.. I was averaging 29-32mpg with regular gas.. S Grand Touring(loaded)is the way to go.. Bi-xenion headlights DO make a difference.. especially in fog and with deer... Kids are comfy in backseat, big adults may not be as comfortable.. Great economical and reliable car.. Mazda got it right with this one!!! LOVED IT!!!