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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  Its a Canadian Lemon - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By RT27 - August 14 - 3:16 am

  By far the worst example of customer service Ie ever experienced. Car is 9 months old, had a hesitation problem from day 1. Been in the shop 6 times for 23 days, couldnt fix the problem then Mazda said it was normal. I requested a replacement and they refused. Went through arbitration, an independent test was ordered and confirmed my complaint that it doesnt run properly. Mazda Canada was ordered to buy back the car. I wanted to purchase another but Mazda Canada is refusing to lease me another because "theyre all like that and I wouldnt be happy with another" Bull, Ive driven 6 others and they were fine. Mazda wont refund the $450.00 extended warranty!

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  Tough choice, but went with the Mazda - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jerchri - August 9 - 5:23 pm

  Mazda vs. Honda. Mazda won. Great European inspired design, comfortable interior, peppy engine, appears to be solidly built, and pretty smooth ride for this type of car. Nice little surprises like a radio that finds the stations with the strongest signals and programs them into a separate location. Great for when youre in unfamiliar territory. Wish it had better gas mileage (only 35 highway compared to the Civics 40) and I wish ABS/SAB/SAC were standard (ended up getting the package...well worth it). Jurys still out on its reliability, I suppose. Hope it lasts for decades, otherwise Ill be upset that I didnt go with the Honda. Tough for Honda to beat the overall package.

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  A Best Kept Secret - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Thrilled - August 8 - 4:00 am

  It has been 3 years, and it is one of the best decisions I ever made.Who would have thought that an inexpensive grocery-getter (which is why I bought it) would handle like a $30K-$40K car? It does not perform like a high end performance car because it is not supposed to. The 2.0 liter 4-banger is loads of fun because I can keep my foot in it if I want to play. For my normal commute I average 29-33 mpg mixed driving. on the Freeway, its around 37 mpg. But the HANDLING!!! OMG! This has got to be one of the best-kept secrets in America! Would I like more power? Sure, but not at the cost of mpg. The fit and finish on this little gem is excellent. And for $18K out the door! Im a happy camper.

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  Biggest Mistake Ever - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By fsufan0025 - August 8 - 2:00 am

  After being a Honda or Toyota person for years, I bought this car due to a GREAT salesman, and excellent finance offers. What a mistake! Took it in for service, and the next day a hubcap came off. But--hey not the service departments fault. And--well sell you a new 1 for $70. Brakes make noise at 14k, and already rattles and noise. Great sales experience, but the cars quality and the service dept ensure that Ill be getting out of this car asap and will NEVER have another Mazda

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  Fun Fun Fun - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By debbe - August 8 - 2:00 am

  My little Mazda was a replacement for a Honda. This car handles much better and is more fun to drive. I chose the 2.5 because I was driving a 200 hp car and thought the car not have great pick-up if i chose the smaller engine. This engine has fantastic pick-up and handles well and best of all uses regular gasoline. The dash is very modern and it has ample lighting for night driving. The white/gray display screen is not attractive and does not match the other parts on the dash. Its like an alien screen. Also I would have liked a leather option but grey not black.

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  Awe-some - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Awe-some - August 7 - 11:40 am

  This is a great car for budget-minded car enthusiasts. Fun to drive, good performance for the price. Its not a Bimmer or an Audi but its also not in the same price range. Overall, its a very good balance between price, performance, comfort and reliability, still convinced after more than 85K miles driving up and down both coasts. I would recommend the 2.3L as its more zippy even with higher fuel consumption and the manual as it will allow better management of fuel economy for every day commute. If you take good care of it: dont park it outside, all scheduled maintenance, put good rubber on it, it will love you back 1000-fold.

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  Mazda3 for me - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By travisthomas - August 4 - 9:30 pm

  In March I will have had this car for 4 years. To this date the only complaint I have is the cloth interior tends to fray with use. The carpet as well could be a little more durable. A drivers foot rest would be nice. Typically after 2 years I tend to get tired of a car. But after four years I am still in love with this car. Mazda has a winner with this car. In this time of high gas prices it is nice to find a car that looks great, fun to drive and gets great gas mileage. My 5 speed tends to get 38 to 40 mpg on the highway and 33 to 35 mpg in the city which is full of stops and goes.

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  Love - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Bure1088 - August 4 - 2:00 am

  I did about 5 months worth of research to find a car. That all stopped when I found my 3 :). It is a lot of fun to drive and looks great. Im hoping the reliability holds up. I have confidence. I love my car!

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  Wow Im Impressed! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By pishii - August 4 - 2:00 am

  For the price this was the best value I could find. The look of the car is decidedly European and the handling falls right in line with what you would expect from a Euro car at a much higher price. I love everything about this car and I am sure that once you test drive it yourself you will come away saying the smae thing. I got the 2.4 Liter 160hp s type sedan in Velocity Red and its just awesome. I have been telling everyone that I know how great this car is, which is something I normally wouldnt do considering its an economy car...but man this car rocks!

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  Fun car indeed! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Unix08 - August 4 - 2:00 am

  I was a bit skeptical when buying one. But im sure am glad to having a mazda. Ive talked with other owners of other compact cars around, and they themselves agree that the mazda is indeed looks much better than other competitions. Though options can be expensive, this car is extremely silent which is a plus!. Might want to be careful driving this beauty, you might get a speeding ticket. :) Corollas and Civics have met their match. Cant wait till the kits for the 04s come out. :)