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 Car I tested...and purchased - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By RUDE E - June 26 - 4:26 am

  I test drove several cars, new and used. I must say that this was the most valuable (bang for buck) of the bunch. Very responsive handling, great on gas, and looks are appealing. Coming from a Tacoma its a big change, but well worth it in my eyes.

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  Cant wait to get mine - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By waytall - June 23 - 2:00 am

  After looking at the M3 for months on the website I was glad to finally get in one. The only real disapointment was the comfort of the seats.A bit stiff in cloth, but the leather seats are much more comfortable. Great handling and plenty of get up and go under the hood. Not really sure what options I will be getting, but it is sure to include the sunroof,cd changer and the 4speed automatic. I should have one in the driveway by the end of the week.

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  Awed By Stock Handling - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Matt - June 21 - 4:30 am

  Performance: 7/10 is because this car is too underpowered as far as performance goes. I came from a 200hp Jeep and a 300whp turbo integra so this is more or less the slowest car Ive owned (although at highway speeds+ the mazda would prob. blow the doors off the Jeep because of aerodynamics and gear ratios). Comfort: Nice interior, only thing Id improve is move the armrest closer to the shifter. Fuel Economy: Impressive. I average 30MPG, and thats with mostly "city" driving. Fun To Drive: YES! Awe-inspiring handling for a stock car compared to my souped up integra with very aggressive suspension & tires, AND limited slip diff. If the engine note was louder itd be just about perfect.

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  Still brand new after 5 yrs - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Joeschmoh - June 20 - 4:03 pm

  I love this car. I bought it new 5 years ago and I still get a thrill driving it. The car hugs the road, has lots of power, and is a super easy stick shift to drive. My wife hated sticks until this car. It gets me to work without costing too much, it gets the entire family around comfortably, and I can load it up with junk from Home Depot. The versatility combined with a car thats a joy to drive makes it a no-brainer car to buy. I average 27 mpg in traffic, and 30-31 mpg highway.

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  My 3 - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Gerian - June 18 - 10:00 am

  am delighted with the car-mine is Auto and so smooth a quiet handles like a dream! I rate this car highly-feels to me like a small BMW to drive. My ONLY reservation is I have found the paint finish on the silver body work not as uniform as expected and its patchy in sun from certain angles and drivers door very slightly off clour-it IS original factory finish, I am abit nervous to ask for a warranty claim oin it since it may end up not as good. You have to look closely to see-but I expected better. I do love the car I would like to hear from other "3" owners if i am permitted to give my email address gerian@ihug.com.au

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  Great Little Car - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By veritas66 - June 18 - 9:13 am

  I bought this car with 34 miles on it during the summer of 2007 and now have 125,000 miles on the car. So far, it has been an excellent vehicle. Then only maintenance I have done is replace the battery and spark plugs at 80K and put in a standard k&n air filter when I purchased it. It gets oil changes every 7500 to 10000 miles with Mobile 1 and still has its original brakes! Now for the complaints, this car does eat tires, I have gone through three sets of summer tires and switch tires out every winter for studless. Thankfully I have only purchased one set of winter tires, and that has lasted me. Last complaint, drivers door lock sometimes doesnt work, but that is ok. No other problems.

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  Good car for the money - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By alex_z - June 17 - 2:22 am

  The best interior in class. Smooth Transmission. Gives me 400 miles for tank in mix driving. The only complain is that suspension is a way too firm. It drives o.k. on the good road, but once you go to the bumpy one, you will feel every rough in your butt. Althogh it cut corners even without slowing down. Im not sure if this car good for every day comfortable driving. I would suggest buy mazda 6 for this purpose or toyota is a better choice. Can not say anything about reliability (have only 3K miles). The only problem I had is rear defroster didnt work on the upper side, so went to the local dealer to replace it. Other than this its a good car for the money with a lot of features.

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  Poor gas milage - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By lordmetalz28 - June 16 - 10:45 am

  although i love everything about this car. i bought it for the gas milage and the gas mileage is disgusting. so now im locked into a 5 year 13k mistake.

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  2007 Mazda 3i Touring ROCKS! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By 2007 Mazda i Touring - June 13 - 1:50 am

  I researched for 3 months which car would be the best value for my budget and I am so glad I did. The Mazda 3i Touring is everything I expected in regards to value, what I didnt anticipate was how much fun it would be! I commute 98 miles round trip to work and you would think that driving would be the last thing that I would want to do for entertainment--HOWEVER-- this car changed all that for me. I have rediscovered my joy of driving and my family fights me for the keys. I am getting on average around 500 miles per tank of gas which makes driving for fun even more inviting, not to mention the surprising power--this thing drives like a sports car!

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  My Mazda 3 - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By saymiles - June 12 - 10:00 am

  The Mazda 3 is an excellent car for a person on the go. The trunk space is excellent and the car is very comfortable and fun to drive. The radio controls on the steering wheel make it safer from me when Im driving. The ACL feature (volume louder as you go faster) is great, but it doesnt help you maintain the speed limit. Ive also had a few problems with my automatic driver window and the passenger air bag disabled light (it comes on even when I have a passenger) and Ive only had the car for 2 months. In all it is a great car, and any problems Ive had are all covered by the warranty!