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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  Mazda 3 s-4door - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Kalie11 - June 7 - 10:00 am

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  Smooth Running Mazda - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Gil Gagne - June 7 - 10:00 am

  My model has the 4-speed automatic with 2.3 engine. Very, very smooth engine with absolutely no typical 4 cylinder vibration. Engine is very responsive with more power than needed; can keep up with anything except Corvette. Firm suspension with good handling. Only complaint is the air conditioning system, must run the blower on highest speed whenever sun is shinning and even then cooling is only marginal.

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  Zoom Zoom - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By M DAlessandro - June 7 - 10:00 am

  Great Car!!!!

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  Still Lovin It! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By mubutterfly - June 4 - 11:43 pm

  Ive had my 3i fully loaded for almost a year now. I still love it! So much fun to drive, around town or on long trips its done well. Performs great in the Arizona heat as well, AC cools down quickly, though it could get colder a little faster. Accelerates great on freeways, perfect for speeding around the snowbirds. Overall I have no complaints about the car. Maintenance experience has been great with the dealership, and had no problems to take it in for.

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  More bang for your buck - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jamie - June 4 - 11:33 am

  Sold my 99 Volkswagen Jetta because it was terrible and upgraded to the 2010 Mazda 3...I car shopped for a while and the ratings for the mazda 3 were better than honda and toyota..I loved the new body style and felt it looked very professional and classy...comparing it to the look of other 2009 and 2010 cars out there..this car is on top! Both inside and out look way better than any other car out there...way more modern. I would highly recommend this car for anyone..Im a college commuter and despite other reviews I get 26 mpg which I dont think is that far off from competitors and for the look of the car its worth the couple mpg difference

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  Mazda 3s hatchback hard to beat - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Bob Lenburg - June 3 - 6:23 pm

  The handling is terrific, fun to drive, gets reasonable mileage even with the 2.3 s model, very comfortable and the interior space and quality exceeded my expectations. The larger brakes on the s model stop the car in such short distances that I have to re-adjust my following distance when driving my other vehicle. For the money, this car is a well kept secret. I had a 2001 Miata which was great fun to drive, but had inherent safety issues of a convertible. The Mazda 3s is nearly as much fun to drive (actually, accelerates quicker) and can be driven year-round. If BMW made this exact car their new entry level vehicle they could not make enough of them at $27K price.

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  Style,engineering,economy at good price - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By jaldav - May 29 - 11:43 am

  Enjoyable to drive. Solid build and handling. Looks sexy. I bought this car last February and so far its been a good choice when comparing to Nissan, Honda and Toyota. More bang for the buck. Im planning to hang on to this vehicle for as long as possible since I fear future cars may look like upscale golf carts.

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  a great car at a great price - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By jerome - May 17 - 5:53 pm

  This is my first Mazda. I admit that much of my decision was driven by what I have read on Edmunds and other car review sites. That being said, I can find little fault this persistently fun car. At 62" I was unnecessarily worried about room; theres plenty for myself and my family of four. It handles like its on rails, and its spirited engine is quite responsive. The mileage could be better, but given the engines performance, its a trade-off I can live with. Everything about this car screams attention to detail. Mazda has a real winner here.

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  1 Year plus--and lots to like - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By L.A. JAFO - May 16 - 12:23 pm

  My wife drives this car around town, but I made sure we took it on some real road trips to make sure it was solid. Am I impressed...you bet! On a 455 mile trip from LA to the Salton Sea and back through Palm Springs in 114 degree heat with the A/C on max it still did 29.2 MPG. On a 700 mile trip to Northern California using highways 101 and 1 we did 33.2 MPG. Power is very good. Handling is solid; it responds like a BMW or an Acura and when you turn the wheel, you move RIGHT NOW, no slop or lag at all. Interior space is good, and even at 65 I have both head and leg room thanks to the telescoping steering wheel. Trunk space is very good for big suitcases (2 of them!) or lots of groceries.

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  Excellent Value - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By excellent value - May 15 - 5:10 am

  My Mazda 3 was actually the last car on my list to test drive. I rejected the Mini S, Camry, Accord, Mitsus, Dodge, Ford, Audi 4, and Volvo, all for various issues and reasons. The 3 was a delight to drive from the moment I turned the key. Sport suspension, quick turn-in, super brakes, smooth engine and powertrain, quality build throughout. Whats not to love? The copper-red paint and pleasantly good looks bring many compliments. As can be expected for sport sedans, the ride can feel noticeably taut over tar strips and rough roads, but it never loses its composure, inspiring confidence in even the most timid drivers. The engine comes on strongest while manually shifting the slick automatic near 4000 rpm.