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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  Great Car For Anyone - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Tony - May 14 - 3:10 am

  I have had this car for 4 months, and it has been great. Reliable, quick, economical, and good looking. What more can you ask for?

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  Think before you buy - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Not Happy - May 12 - 11:50 pm

  Car handles great and has some nice options that are included. Power is lacking and intermittent - not what I expected from a 2.3L engine. Posted mpg on the 2.3 wagon is a joke - I average 20mpg. A few issues and the Mazda dealers dont want to deal with it and Mazda Customer Care line is useless also.

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  10,000 Miles After Purchase - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Idahed - May 12 - 1:40 pm

  We purchased our Mazda 3 to replace our old Ford Explorer. First road trip was 660 miles from Boise to Las Vegas. Comfortable (Im 62"). Economical (38.65 mpg) (29mpg in town). Zoom Zoom! The car has been reliable and were thinking of buying the hatch version now for our second car.

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  An excellent, beautiful handling car for the money - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By ohioan2 - May 11 - 2:23 pm

  Two-plus months and 2,900 miles on my Velocity Red hatch and Im loving it. Fun to drive, handles like a dream and I enjoy my daily commute in comfort and style. Plenty of power when needed, with great torque, on the 2.5. Youre giving up some gas mileage, but Ill pay for the trade off. Still averaging 30-32 mph with mix of highway/city driving, much better than my old V-6. Its nice to be crusing in something different and sporty in the sea of Civics and Corollas. Looks aggressive with those 17-inch alloys, side body crease swoop and is ready to prance. Even the smiley grill is growing on me, although the fog lighs and front license plate wipe off some of the smile.

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  Very capable - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Zuzu - May 11 - 2:00 am

  This car has a solid feel, crisp handling and good seat comfort. I feel confident behind the wheel and theres plenty of back seat and hatchback utility in this fun package. I paid full boat retail and dont regret it. Our other car is a Miata and its hard to compare these two but it is sporty enough that I dont jones to get back in the sports car. Its really great.

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  I love my Mazda! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Kec5142 - May 10 - 7:06 pm

  I havent had a single problem with this car. It runs like a champ and looks great. I have kept my car in excellent condition and I keep up with routine maintenece so it runs like it does. I love this car.

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  Luxury and Performance - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Luxury Feel - May 10 - 3:10 pm

  Ive recently bought a used Mazda3s w/most of the options (leather, sunroof, abs w/side, spoiler, and 6 CD changer). For the price that I paid for it, I feel like driving a luxury vehicle. It handles great and has an appealing look. The leather feels so comfortable. I actually slept in my the car, learned it was more comfy than my previous cars. I average 26 city and 32 HW. Im sure you can achieve similar results if you cruise as much as possible on highways and not stomp on the gas in city roads. The gas is not as good as the Civic, but everything else are lot better. I recommend test drive the 3 before considering other vehicles.

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  I love my "Baby" - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jen - May 7 - 6:10 pm

  Great car, fun to drive. Handles well. Many amenities that other cars in its class dont even offer. Drive it so you can see!

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  Transmission - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By aluera - May 7 - 12:31 pm

  When I down shift theres a huge clunk in 3rd and 2nd gear... Not very happy with it at all!!!

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  Beware of Plastic Parts and Oil Filters! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By George Bennett - May 5 - 3:26 pm

  After driving a Protege for 10 years and 250,000 miles, the 3 S seemed like a great car until I used a Jiffy Lube and cracked the poorly designed oil cartridge housing on the car. Mazda says tough luck, but has issued a service bulletin, and I believe reverted back to the cannister versus the cartridge oil filter. It is sad to say that such a nice car can be ruined by poor design - but in my case (and from what I hear) the case of several other Mazda 3 s owners, that you will have to pay $60.00 at the dealership to make sure that your engine does not suffer major damages. I believe the 2005 model also has this type of filter so be prepared!