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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  AXELA - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Paul - January 29 - 5:40 am

  I have had my 3S just over a month. I love it. It is the best sub-compact car I have looked at, priced, and driven. It handles like a BMW 3- series minus the rear drive. I see them all around town, but it never fails, people still stare at my car. It is very sexy, and great to drive.

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  Commuting is fun again - 2014 Mazda Mazda3
  By daveshoot - January 29 - 4:14 am

  I have been driving 45 mi. per day in an older Tacoma, so perhaps I am too easily impressed... but this car is amazing. Exterior looks, check. Just look at one. Interior is wow! for a Mazda, and the seats are very comfortable. This model is loaded with tech, like the radar blind spot detection, pacing cruise control, impressive and intuitive infotainment system, adaptive headlights that steer, etc. But driving is what its all about and its what this Mazda is all about. It is fast and nimble. Until you hit the Sport mode button, it is really just a very tight and competent little car. The Sport mode unleashes its inner potential and it just wants to go. I am glad I got the 2.5L!

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  Great car for the money! - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By jokero - January 24 - 7:44 pm

  I dont know what the shutter noise is yet cause Im too busy blasting music all the time. I picked this car after reviewing a lot of cars in this class and so far its great. Im nearing 10K miles and it has met my expectations. My previous car was a corolla so this is an upgrade for me. The car looks and feels better and I get the same fuel efficiency or better(540 mile range on a full tank) I also love the other fun features like blutooth that I didnt have before. No complaints here so I recommend it.

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  The new Mazda3 is great! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Amber - January 21 - 5:16 am

  I have only had my car now for 5 days and I am in love. It is always the nicest car in the parking lot when I am leaving my college. It is so smooth to drive and the automatic is fantastic with the option to put it in manual drive! I dont like all the red color for the radio but besides that it is everything I hoped for. It is not that roomy in the back but I dont care much because I rarely have people sitting back there anyways. The only worry I have is the cloth material they have for the seating. I saw a 2006 used Mazda whose seat fabric was coming apart because of the type of material it is. I just filled up my tank and I only got about 27.6 miles to the gallon which is a bummer.

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  One of a KInd! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Stuntman Bob - January 21 - 4:46 am

  This replaces my 2008 Mazda3 GT hatch that was the identical trim with Bose/Roof package. The differences though are stark and immediately obvious.I was nervous as in jan. when I got it the reviews were limited and die-hard Mazda3 people were ragging it into the ground for design which turned out to be something that grew on everybody once they bought the car and experienced perfection. We were all scared it would not be better than its predecessor, well it is and in every category, Suspension,Engine, Transmission, Interior noise level, European feel and interior materials. Its a car that I already know is destined to be one of the all time greatest cars ever built- forget the class its in.

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  So far so good. - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By Kevin B - January 21 - 4:33 am

  All of the features have been covered in other reviews but have two complaints. 1. Someone else mentioned the dirt/rocks issue....for some reason, on this vehicle, the rocks and dirt you pick up from the road rolls around in the wheel wells and is very audible..more so then any other vehicle I have had, even a Toyota Pick UP..so that can be somewhat annoying..I purposely avoid sandy parts of the road cuz I dont want to hear the rocks rattling around for the next 10 seconds.

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  Love it - except the gas cap - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By VickiSande - January 19 - 3:46 pm

  It is a good little commuter car, fun to drive and good gas mileage. But I am a little dissapointed with the problems associated with gas cap and the vapor capture system. At less than 1000 miles, the check engine light came on. They said I did not tighten the gas cap enough. I had been warned by the salesman to tighten the gas cap. The light came on again same week I got it back. They kept it a week (with a free loaner car-but I wanted my new car back). They replace the gas cap. When that didntwork, they replaced a valve (one they had never replaced before-that made me feel good). Just after 2000 miles, back again-need to tighten gas cap. This is very annoying.

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  A great car - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Dan - January 17 - 9:43 am

  I Love my car. I got the s with the sport package which is worth the money. The car handles like a dream and is soooo fun to drive. Although I love my car I have a few complaints. For one the carpet is cheap and slips out from corners. Another problem is that there is little protection for the interior and it scratches easily. But its little things like this that you have to expect from economy cars. Though the minor set backs I would still choose this car over any other in its class

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  2006 Mazda 3 - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By surfrider1978 - January 16 - 7:13 pm

  I love this vehicle. Its stylish and runs great. Ive had zero problems with it since I bought in 2006. I owned a Honda Civic before, but the Mazda 3 is definitely beats it out on performance and pricing. I recommend this vehicle to first time buyers since is affordable, stylish, and runs great.

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  Fun Pocket Rocket - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By KeysCop (retired) - January 16 - 7:26 am

  Excellent performance & handling. Surprisingly good mpg, I average 29 mpg. Fun to drive baby! Cons: speedometer/tac display view blocked by steering wheel(design flaw); small gas & odometer gauges seem almost an afterthought. Single high note horn is pathetic. No engine temp/oil gauges. And why would you put the fuel filler cap on the Right side of the car!!??