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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  awesome value - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Michael Taylor - April 11 - 1:43 am

  Traded my 05 Subaru Legacy GT for this car, and dont miss it at all! Has nearly all the same features (minus the thirsty engine and squeaky interior) for a lot less dough. Handles curvy roads like a mountain goat and tracks beautifully on the interstate too. Engine has nice pep and awesome fuel economy too (got 40mpg on a recent road trip, 55-65mph nearly constant cruising). Manual transmission is the best Ive ever driven. Seats are very comfy and the design of the interior speaks of a much more expensive car. Some of the plastics are on the hard side, but the fit is terrific, as is the overall layout. How great to drive an economy car and not feel like youre driving a box on wheels

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  An Asset - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Hokie - April 10 - 12:53 am

  I love this car. Its great in handling, pick-up and fuel mileage. I had Civic and also took a test drive of the new one, but nothing is as good as Mazda3.

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  What did I buy? - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By MazdaFan02 - April 6 - 5:53 am

  I bought this vehicle 2 weeks ago and it has already been in the service dept. 4 times. Dead battery, electrical problems, transmission failed. I would stick to the 2008 model as it seems like there are some severe issues with the 09s.

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  Bittersweet - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By holybull - April 3 - 10:59 am

  I wasnt totally in love with the looks of this car but I do like hatches so I test drove it and fell for it right away. It fit me like a glove. A tailored glove. Handling is the best that could be expected from a front-wheel-drive compact. Engine has 175 HP and plenty of torque. The cosmetics are a different story. Windows rattling after not too long of owning it. Cylinder key lock in steering column replaced twice. And now, as if that werent enough, Ive been told I have a cracked piston ring and the thing is SLURPING oil. Not good for a car with only 51000 miles. Never again do I buy a Mazda. first and last. Im spending more and getting a mini next.

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  I like it - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By t777jb - April 3 - 10:00 am

  Its been a great car and the list of features is fantastic for the money. I put some Continental Tires ($800) on it which have improved the wet handling tremendously - anxious to try it in the snow. I was afraid of it in those conditions with the original tires. The ride quality on the Continentals is much better than the original tires. My paint has way too many chips like others. Im satisfied with 27 mpg avg for this level of power. Manual is very smooth. Pedals are a little close together though and I have a size 10 shoe. Needs heated mirrors. I think I will have to get a BMW 3 series next to find something I would consider an upgrade in handling and luxury.

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  Love it! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By jj.9109 - April 3 - 10:00 am

  I had bought my car in Aug 2010. I recently had a 2008 Coblat. I love it but it didnt have enough room. When I bought the mazda I was excited with all the things it was built with. What made me fall more in love with this car is its safety features, I was driving to work going 50mph, when out of no where this guy did a u-turn in front of me on a 4 lane highway. The seatbelts sucked me in and the airbags deployed. It didnt do much damage to the car which I was totally shocked with hitting the guy so hard. If you are looking for a car with good built in features and great safety features this is the car for you.

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  Closest to a Mini 5 door Wagon ! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By n2kalo - April 2 - 11:10 am

  I traded in my beloved 03 Mini Cooper. Loved that car, but utility demands forced to sell. But not disappointed so far, M3s is more versatile and has more pickup than my CVT Mini. I also note that the more "bang for buck" features were appealing. This is my second Mazda experience; my first was a 88 RX-7 convertible and it had no problems.. The only gripe so far is that the car doesnt have autolocks and the MPGs could be better. Also obviously the handling is not quite up to the Mini, more lean in corners than the Mini. But I find that the Mazda 3S is much more compliant and comfy on the poor roads in Hawaii. Sporty with a good cross of features and added utility just makes sense.

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  EX NISSAN FAN - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By AKFRIZZ - March 25 - 10:00 am

  This car is awesome. The styling is great.The gas mileage has been very good. The 4 cyl is moore than enough that when you step on the gas you quickly realize that your seeing everyone else in the rear view mirror. Handling is very good on the highway and in the curves.It turns on a dime and stops the same way.The number of standard features is mind boogling. Any one in the market for a new carwill be surprised that THIS DOEST IN ANY WAY FEE LIKE A ECONOMY CAR,AND DOEST LOOK IT AS WELL.I had a corvett owner stop me because he thought it was a new body bmw.

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  I love this car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By mjd926 - March 24 - 2:00 am

  I almost bought a MazdaSPEED Protege, but after the dealer convinced me to test drive the 3, I was hooked! It is almost as fast as the MS Protege, handles on par (for my tastes atleast), and doesnt ride like it is a go-kart. Add to that the fact that I got features like xenon headlights, 6-disc CD, and a moonroof for $2,000 less than the MSP, which didnt even offer those features! It is a great car that seems to be well built. I highly suggest buying one!

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  Excellent car but not for winter - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Happy Mazda Owner - March 23 - 7:23 pm

  Ive been very pleased with my 2007 Mazda 3 Sedan. We had a lot of difficulty finding a car with decent MPG that my 64" boyfriend could fit in. This car has been a joy to own and over the last 2 years Ive only had to replace the battery and do regular maintenance. She has been very reliable and I would change very little about her. I live in Montana and would not suggest this car for winter conditions if you drive much. We manage to get by using our second car for the worst days. Being 2 wheel drive, low to the ground and light in weight is not a combination conclusive to safe winter driving.