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:

• 

  great for the price - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By et1penn - January 30 - 10:00 am

  Wow, i love this car. I origanaly owned a mazda Protge5 and realy enjoyed it but i always thought it could use a bit more zoom. Well this car has it, and the potential for much more. With the larger 2.3l dohc engine bringing 160hp and 150ft/lb of torque, its exactly what mazdas compact hatchback line needed.

• 

  First 18,000 miles - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Shep - January 30 - 10:00 am

  Excellent compact car. Fuel efficient. Fun to drive. Plenty of power to pass with the 5 speed. Drove to San Antonio TX from Arkansas last May. Got 41 mpg. I get about 37 mpg combined city/highway (mostly highway).

• 

  Mazda 3s - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Blue Jean - January 30 - 12:43 am

  Purchased for my 18yr old daughter. Researched various vehicles & test drove 3. This car by far is the best value for style, performance and confort/safety on the market. If unsure but on your list, take the time to get behind the wheel. I like it so much, I will be buying one for myself!

• 

  I just bought it but I already love it - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jeff - January 29 - 11:16 am

  People are so in love with their cars and with this car Im no exception. I bought a base "s" -- no options at all -- and it is still a lot of car! Power locks, windows, tilt and telescope wheel, keyless entry, GREAT stereo, etc. And the engine is fantastic. You really need to be in above 4k RPMs before it really kicks in, but that is pretty normal for all them 2ish liter 4 cylinders that get max power aroun 6-7k RPM. And when it kicks in it really kicks. Keeping it in third around town and in fourth on the highway keeps the RPMs at a very responsive level. etc. etc. Also its quite roomy by small car standards, but I wouldt take a long trip with large men in the back!

• 

  rattle trap - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By girvin - January 26 - 3:13 pm

  Bought the mazda3 about a year ago and have driven it 26,000 miles never had a major problem with it other than a rattle in the trunk area cant seem to locate it and the dealer couldnt find either the tires that came on it new were horrible they wore out at 17,000 miles

• 

  EVERYONE NEEDS THIS! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By POO - January 24 - 10:46 am

  this car is fantastic! i went from a non-fuel happy silverado to this and all i can say is wow! gets about 25 mpg, wish it was a little better! i couldnt be more happy!

• 

  first year model problems - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By mmsld - January 19 - 8:46 am

  The car is nice to look at and very comfortable but it has typical first year quality problems. My suggestion is to wait until 2006 to buy one. The mechanical issues are too numerous on the 2004 and it is annoying to be continually running to the dealership for various mechanical failures.

• 

  zooooom zoooom - 2014 Mazda Mazda3
  By zoomzoom09 - January 17 - 9:28 am

  Very nice car. Mazda completely reinvented the car for 2014. The interior is excellent. I opted for the almond leather with soul red exterior. Hot looking car. The 184HP is sufficient for me to zoom around town. Love the 7 inch display and amount of features. The car honestly feels like a 35K or higher sports coupe w/ the leather, high end details (carbon-fiber, red stitching on the leather, to sports suspension. I also own a CX-5 and this 2.5 L engine was worth getting. Much better response and performance.

• 

  More Than I Expected! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Truthsayer - January 15 - 10:20 pm

  I traded my 2008 M3 HB GT w/Bose-Roof pack the exact same trim and package as the 2010 that I got. Scared like heck that it would not be as good I took the plunge. This car has turned out be to Superior in every way. More solid build, better handling, more power, smoother transmission by leaps & bounds. This trans mated with the new 2.5 is a marriage made in heaven. It doednt hunt or over shift and electronically is dialed in better than my BMW was. It hits gears on the money and the new frame makes this thing float along better than a Lexus is250 -no lie. Its smooth, responsive and at 80 you feel like launching to 150 with ease. I cant begin to describe the value of this car- unbelievable-tops

• 

  Money Well Spent - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By b.fox - January 12 - 5:30 am

  Would I buy this car again - you betcha! Out performs the Protege ( which was my first Mazda purchase), excellent acceleration, everything on the dash is convenient, plenty of room.