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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  What a lemon!!! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Joseph Roy - January 10 - 11:33 am

  Aside from the excellent engine and nice features, the problems I have had outweigh the positives by a lot. In the winter when it was really cold, the heater only marginally works, now in the summer I find that the A/C is only mediocre as well. After bringing it to the dealership multiple times, they insist that it is fine and within the normal range. And after only 10,000 miles they had to replace the transmission. I had it in for two oil changes previous to this and they never realized that transmission fluid was low. When they took the transmission out the fluid was almost gone and it was burnt. Thank god for warranties.

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  Northof50 - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Northof50 - January 10 - 10:00 am

  This car reminds me of the BMW2002 when it came out x years ago. Modern, stylish, latest tech, ex. performance, reliability, economy. 90% of you have no clue what I mean. Anyway, the only other seriously considered was a VW Jetta, but it was 2.5K more; only 115 hp, made in Mexico and plain looks dated. Corolla too dull; Honda same- same; Nissan not in the game at this price.

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  My Mazda 3 - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By PinkieDAE - January 10 - 10:00 am

  I love my car. Its white with a spoiler and a sports package is a must. Bigger rims make the difference. Its so reliable and good for gas! Rated number 9 by Edmonds. No one has it yet, so I dont feel like I own a civic & 900 others do too! Being orginal is better.

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  very nice car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By gozilla - January 10 - 10:00 am

  its just so much vaule.

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  Pretty good overall - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Holly Casey - January 10 - 10:00 am

  I drove the Toyota Prius, Matrix, and Subaru Outback. This car had the least number of design flaws. Many great features available at a reasonable price. Seats are too hard. I love the telescoping steering wheel and the controls on the steering wheel. Lots of storage - you should see the glove box! The looks are great. People tell me how cool it looks.

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  Nice car to drive! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Miguel - January 6 - 11:40 am

  I had to trade in my 06 Civic SI to lower my monthly payments, so I bought the Mazda 3 2007 and I like it a lot. Of course there is no comparison between those two, but the Mazda3 is nice and comfortable, trunk space is good, has great stability and good power.

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  The most fun car Ive ever driven - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mike - January 3 - 6:53 am

  Hands down this is the most fun car Ive ever driven. This car has actually made me look forward to my hour long commute every morning. The power is more than sufficient and the handling is excellent. The only drawbacks to this car are the two very minor recalls already issued (although my dealer was able to fix them both in under and hour) and the gas mileage.

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  After 6 Months, I Love It - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Bruce6 - January 2 - 1:00 am

  I deliberately waited to write this till Id owned it 6 months and the new- purchase glow wore off. But I love my 3 as much as the day I bought it. Its quick, roomy, sharp-looking, and an utter blast to drive. Lots of room front and rear for a smallish car, lots of cargo room, all the amenities one could reasonably want standard. And on the highway the thing feels rock-solid and amazingly smooth blasting along at 80 MPH. The only drawback is that the peppy performance from the 2.3 engine does come at a cost of only so-so fuel economy. I can get up to 28-29 on the highway, but in city or mixed driving it drops appreciably. No matter. I adore this car.

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  I Love This Car! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By John F - January 1 - 3:43 pm

  I traded in a 07 Civic for this car. The civic was ok but it didnt have the pep, boring to drive and everyone has it. My insurance dropped a lot when I bought the Mazda. Bought it used with 80k. Had for a year now and its still fun to drive, tons of storage space, better gas mileage then my old civic and plenty of power for such a small car. Was looking at the speed3, but not all mazda dealerships can fix it and I live in Sacramento. Closest repair is in San Jose so I got this one. Save your money and buy this one and just add the speed hood.

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  The best car - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Steph - December 29 - 5:13 pm

  I love my Aurora Blue s touring hatch! I just bought it a couple days ago and feel that it is the best. It is so cute, sporty, luxurious and fun. Road noise is not an issue and its quieter with less wind noise than my fathers 10 year old avalon that cost more money. Its great on the highway too. The engine makes a satisfying sporty growl. When you press the unlock button twice, all doors plus the hatch open. This car beats all of the competition and is the best value for the money