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:

• 

  6 months later! - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Melissa - December 27 - 10:53 pm

  I wrote a review about a month after I bought the car. I was overall happy with the car and still am. I just notice lots of engine noise. I inquired about Sirius radio and its $715 to install and for parts that is insane. If they put the SAT button on my dash it should have already come installed and only needed activation. The paint chips ever so easily thankfully the touch up paint was only 8 bucks. I think it may be the alloys but when you hit a bump or pot whole the tire feels likes it about to fall off. I drove one with reg hubcaps and didnt feel that! I love everything else about the car and still dont regret trading my Cavalier...although sometimes I do miss her!

• 

  Zoom Zoom - My third Mazda! - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By dwaine1958 - December 27 - 1:41 pm

  Our Mazda 3SGT is equipped with the graphite mica color, has black leather seats, and is fully loaded with the tech package. Since the front grill and the car color are the same, the smiley face is subdued and not as obvious as most of the other colors. The car handles very well, has great road centering and quickly responds to steeering input. I find the sporty seats very comfortable but Im surprised they dont have any lumbar adjustment. The Bose sound system is great when turned load, but doesnt have any loudness setting that would give a more full sound at lower volume levels. The engine exhaust sounds very sporty during highway acceleration, but is quiet while cruising. The gas mileage is similar to the EPA estimates. Potential buyers of S sedan version need to look at this car as a sporty compact sedan and not as an economy car (if you just want an economy car buy the 3i). The 3SGT is a hybrid between a small performance sedan (like a BMW 3) and an economy car like a Corolla. Since its also priced in between those two vehicles, you get what you pay for Also, the initial quality is top notch. Since I only have around 3500 miles on the vehicle - long term reliability will need to be determined over time. The breaks are very good and road noise is subdued. These two qualities are often criticized in reviews of the vehicle, but I think the car is quiet while cruising down the road and stops quickly and easily. I am 5 feet 10 inches tall and my head is close to the roof, so taller folks may find the head room tight especially when purchased with the moon roof. Otherwise, the front seat legroom is excellent since the front seats slide back much more then they did in our old Corolla. Therefore the back seat legroom gets a little tight, but remember this a compact car, not a midsize. Overall, this is a wonderful car!

• 

  Great Car - Fun Ride - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Ben - December 25 - 8:13 am

  This is a great car! Ive been extremely pleased with it. It runs very smoothly and is fun to drive. For me the suspension is perfect, its not too soft, so you can feel the road, but soft enough that the ride is still smooth. I love the speedometer display, the layout of the thermostat and the audio controls (note: the Grand Touring thermostat controls are different than the lower models). The fuel economy isnt the best, but you get a peppy engine in return. This car offers a lot of features that you wouldnt expect in an economy car. I think the Mazda3 is a great car and I have no regrets about my purchase.

• 

  HappyCamper - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By rocketron - December 25 - 6:36 am

  Ive waited a year to give an accurate review and I have to say I am still very happy with my car. Drives great, looks good, and this summer started getting 30 MPG compared to 25 MPG last fall. Drove well this winter. The traction control got me up a snowy hill when I dont think anything else would. Two other coworkers bought one at the same time and all have been happy. All had low tire pressure 3 months (cold day?) in all tires, but put air in them and no problem. Only issue I have is car is eating factory tires. 14K and looks like I will need 4 new before 2 years old. Warranty is 12K (not kidding) so Mazda planned this. Will spend $450 for new, OUCH.

• 

  Zoooom - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Tom - December 22 - 1:23 pm

  It was a difficult decison, being a Toyota man for over 20 years -- Mazda 3 or Scion TC. 4 doors won out. First two weeks have been fun fun. I use the car to commute 65 miles each day. I recommed the 2.3 engine and all the extras that come with it. Have sun roof and ABS and side and window air bags, all for less than $18 k -- hard to believe

• 

  my car - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By military - December 14 - 5:06 pm

  Great car, nice look -- sporty but professional.

• 

  So far so good! - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Guido - December 12 - 12:33 am

  I got my 4 door SGT in electric blue (best color ever) on 3/22/08. So far so good, I love this car! I did a lot of city driving over the weekend and I only used a half a tank of gas, which is not too bad. The interior of the car is beautiful with the black leather and the high end material. I had my brother-in-law drive the car and he asked me if it was a six cylinder, the car has got some pep in its step! You really do get a lot for your money! The drive is nice and quiet and the xenon headlights are better than my 05 maxima. Everytime I step in this Mazda3 I really do feel the ZOOM ZOOM ZOOM. Great car!

• 

  A fun car - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By John - December 9 - 7:53 am

  Ive had my Mazda 3 hatchback for about 10 months. This car is fun to drive. There is a bit more road noise than some of the other cars, but the stereo system with Sirius radio takes care of any background noise. The navigation system works well. I am getting an average of 25.5 miles per gallon (city/highway driving). The controls are easy to get to. Seats are firm and supportive. With the rear seat folded down, my golf clubs and pull cart fit nicely.

• 

  Yup - I love it - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mike - December 8 - 3:53 am

  I replaced a 1999 Audi A4 ($35K+) with a new Mazda3, GT, Bose, Nav. This car has more features than the A4, is just as much fun to drive and cost almost half as much!

• 

  Unbelievably Great Car! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Angie S. - December 3 - 3:30 am

  I have only had my Mazda 3 for 2 weeks, but I love it. It has great acceleration and is very nice. It is really unbelievable that I got this great car for under 18,000. My friend has a little BMW and these cars are comparable! I highly recommend this car!