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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  Best value in America - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jim - November 13 - 6:10 am

  I have had this car for 2 1/2 years and it is a great car. I have never had a problem with it and I must have gotten a freak because it gets 35 mpg highway and almost 30 in everyday driving (which is a combo of highway and city). I am looking forward to trading it in on a new 2010 model Mazda 3.

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  Fun-to-dollar rating is high - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Paul - November 10 - 2:10 am

  I thought Mazdas Zoom-Zoom campaign was just marketing, but it actually describes the personality of the Mazda3. It has the functionality, versatility and economy of a small hatchback, but the fun-to-drive feature captured us. Numerous luxo touches. Overall, excellent value at this price point.

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  Amazing for the Price - 2014 Mazda Mazda3
  By greyhoundtx - November 7 - 10:45 pm

  For the price of the car, the 2014 Mazda 3 is a fantastic vehicle. Exterior looks more expensive than it is. Its unique but doesnt stick out like a sore thumb. Interior is great, although I wish the radio/audio controls didnt look like it was put into the car aftermarket. Performance wise its also great. A little more road noise than some other cars in this same category that I test drove, but I found this to be the most fun. Sometimes I find that the acceleration is a tiny bit lagged, but its not bad. All in all, fantastic car for what you pay. And the gas mileage is GREAT.

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  A Great Package! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Ed - November 7 - 9:53 pm

  Recently bought the 2006 BMW 325 and was racking too many miles on it so I decided to get a little run around car. The goal was to get something fun to drive, cheap and good on gas. I test drove the new Civic, Mazda3 and the Corolla and the Mazda won hands down in style (Civic came close), handling and acceleration. It is by no means a cheap compact car. It has a solid feel and great build quality. The controls are very nicely laid out and the interior and exterior looks great and very sporty. I called this baby a Japanese version of the BMW 3 series. I am very pleased with it and glad that I got this over the Civic and the Corolla. And the warranty is better with 4 years/50K.

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  Zoom Zoom - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Emilio Jones - November 7 - 2:53 pm

  Ive only had the car for 2 weeks, and I like the car a lot. One thing I would point out is the small trunk on the sedan and high back-end spoiler. Maybe I was spoiled my a mid-size car. Outside of that, Im incredibly happy with my purchase. For the price, you cant get anything fully loaded and with the size engine. The Civic is close, but do you want to be like everyone else? Tremendous value! I was looking at the Mazda 6, but you can get basically the same car for $10K less, much better value.

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  GREAT BUY! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Frank - November 2 - 3:33 pm

  After 4 years with an Audi A-4, needed something more reliable (it had major, constant repairs) and economical, that was close to the pep, style and quality of the Audi. Found it in the Mazda 3s! Looked at the 2006 models, but didnt like interior fabrics so waited for 2007 models. Grey fabric is perfect. Over 600 miles so far, and love it. Rides great, plenty of zoom power, over 30 MPG, seats VERY comfortable, controls well designed, and surprisingly quiet despite prior 2006 reviews of "road noise". Audio sound system excellent, tight turning ratio, and easy to handle. Overall, a great ride and great value. Consumer Guide reports a long, trouble-free car life. Hope so. Perfect.

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  Terrible Choice - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By lsmetan - October 31 - 9:21 pm

  We researched several cars for their gas mileage ability. We chose the Mazda3 Skyactive and within days of driving it off the lot and only realizing an average of 31mpg we were so disappointed. The extremely small trunk and back seat space only added to our disappointment. This car looks appealing, but is not in anyway functional. We are a family of four with two small children we previously drove a jetta and we along with baby gear fit in the jetta, not even close in the Mazda. Also our gas mileage was better in the jetta. After three weeks we pleaded with the dealership who allowed us a straight trade with a new 2012 VW Passat. We all fit & are happily getting 39mpg+ & its not a tdi

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  SP23 is a Great Start - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Norman Fowler - October 29 - 6:43 pm

  I have owned my SP23 Mazda 3 Hatchback now for seven months. It was the most difficult new car I ever purchased because it is a limited edition model. With that said it was worth the effort and time. My Mazda dealer was great and worked very hard to secure this car. It is a very fun car to drive but could use more horsepower. The carpets are real low grade and that was a surprise. The Bose sound system is awesome and the standard features of this car are worth the price of the car. Best value for the dollar. Plenty of storage space and with the split rear seats you have plenty of options. Need to make available more choices of of exterior colors.

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  2007 Mazda3 - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Bret - October 25 - 11:13 pm

  I have never had a backache in my life till I bought this car. Now I have a brand new car and I am hobbled over with back pain. What a joy that has been! The car handles well, and it is designed nicely, and really looks nice from the outside, but I just cant get comfortable in the seat. The MP3 Player jack has a slight hum when I connect it to my satellite radio and that stinks, plus the interior black paneling on the doors gets random black marks all over the place. Sometimes the brakes squeak. Not to mention Its been in for service at least once now in the three months I have owned it. The dealership was very nice and friendly, but I hate the car.

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  Awesome Ride - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By George - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Well this is my first car I have ever purchased, I previously drove my moms Infinity J30. Well first of all the front looks great, I wasnt sure when I kept seeing the pics and all the reviewers talking crap about the front of the car but trust me in real life once your standing infront of it, it does not look bad at all. I like hip hop/rap so a good sound system is a must, I bought the cheaper version just standard everything and the system is LOUD the bass does not bump like if you had Subwoofers in the car but it is really loud anyway. I love driving it on the expressway in Chicago because the acceleration is crazy! Def take it for a test drive I did and bought it...