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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  Mazda 3 Sport GX - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By vincentf - February 5 - 11:29 am

  Well when I first got this car I was super excited, because I got a great deal and I was sick of driving my corolla for the past 7 years before that. Everything was fine first couple of month and then things started to annoy me. I started having very bad condensation problem on the inside of the car. Went to multiple dealerships and they couldnt fix the problem they suggested I always keep my AC on which i thought was stupid. Next thing is the squeeky breaks as well as my squeeky driver seat when in a certain position. Last thing was I had to replecase one of the belts after 28k and it wasnt covered by warranty i had to dish out $120.

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  Somewhat Satisfied - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By jacobsmommy17 - January 8 - 12:10 am

  Overall a fun car to drive there are just some annoying things. The seats arent too comfortable, the brakes squeal even after being replaced, the transmission shifts hard into second. Recently when slowing down, as the car is downshifting, it misses 2nd gear. When the trunk is popped it doesnt raise itself, and I think there is something wrong with the spring. Also, I have a 6 month old, and it is hard to get him in and out of the car. The doors dont open wide enough either.

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  Big Disappointment - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Rob - December 1 - 5:00 pm

  Had the car for a month and its been back to the shop 3 times to correct a vibration/modulation problem coming from the wheels/tires (which has yet to be corrected). Other issues include mediocre gas mileage, noisy interior on anything but smooth pavement and a few creaks and rattles after only 1,000 miles. The ride is firm and sporty but very unforgiving of bumps and cracks typical of NJ roads. Like a previous reviewer commented, I was downsizing from a higher-end vehicle and the Mazda 3 was the only car that offered some of the high-tech bells and whistles that I was used to. Otherwise, dont expect anything more than a fancy economy car.

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  Not as great as I thought - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Trish - November 30 - 5:00 am

  I have 4000 miles now on my Mazda. The suspension or something creaks really bad and my brakes are very noisy. The A/C is very weak for Texas heat; takes forever to cool. It is a fun car but I need all the moans and groans checked out.

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  To much oil loss - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By dacrunner - November 28 - 5:57 pm

  I purchased a 2011 Mazda3 seven months ago, and have 21,000 miles. My local Mazda dealer has changed the oil every 5,000 miles using 5W20F oil. Every oil change the level has been a quart low. At the 10,000 mile change I ask the service manager to check the level before the oil was drained, he did and confirmed it to be a qt. low. At the 15,000 mile changed they again checked the oil and confirmed it to be a qt. low, and that we had an issue. At 20,000 miles they again said it was low but that was acceptable for my engine. The service manager just called me and said he has it in writing that 1 qt./1500 miles is acceptable for my car and I should be very pleased my car does as well as it is.

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  Clear headed - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By JIBMRJ4W - October 9 - 1:46 pm

  This car drove nicely on flat normal freeways. Decent mileage. When driving back from Lake Tahoe on I 80, we experienced an unusual problem. The force exerted by this car, when going down hill on I 80, at or > 60 mph, was quite strong when turning toward the right, ~ 20 to 35 degrees. It felt as though you were going to be pushed out the door of the car. I slowed down and the sensation went away. Thereafter I drove this car at ~ 55 mph when going down hill from Tahoe Our agent said there was no accident with this car, therefore it suggest a stabilizer type problem for this car.

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  small discomforts - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By daren - June 26 - 6:16 pm

  I purchased my new 06 Mazda3 i Touring in late May. I get roughly 28 miles per gallon with country driving to work few stop signs not many lights. The vehicle I have purchased is "fully loaded" with an automatic transmission. I believe the interior is nice along with the sporty look of the exterior. When I was in the market I wanted to purchase the s model which had most the options I wanted standard along with the 5 speed automatic; with the 3 i Touring model it has a 4 speed so not as good get up nor as good fuel economy but there were none in the area. The vehicle I bought was fully loaded with the same options I was looking for but you can tell the change from the 4 to 5 speed transmission.

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  Pretty mediocre car - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Anonymous - May 12 - 2:00 am

  One year into ownership with the 2010 Mazda3 and its got a few positives, a few negatives and overall a lot that is just blah. The engine is rough-riding, doesnt rev well and when matched to the archaic 5 speed auto delivers wretched fuel economy: mostly highway driving and the car returns 20-21 MPGs. The engine seems to strain on any incline. The interior still feels cheap and rough. The car handles well but that cant make up for the fact its mostly just a bland car with a bad transmission and engine.

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  Poor Build Quality - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Koontz - April 6 - 10:00 am

  Had always been a Honda or Toyota person, but bought this due to great finance offers. Delivered with 3 small scratches on bottom of door but dealer insist it was done during the 48 hrs I had it. At 10,800 miles, hubcap comes off on interstate, and -- of course -- I had ran over something. Dealer says "we have 1 for $70!!" Nothing better for your bottom line than to make 8 or 900% profit on parts !! Already has wind noise and squeaks, wish Mazda would buy me out of it so I could get something else. Nowhere near as well built as I expected, and Ill never have another Mazda. Looks nice, runs ok, but thats about it. Gas mileage is very good, great brakes, but NO POWER LOCKS !!!

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  Worst car ever. - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By briannnaaaaa - January 30 - 10:46 am

  This is my first car. Ive had it for about 2 years and 2 months. I loved it at first, then things started to break. My window almost fell out on a highway, all my tires have been changed at least twice, and they went bald after a year and 6 months. Ive had my breaks changed after a year. My passenger has stopped working, twice. So many more things have gone wrong with this car, I dont have enough room to type it all. I never should have gotten this car. It is horrible in the snow, and just starts failing after a year. Im never getting another Mazda, and Im ending my lease as early as possible. The driving is pretty decent, but its definitely not worth the money.