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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TAKES 20 YEARS OFF - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
By Mattinla - November 11 - 10:00 amWow, so much fun to drive. It may be aimed at 20 somethings, but trust me - load it up with all the options like the leather, the navigation, the xenon, and keep the 5 speed manual, and we 40 somethings feel 20 years younger! My last two vehicles have been Explorers. It was time to have fun again. And where else can you get these kinds of features in a car at this price? Nowhere! I drove the Vibe GT, and it was like driving an egg beater. The MINI is overpriced and too small to be practical and the PT Cruiser is done. I wanted good gas mileage, performance, and style, with some luxury touches and I got it.
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Drives Like a Go-Kart - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
By corkheadstinks - November 11 - 10:00 amThis car has twice the character of the others in its class. Reliability has been great (so far) and the build quality solid. On top of that, its a blast to drive!
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WOW - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
By daasax - November 11 - 10:00 amgreat little car. handles very well. I love the Auto Trans.
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Mazda 3s GT Hatch is fun - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
By RS - November 9 - 4:20 amI have enjoyed the car for 5 months and over 7000 miles. On a 7 hour drive the car proved comfortable and peppy. Fitted heated side view mirrors. Overall mpg 21-26, which is okay. The car feels steady on highways - does not sway. Overall a very good car. Mazda should shorten the rear bumper depth and may be improve trunk space or the rear seat space by a few more inches.
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ZOOM ZOOM! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
By BigRed - November 9 - 12:00 amI love this car! I traded in my 02 Focus for it, and would never go back to a Ford. This car is so much fun to drive, great gas mileage, and some people even thought it was a BMW!
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Lots of room to PERFECT, not improve. - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
By ericrsmith - November 7 - 8:03 amI LOVE my car. This is my third Mazda. My wife refers to it as "the other woman." I could have bought more car when I bought this one, and that will only become more true in the future, but I cant picture myself without this car. There is not a car made for under 35,000 that I would even trade this car for. The car handles like a champion and is wicked fun to drive. It is a beauty and has drawn countless compliments. It has proven to be reliable and inexpensive to maintain. Several friends have compared it favorably or even directly to a BMW 3 series. All of that said, read the laundry list of suggested improvements below.
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A Sad Day - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
By Mike C - November 6 - 4:00 pmThis is my 3rd review here for this car and my last. I just traded it in last week with 184,000 miles. I couldnt have asked any more of this gem. Here is my list of maintenance and repairs over the last 4 years: 47 oil changes, 2 sets of spark plugs, 4 air filters, 2 sets of rubber, 1 radiator flush, 1 transmission flush, 1 set of brake pads, 2 head lights bulbs and 1 battery. All but the transmission flush was done myself. Unexpected repairs: Zero
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4th Mazda - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
By blkjk52 - October 22 - 7:43 pmI turned my 2001 protege ES over to my son, it has 157,000 miles and not a problem. I just filled up the tank (half empty) looks like 28 mpg (city & highway). I love the ride, handles like a sports car, not a problem and dont expect any. Bought car for my wife because she loved the other Mazda so much (I get to drive it once in a while). Going to tint windows; it warmed up pretty quick inside. If I had to pick one word for Mazda it would be "Quality".
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Best car for the money - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
By Keith D. - October 20 - 1:40 amPurchased this car as a commuter for my wife. She averages 600 miles a week driving through the canyons into Salt Lake City. The car last year averaged 33.8 miles to the gallon through the whole year. This is climbing canyons with and without A/C. Highest mileage has been 36, lowest 31. Changing the oil is a breeze with the cartridge filter. Great power and tourque. Climbs a 6% grade in fifth gear with the cruise set at 70mph. Paid extra for aftermarket leather which was a plus. I really didnt like the Mazda seat heaters or leather. Horn is too soft. Paint is very thin and nicks easily. The Civic and Corolla dont even come close to this car in price or performance.
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Exhilarating ride, impeccable design - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
By Mike - October 15 - 7:06 amI compared the Mazda3 hatch to the Subaru Impreza Outback Sport, Toyota Matrix and Honda Fit. My wife has a Fit and loves it. But for me, I needed something sportier with better pickup and a little more style. The Matrix was too pricey and bland and the Subarus style didnt impress me. For only a grand more than the Fit, I got a Mazda3 with everything I could ever ask for. Granted, I did sacrifice fuel economy (my wifes Fit averages 38 mpg, but Ill be lucky if I can get 28 out of my 3). However, the 3s engine is monstrously powerful, making it an absolute joy to drive. It has a tight turning radius, is a pleasure to drive and I dont notice any excessive road noise. Highly recommended!
