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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  Fun car - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Lori - October 17 - 9:06 am

  After having a very disappointing experience with my previous cars performance and reliability (2001 VW New Beetle) I am very pleased with how my Mazda3 drives and the quality of the vehicle. It just seems to be built better better than the VW. Its a fun car to drive and I get a lot of compliments on it.

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  Not Satisfied - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Tom - October 13 - 7:13 pm

  Seats are very uncomfortable on trips over 4 hours. Steering is too light, comes off center too readily and has too much oversteer. Switches are not easy to operate or intuitive. Rear cargo area has very limiting width. Dashboard displays are gimmicky. Engine, transmission and A/C are rather noisy. Owners manual is lacking on important details but abounds with information on overly elaborate audio system. Fuel consumption is mediocre. Clutch engagement is not easy from a start, especially on hills. Gear selection is difficult. I have driven manual transmissions for 40 years, this is the worst. Sorry I bought this car and will dump it in 3-4 years. It is highly over rated.

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  Gas Guzzler - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Rich - October 13 - 11:43 am

  Ive had this car since June 2009 - it is the worst car for gas I have ever had! My gas light has gone on on avg. at about 183 miles driven! I do all local driving in Brooklyn , the same as my 96 Camry , which by the way got 345 miles per tank! The dealership refuses to acknowledge that the mileage is far below posted 24 mpg as does Mazda USA. This is the worst car to drive - I thought this was a fuel efficient car - no way. I have pictures of the trip indicator on dash to prove this. Do not buy/lease this car ever! Its absurd to think that a 4 cylinder car gets less than 200 miles per tank!

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  This Car saved our lives. - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By sonsah - October 8 - 9:16 pm

  I was recently in a car accident in my new Mazda3. This car was so amazing and so safe (I had the side airbags and ABS option) that we were told by several authorities that it was a miracle that we walked away from the scene, with just bumps and bruises at that! The car was totaled, but we were in very good condition. I owe my life to this car and wouldnt even consider buying a different model now.

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  Okay Car, Not Built as well as Protege. - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By John - October 3 - 3:33 am

  Owned previous vehicle(Oldsmobile)7 years, owned this vehicle only 6 months. Purchased because we were very happy with our 2003 Mazda Protege. Interior quality lacking relative to Protege. Plastic scuffs easily and rear seat fabric fraying after only 2,000 miles and 3 months. Fuel tank holds 14.5 gallons. Reads 3/4 full after 2 gallons used and 1/2 full after 5 gallons used. Road noise evident. Extremely small trunk relative to competition and other Mazda. As a conservative driver highway mpg is great at 35 mpg, but local mpg at times in low 20s. Audio system subpar relative to other Mazda. A/C does not blow very cold compared to older Mazda. Dealer service was terrible on issues.

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  Great Car .. Fun to drive! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Kat - September 29 - 12:06 am

  I shopped for quite a while before deciding on what I would purchase. This car surpassed all the competitors in handling, performance and overall value. So I purchased the 2010 Mazda3 iTouring a beginning of May. It now has 2500 miles on it and I love it. My mileage is averaging about 33 mpg. I am so surprised by the mileage since I expected to get about 26-28! Handling is really great! I cant say enough positive things about this car. I have owned many cars but this is by far my favorite. I have very few negatives as you can see below. This car is well worth the $$.

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  Follow Up (2nd review) - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By mike - September 28 - 1:30 pm

  This is my second review on my Mazda S 2.5L auto. I think "everyone" should know this as I did not in my first report. I get City 19 mpg at "best". The most fuel I can put in the tank is 12.5 gallons in a 15.9 gallon tank and thats when the car has run out of gas. The dealership nor Mazda can tell me why I can only go 223 miles on one tank of gas though the cars computer estimates 364 miles at fill up. The Mazda Consumer hot line is worthless and a waste of time. If I had it to do over again I would have bought a Civic b/c this 4/5 day stop at a gas station is a total disappointment as was the dealerships and Mazdas response to fix the problem, other than that the car is fun to drive.

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  2 year long term test.. 60000 km! 5 speed - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By doomz78 - September 28 - 7:46 am

  After having this car for over 2 years and driving it quite a bit (60000km, about 32,000 miles) I have the dirt on this econo-machine: 1) I have had no mechanical problems. 2) The steering and suspension are as tight and as precise as the day I bought it. You almost take it for granted until you drive a different vehicle. Then you realize: Wow this Mazda 3 really handles! 0.87gs on the skidpad. R U kidding? At this price? 3) I have the 2.0 engine, MT, It has more power then anyone really needs. I drive 140kmh (85mph) every day on the 401 highway and no complaints. Fuel economy is average. 520km per tank. I drive it hard which doesnt help the numbers. 4) So far so good!

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  My axela experience - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Axela3 - September 28 - 6:30 am

  I love the car hands down. It makes me happy whenever I turn it on. Sound system is decent along with everything in it. Only complaint is the fuel economy. If it can be improved by like 2-4 more miles Ill be happy. Im planning to add an intake system to increase mpg along with horpsepower. The value of this car is tremendous and I love it as much as my better half.

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  Have fun/save gas - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Wallenstein - September 27 - 7:43 pm

  Researched similar vehicles to death, but having owned 2000 and 2002 Proteges with no unscheduled maintenance problems, the 2008 was a no-brainer. Its fast enough, handles as if on rails, drivers seat and position are a great fit. Averaging 34 mpg in mixed Spring driving (I coast a lot downhill). Owner oil and filter changes are not difficult if you have ramps that are not steeply angled. Trade your premium fuel burners. It would be difficult not to like the value in the Mazda3.