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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  Great affordable car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By benpax - September 9 - 2:00 am

  Just bought the mazda 3i today, and drove all over 100 miles for fun. Handles great, smooth ride, and suprise on the acceleration. Drives like a sports car, but only a compact. The 3s have more add ins, but the price of the 3i you cant beat.

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  Mazda3 - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By MAMA - September 7 - 11:13 am

  Beautiful car, nothing but fine lines and driving excitement. Zoom zoom!

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  Get This Car! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Steve L - September 5 - 7:50 am

  Do yourself a favor and buy this car. Looked at the Corolla,Sentra, Elantra, Civic, etc. and this car is by far the best car on the market for the price. Got mine for $17,500. I rented one before I bought it and had so much fun driving it, I went and bought one. Well made and lots of fun to drive!

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  Great Car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By wjm - September 4 - 10:00 am

  I drive this vehicle about 1,000 miles each week. For the money there is no better quality, comfortable car on the road.

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  new car good looking and fun - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Cindy Garruba - September 4 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car two weeks ago and really have enjoyed it so far. It is fun to drive and a lot of people have been asking me about it in parking lots and around town. Even my teenage daughters friends like the way it looks.

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  Great value - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Davud - September 2 - 11:03 pm

  I love almost everything about my car. Quality, handling, are excellent. Never had a problem with it in 13,000 miles so far. I took out the 6 disc changer in favor of a pioneer nav HDD system.

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  Awesome Car! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Sid - August 30 - 8:20 am

  Sporty, fun to drive hatchback for less than $19K -- what more could you want? I got the car with the sunroof package as well as the safety package, with the 5 speed manual. The car handles very well and accelerates smoothly. The interior of the car feels like it should cost about $5K more. All this with the practicality of a hatchback.

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  My Fourth Mazda and the Best Yet! - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By guitar_guy - August 29 - 10:58 pm

  I bought this after finally retiring and selling my 2003 Eclispe, that was still running strong after 200,000 miles. I love this car. I had test driven others in this class, but the 2012 Mazda 3 could not be matched in terms of combination of preformance, comfort and styling. The build on this car is solid. The manual shifting on this car is smooth as silk, and the gear ratios are very good. I love that the car is equipped with timing chain and stainless steel exhaust, which make for a relatively maintenance-free vehicle. Looking forward to the next 200,000 mile in my fun-to-drive Mazda 3. A great transition from sports car to great performace sedan.

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  Thrilled - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By dustboo - August 29 - 8:40 pm

  Just picked the car up last week, and am so thrilled with it. So much car for such a great price. Got the i Touring with the 2.0 liter engine, has plenty of pick- up. (Probably the shortest first gear ever, though.) Bose/moonroof package totally worth it- the bose speakers are great. I get constant compliments on the car. People love the new styling. The graphite mica is gorgeous when its sunny out. I plan on running this thing into the ground- so hopefully reliability will be good.

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  Alot of Bang For your Buck - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By fonzi37 - August 29 - 10:00 am

  Very quick and handles excelent. The brakes are exceptional, probably overkill. ave. fuel economy 31mpg. What more could you ask for out of a $16,000 car. The most bang for your buck out there.