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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  Mazda3 Sport HB (no bose, no tech pkg) - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By David - August 27 - 1:20 am

  Best overall package in the segment. Driven the Golf, Civic, Corolla, Camry and used TSX and it trumps them big time. They all have prices around $20,000. Handling, ride and comfort are great. The route I drive has some bad section. It absorb and bumps and cracks well with confidence. Running on smooth road has no road noise at all. Noise on bad road are not bad also. No squeak and rattle. Price is reasonable and the hatch is very useful. Engine is very powerful, but sacrifice fuel economy. This is not your car if you expect 30+ mpg. It is not as smooth as the Toyota 2.5L. But better than the others. Rear seat room is plenty unless you have 2 6-footers front and back.

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  Awesome. - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By poulain145 - August 18 - 1:00 pm

  I have had my blue, automatic, S Hatch for over a year and I absolutely love it. It is by far my favorite vehicle that I have ever had. I love the styling, and the roomy interior. The quality of the interior is very nice, and the car gives a very smooth ride. I dont have the road noise problem that some people have complained about. Its far more quiet than the Corolla I had before. I drove this car from Phoenix to San Diego in July and it was great. I must say that insurance on this vehicle is a bit expensive when compared to the Toyota I had before. One complaint that I have is that the air pressure gauge light is always coming on and I find myself putting air in my tires a lot.

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  Miata-class fun, Audi A4 practicality - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Bryan in Central VA - August 15 - 3:23 pm

  Plenty of creature comforts (heated leather, Bose, Xenons, ABS, steering wheel controls)...looks like a little BMW 325. I wanted something japanses to replace my service issues on my last three Audis and two Passats. This car is smaller and less expensive but even more fun to drive. Strong engine (w/5- spd) loses steam at 65 mph+ 9great around town baut looses punch on highway. SP23 was ltd edition and I have not seen another in 3 months of ownership. I would not have considered its "peer economy" competitors. Buy it for style & handling - not price. SP23 thinks its all grown up. A relative bargain for a "euro" sedan. Combination of Jetta/A4 and Miata. Practical fun with reliability.

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  FUN CAR!! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mike C. - August 14 - 1:36 am

  I bought an "i" model for an outside sales job 3 months ago and have over 10k on it already. This car has had no problems at all. Interior, stereo, handling and exterior are all better than I had in my 01 Civic. It really carves up the road if you push it. At many speeds it will not downshift without use of the manumatic and that gets a little frustrating, it has very little torque. Produces a lot of brake dust but only on the rear wheels. I am very disappointed in the gas mileage. 90% of my driving is highway and I get between 28-29 miles per gallon. My Civic alway got over 36. If you want the feel of a Bimmer on the cheap, this is the car for you!

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  Everything I expected and more! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jon - August 10 - 12:16 pm

  I knew going into this vehicle that it would not get as good of gas mileage as other vehicles in its class. That said, this car continues to impress me. Ive owned for over a year now and drive a lot of miles commuting 80+ miles per day and travel with it alot. Now, after 40K miles the car is still running like new! I ensure the car is maintained religiously and that has paid off with zero mechanical problems to date. Oh yeah, by the way. To help counter the MPG issue, try this... slow down.

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  Good Car - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mazda Happy - August 10 - 5:33 am

  I bought this car for the highway miles that I drive. Very happy with this little car. The only dislike is at the higher speeds the engine is buzzy. A six speed would have been nice. But it is a $13k car. I am happy though.

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  I Love This Car! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By TheBrickYard - August 6 - 6:56 pm

  I love this car. Especially w/ the manual transmission. I got heated leather seats, 6 disc in-dash Bose stereo, sun/moonroof that is sweet. Ive got a 2.5 yr old, and a baby on the way. So I get the excellent sportiness, plus 4 doors, and a nice size trunk. The only poor thing about this car is the Goodyear Eagle RS-As that came on it. I wont complain about the size, but Ill never buy those tires again! Im at 25,000 miles right now and the tires are almost bald. I drive fast, but not THAT fast! And the worst all-season traction EVER! Other than that, I love my car, and its as much fun to ride in as to drive.

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  Great Job Mazda... - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mazda_Owner06 - August 6 - 10:00 am

  I do have to admit that this car, exceeded my expectations. I came from a 2003 Honda Accord and the Accord does not compare to this Mazda. The driving, handling, styling and fun factor for this car has been done well by Mazda. Ive got 11,000 miles on this car, so I felt that now would be a decent time to put down a review. Among other compacts I would go with this vehicle. It also the best pick vehicle in its category. This rating is for a S-Grand Touring with Navigation model. Im also getting 25-28 MPG, which is better than expected. Plus the paint does not chip like Honda and unlike Honda, I have had no squeaks or rattles. The interiors fit/finish is well done.

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  great mileage, cramped and impractical cabin - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By clee15 - August 5 - 9:47 pm

  I drove a Protege5 for 10 years and I loved that car. I fully expected to love my new 2012 Mazda 3 but have been disappointed--no love yet. Yes, it gets awesome gas mileage -- but it is not nearly as spirited or fun to drive as the Protege5. Hugs the road well, but quite sluggish acceleration. If you have the 6 spd manual, plan to do a LOT of shifting very quickly. Disappointing driving experience compared to Protege5. Interior cabin is cramped due to enormous dash and console, and ceiling in rear is much lower than Protege so if you have a dog in the back, it better be a short one.

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  Regarding engine noise - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By skyinactiv - August 3 - 7:27 pm

  Had the car for about two months now. I reviewed all the comments here about engine noise. My family drives the car most of the time and they dont pay careful attention to weird sounds. The only comment I have now is the louder engine noise after cold start in the morning which gets better after about 1 minute. I sent an e-mail to Mazda about it but no response. My dealers response was " bring the car in we will check it out" . The problem is when I take it to the dealer it will not be cold start situation anymore. I will have to take the car out for a drive more often to listen to engine noise during normal use which others are claiming. Other than that everything seems to be okay so far.