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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  Believe the reviews! - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By EW - July 29 - 8:00 pm

  I never thought Id write an online review, but I simply had to come back and confirm that this car is indeed every bit as good as people say. I needed to get a new car and heavily researched the Mazda3 in addition to the Honda Civic Si, Honda Accord Coupe, Mitsubishi Lancer, Subaru Impreza WRX and BMW 328. As you can tell, price was not so much of a issue for me as getting a car I really liked. I was worried that the Mazda3 was underpowered and too "economy" (i.e. cheap and mundane) for my tastes, but after driving all of the cars mentioned above I was left with little doubts. Without exaggeration, this car drives and handles like a BMW. I could not be happier with the purchase.

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  An Audi for 20K less . . . - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Miyoshi Chen - July 28 - 2:00 am

  Ive driven many compact and midsize cars over the years, including the Sentra, Civic, Focus, Cavalier, Lancer, and Corolla, as well as the Accord, Camry, and Mazda 6. I will honestly tell you that very few cars come close to the value and quality of this car. Whether you choose the smooth 5 speed or convenient 4 speed, you cant go wrong. This car has the poise to perform in stop and go city traffic, the ability to break free on the open road and through the twisties, and has the build quality to rival cars that cost 10-20K more. With the orange/red accents, you feel like youre in an Audi A4 instead of a Mazda.

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  ALOT OF BANG FOR THE BUCK! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By will1505 - July 28 - 2:00 am

  Mazda could have priced this car several thousand dollars higher and the would still sell...I compared this car to the Toyota Matrix/Pontiac Vibe and the Honda Civic...Way more fun and for my money a tighter car. Handles great, pick up in automatic is good but if you want more you can throw it into the clutchless mode and control the shifting yourself.

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  Amazing car - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By scttsprg - July 27 - 10:46 am

  I am simply amazed and thrilled everytime I get behind the wheel. For the price, I couldnt have made a better choice. I had my friend who owns a 3 series BMW drive my new 3. He was so impressed. The handling and power, road noise is no different than his. He is a sports car enthusiast and knows his cars. He only confirmed my choice was the correct one.

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  This is a good car - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By mtrblkd - July 24 - 7:23 am

  We bought this car on Mothers Day weekend 2005. We have put almost 24,000 miles on it in less than a year. We love it and couldnt be happier. The car has performed beyond my expectations. My wife says its a tad uncomfortable but I disagree. Our only complaint is trying to fit all our babies stuff into the trunk. If it is packed right it can be done though. This car looks good and drives great. For a car in this class it cant be beat.

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  Warm Weather Car - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By David - July 24 - 1:06 am

  Bought this car in June 08, loved every mile i drove behind the wheel sing its praises to all my family and friend. Until winter of 08 and it snowed. This is by far the worst front wheel drive car I have ever owned or driven in any type of slippery condition. The anti lock brakes are always on and off at every stop and go situation as wheels spin out of control. I love this car in good dry weather, but this is not a car for upstate NY. I spent $900 for snow tires, didnt make any change in performance or handling. This car will not make it to next winter of 09.

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  An Okay Vehicle - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Fluffy - July 21 - 10:03 pm

  I have had this car a couple months and it is not a bad car, but it could use a few improvements. The road noise is the worst, esp. when travelling on road paved with recycled blacktop. The carpet is cheap, more like a felt. I probably will go to the 09 Toyota Matrix which is offering Bluetooth and XM. I got a good deal on this car, but I dont think long term that it will hold up.

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  WOW! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By hitNrun - July 21 - 3:20 am

  I purchased my 5 door S with about 15K miles (2004 model). 5 speed, moonroof/6CD, ABS package, xenon/tpms, Winning Blue. Bought it for commuting with a little fun. So far my mileage is what I expected; 28-30 mpg in mixed driving. The fun-to-drive factor is outstanding! This car gets a lot of looks, while I have actually gotten my 3 kids in the back seat. Ive owned a Protege before, and it was very reliable. If this model meets the reliability, with the added fun factor, Im a Mazda customer for life. My wife is even learning to drive it.

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  Best choice EVER - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Ericka - July 19 - 8:20 am

  I did my fair share of researching on this car and to my delight, it was everything I hoped for. It handles very well and has enough "get up and go" to keep me smiling. The smaller engine is fine for me due to the high gas prices. I still cant believe they packed all this fun into under $20,000.

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  Mazda 3 Cudos - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Platinum Master - July 17 - 10:00 am

  I have a 91 Miata that has only had regular maintanance nothing else has gone wrong. Wish I could say that about my two chrysler minivans. So buying my kids two safe high quality cars that will last them all the way through collage with out any worries on my part was a no brainer. Plus all of mazdas are preformance oriented like myself. Why buy my kids two 2004 Hondas (boring - boring) reliable & economical when they can have (zoom - zoom) reliable & economical. If your car is fun to drive your much more likely to be alert and paying attention to where and what your doing. It has a good crash rating if they do make a mistake.