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:

• 

  Fun to Drive - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Bonnie Marshall - June 11 - 10:00 am

  Its a fun car to drive, with good handling and excellent acceleration. The radio and cruise control controls in the steering wheel are great. The back seat is quite roomy for a car this size. Like the automatic door locks when the vehicle is started. Feel its an excellent value for the money.

• 

  Zoom-Zoom - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By kayne04 - June 11 - 10:00 am

  Its time to give Mazda your undivided attention. The more I drive my Mazda3 the more I love it. I cant wait to see what the future holds.

• 

  Best thing since sliced bread!! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By stratman - June 10 - 2:00 am

  LOVE THIS CAR!! Test drove, Corolla, VW-Golf, BMW- 325i, Honda Civic-si, and Acura-RSX. The Mazda-3 beatem hands down...Especially in price. The Mazda-3 is powerful, quiet, roomy, comfortable, high quality build, sporty, fast, and FUN-FUN-FUN!! I love my music..but I find myself turning the sound system off because the sounds and vibe are that good! If youre car searching...stop. You wont find any better...regardless of the money!

• 

  Not Like My PR5 or Speed3 - 2014 Mazda Mazda3
  By mustangleader4 - June 8 - 11:53 pm

  I hated to sell my 2002 PR5 which drove like a sport car ... was a Miata in wagon. It had 234M and worried about breaking down on long trips My 2014 3 rides quieter (not a bad thing), gets better gas mileage 40 vs 30 highway but not as fun driving as the PR5. For me, this car drives "numb" ... I cant a feel of it because its so smooth. I owned a 2007 Speed 3 as well so my other Mazdas were sporty, drivers car. If you want a "smooth", sporty Vanilla car with very good gas mileage, I recommend this car. 2.0 has strong enough power for my needs, but do miss the other cars.

• 

  Quality at a great price - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By TSHEP - June 4 - 10:00 am

  I considered a civic but this car is better looking inside and out. Its got more power and designed better and I paid a thousand less. Its got a lot of little features that most cars at this price wouldnt dream of. I am averageing 33mpg and have gotten 38mpg on a trip. The car is tight and handles great. It also has plenty of room for its size.

• 

  maz3 - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By b ganger - June 4 - 10:00 am

  The car in very fun to drive and very comfortable for the price range. The 5 speed is responsive and suprisingly more powerful than I expected.

• 

  2010 Mazda 3 iTouring 2.0L Auto - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Lanman99 - June 1 - 4:36 am

  Being Camry owners for years, we decided to get something smaller. After reading Consumer Reports and many reviews of Corolla, Civic & Mazda 3, it was clear we should look at the 3. We really like the outside design and layout inside. Its classy and sporty. The back end and side lines are better looking than the 09, but I still think the front end of the 09 is better looking than the 10. The inside controls are all easy to get to and understand. And we enjoy the blue- tooth phone that comes with the touring model. We like the new shade of silver. Not too light, not too dark. The passenger leg room is a bit short in back. I would have liked a couple more inches for adults.

• 

  Wonderful Car - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Shaboom - May 31 - 5:36 am

  I am a mature male professional who enjoys cars and has owned many varied makes and models over the years. This Mazda 3 S is one of the best cars I have ever owned. I considered many alternatives this time, from Mini to Saab 9-3 to Nissan Z. All things considered, the Mazda 3 is far and away the wisest choice. My car has just about every available option and every accessory, (even after-market heated seats) other than the Navigation system. Really impressive styling, both inside and out and the black perforated leather makes the interior.

• 

  great car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By tonym84094 - May 30 - 10:00 am

  From the first time I saw a 3 I Have thought they looked great. Since buying it my opion has only improved. All my friends have complmented me on it. Every thing about the car feels and looks exceptional. The power is great and the handling supurb. Iwould strongly recomened it to anyone looking for an inexpensive sedan.

• 

  Compared to my Audi - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By RGT - May 30 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my 1998 Audi A4 1.8 turbo for the new 2004 Mazda 3S sedan and dont miss the Audi. Thats how good this car feels, looks and drives. Dont get me wrong, the Audi with 106,000 miles on it is/was great (the cost of repairs werent). My new Mazda 3S (2.3 AT with ABS/side airbag package) is also great. It has the same "zoom" factor and handles just as well as the Audi. I am a bit surprized and very pleased. How did Mazda do it? And at this price? I highly recommend the Mazda 3.