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:
Showing 31 through 40 of 2,343.00-
The Lemon of the Year - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
By Tess - January 21 - 4:46 amI bought a new 2004 Mazda 3 in 2004. From day one the brakes squeal when reversing (5 new sets have been renewed with no end in site - apparent reason, wet); transmission went at 48,000; Radiator chip dysfunctional and caused engine to overhead (1st time mis-diagnosed) second time (chip replaced). Have been towed 3 times before car reached 50,000 miles. While at servicing (same dealership bought at), car has received 2 door bang marks, engine was not cleaned of antifreeze from overheating, and recently black marks all over headliner when car was receiving new radiator chip.
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Mazda Is Horrible In Snow - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
By Scott Mayer - November 3 - 3:40 pmI would be happy with my Mazda if it werent horrible in the snow and ice - absolutely ZERO traction. And the braking system they have in it is awful as well - loud and unnerving.
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My Mazda 3 Experience - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
By lbb4 - March 8 - 1:41 pmI have owned a Mazda 3 for 2 years now. I cant complain much because it has been a reliable car. It is definitely NOT a family car but when we bought it we jumped quick because our other car was dying. The air conditioner is very sub-par, heat is good. Drives good, Interior is made fairly cheap as we have had several things break. Overall good car-I would recommend this car for a single person or a couple with no kids.
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Worst car purchase ever - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
By PBE - March 5 - 2:00 amI have had my Mazda 3 for a little over a year now. Since day 1, it has average around 15mpg. The car quivers at high speeds, has too much oversteer, and there has been a rattling sound coming from the steering column. After taking it in for service (at University Mazda in Seattle), they said that the fuel economy is due to the break in period for the engine; they said it takes 15k miles for this to happen, which is total BS. The whole Mazda experience has been terrible, and I cant wait until my lease is up to get rid of this car.
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Problems at 2000mi one week for an appt - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
By Nomoremazdas - January 2 - 10:00 amI got my car in March 2004 and loved it. Fun to drive. Just yesterday the trouble started. The check engine light came on. I called to get an appointment at the nearest dealership, 15 miles away. Their next appt was 6 days from now. I wrote to Mazda to complain and their response was to try another dealer. If I chose to not go to another dealer at least 30 minutes away, that is my choice. I was just floored by their lack of concern. If I had read the forums here on Edmunds on Mazda customer service instead of just the glowing reviews here I might have made a better choice. Read them for yourselves.
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Uncomfortable seats, rattles and weird noises - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
By neems - October 7 - 1:55 amI never thought I would be one of the "those people that writes unhappy reviews but here I am. 1. The basic cloth seats look good, but theyre hard as rock. I dont know if there was some switch-a-roo but my seat barely have any padding and I can feel the seat structure of the chair. 2. For a two week old car, it sure rattles a lot especially on the passenger side 3. Theres an unusual humming noise coming from the middle of the car. It doesnt sound like idling or accelerating so Im concerned.
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2007 Mazda 3 - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
By ship_phi071 - September 27 - 4:34 amPurchased this car 6 years ago, car has 50,700 miles on it. Overall it gets me from point A to point B, however I have had to replace brake cable, calipers, rotors and brakes as well as the rear and front supsension. Apparently this is a not uncommon issue with the vehichle. Car warranty should be better as well only 3 years 36K miles
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UNCOMFORTABLE - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
By donchevy97 - September 5 - 8:31 pmtakes corners and speed bumps terribly. rides extremely stiff
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HATE MY MAZDA3!!! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
By roxygurl - August 12 - 10:06 amEver since I bought my Mazda 3 I have regretted it! Before this car I owned an Infiniti and before that a Honda, but nothing compares to this. It is by far the worst car I have ever purchased! If I could go back I would. It is loud, small and cheaply made. The only thing going for this car is the gas mileage and the overall exterior look.
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I wish I could say I love the car but... - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
By jl2157 - July 19 - 10:51 amI wanted more than ANYTHING for this car to be the last one I purchased for a while. Fuel economy was great (Avg. 30 MPG City) and its so much fun to drive. Sadly, at around 11K Mi. one of the transmission valves blew. Mazda replaced all the trans. valves without issue. Fuel efficiency dropped to 28 MPG. Then at 19,500 Mi. the transmission gave out entirely. Mazda Roadside was quick to response and the dealer has been excellent. Still, Ive only had the car 2 yrs. and the entire transmission is now being replaced!? This was a $24K car. To say Im very disappointed is an under statement. Sadly, Im now considering trading this in on a more reliable brand once repairs are done.
