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-
keeps on ticking - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
By diehard080 - October 14 - 11:45 pmi am updating my last review at 50k miles and just rolled over 75k . o regularly change the oil using mobil 1 20-50 as original was dino which i used until 2 changes at about 10 k miles as it was good and broken in. since ive chenged the trans fluid at 30k (flush) and 60(flush again) and the plugs once around 45.i hit some nasty potholes but the suspension seems spot on having thorough checks after any incident .I check oil level particularly after oil changes which is usually a big problem since residual oil can be up to 3/4 q and bad for seals . other than that not burning oil, runs better than new and fast as hell . preventative maint.dont use dealers that act like they could give a sheit
-
Classy Compact - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
By Antone - October 14 - 11:43 pmRuns great, excellent gas mileage, fun to drive, slight road noise, but nothing out of the ordinary for a compact car.
-
No Regrets! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
By MikeyMike - October 14 - 10:00 amI havent had one regret on this purchase since day 1. Ive owned 7 cars and excluding my 1970 Triumph, this is the most fun car Ive ever driven. The handling, comfort and features all fit my driving style perfectly. I can take off-ramps at speeds that scare my wife, take off when I need to move quick, idle quietly at red lights, etc. Im not quite hitting the EPA mileage, but I drive hard and I get about 22-25 city depending on how rough I run it. Only quality issue I have is the cover to my GPS memory card on the dash broke and fell off on its own. They replaced it free, but annoying to deal with. And for those that dont like the "smile" grill, I love it!
-
Love My 3 - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
By dark_temp - October 11 - 7:16 amI bought my 3 last summer at 13k miles and have loved it since. it handles very well even at over 100+ mph, with previous racing experience and looking for a practical college car I found my baby. attractive enough to get compliments from others and with the 2.0 I, engine speeds up considerately enough to drive on the freeway with confidence (better torque and pick up with the 2.3 engines though, take note to that!). I often forget im going 90 because i dont even notice!?, cabin is quiet without its oem wheels and very stable driving. snow was no problem and neither hills. still loving my car looks cool but not overbearing.
-
New 3, 5 door - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
By KuRuPT - October 10 - 2:00 amI hadnt seen or heard anything about the 3 untill i saw 1 as i drove by the dealership yesterday. I test drove it and loved it. I have driven the Mazdaspeed protege and the SER spec V The 3 feels like it has more power than the nissan, i havent got to drive it hard yet because of the "break in" period. I love the way it rides and everyone else seems to love the way it looks. I have only had it for about 24 hours so i dont know about gas mileage or reliability. I would also highly recomend Royal Moore dealerships in Hillsboro OR, they were awsome to deal with.
-
This is entry level?! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
By Carl Coffee - October 10 - 2:00 amI didnt actually buy this car yet, but have been looking at it for several days and like what I see so far. Debating between this or a 2003 Protege5. The 3 has huge power increase over the Pro5, but overall does not handle as tightly. Very nice acceleration in 1st gear, but 2nd seems sluggish. Still a nice car, with great styling for entry level economy car.
-
Great car, great handling - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
By Kicking_cans - October 7 - 2:00 amLove this car! Accelerates fast, getting 31 mpg, corners great, and... handles accidents well! Plus, mine has push button start, awesome! Going to the gym, throw my keys in my gym bag, & leave them there. Push the button to start, while the bag is sitting on the front passenger seat! Ive driven the Dodge Challenger for a day trip; and performance wise, 3 big differences. Mazda gets better gas mileage, and corners better. The Challenger travels at 95 mph better. (At 65/70 MPH, theyre the same.) Oh, and I backed into another car, got a 3 inch dent in my bumper. But its plastic, so pushed/popped it out. Now looks like a light scratch on my bumper, instead of a huge dent!
-
Good value in a great to drive package - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
By ShawnP - October 4 - 2:00 amHard to say enough good things about the 3. As a previous owner of a Protege5 I was really hoping they fixed a few of the things I found lacking in the previous car and Mazda came through in spades. Performance was improved, dramatically, the engine is not only more powerful but a lot smoother, something I didnt like about the outgoing Pro5. Handing is improved though I found the PRo5 to be competent as well (not a concern before) And more over interior noise is down and road comfort is improved dramatically. A fantastic car with great performance, features and poise for a car in its price range, a definite great buy!
-
It all added up - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
By satisfied3owner - October 4 - 2:00 amId had in my mind a car with the following traits (after having had a fun German-made wagon before): smaller, Japanese built, leather, hatchback utility, four doors, in-dash 6-CD changer, and style. I walked into a Mazda showroom to look at another car, and my head was turned by the 3. I test-drove the car, and was sold. Ive had it for a month, and like it more with each passing week. A slick little car, well-made and thoughtfully appointed.
-
First Mazda Experience - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
By Phoenix1 - September 30 - 10:00 amFor a previous Honda owner Im very impressed, this car seems to have it all. The car is so quiet and peppy that I have to continuously watch my speed. Handeling is superb and the turning radius wonderful. It could probably be a good competitor in racing show room stock once the rear end is tightened up.
