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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  GREAT CAR - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Peter122 - April 23 - 10:00 am

  excellent car. everything about it

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  After 17,900 Miles ... - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Virgin1 - April 20 - 9:23 pm

  I still love this car. Yes, it has a few flaws but at less than $20K its a deal. As stated before me the car/tires leaves something to be desired in rain and even more so in snow and ice. Yokohamas may have been a better choice than the Goodyears. Get the ABS package! Its a lil pricey but includes side and curtain air bags. Also, get the 6-CD changer even if you dont think you want it (as I did). I plan to install a 22mm rear anti-sway bar to reduce understeer. In spite of what others have said here, I have raced cars and any factory front driver understeers too much. I think 25-32 MPG is excellent for a car like this one ... any car really, and on regular 87 octane fuel too.

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  Ford Engine - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Bernie - April 14 - 3:30 am

  With 12000 miles on our new Mazda, the engine locked up which sent us on a one month "Mazda doesnt want to sell us another car" misery. We found out that Ford builds the engine for our car. We also learned that the problem our car was having was a mystery for Mazda and Mazda engineering would direct our dealer as to what to do next and when. After one month of experimenting with our car and several threats from us that we would not accept the car unless the engine were replaced, Mazda replaced the head and gave us a 100000 mile engine/drive train warranty. If Mazda had been concerned about keeping us happy customers, they woulds have replaced the engine and had our car back to us in a week.

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  Great fun car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jonniejr2 - April 13 - 8:53 am

  This car has been great. I have had it now for 3 months and I just love it. It is my first car that I actually bought and I cant be happier. I dont have a whole lot of money right now so this smaller sized car is great for someone who just got out of college and needed a new car. It gets great gas mileage and is sporty looking and fun to drive. The 4-cylinder on this baby isnt even noticeable, accelerates like a champ.

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  Great fun car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jonniejr2 - April 13 - 8:53 am

  This car has been great. I have had it now for 3 months and I just love it. It is my first car that I actually bought and I cant be happier. I dont have a whole lot of money right now so this smaller sized car is great for someone who just got out of college and needed a new car. It gets great gas mileage and is sporty looking and fun to drive. The 4-cylinder on this baby isnt even noticable, accelerates like a champ.

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  Almost 4 years later - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By flora29 - April 12 - 7:23 pm

  I love my Mazda 3 hatchback. I researched this car forever and finally got it Dec. 08. It only had 19 miles on it and now it has 60,000! I had a few glitches my first year. I had the gas cap issue, Mazda service department damanged my body and paint during a recall service and I had to have my car repainted twice (nightmare process). I have repaired all the recalls and so far no major issues. I did have to replace the tires sooner than normal but not a big deal. Everyone tells me they love how my car looks inside and out. The backseat is a little tight but with the seats folded down it carries a ton of stuff, great for camping and road trips. Fun to drive!

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  Zoom-Zoom, no gas. - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By jacobgeshio - April 10 - 7:10 pm

  Excellent performing car. I love driving it. It handles great, it is fast and looks awesome. But the fuel economy is horrible I have driven the car 1500 miles and I am averaging 22-24 MPG. I would recommend the manual. Mazda automatics dont get good gas mileage. I test drove a Benz C230 with the Kompressor and enjoyed driving this car much more.

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  I love my Mazda 3 - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By NikkiMarieV - April 6 - 11:06 am

  I just love my new Mazda, it really does have the heart of a sport car. The stying is wonderful, it looks a small BMW.

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  Most Fun You Can Have For Your Money - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Hu - April 6 - 1:10 am

  This is the finest car Ive ever driven. The ride is a little on the sporty side, and the fuel economy is nothing to brag about (~20 mpg in town, 26 on the open road), but the performance is awesome! Acceleration, braking, cornering are all magnificent. Ive never owned a true sports car, too cheap, closest I ever came was a VW Scirocco. This Mazda is far better than that Scirocco in design, convenience features, quality of materials in the cabin and PERFORMANCE!!!

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  Easily the best compact for the money - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By James - April 3 - 9:23 pm

  I fell in love with the car when it first came out, replacing the interesting Protege 5 with a more substantial car with a much beefier engine. The Mazda3 5-door brings fun, quality, and style to the compact market without sacrificing price and fuel economy too much. I tend to get 23-27MPG in the city with fairly aggressive acceleration. The seats in the 5-doors are a high quality cloth, with a great look and feel. I am tall at 62", and I fit comfortably in the driver seat. I even have it forward a click, and if I do not recline my seat too much, I can get a 6 foot person behind me. Much more room than my friends 04 Jetta. Overall, it is a great car with features and quality to boot.