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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  performance in a hatchback - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By MnMazda - March 13 - 8:23 pm

  Recently purchased Mazda 3 hatchback with 2.5 liter engine and 6 spd manual transmission. After 1000 miles of local use, we took a 4000 mile driving vacation through the Rockies and Arizona/Utah. For two people, the cargo capacity of the hatch was great. The car performed flawlessly, with plenty of power in the mountains, and easy cruising at 75+ mph on the freeways. Our average mpg over 4000 miles was 29.5, most miles at freeway cruise. Handling was crisp and confident in the mountains, and comfort was very good on long driving days. Plenty of power and speed in freeway passing situations. The more that I drive this car, the more I like it.

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  Great Car - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Bassplyr_10 - March 11 - 2:43 pm

  I was looking for a new car for a long time that had good gas mileage and didnt use super unleaded gas. I wanted a sporty looking car that looked good inside and out. And this car was perfect. I drove other high end cars such as the Audi A4, Volvo S40, and Subaru WRX, I personally think that the interior of this car beats all of those car, the leather is awesome and it is very comfortable, I would recommend this car for any driver, young or old!

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  I almost bought a Matrix too - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Tom Waits - March 11 - 10:00 am

  The interior is better than anything else in its class. The engine has plenty of power, and still good mileage. The base model of the 5 door is packed with standard features like cruise, tilt, 17 inch wheels, and CD. The only thing I liked better in the Toyota Matrix was rear seat leg room, and its slightly cheaper.

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  The best ever - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Frank Ortiz - March 11 - 10:00 am

  Interior & exterior design Mazda did what every cool person has been doing to their cars for year, You really have to try really hard to make the Mazda 3S look better than it already looks. These guys are genius

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  Im still alive - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By osusanna8 - March 10 - 12:10 pm

  Purchased 7/06, someone hit me turning left in front of me 1 week ago. The complete front end was totaled. Luckily I made it out alive, and felt very lucky. I think this car saved my life. It wasnt a head on collision, but it was close enough that the air bags shouldve deployed (I thought). Maybe the severity of the crash controls them? One more thing. Going from a Camry to this car, I feel like Im always having to fill up my tank, so its hard for me to tell if Im really getting good gas mileage. Adding the numbers at each fill up, I got about 3 miles under what manufacturer reports in city and 2 miles under on the hwy. Overall, I enjoyed it.

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  Good, but not as good as I had hoped for - 2014 Mazda Mazda3
  By philly6000 - March 10 - 5:07 am

  New S Grand Touring purchased. Ive put on 1750 miles. Plusses: - Nice looking, comfortable interior (almond). - Zoom Zoom (see below) - keyless doors, hatch, and start button - Adaptive Headlights - parts of the Infotainment Minuses: - Fuel efficiency *far below* whats advertised: Ive averaged only 28.5mpg when driving conservatively (with hardly any air conditioning). - Text Msg woes (see below) - Hijacking phones audio woes (see below) Road feel on uneven freeway: picks up bumpiness Road/tire noise: a bit loud on certain roads Water hides in cracks after car washes, and comes out after driving away from car wash; creates water spots I have to remove myself.

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  Zoom-zoom... for under 20K! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By L. Wilson - March 7 - 3:53 pm

  My beloved Honda Prelude was on its last legs. In a search for a new vehicle I discovered its next to impossible to get away from the boring design, cheap construction, and gutless performance of new vehicles out today. Fortunately, I came across the Mazda 3. It handles better than many cars I’ve driven and the 2.3L engine is a nice bonus for someone who likes a little get-up-and-go. The brakes are good, however we also own an RX8 that has the best brakes I’ve ever tested. I love the styling of the hatchback and the interior is comfotrable. Fuel economy is great as well, considering our RX8 gets 16mpg!! For the money the 3 is a great value.

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  Driving a Dream - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Bmore - March 7 - 5:20 am

  This car is everything advertised and more. I was considering the Civic, Accord, Camry, and Forte. One 3 minute test drive and I forgot how to pronounce the other cars. The body is sleek and doesnt look like any other car in its class. The interior is sporty, but drives like a luxury car. It handles the road like nobodys business. I sprung for the moon roof and upgraded Bose sound system; I am ecstatic I did. Every item on the dash is well placed. It even has a telescopic steering wheel. This car is fun to drive and a beauty to look at!

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  Best Under 20K ever & better, some over - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By T & D H. - March 6 - 10:00 am

  We are approaching 3 weeks of ownership and while we only have about 450 miles on the car. Its a blast to drive and great for different sizes of drivers. Im 6"+ & she is 5"2. Were both comfortable driving the car. Feels more like a BMW 3 series or an Acura TSX other than a bit of wind noise. Great road feel without being harsh. 5 speed is great! Plus, it doesnt look like everybody elses car on the road here in So. Cal. We didnt want to be one of the many Honda and Toyota Clones on the road. Mazda did this one RIGHT! A lot of thought went into how this car is put together.

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  Excellent! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By M3LoVeR1 - March 6 - 10:00 am

  This car runs very nicely! Handling is very responsive and the looks are just very appealing! It is very hard not to stare at it all day long. The interior is spacious too, with lots of legroom and headroom, and the layout of the interior center console is beautiful!