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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  Who says its for the young? - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Dan - March 5 - 2:06 am

  It was time to trade in the Infinity. My wife wanted a smaller car with better gas mileage, but still wanted all the goodies. We looked hard the the Infinity g35 and M series. We drove Acura, Toyota, Lexus and BMWs. The Mazda dealership was next door to the BMWs. Just for the heck of it, we took a looksee. She saw a Mazda3 and asked for a test drive. The smile on her face was priceless. I cannot tell you how much fun this car is to drive. It didnt have all the amenities compared to the luxury cars, but it had enough. I could not believe it was under $20K. It drives and handles like a dream. I drive it whenever she lets me. By the way, we are in our early fifties!

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  Better than the last.. BY FAR! - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By LVMAZDAtres - March 3 - 9:00 am

  My last car was an 02 Mitsu Lancer. This Mazda3, purchased about 2 weeks about, is loads better!! Handling is excellent, power is there, even on the 2.0, and it is just fun! The reason I traded the Lancer was because it was just no fun anymore. When I purchase a car I look for fuel economy, comfort, all that stuff but over all it has to be fun. You cant sign your name away and 350/m for 5 years if it isnt going to be worth your while. This little Mazda certainly has proved to be so far.

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  Zoom all the way - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By shawn - March 2 - 6:50 pm

  I have had my 3 for 2 years now and would have to say its a great little car for the money. Its cute and I love the color of mine its phantom blue mica. I get lots of complimets on the car.

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  Unmatched In Its Class! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Diehard080 - February 28 - 8:20 am

  I traded my 2008 Mazda3 GT for this 2010 Mazda3 GT and the improvements are obvious and immediately noticeable. Better transmission, Handling, Build, road noise/manners, just everything. Initially hardcore Mazda3 people like me almost hated this car just based on LOOKS ONLY. That passed and now its beautiful as I realize its as close to a perfectly built car as exists in ANY class for ANY price. The competition is laughable in specs and build and heres 1 reason why- Totoya Corlla-built- Canada/Indiana/USA,Honda Civic-built- Indiana/USA, Nissan Sentra-built- Mexico?, Thats one BIG reason but this car belongs in comparison to Lexus Is250, BMW3, MBZ-C, Its even better than those for the money.

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  2008 Mazda3 s hb - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By dukefirst - February 25 - 8:39 am

  Just traded our 2008 3 for a new 2012 Mazda5. Sad to see it go, the car has been absolutely bulletproof for us from Day 1. Cant recommend it enough. 67k miles and nothing other than scheduled maintenance for us! The is the poor [smart?] mans GTI.

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  Oh What Fun It Is To Ride....! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By cyclng - February 22 - 8:40 pm

  Looked at it for the styling; bought it for the performance. Anyone looking at this car should strongly consider it.

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  Very safe car!! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Kimmie - February 19 - 1:20 am

  This vehicle is such a safe vehicle! I lost control of this vehicle on a windy and bumpy road. It rolled at least four times. The passenger compartment was for the most part intact! It protected me and my other 2 occupants. Cops say that we should be all dead. But thank goodness I had chosen a very safe vehicle! So I would personally recommend this vehicle due to its fun to driveness, its safety, and its handling. This vehicle had so many memories in it. You will create so many. You will absolutely love to drive this vehicle so you get your moneys worth out of it. I would say buy this vehicle for sure! I miss this car even though I now have a Mazda6 S Grand Touring Sedan. Very safe!

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  Finally, a car thats fun & economical! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jennifer - February 18 - 1:50 pm

  I originally tried to lease the Mazda 3 back in Jan., but the payments were too high and I really didnt want to pay $1000s and have nothing to show for it three years from now. By the end of March, I was ready to buy. I had already taken a test drive of the Mazda in Jan., and was really impressed. I tested it against the Civic and Corolla (just like another reviewer) and felt the same way--the Corolla was completely unimpressive and very boring, and Ive driven enough Civics to know that, as reliable a car as they are, Ill be like the other 5 million people who have one in LA. After my second test drive of the Mazda, I was sold, and have been very happy with my choice.

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  As advertised... - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Tim - February 16 - 7:33 am

  Just picked up the car last week and so far it has been everything it was cracked up to be. The car looks great and drives like a much more expensive car. I love all the instrumentation controls being on the steering wheel and the Bose sound system is amazing. Fit and finish are excellent and the interior at night is just plain cool. Ill be driving this car as my primary commuter and the morning and evening commutes just got a whole lot more fun (and economical). Oh, the push-button start (technology package) is sweet.

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  Car for all ages! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Julian - February 16 - 1:23 am

  This car is very fun to drive and has a lot of power to give when you need it. With its automatic transmission theres no worry, but also offers a "Slap stick" which allows you to choose gears for those quick 0-60 runs. The gauge clusters sharp looks, controls at your finger tips, and the feel of driving it is sure to please all drivers. Over all I give it a 10 out of 10, this car is sure not to disappoint. ZOOM- ZOOM.