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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  Excellent Car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mazda 3 Driver - January 28 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Mazda 3s 2 months ago and could not be happier. As a first time car owner i could not be more pleased with my purchase. The car drives smoothe, looks sharp, and is comfortable.I read on this site that the seats/leg room can be uncomfortable, but I feel that is a matter of who drives the car.I am 59" and have no problems with the seats/leg room.I can see someone taller having problems as there isnt much room left for someone much taller.It runs at 90 mph (dont tell anyone i drive that fast) the same as it does at 55. You can easily lose track of how fast you are going in this car.

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  Very Smooth Driving - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By depetydawg - January 28 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is a shear pleasure to drive, and I should know, I traded a 2000 Mustang GT Convertible for it. It hurt to see the Mustang roll away, however, the pain was short-lived. After driving my Mazda 3 I have all but forgotten about putting the top down and just cruising. I highly recommend this vehicle.

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  Economifun - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By zoomers - January 28 - 10:00 am

  These have been the funnest 8 days I have had in a long time...zoom zooming that is! It hugs the curves nicely, and its pretty awsome to see cars in your rearview getting smaller (not larger) when you "cut" them on the highway. I press it for speed and it responds. My husband said something about loving the variable valve timing above 35000 RPMs. A "must drive"--if you ask me.

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  Poor Mans BMW - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Wildcat - January 27 - 7:23 am

  Fun to drive! This car corners like its on rails. Hugs the road with little to no body lean. Compared this with Honda, Toyota, and American counterparts and this one was the most fun to drive with great build quality. Lives up to the "zoom zoom" motto. Drives like a car in a higher class. After 1k miles, 22.3 MPG (80% city driving), but Im a lead foot anyway. This trim comes with great safety features (ABS, side airbags, dynamic stability control). The ride may be too stiff for some. For the money, skip the factory navigation. If youre considering a car in this class, give this one a test drive; youll be glad you did.

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  Only two complaints - 2014 Mazda Mazda3
  By vandergelder - January 27 - 6:41 am

  I like everything about mine, I get good mileage, its fun to drive, etc. I have had zero reliability issues. Great styling. Great handling. Almost perfect, but not quite, IMHO, see below.

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  Fun and spacious little car! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By SFrizzell - January 25 - 11:43 am

  I really love this little car. It fits my mastiff, and adults with ease. It looks very small on the outside, but has a HUGE interior! Insurance is dirt cheap too (almost half of what my Civic cost!)

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  Performance Economy Car - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By kermitbtys - January 24 - 6:36 am

  Wanted to get the Mazdaspeed3, but will be giving this to my daughter in a couple years...there went the Speed3. Great econ car with fantastic interior detail: Soft touch dash, great displays (except info display), & good seats. Even if youre budget minded, opt for the Bose system...regular stereo not up to par. Car is a blast to drive on the twisties, but not quite fast enough to get you in trouble...but plenty of power for fun. City MPG not up to other compacts,but the fun factor more than makes up for it. Fold down the rear seats, and you got plenty of room for hauling everyday items. Mini Cooper will handle a bit better, but cost a bundle more with less room. Best bang for $ out.

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  Watch out! Rolls backwards when in auto-drive on hills - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By sfmaggie - January 22 - 6:56 am

  The automatic transmission doesnt behave like other automatics. I learned this at a stop sign on a steep hill. It was frightening to roll backwards uncontrollably. Took it to the dealer and mechanics said they hadnt heard of such a thing. They tested it on a steep ramp and confirmed what I said. They couldnt find any documentation on how to fix this, so they called their helpline and were told thats just what these automatic transmissions do. Theres an item in the owners manual they were pointed to that instructs drivers to slowly accelerate the gas while letting out the brake pedal. I had more control on hills with a standard stick shift.

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  Mazda 3 - great comfort - poor dashboard - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By WVMazdaMan - January 21 - 5:50 pm

  I wanted to move down to a smaller car to get better mileage, but I still wanted room, so I started looking at 5 dr wagons. Im a big guy 63" and after checking out all of the competition (focus, matrix, versa, astra, etc) I found the Mazda 3 by far the most comfortable. It looks great, good price, and has been averaging 29 mpg at 75% commute, 25% interstate. While the instruments, controls and displays are well laid out, the back lit orange display leaves something to be desired. The radio display is hard to read in many lighting situations, and is almost impossible to see with sunglasses on. It would have been really nice to see an MPG readout.

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  Just needs a little more power - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By FSTASNTZ - January 21 - 8:03 am

  Handles nicely for a car of this price range and class. Not too loud, but does have a little road noise. Power is decent, but would prefer something closer to 200hp, without having to buy the Mazdaspeed version. Nice smooth shifter, almost no torque steer. Brakes are just about perfect for the weight of the car. Mileage is about on par with the sticker 27-31 mpg, and I only have 800 miles on it. Wheels could be a little wider to hold a wider tire, maybe a 225, and not a 205.