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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  Its all right! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Tucker72 - December 21 - 7:40 am

  I think my mazda is ok its fun to drive. But theres nothing that keeps me excited about it. Its got average everything, nothing spectacular. The looks are nice but the lack of power even with the 2.3L is a bit disappointing.

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  Mazda3 Hatchback - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By GTJPA - December 21 - 2:00 am

  I moved from a Protege5 to the Mazda3 six weeks ago. The 3 is a much more refined car in every way. The Mazda3 has incredible handling and power with a very tight structure. The controls are great, shifting is a joy with a wonderful transmission and light, smooth clutch. The instrument panel, dash and cockpit storage is awesome. The verdict is still out on the seats. The Protege5 had several 800 mile days and the seating was up to it. The 3 seats are quite different but, I think will be up for good road trips. My next long trip will determine that.

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  I Love This 3 - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By LA DRIVER - December 19 - 8:00 pm

  My wife and I bought this car back in 2005 when her Honda went out. Almost 3 years later I still love it. At about 300 miles per tank city/hwy driving cant complain. I just love the performance for such a compact car, leather seats, GPS, 6 disc CD, 5 speed man., when sitting inside it reminds me of my BMW at half the cost. Great power and lots of trunk space esp when rear seats are folded down. The 3 is truly a car in its own, with aftermarket performance tires it handles as well as my BMW and is great to drive through corners and the straights. Over all this is a great car to drive in the city as well as the hwy. avg. of about 32 mpg hwy we make it from LA to San Jose in 1 tank. LOVE my 3.

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  Love the car - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Bettina - December 19 - 5:26 am

  This is the first time that I have ever owned a Mazda, and so far I absolutely love my Mazda3 S Sport. There are only two things that I am disappointed with. I think with this vehicle there is ground noise, so it is not as insulated as I would like, and the other is I think that ALL cars should be made to have automatic lights that come on (daytime running) and then evening lights. So it is a little nosier then I would like, but certainly not enough that I dont like the car. It is fun, sporty, and I love driving it. Like their logo suggests: zoom-zoom

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  100k and going strong - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By jeremily - December 18 - 11:46 am

  A quick update, Ive posted before. Now over 100k miles in under 6 years, my Mazda3 is still going strong, with no major issues. I am still on the stock, original clutch- though its pretty worn right now. Timing belt is due- which requires pulling the engine. :( With just oil changes and lots of miles, I wouldnt complain about a few more hp to match the superb suspension. Lifetime best tank of 38mpg, typical 30mpg highway biased driving, but not especially gentle. I absolutely love the great visibility from HIDs, and very comfortable seats for long drives. Cupholders and right elbow support could be improved for better ergos, but overall excellent. No regrets about this purchase.

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  My Experience with a 2004 Mazda 3 S - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Larry - December 18 - 11:43 am

  I purchased my Mazda 3 brand new April 10, 2004 .I previously owned a 2001 Mazda Protege ES and I have never had a problem with any Mazda ive ever owned (atleast the Japanese made ones not the ones made by AutoAlliance) the car gets great fuel mileage I noticed driving from South Carolina to Louisiana I averaged 30 MPH on my car and the ride is smooth and comfortable nice stereo system Mazda really took the old basic Protege and did alot of changes to get the 4 door 3 and the 5 door 3 S

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  Better than Corolla - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By kenstewart - December 17 - 10:00 am

  Just bought it after comparing with Corolla and Civic ... hands down winner! Corolla has the infamous Toyota reliability but it felt cheap compared to the 3. Its stick felt weak as well as the handling. Jump into the 3 and you have tight suspension, great stick, and overall a much more robust feel. Nice looks all around. I was a previous Civic owner and loved the car, but again the 3 blows the doors off it as well. With dealer incentive, I actually bought it for almost $200 below invoice.

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  Woohoo :) - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By ABallinger - December 17 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had my Mazda3 for 5 days now, but I am in love. I researched the car for a few months and thought I would have another year before I had to purchase, but my older car died and it was a perfect excuse, and I couldnt be happier. I got it all (leather/moonroof/6-in-dash- CD/spoiler/etc) for only 400 over invoice.. out the door for under $19k. It drives SO well.. 5sp manual.. great acceleration, great pricing, great handling, great everything! :)

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  Mazda 3 = BEST car for the buck. - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By zoom zoom guy - December 15 - 1:13 pm

  Hello to all possible car buyers. If you are looking for a car with style, interior and exterior beauty, performance and even good gas mileage for under 20,000 dollars look no further, this is the car you are going to get. Mazda compares this car to the honda civic and toyota corolla. First of all, bad comparison, the mazda3 surpasses both these cars by far. The mazda3 offers more bang for the buck in every single possible way. You get far more features then both other cars can offer, and these features are included standard, not for extra money. 22/29 is what they say, Ive been getting 24.5 miles per gallon,50/50 streets/highway. LOVE the car.

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  Perfect Sports Sedan - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jessi - December 13 - 4:33 pm

  I absolutely love this car. I was ready to buy the 07 Honda Civic (Ive always owned Hondas) until I walked into the Mazda dealership and saw this car. Its exterior design makes this car look like it should be priced much higher than it is. It has a lot of get up and go to it and handles beautifully. The interior is just as nice and has many great features. Very fun to drive and comfortable behind the wheel.