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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  so-so for the 3 - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Sillycat - July 1 - 6:03 am

  I thought the 3 was an awesome car, very cute and sporty, but at 3559 miles, it needed a new engine, due to spinning a bearing. Very disappointing! The dealership was not that great at helping me through the situation. I am looking at selling it, because I can no longer trust it.

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  Not Happy - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Not Happy - December 17 - 5:43 am

  Tire noise is very loud! This is a 2008 that is eight months old with 24,000 miles on it. This is my work car and is driven quite a few miles a day. I was very happy with mine, until the miles started adding up. Besides the tire noise, there is a loud noise coming from the right front fender area. The Mazda mechanic at the shop said he couldnt here it because of the tire noise. They contacted the Mazda rep, and he came to the dealer in Ottawa IL., but they didnt even show him my car, and I was told Mazda would pay one third of the cost to replace the tires, if they were replaced at the dealer. Dealer wants to put a different brand of tire on it so it will solve the problem.

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  Poor gas mileage - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By mmmm1982 - November 29 - 2:55 pm

  Ive had this car for almost 2 years and havent had any major issues so far. All the maintenance is done regularly, but the car still gets only 24-25 MPG in the mixed cycle. I guess all of Mazda3 have this issue with the power steering pump, which I had to replace under recall. Interior looks kinda cheap.

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  Decent economy car - 2013 Mazda Mazda3
  By hmowner - May 13 - 10:44 am

  Of so many choices in the compact car market, Mazdas marketing motto has been "Zoom Zoom". Well, I bought into that hype but found the car to be just one of the economy compact cars. It gets decent mileage and it is fun to drive if you rev the engine and give up the mileage. You do pay a bit more than other compacts for the privilege of enjoying the "Zoom Zoom" - which is really about the car handling, not the acceleration. Interior is a bit old compare to Hyundai/Kia. The major surprise that I found is the terrible road noise. Dont know if its the factory tires or the car itself, but this is one of the nosiest compact!

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  Dont buy if you have bad roads - 2013 Mazda Mazda3
  By steve333 - March 16 - 10:19 pm

  I actually wanted a sporty handling car, at least for a compact. However, I was not prepared for the horrible ride quality the 3 has on anything but perfect roads. The car feels unstable, the freeway ride is awful with the car tramlining all over the place. 2 dealers told me thats just the way the car rides. Biggest mistake was buying this car over the Chevy Cruze.

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  Bumpy ride in Mazda 3 2011 - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By 99intrigue1 - November 21 - 11:38 am

  Just (within past two days) leased a 2011 Mazda3 i touring and absolutely hate the ride! I felt every tiny bump in the road....stressful and uncomfortable!! Also noticed handling on turns was odd...not smooth by any means. Looks great and nice features, but going to call dealer and see what my options are.

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  Car lighter fuse blow out - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Sara - July 15 - 7:00 am

  I bought my new Mazda 3s on Friday and by Sunday I had no turn lights, power locks, stereo console lights, tachometer lights, working keyless entry, rear defrost or A/C, and it said my parking brakes were on even though it was disengaged. The service man said "Dont go blaming the car now, this is a common problem if you plug in an ac adapter into a Pontiac, Subaru, GMC car...." All this because I used a car charger to charge my phone?!

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  Way Over Rated - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By natelogggg - June 5 - 11:45 pm

  The build quality seems cheap. It feels like some one built it out of legos. Lots of road noise, and not very comfortable. Best gas milage was 26 mpg. The suspension is rickety as well. Within 3000 miles, it was in the dealership because it was pulling to the right. They did the alignment for me and sent me on my way. A month later I had it back in for the same issue. This time I was accused of putting the car in the ditch since they found mud under the fenders. I live a mile up a dirt road, and it rains alot. The dealer tried saying that this is not normal wear and tear. After an argument and a threat to call BBB, they fixed it again. Now the transmission is shifting hard. Car has 60k mile

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  2.3 Manual Trans Rebuilt at 11000 Miles - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By golfdoc - May 24 - 7:43 am

  I bought the Mazda 3 after years of owning Toyotas & Hondas. I have never had any major mechanical problems with any of these vehicles. Was I surprised when after owning my 2004 Mazda 3 2.3, my manual transmission was stuck in second gear. Now after 16 months and 11,000 miles my 3 is at a dealership getting the transmission rebuilt. Its had 2 recalls and is also waiting for the glove box to be replaced at another dealership because it sticks. The only plus is Mazda paid for the tow and the dealer is paying for my rental car. I will NEVER buy another vehicle manufactured by FORD motor company. There is definitely truth in the saying you that a FORD will be (F)ound (O)n the (R)oad (D)ead.

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  upset - 2014 Mazda Mazda3
  By nosake - August 16 - 9:26 am

  When I first saw this Mazda 3 in red on the dealership lot, I knew Id own it. My first Mazda. I had been looking for an affordable, efficient car for about two years.