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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  hard work paid off - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By mazdabeliever - November 2 - 3:23 pm

  After a long and drawn out process of research and haggling via e-mail after e-mail, it was all worth it. After weighing my options this was the best choice I could make. I traded in my 2003 corolla for it and love the upgrade. I was contemplating the VW rabbit or the mini Cooper but after reading consumer reviews and just looking at the cars itself, I decided to stick to the mazda3. I love the cabin and all the little features despite the fact that I just got the I trim. I also sprang for the moonroof and Bose system. Total luxury for a great price.

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  Money well spent! - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Spikeroo - November 1 - 6:36 am

  My first Mazda. I am very happy with the overall performance and the comfort considering the reasonable cost of the vehicle. I probably will step up to a larger model after I give this one to my granddaughter for college in 2 years. Mazda impresses me as a quality manufacturer.

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  4 Years of Driving - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By kantankerous - October 30 - 9:11 am

  After 4 years of driving this car, the car runs smooth and have not had any serious issues with the car. Everything functions well. I did have to bring the car in for warranty repair because of an oil leak coming from the oil pan but I think my local dealer messed up repairing it and had to replace one of the cylinder head and that took about two weeks. The tires are just about wear out after 45,000 miles and I didnt experience any issues with tires wearing out fast. I averaged about 30 MPG on a 2.3 engine but my driving style usually gives me higher MPG than manufacturers MPG rating. I couldnt find a vehicle with more features than this car for the price I paid.

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  I love this car - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By karen - October 29 - 1:20 pm

  I love this car also, almost bought a Honda civic, so glad I bought this one. I never had a Mazda car before but I love this one and might just stick with Mazda from now on. I got the Strato Blue, looks purple at times.

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  Guapo - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Barry Pittman - October 29 - 10:00 am

  Perfact car !! It rides well and is more quiet inside than any car Ive been in !!

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  My Mazda3 - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By No - October 28 - 6:30 pm

  I purchased the Mazda3 after reviewing the Civic and other similiar cars. Overall I considered the price, style and gas mileage. I drove the Speed and 5 Door Grand Touring 2.3 hatchback and chose the Mazda 2.3 Grand Touring due to price considerations. The car is great, I really like it and I have the Bose System with sunroof. However, after four months I think I should have gotten the Speed. Clutch is good, better with a shorter throw. Last note: Im getting 27.3 mpg and traveling 80 mph on the freeway for a about 80 miles a day.

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  Fun sporty fuel efficient and reliable - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By 89lx5o - October 23 - 8:03 pm

  Ive now owned this car for two years now and its been phenomenal. Its very fun to drive with a sporty suspension, pretty powerful motor and very smooth trans. To top that off I get 28 mpg in the summer and 26 mpg in the winter the reason comes with the different gas formulas. I have not had ONE reliability issue yet (knock on wood). It has very comfortable seats, but is definitely not a luxury car. It has a decent amount of road noise, and is a lil harsh on bumps. When you get nice roads to drive on road noise is a lot lower and the handling aspects of this car come out. If you’re willing to sacrifice a smooth ride for some sporty handling I would recommend this car to anyone!

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  A thrill to drive; wish MPG was better - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Chris - October 23 - 2:50 am

  A thrill to drive, but gas mileage not as good as Civic (I am getting 25 mpg combined). Engine performance suffers when A/C is on. Missing a few operation features such as auto headlights and auto door locks. Handling is great, looks great, love the snowflake wheels. 2008.5 models get updated interior, and choice of tan seating surfaces instead of all black interior with some paint colors.

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  BMWs handling, unmatched in its class!! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Euro Auto Lover - October 21 - 5:53 am

  I used to lease a BMW 328i. Ive spend 3 months looking for my next car to purchase. Gee, I no longer need the European cars since I found that Mazda 3 and 6 closely match the European handling!!!! Not the Matrix, not the Civic, not the Scion, this Mazda3 tops my driving test scores in styling, handling, power and price. The steering is top-notch, it is even better than my previous heavier 328i. The handling is just as good as the BMWs. I dont put my food on the brake going around corners, I even accelerate out of corners in the 3!!! Cars disappear in the rear-view mirror!!! Braking is top-notch, no fading whatsoever during hard braking!!!! It is a MUSH-HAVE fun-to-drive machine!

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  Great Value - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By dakotabmr - October 18 - 10:22 pm

  I bought this used 2012 Mazda 3 isport , Automatic 4dr, 2.0 28K miles for my daughter her senior yr in high school to last through college. We compared the used Corolla, Sentra, Elantra, Civic for a max price of $12000 and found the Mazda3 the best value. It has a "Good" rating from the IIHS-which is the highest, 4 wheel disc brakes, ABS, stability control, multiple airbags. Good reliability, Great handling, comfortable, easy to use controls and layout. 60/40 split folding rear seat. We get 35mpg/highway, 14.5 gallon fuel tank makes for 450 miles on a tank!. I do most of the regular service, so the oil, air filter, cabin filter, wipers were fairly easy to change out.