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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  Fun to drive hatchback - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Steven Kim - October 17 - 6:56 am

  I bought an 08.5 Mazda3 Sport Hatchback after a dump truck trashed my 2006 Mazda3 I-Touring Sedan. They call it 08.5 because of a model change mid-year. I went to the dealer to buy another Mazda 3 I-Touring but the Copper Red color of the hatchback caught my attention. It steers and accelerates very nicely and definitely fun to drive. It makes my 100 mile daily commute bearable. As far as MPG, Ive gotten, 28, 29 and 30 MPG. Im not usually interested in a hatchback but the styling is sporty and far better than the Toyota Matrix and Honda Fit. I checked out the Honda Civic coup also and the roominess and interior didnt match the Mazda.

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  Mazda3 Is Awesome! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Ryan - October 16 - 2:16 pm

  Lets face it, if your budget is 17000 and you want a new fun, reliable car theres not much to choose from. Thank God for the Mazda3. So much power for the money. If you want a $17000 car why would you want any more or less than 160horses. Its perfect. Great acceleration and decent fuel economy. Interior is great. Winning Blue metallic gets everyone staring, fun to drive stick, great handling and so smooth and quiet for a compact, build quality inside and out is far beyond standard-- IN A CLASS OF ITS OWN

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  Fantastic car - better than expected MPG - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By archway - October 13 - 10:36 pm

  I switched from a very reliable and efficient S-10 after 15 years of daily use. Almost 2000 miles on the Mazda3 so time enough to review: really good interior comfort (Im 62), great acceleration with the 2.3 L engine from a stop (though not quite as eager when merging onto the highway), and stylish, masculine exterior. I like that this is close to the end of the production cycle so the bugs are mostly (hopefully) worked out -- learned this lesson from the 93 S-10. This is really 2004s best car with fewer trouble spots and 2008 technology and safety equipment. Best of all, I have averaged a better than expected 32 mpg with roughly 70% highway driving and heavy A/C use.

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  Arrest Me Red Mazda 3 Sport GT - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By XPTaurus - October 11 - 10:50 am

  I own the Mazda 3 Sport GT. I was a die hard Honda fan. One look and a test drive changed all that! I absolutely love this car! Thanks Mazda. Its got the feel of a formula vehicle.You can actually feel it in the drive. Handles great in our harsh Canadian winters. I know because I have an hour drive to work every morning then an hour home every night. I even tried talking my wife into getting one. Thanks again Mazda.

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  Love the Mazda3 GT - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Dean in Dallas - October 8 - 11:13 pm

  I have had the 2007 Mazda3 for 9 months now and I really like it. It has acceleration, is nimble, and is very fun to drive. I got most of the options including xenon lights, sunroof, compass in the mirror, leather, on board computer. Basically I got this car with all the options youd find in a BMW. I have owned two BMWs in my life and believe it or not, this Mazda3 is as much fun to drive as those BMWs.

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  Mazda 3s 5 door BEST in class! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By GTPONY - October 3 - 12:26 am

  Though I have only owned the car 3 weeks, I am astounded at the quality, performance, styling and value of this car. The car i9s tight and rigid, no rattles, and exits the freeway FLAT. The automatic has a manual shift "tip" option thats great! The 2.3 is the same engine in the Mazda 6 and really MAKES THIS CAR MOVE. This is a sporty, quick, tight car... not an econobox. I agree with the consumer and car magazines.. this car is best in class! Any downsides? Well the car has 17inch low profile tires, so you do feel and hear the road somewhat... but personally I like the feedback and response the tires give me.

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  I love this car - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By mbd007m - October 1 - 8:33 am

  I have found this to be one of the best compact cars Ive ever driven. Sometimes I forget this is a compact car. It has plenty of power for a 4 cylinder. There is plenty of head room for me (60) in the back. I rarely ride in the back though. The suspension is firm. I have found road noise to be a little distracting, but compared to the Nissan and the Honda Ive driven it is about the same. Acceleration is excellent. The car gear ratio gives you plenty of torque. When I shift I rarely have to go over 3200 RPM. I have had no problems with this car.

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  More Room, Less Zoom Zoom - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By No Sour Grapes - September 29 - 11:16 pm

  I gave up the car after 6800mi. Im 510 & in good shape but I couldnt find a comfortable driving position. The two lane country road I tested it on proves what winner Mazda has-quick, nimble and loaded with features on much costlier cars. But the center stack flairs out at the bottom and the legroom under the dash was too crowded for me on my 45 min daily commute. No combination of seat/steering wheel adjustments yielded a good fit. I replaced a 626 with the 3s, maybe I should have gone for the Mazda6 but reliability concerns and the V6 kept me away. If youre used to the legroom of a midsized sedan be aware that the seating in the 3s takes some getting used to. I decided to give it up.

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  Moms Zoom - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By barnatcb - September 29 - 4:56 pm

  My son has a Protege and introduced me to the world of Mazdas. My first look at the Mazda 3 Hatchback had me hooked. Then I heard on the Today Show how they were ranked one of the safest cars and I knew that when it was time for me to buy, thats what I wanted. I was even more delighted when I got behind the wheel for the first time. I still grin from ear to ear while driving. I work with a lot young people in their early 20s, and theyre jealous of my ride. Dont worry, I let my son borrow it too. Hes looking for a Mazdaspeed down the road, so were definitely a Mazda family now.

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  Moms Zoom - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By barnatcb - September 29 - 4:56 pm

  My son has a Protege and introduced me to the world of Mazdas. My first look at the Mazda 3 Hatchback had me hooked. Then I heard on the Today Show how they were ranked one of the safest cars and I knew that when it was time for me to buy, thats what I wanted. I was even more delighted when I got behind the wheel for the first time. I still grin from ear to ear while driving. I work with a lot young people, early 20s, and theyre jealous of my ride. Dont worry, I let my son borrow it too. Hes looking for a Mazda Speed down the road, so were definitely a Mazda family now.