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:
Showing 531 through 540 of 2,343.00-
The winning choice. - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
By Marc - September 28 - 11:16 amI compared the Civic and Corolla before this purchase and took each for a test drive. The Corolla and Civic both have better gas mileage but have less pickup/power as well. The Corolla simply wasnt fun to drive and the Civic was too pricey. Dealer offered me more than TMV for my trade in, $500 less than invoice and NO FEES! Honda wanted invoice, they waived the fees but offered my $1500 less than TMV for my trade in. In the end, I decided the extra performance and cash made the Mazda3 a better choice. After a month of driving, the Mazda3 handles so well, I have to pay more attention or I find myself way over the speed limit without feeling it.
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Wolf in Sheeps Clothing - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
By carpicky - September 27 - 2:00 amThe 3s 5-door is written about to "appeal to a younger driver," but Im not in my twenties and love it. Mazda was smart to include what they did in this car i.e. 17" rims w/ low- profile tires, 4-wheel disc brakes, and a sporty suspention, to name a few. I wanted an auto for commuting but also wanted it to be fun, which translates to, wanted it to perform. This car meets those needs. I was looking at the jetta too but who wouldnt go for this car with such savings and higher reliability history? Drive: One word, NIMBLE! I took a long sharp turn during test drive and it had just about no leaning as it just zipped around the bend.
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Love it! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
By 11brakuy - September 27 - 2:00 amWhen I first went to the dealrship I was looking at the Mazda 6 but with one look at the Mazda 3 I knew that I wanted the car. Now the real test would be driving it. I took the car over night I it handled so well even the people that had there doubts had nothing bad to say. I have had the car a little over 3 weeks and I am just as happy as the day I drove it off the lot.
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Best Compact - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
By CB3 - September 27 - 2:00 amSo far I have 900 miles on the car. I dont have a single complaint yet. I chose this car out of the usual compact shopping list of Civic, Jetta, Corolla. The handling of the car is great. Even with the AT, the throttle is very responsive. Braking is equally responsive. Interior and exterior design is very attractive. Build of the car is very sound. I find the profile, and car in general, to be similar in comparison to the IS300 except 10k cheaper. Take it for a test drive and youll see what you can get for sub 20k. My options include ABS/SAB/EBD, Xenon & TPMS, Sunroof & 6-CD, Sport, and Sportmatic AT.
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Best for money - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
By Mooby - September 27 - 2:00 amIve had my 3 for a week now, and have put over 600 miles on it. I was also looking at a 03 Civic EX and a 03 Corolla-S. The Mazda 3 wins. Its more powerful, better looking in and out, and just a better vehicle overall. Acceleration is great with the 5-speed. The handling is fun but not so rough that it beats you up. I got 30 mpg of spirited mountain highway driving on the 2nd tank of gas. The blue/orange gauge cluster is the coolest Ive seen in this class. Got my Titanium grey, 5-speed S Sedan for $18,000 with the sport package (17s), safety package and xenons. Built in Japan, with the 4-year 50k warranty, what other car offers this much for $18,000?
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car of my own - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
By mags84 - September 22 - 11:46 pmThe mazda 3 has never disappointed me in the 5 months of owning it, easily the best car I have driven in terms of handling, performance on and off the highway, and overall style.
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My SECOND Mazda3 in 2 MONTHS! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
By BostonZoomZoom - September 22 - 10:23 pmI bought the Mazda3 s 2.3 in April of 05. Got into a head on collision, and walked away without a scratch. Since my new baby was totaled, I went out and bought a new one, except I bought the Special Edition (SP23). I loved the BOSE system, the Leather and the Heated Seates. Also has 17" Alloys instead of the 16" on the other one. I cant be more happy with this car. It truly is the best car in its class for the value. Holds a corner like it is on rails!
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2004 Mazda 3 S - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
By h2win - September 22 - 10:00 amYou cant go wrong with this vehicle. Good mileage, responsive speed, acceleration is great. One of the best interior design Ive ever seen. Dont go with Honda or Toyota their interior design just cant compare to this one. You dont want to drive a car that everyone has do you? This car has very good horsepower and torque. It can take civics and Corolla with ease.
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great car , bad stereo - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
By roj - September 22 - 10:00 amBought the hatchback with sunroof and ABS. Have not broken it in yet..Opted for the auto since I felt the performance was close to the manual, also better in traffic:) Handling is exceptional, highway driving is smooth..was doing 80mph and did not even feel like I was going fast. Brakes are excellent. Engine could be a little more responsive but for a 4 cylinder is excellent..I am coming from the maxima engine, so I am a little spoiled. Plus my wife has Toyota Matrix XRS, which I feel has a more fun to drive engine...but Mazda 3 beats the XRS in build quality.
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BEST BUY FOR YOUR MONEY - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
By ROBERT - September 17 - 7:43 amDrives great, this 2.3 engine is fast with the 5 speed. Nice looking for a 5 door. Close ratio gears makes it easy to shift.
