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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  3 Review - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Sharons 3 - August 10 - 2:00 am

  A great value for the money.17" alloy wheels, Goodyear V rated Eagles, 160hp. This car is tight,responsive, fun to drive and with its 103" wheelbase rides like a midsize. Fit and finish is top notch. Strong attention to detail. I recommend the S if finances allow.The sport package, at $500.,makes a nice car a little nicer. As far as the ABS and and the side a/b curtain, there is no debating the obvious advantages, however offered as package, is a costly option. The added price of safety is for individual to decide.

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  Giddy-Up! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By MeauxJo - August 9 - 6:00 am

  Ive had this vehicle for 3 months and feel that I can finally comment on it objectively. This is the most fun Ive had owning and driving a car, ever. Super comfortable drivers seat. Love the sporty design and have been impressed with the handling. Very stable around turns and corners. Great acceleration when trying to merge or pass other vehicles. So much more power than my previous 2003 Nissan Sentra or my daughters Toyota Corolla. The gas mileage could be improved upon - Im currently averaging 26.4 mpg in the city and about 31 mpg on highway trips, but this could be attributed to the fact Ive been running the air all summer. Also has the Bose sound system which is awesome.

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  4th car, now my primary one. - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Virginian - August 8 - 12:36 pm

  Great car. Its comfortable to drive and has an outstanding 4-speed automatic transmission. Best manual climate control system I have ever seen - very precise controls over temperature. The 2.0l has lots of power for any type of driving and is very smooth and quite. First few tanks of gas exceeded 30+ mpg in mixed driving. This is my 4th car but the one I now drive the most.

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  Fun Car - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Tom - August 6 - 4:46 am

  After 3 months of this car, I can honestly say its the most fun car Ive ever driver thats been an every day driver. While not as much fun as a Porsche or a Corvette, this thing is still a lot of fun. This car has performance, better fuel economy, and can handle extremely well. Easily beats my sisters Pontiac G6 in every category except size. The handling is right up there with some of the performance cars Ive driven before. This thing never feels like its going to leave the road. The interior color scheme is awesome, and I think it says a lot about the Mazda 3 exterior design when, after 4 years, it still looks better than the new Corolla and the Honda!

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  Smiling Car, Smiling Driver - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Suzi - August 5 - 7:46 pm

  Love my car.Really wanted a hatchback, so choices were limited. Mazda is fun to drive and has good pickup when I need it. Am happy with the mpg Im getting(27), and enjoy coasting when I can and watching the car get 99.9 mpg. Great blend of fun and practicality. If its as low-maintenance as my last Mazda(a 2004 6 wagon), I will have found my automotive bliss.

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  Mazda 3 Rocks - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By dwheele33 - August 4 - 10:00 am

  I have had this car for about 6 months and absolutely love it. I am coming from an SUV that sucked down gas. I get about 32 MPG. The pickup is pretty good, going up hills it is best to use the shifting feature. I also wish I would have spent the extra cash for the s series instead of the I.

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  Zoom Zoom Zoom! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By UVcat - August 4 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this car for a month and its be great driving it around. I love the quick acceleration, stiff suspension and sleek design. Definitely a speed demon! I drove a Honda Civic for the longest time and will never consider driving another one again. The 3 is in a class of its own. Having all the options on it makes it far from being an economy car.

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  Worth getting (s GT 5/A Sedan) - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Quadjuny - July 30 - 6:33 pm

  First thing first, like most reviewers, I love my car. Second, you get what you pay for. Both good and bad. I have the Gunmetal blue mica. On my Mazda I have both the Moonroof/Bose package and the Technology/keyless entry/gps package. I also had mud guards installed. At face value, the mazda 3 exterior looks incredible. Im sure I dont have to point out the details. Interior quality on bottom line models is horrid, but the top line models makes you feel like your riding in a Lexus. Everything that matters MOST, Mazda made to the highest of quality, yet Mazda cut corners in several other areas.

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  Mazda 3 a Perfect 10 - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Francis - July 30 - 3:33 pm

  After doing my homework I decided to buy this car. I absolutely love it. Smooth handling, excellent response, and speedy. I could care less about the trunk feature as the other reviews. I would compare this car to a Jetta or Accord. This certainly does not look like an "economy" car.

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  Nicely Done - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By heehee - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Previously owned 93 Toyota Corolla. Test drove 04 VW Golf TDI, Scion tC, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda 3s and 3i. Mazda is the best among them. Golf is less reilable. tC feels heavier. Civic lacks horsepower. Corolla doesnt have the style. Mazda 3 has all of these for a very good price. Bought 3i with power everything, alloy wheels, AC, fog lights, ABS, and airbags all around. Handling around tight curves on Lake Shore Dr is excellent. Seats are surprisingly comfortable and supportive on long highway trips between Chicago and Minneapolis. Independent wheel suspensions are quite good. Fuel economy is a plus. Design is unusally stylish.