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:

• 

  Cheap Fun Car - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Chris - October 10 - 7:16 pm

  This car is the most fun car for the money I have had. It is not the best car you can have for any given situation but it is likely the best car for the money. Handling is great, performance is decent, the car has nice features like xenon lights, 6 disc CD etc. I dont think this car would be half as much fun without the 5 speed which makes you feel like it is going faster than it is. The wagon gives you a little more cargo but it still is a tight squeeze to get your golf clubs in with the seats up. I could have gotten a more expensive car but chose the Mazda. There are better cars out there but looking only at the car, few are better for the price

• 

  New 3, 5 door - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By KuRuPT - October 10 - 2:00 am

  I hadnt seen or heard anything about the 3 untill i saw 1 as i drove by the dealership yesterday. I test drove it and loved it. I have driven the Mazdaspeed protege and the SER spec V The 3 feels like it has more power than the nissan, i havent got to drive it hard yet because of the "break in" period. I love the way it rides and everyone else seems to love the way it looks. I have only had it for about 24 hours so i dont know about gas mileage or reliability. I would also highly recomend Royal Moore dealerships in Hillsboro OR, they were awsome to deal with.

• 

  This is entry level?! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Carl Coffee - October 10 - 2:00 am

  I didnt actually buy this car yet, but have been looking at it for several days and like what I see so far. Debating between this or a 2003 Protege5. The 3 has huge power increase over the Pro5, but overall does not handle as tightly. Very nice acceleration in 1st gear, but 2nd seems sluggish. Still a nice car, with great styling for entry level economy car.

• 

  Great car, great handling - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Kicking_cans - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Love this car! Accelerates fast, getting 31 mpg, corners great, and... handles accidents well! Plus, mine has push button start, awesome! Going to the gym, throw my keys in my gym bag, & leave them there. Push the button to start, while the bag is sitting on the front passenger seat! Ive driven the Dodge Challenger for a day trip; and performance wise, 3 big differences. Mazda gets better gas mileage, and corners better. The Challenger travels at 95 mph better. (At 65/70 MPH, theyre the same.) Oh, and I backed into another car, got a 3 inch dent in my bumper. But its plastic, so pushed/popped it out. Now looks like a light scratch on my bumper, instead of a huge dent!

• 

  Good value in a great to drive package - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By ShawnP - October 4 - 2:00 am

  Hard to say enough good things about the 3. As a previous owner of a Protege5 I was really hoping they fixed a few of the things I found lacking in the previous car and Mazda came through in spades. Performance was improved, dramatically, the engine is not only more powerful but a lot smoother, something I didnt like about the outgoing Pro5. Handing is improved though I found the PRo5 to be competent as well (not a concern before) And more over interior noise is down and road comfort is improved dramatically. A fantastic car with great performance, features and poise for a car in its price range, a definite great buy!

• 

  It all added up - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By satisfied3owner - October 4 - 2:00 am

  Id had in my mind a car with the following traits (after having had a fun German-made wagon before): smaller, Japanese built, leather, hatchback utility, four doors, in-dash 6-CD changer, and style. I walked into a Mazda showroom to look at another car, and my head was turned by the 3. I test-drove the car, and was sold. Ive had it for a month, and like it more with each passing week. A slick little car, well-made and thoughtfully appointed.

• 

  Dissapointing - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Diro - October 2 - 12:20 am

  I have had my Mazda 3 sedan for about 6 months. I wish I had bought something else but I needed a car so. The gps is sub par ( a tom tom is just as good) it needs a rear window wiper. Its under powered and hesitates at freeway speed when you need to accelerate quickly. The power Windows have already failed. The wheels seem to be wearing unevenly. All this mind you is a car less than a year old. Gas mileage is consistently lower than most estimates. Ok I live in California where I do mostly freeway driving. The ride is rough and somewhat noisy.

• 

  First Mazda Experience - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Phoenix1 - September 30 - 10:00 am

  For a previous Honda owner Im very impressed, this car seems to have it all. The car is so quiet and peppy that I have to continuously watch my speed. Handeling is superb and the turning radius wonderful. It could probably be a good competitor in racing show room stock once the rear end is tightened up.

• 

  ZOOM ZOOM ZOOM - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By ZOO - September 30 - 10:00 am

  Since I purchased my 3 s, I have been able to relive what I had missed in my previous 5 years of driving. Pure enjoyment! Avery fun car to drive! A car theat gets looks from everyone; the color definately is an eye grabber with its deception of is it blue or is it purple? Strato Blue is its name and ZOOM ZOOM is its heart.

• 

  Best import I have ever driven - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By securecoffee - September 30 - 10:00 am

  This is the best and the most fun compact car I have driven. Even the "i" version has power with the 5 speed mated to the engine. Fuel milage is great not to mention the handling of the 4 wheel independent supension.