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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  ALMOST perfect - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By vman - June 5 - 3:40 am

  Great all around car. Handles like a dream (Volvo S40 underpinnings). Brakes like a roller coaster. Quick revving engine. Auto transmission is eager to downshift, sometimes too eager. Only gripes, no MP3 input and mileage from EPA overstated. If you are considering a Civic, Corolla or a Rabbit, get your head examined. They are a joke. If you are looking at a Civic Si, look at the MazdaSpeed 3. No comparing the two.

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  Great bang for your buck! - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By missourimazda - May 31 - 9:38 am

  I have owned my Mazda 3 i Touring Sedan for almost 2 months now and I absolutely love it. It is fun and comfortable to drive, gets good gas mileage, and does very well in the Midwestern snow. Some people may not like the tight suspension. Personally, I love it. It gives the car a sporty feel, I think. For what I spent, I got great power and lots of features like cruise control, power windows, traction control, etc.

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  my Strato Blue baby - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By K.Love - May 26 - 1:43 pm

  I brought my car home 12.14.2004. So far, Im quite happy with my purchase. It has been 4 years since Ive owned a vehicle and I promised myself that my first *New* car would be exactly what I wanted. I paid (in cash) $19k (after $500 college rebate- beware its taxable) $20,273 with TTL- for the following: Automatic, Strato Blue, Moonroof 6 CD with ABS/SAC/SAB pkg. My car also has the digital compass attached to the rear-view mirror (its extremely helpful) The drivers seat is quite comfortable. For a 4 cylinder engine- it has quite the pick- up! The gear shift is a little strange in its zig-zag design- but after a while you get used to it. Lots of space in hatch/trunk!

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  Mazda3 Line Still The Best - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By vaclubmaker - May 26 - 4:56 am

  I have owned Mazda vehicles since 1984 and the 3 series (GLC, 323, Protege, Mazda3) have always been the best when it comes to value, performance, and style in sedans. Bought the "3" to be used by my college-age daughters while Mazda was offering the 0% APR deal (and to avoid the stupid No. VA transportation tax). As with all my Mazda vehicles, the driving position, design, and sporting nature have been retained even in the base model i Sport I purchased. I liked the fact that finding one with ABS and side curtain airbags was not impossible in the base model. My only complaint would be the colors on the instruments. Theres just not enough contrast for my 50+ year old eyes.

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  Insurance is high - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By 3_mazdas - May 19 - 7:33 pm

  I own 3 Mazdas, all from 2012 (cx9, 6, and 3). I agree with all regarding this cars excellent performance, gas mileage and design. I have the Grand Touring i with Skyactiv and Tech Package and my wife and I love it for all the reasons above. One word of caution though. Insurance is quite high. The premium for my mazda3 is 50% higher than that of my brand new CX-9 which is worth $10k more than the mazda3. And my wife and I are considered the best drivers by Geico. So, if you think you save lots on gas mileage, think twice, after valueing insurance. THis is considered a sports car, unlike competitors such as Civic or corolla. If you like a fun and green car, then get the mazda3.

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  very nice car for the price - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Blaqcat - May 16 - 2:00 am

  Was looking at the base Accord coupe for a while when I came across the Mazda 6. After a lot of research on the 6, I accidentally stumbled upon the Mazda 3S. I read 6 reviews of the car on the internet- all very positive. I arranged a test drive using Edmunds.com and I can say that this is one of the stylish and nicely built cars in the under $20K price segement. Interior is nicely styled and comfortable. Automatic transmission has a pseudo-manual mode. The lines and curves of the car reminds me of more highly priced sedans- this car turns heads wherever it goes.

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  Best Car So Far - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By jdr - May 16 - 2:00 am

  This car is like a rocket..And best of all, we got it in January and have not seen another one on the road yet!! I love having the stereo controls on the steering wheel...When you need this car to move, it does!!! It is also an automatic AND manual transmission....makes driving fun

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  2004 Mazda 3 Review - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Watersdeep - May 11 - 10:00 am

  Fun car to drive. Some things can be fixed for the 2005s but for the price I payed i cant complain to much. Overall the I love the car. Great craftsmanship both inside and out. Not many people have discovered the Mazda 3 so their are not many on the road just yet and thats one thing i like as well.

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  Nightmare - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By djfloyd23 - May 11 - 10:00 am

  This beautiful new Mazda might as well be a trojan horse of horror in a pretty package. After 3 attempts to fix my car, I had to have it replaced for being a lemon. 4 days after acquiring my replacement I was being towed because my clutch broke. So as hot looking as this new Mazda is& as fun& exciting it is to drive; my question is, how long will the fun last for you?

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  Best Bang for the Buck - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By KeepAustinWeird - May 9 - 1:53 am

  Replaced my VW GTI with a MZ3 S hatchback. Was stunned by the test drive. MZ3 handled better than the GTI and was nearly as quick. Very nice interior for the money and a a real back seat with plenty of trunk space to spare. Mileage is also pretty good to unless you really bury your foot in the gas - which is easy to do with the 2.3 motor. Variable valve timing kicks in quickly and the car really takes off when you want it to. I cant imagine doing better with any other car in the $17K range. Fit and finish are exceptional and I suppose only time will tell as to reliability but the car has a great rep and it is built in Japan.