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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  Smooth engine and transmission - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By durval20120m3 - May 8 - 9:38 pm

  In shopping for a new car, I evaluated the following Mazda 3 i Touring Chevy Cruse LT Hyundai Elantra GLS Honda Civic EX Ford Focus SE Kia Forte EX I chose the Mazda 3. Pros for the Mazda 3 Fun to drive. Smooth engine and transmission. Nice interior. 5K miles later, I am averaging 37 MPG in mixed driving. Cons for the Mazda 3 More rattles than I am used to in a new car. Not as stable on highway on-ramps as I am used to. This is probably due to the tire choice, they are high pressure and dont seem to offer the best grip. Of course this is probably part of the reason I am getting 37 MPG. The Cruze and the Elantra were also pretty good, but the engine in the Mazda won me over.

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  Most fun and utility for the money! - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By DAVID A - May 7 - 11:26 am

  I got the top of the line, hatch back, leather, heated seat, cd, iPod link, manual shift, 2.3 liters, etc. Lots of fun to drive, great looking car, not the most economic small car though. In the city I average 22 mpg. Test drove other similar cars, like Civic etc, M3 is the most fun to drive. I love the hatch back. I have loaded things in the back of this car that I could not have done with any other 4 doors car, Hatch back are considered 5 doors! It should have a roof rack! That is a great let down for me on this car. I learned that it is not available from factory after I bought the car. Now I have a thule, but it is not the same as having a factory one!

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  2014 Mazda 3 Sedan iSV-M 6-speed - 2014 Mazda Mazda3
  By akdude - May 6 - 12:31 am

  Bought this car in July 2014 after comparing it to the Honda Civic. I have owned 15 new Hondas since my first in 1983. Most were Accords but I had a 2010 Civic coupe. The reason I decided on the Mazda:1)Technology2)Mileage3)Fit and Finish4)Price. Always liked the fact that Honda doesnt have option "packages" but for under $18000 the Mazda is a no brainer, Civic is too far behind in power train technology. The base Civic still doesnt have direct injection, 6-speed manual or a new dash design. The Manual Civic LX cant touch the Mazda on mileage. My average(combined) mileage for the first 5000 miles is steady at 42.8mpg(50%city/50%hwy.Thats in Alaska.

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  The Best in Class - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Blondemom1 - May 5 - 10:00 am

  Looked at and drove all the leading competitors; Corolla, Civic, Sentra, Focus, Lancer. While a couple of the others were pretty good, in my mind there was no comparison. IMO, the 3 is the best vehicle for the price. Great handling, peppy acceleration, European looks, and the ability to get side airbags, alloys, sunroof, and ABS all together. Beautiful paint. Originally, I was just going to go buy a Corolla. Then I drove it. I couldnt get a comfortable postition to drive. Civic nice but old design. Lancer seemed cheap. Focus was fun to drive, but I dont like the looks or the reliability reputation. Very happy with the Mazda 3.

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  Bye 13 Focus, Hello Skyactiv!! - 2013 Mazda Mazda3
  By mazda3_2013 - April 28 - 2:41 am

  I traded my 13 Ford Focus (that I bought brand new), for my brand new Mazda3. Let me tell you this car is better in all aspects. The Focus was very nice, but could not get used to the Dual Clutch transmission. I was in heaven when I test drove my Mazda, it drives better then the Focus, it shifts better, handles better. Everyone says how the Mazda3 has hard plastic all over the place on the inside, I dont know about you but I dont drive and tap my fingers on the dashboard at the sometime. Yes, somethings could of been made and/or placed different, but Ive never seen a car where everything is perfect, but the Mazda3 comes pretty darn close.

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  What a piece of ^%$^%$^&%! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By stissenko - April 26 - 5:30 pm

  I have a 2.3 AT version with currently 83K on it. TO begin is I should say it is the WORST car I have ever had (and I have owned quite a few). I have recently changed: all 4 shocks , bar links, rotors, caliper, leaking radiator, engine mount, heat shield, had to fix exhaust pipe! Unfortunately, it didnt solve all problems: I keep adjusting the breaks (obviously, I do not count new pads, since it is a maintenance), but the noise is still there. Right caliper is about to have to be changed (I am selling the car prior to that). I guess I am really tired of having the car at the shop ALL THE TIME, trying to understand whats wrong with it. If you want a car: DO NOT BUY!

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  Maza wasnt even on my radar screen - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By Gulf Coast Florida - April 16 - 4:46 pm

  I test drove a 2009 Corolla and Honda Civic and this Mazda 3 offered more of what I wanted than either of those cars. The gauges are easy to read, the buttons make sense on the dashboard. The Honda Civic has a tachometer as big as a pie plate behind the steering wheel taking up a sizable portion of the dash. Maybe that is great if you are a 16 year old boy, but as a middle aged female I didnt like it and I thought it was a stupid design placement. The Mazda, on the other hand, is user friendly in terms of the interior and had more personality on the exterior than Corolla or Civic. I got a great (GREAT!) deal on my car and I may be a Mazda fan for life now.

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  Traded 2012 Mazda3 Grand Touring(auto), for 2015 model=Excellent car!!! - 2015 Mazda Mazda3
  By ajax13 - April 15 - 8:01 am

  We traded a 2012(27k miles on it) for a new stunning red 2015. Wife loved her old 2012 & had no intention to trade it in, until she drove the new one! Here are the reasons why she did: stunning body design & red(gorgeous!!)color; ride is even smoother & still tight/no body lean in corners; interior is like a BMW=simple & elegant; great Nav system & placement on dash is excellent for driving & easy eye check off; loves the HD Bose stereo system=is killer sound!; more room inside/drivers seat wider & more ergonomic=verrrrry comfy on long trips!!; in 2012, got 41-42mpg on highway, & 32mpg in city...this one on first 350 mile trip up WA mountains & back, got 44mpg!! & gets 34mpg in city.

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  Sweet, Sweet Ride - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Alphaboy - April 14 - 9:50 pm

  I dont know what else to say about the mazda3 Touring sedan except it is a sweet, sweet ride. An absolute pleasure to drive. Lots of power, a pleasant little growl from the exhaust and it loves to go. Unbelievably responsive and grippy handling... just give me those twisty back roads! Its got a sexy, comfortable interior with easy to use controls and a great stereo. Firm seats that are great on longer drives. Absolutely fabulous on a summer afternoon with the sun roof open and people staring as I drive by in this sexy little car, with its copper red exterior sparkling in the sun! My only quibbles are less than great fuel economy and rear view when backing up. No biggie.

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  Extremely Satisfied - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By tmd678 - April 14 - 10:00 am

  Great little car which is fun to drive. Bought it for my wife and serves as our second car. Five speed shifter is one of the best I have used in my more than 50 years of driving. Started with a 1947 Dodge five speed in my younger days. My advice to any reader is be sure to check this one out. On par with anything on the market. We get 30 mpg combined.