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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  2004 30,000 mile review - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By longtermtester - March 7 - 8:26 am

  After owning this car for almost 2 years I have noticed a few things.. First of all when I got the car I assumed that over time the steering and suspension would lose some its tightness and precision. This has not happened. The car handles like it did the day I purchased it. Im still not sure how I paid $20G Canadian and got this level of handling. My own fear stops me in a fast turn. Not the car. Very smooth. Secondly, when I bought it I was worried about the reliability and craftsmanship of Mazda vehicles. So far, only the regular maintenance has been performed. So to wrap this up; 2 years, fun to drive, no problems. Great car!

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  After 12 years of a Miata... - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By DLN - March 4 - 5:30 am

  As many others did I researched and drove a number of vehicles and settled on the Mazda for some fun factor. After the 96 Miata, the 3 took a bit of getting used to, far lighter feel in the steering, clutch, shifter. but Ive adapted. On my 21 mile commute I am getting 33 mpg by paying attention and not invoking to much "fun factor." I am quite satisfied with the power from the 2.0 engine couple with the manual transmission. Interior layout is good, seating, something that takes a long road trip to judge is great. Yes,I would recommend that car.

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  One month & 1,000 miles - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jay - March 2 - 11:26 am

  I turned in a Honda Accord since I wanted a smaller car for going to the post office etc. First off the Accord had problems which it shouldnt have had. Problem with a window, power steering and needed new brakes early. The Mazda is good so far. The finish and upholstery inside is very good. I like the dashboard. Much better than the Civic. I miss a little bit the cruise control and power locks but again only a little bit.

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  Definitely the best bang for the buck! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By johnnyBgoode - March 1 - 10:00 am

  This is my 4th Mazda that I have purchased. I owned 89 Mazda 626, a 09 Mazdaspeed 3, 08 MX-5, and now this 10 Mazda 3 GT Hatch. Its a great car with good MPG. The features of this car in its segment absolutely blow the competition away. Trust me you wont be disappointed in what this car offers. Its very quiet inside the cabin and the engine is smooth and quiet as well. The features are insane! My car has: adaptive front lighting, fog lights, 6 spd manual transmission, 6 disc Bose audio system with 10 speakers, moonroof, bluetooth, leather seats, heated front seats, LED tail lights, automatic bi-xenon headlight, and many more too list. Truly the best bang for the buck!

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  I love my white mazda 3! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Homer61388 - March 1 - 10:00 am

  I just bought a brand new 2010 mazda 3 i touring with the white pearl paint. Its a gorgeous car and the quality and the amount of car you get for the money is outstanding. And the deals offered by Mazda cant be matched! Its not only a good-looker but delivers with the safety, comfort, handling, and decent acceleration/performance vs. exceptional fuel economy. All in all, its the BEST car in the segment all around.

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  Welcome to Zoom-Zoom Nation! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By ucbearcat1975 - February 27 - 9:10 pm

  Just got the car last night but consider I just had a 2008 Mazda3 i Touring for the past 2 years. I will come back & write a review after a few months, but 1st impressions. New Mazda3 is incredible! Handling, check! Superior fit and finish, check! Int/Ext Design, check! Turns heads, check! Bluetooth, check! Fantastic Bose radio, check! More power (167 hp compared to 148 in the 08), check! More Zoom-Zoom spirit & performance, CHECK! Makes me smile and want to drive, CHECK, CHECK, CHECK! This car is a pure joy to drive so far. I used to want a BMW 3 series, but I now look at those cars & think to myself. BORING! Sticker $23,645. Got mine w/roof for $19,900 + T/T.

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  Already Rusting??? - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Nae - February 27 - 11:06 am

  I purchased my 2005 Mazda the winter of 2004 love everything about the car, the feel of the car on the road, the suspension is tight, it has great get up and go for 2.0 and great gas mileage. It could use better interior lighting i.e. the window controls need more lighting and the my cigarette lighter light went out already? In 2007 I noticed my 2005 mazda 3i was beginning to rust around rear wheel wells and the undercarriage. I have taken my car into numerous Mazda dealerships for rust problem and have been told due to environmental factors they will not fix the corrosion? I highly doubt I will purchase another due to exterior quality it sad everything else is great about this little car.

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  Has everything - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By dodo - February 22 - 2:00 am

  Purchased this car new. Has everything one could want: -Great gas mileage avg 32mpg -Room for the family -Slick -and I mean slick!- manual shifter -Fun to drive -Reliable (have not had a single problem)

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  More than I expected - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By Joeymann - February 22 - 2:00 am

  When I test drove this car I was impressed, but after purchaseing and driving it every day I am amazed at what a great car this is. My wife loves it and we both love driving it. A FUN car ! Tons of standard equipment and a very reasonable price. A no brainer if you are looking for a compact with pretty good gas mileage and lots of zoom zoom.

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  I pretty much hate this car... - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By watyf - February 20 - 12:26 pm

  I had to drive my 98 Civic today because the wife needed the Mazda, and I was literally relieved to not be driving this car. Mainly because its incredibly uncomfortable. The seats are rock-hard, the whole cabin is cramped, there is NO rear legroom if the front passengers are normal-sized, the steering wheel never stays straight (apparently "sporty handling" means "have to make constant adjustments to the steering wheel even when driving straight"), the headrests are awkward and stiff, and you feel EVERY bump in the road. The little things about this car, like cupholders that a cup gets lost in and a trunk that DOESNT pop open (unlike every other car Ive ever owned), just add to it.