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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  1 year Review for my 2005 Mazda3i - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By winstonisaac - January 12 - 3:26 am

  Car is quick for a compact sedan. Way more rear legroom than competitors and although some parts are shared between this and the Ford Focus, the Mazda interior styling outshines Corolla, Civic, Focus, Cobalt, but not Jetta. One major reason I decided on a 3 was because of engine performance. It seemed to out perform its competitors in HP at 148. One thing Ive noticed about driving and do like is the quick acceleration at higher speeds (60+mph); this car really feels somewhat like a 6 cylinder at these speeds. The low speed acceleration doesnt seem that great. Everyone I know loves the interior, but here is where my complaints lie. The microfiber seats build static on your clothes and the glove compartment squeaks.

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  The best - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By max - January 11 - 2:00 am

  6000 mi update. I have this car for almost 7 month now, and I can’t get tired of it. Drives very well. Bluetooth is awesome. Just bought a roof rack and bike rack. Car looks even better. So far only one small issue, a loose rear stabilizer bar at 5000 mi, fixed quickly and without hassle. Previously own 07 Subaru impreza 2.5i and I can say that My Mazda 3 is much better car.

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  New clutch at 20k miles - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By chris_1 - January 8 - 12:00 pm

  I first took my car in to the dealer when I noticed the clutch slipping after I shifted or when I accelerated at freeway speeds. Now, after 16 days, I finally have my 2011 Mazda 3 back with a completely new clutch assembly. Mazda paid 50%, not including the rental car. My final bill: $700 (not including the rental car cost for this time). They replaced not only the clutch disc, but the flywheel and associated bearings and parts. Apparently they consider replacing the clutch at 2 years / 20k miles to be "normal wear and tear" and not under warranty. In my opinion, the fact that it wore out so quickly, in itself, means it was defective.

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  No Brainer - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By cal - January 7 - 4:36 am

  Hands down the best value on the market. Fun to drive, turns heads, and provides plenty of bang for the buck. One test drive and you wont leave the lot without it. Looks and feels great. Low points; loud turn signal. Thats it.

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  My Titanium Grey Mazda 3s - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Titanium Dragon - January 7 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my 5-spd manual, Titanium Grey Mazda 3s Sedan in the beginning of the year 2004. Before I bought this car, I test drove several other cars which included the Civic, Corolla, and Focus. None of the aforementioned cars, IMHO beat what the Mazda 3s provides! The Mazda 3s is the best for a car of its class and price range. The very zippy engine combined with its crisp handling/steering-feel and a solid shifting manual transmission makes for a very sporty and fun car to drive. The ride quality maybe a little too stiff & bumpy & noisy for some. Ive experienced virtually no problems with this car after the 1st month and 1K miles of ownership.

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  One Awesome - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By bbrentl - January 7 - 2:00 am

  Wow, what a nice vehicle! Excellant handling, ride, comfort and awesome performance. This "Sport compact" is way above anything on the market today. Its built quality is right up with any european make! The fit and finish is nearly perfect in every way. 16-valve engine with Variable Valve Timing is great! Very smooth and responsive. And the Sport shift trans. is a kick to drive. The car has available features other cars dont even offer: DVD Navigation; Xenons; etc. This is one SWEET driving sport compact, period!!!!!!!

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  Just got my Mazda3 - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By New Owner - January 6 - 9:50 pm

  I really like the car. Gave my old Lexus ES330 to my sister (realtor) and she loves the comfort of the Lexus. Back to the car. I’ve been shopping for a while. I wanted to get Civic sedan. But 2 things turned me off. The seat was hurting my lower back. Second, they were very proud so price was too steep for the amenities. Very responsive engine. Civic power cannot match. (Also test drove Insight. Insight’s power was dangerously underpowered). My Mazda 3 is not as powerful as G37 but it handles almost as well for so much less (0% financing for 60months too). Drive and power wise, the closest I can compare is my old 2000 Acura Integra. But Mazda 3s seat in much more comfortable.

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  Really nice but it would be so easy to be better! - 2014 Mazda Mazda3
  By 23j96 - January 6 - 1:09 pm

  Fun to drive? Hell yeah! I love this car. Mostly! After 2 years with an automatic (my first) I ditched it and went back to manual shift - with this Mazda3. Oof! And it was a good change. This is way more fun to drive than, say, my MINI (also manual). I love it - its got a great feel, good power, lots of fun. But there are a lot of details that are so close but not there! So, this is more fun to drive than the MINI, right? But MINI gets all of the details right on.

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  3 years of cross country driving - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By ellenmagellen - January 5 - 10:43 am

  Where should I begin? I think Ive truly put my 2005 mazda3 hatchback to the test. Im now 24 and Ive put exactly 50,000 miles on my hatchie since 1-2006 packing up my life and somehow managing to get every box, bag and loose item into the back all 9 times; yes, Ive lived a crazy past 3.5 years and yes I dont own any furniture hah and yes, this car is magical! I cant complain a second about my Mazda so far, have had no problems. Ive kept up on my oil changes, got new tires last summer, and here I will now mention that Ive put my hatchie through 3 brutal Michigan and Minnesota winters and the baby is still as good as new. I recommend the heck out of this car!

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  Best car in the segment. - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By KoryME - January 4 - 6:43 pm

  Test drove the Civic, Carolla, Sentra, and Forte. Forte was a close second. Mazda3 had the best performance, design (our opinion), features, and overall build quality. The performance was the biggest deciding point. Driving a Civic after a Mazda3 was like night and day. The engine, transmission, steering, and suspension work very well together to provide a comfortable but fun ride. Weve been getting 35mpg on the highway with the larger 2.5L engine and 5 speed automatic. If you are shopping in this segment I would HIGHLY recommend test driving a 3. You might be surprised at how this car stands out from the other appliances on the road.