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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  Best little car I ever owned - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By abqrich - December 30 - 4:35 pm

  I love the way this car handles. Great engine coupled with great transmission. I have owned more expensive cars, but I have never enjoyed a car as much as this one

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  Best compact car available - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By cdsmith_2002 - December 29 - 7:50 pm

  The Mazda3 is the best built compact available. The interior quality is amazing for this price range. I can get 34MPG on the highway and the motor is not broken-in yet! The exhaust sounds and looks great. I have no styling complaints with this car. Minor issues include that the economy display does not alway coincide with the calculated MPG and the glove box door rattles.

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  New class - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By european - December 26 - 6:06 pm

  I looked at the Mazda3 because it is built on the new Ford Focus platform. I owned a 03 Focus and loved the sporty chassis...and sadly the new Focus has not been released in the US yet. When I drove the Mazda3 I was amazed at how accomplished the vehicle was and it definitely has gone up a class into semi-luxury while still being fun and sporty to drive. I travel to the UK frequently on business and read the discerning journalism on cars. The Mazda3 is highly rated along with the new Focus.My experience has supported that and I am now a proud owner of the 2.3 hatchback.

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  18 months and still LOVE IT! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By JaloLA - December 26 - 1:16 pm

  Ive had my car for 18 months and keep telling my friends that zoom-zoom still gets me. It is a fun-to-drive car. Handles very well, smooth and just great buy overall! I was soooo glad I didnt get boring looking Toyota or Honda for the money I had to spend on a car. GREAT value for your money!

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  New 2012 Mazda 3 - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By disasterdawg - December 26 - 9:01 am

  Bought with 3 miles on it. Has been great car. Well designed interior and great styling. Performace and economy are outstanding. Mazda is an under rated company. The value of the this car is amazing compared to other imports. Fit and finish are top notch. Recently the car was struck broadside by and Escalade and walked away scratch free. Airbags did the job. The car almost totaled but did not. A really safe and strong car. I highly recommend Mazda, the entire brand.

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  Bet Car Purchase Ever - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By pagzzz - December 25 - 7:45 pm

  Bought this car new in 2004 and approaching 90k miles. Every mile has been enjoyable. Thought about getting a newer car with better performance and luxury, but decided that this car so perfectly meets my needs, Im going to drive it into the ground. No major problems (aside from nasty pothole related suspension stuff) and has maintained high 20s combined mileage while remaining fun to drive. Wont win a drag race, but can slalom with many "performance" cars. Definitely recommend upgrading stock rubber to slightly wider, stickier set. On my third set of BFGs 215/45R17 rubber. Great tires for this car.

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  09 Fun Car! - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By mjcromp - December 19 - 6:17 pm

  Overall fun car. We picked this up at a dealership while searching for another car. The salesperson showed and had us test drive and we drove it home. We got rid of our 04 Escape. We now get better MPG, handling and all around fun!

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  Get a 3, forget the new Civic - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Sam Brenner - December 17 - 12:03 am

  After owning a 2006 Honda Civic EX coupe for just 4 months, I was very UNDERWHELMED by this vehicle. Fortunately, my local Mazda dealer was eager to sell me a new Mazda3 S Touring sedan. What a difference in vehicles! My 3 has much more pickup; has better visibility (I can actually see both the front and rear of the Mazda); and is great fun to drive! The Honda did get a few more miles-per-gallon, but I am getting even more SMILES-PER-GALLON in my new Mazda3.

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  Great, inexpensive hatchback option - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Benright - December 16 - 11:16 am

  Had it for 2 months now after having a BMW 328 for 3 years. I love the hatchback area and rubber mats. It drives fine although not the power of the 328. Very comfortable and a great low cost alternative for an econo-sport car. If you are expecting 28mpg, forget it. in city driving I get 23mpg, on highway at 80mph, I get about 20mpg. They need to fix this.

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  Excellent value - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Nelson Maylone - December 16 - 4:43 am

  This is by far the best car in its price range. It feels like a car costing several $K more. No comparison with so-called competitors like Corolla, Cobalt, Caliber, etc. (Maybe a Civic comes close.) The Mazda3 just does not feel like a small car. The 2.0 engine is more than adequate, reasonably quiet and zippy. I saw no reason to go the 2.3 for extra dollars. Handling is great, goes where you tell it to go. Brakes inspire confidence. Basic stereo is quite good. (I wanted the upgrade, but would have to have taken moonroof and other gimmicks.) Styling is fabulous, sporty but not too much so. Mileage is as advertised, but certainly no better.