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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  sporty econo car - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By fil - October 30 - 1:16 am

  I traded a 99 Mazda Protege with a Mazda 3 and although the review for the last generation Protege were great, the Mazda 3 is far greater car in handling and driveability. I think the switch to the 2 liter is the key. I can now zoom-zoom with the upscale midsize sedans like the Accord, Camry, and yes the Mazda 6. Great car driving experience for the money. Definitely test drive one; it drives like a big car.

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  There is always room to improve... - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Marcelo - October 25 - 7:30 pm

  I love this car! Fun to drive, great performance, very comfortable. I looked for a compact and got the cream of the cream of Mazda 3. All the optionals. The Bose sound system is unbelievable. The car totally sticks to the road. For a compact I hardly could be more satisfied, but I am a perfectionist. For the cream of the cream, they could offer a few more features. How come they dont have the option of power seats? How come the car keys look so cheap? Overall, it is great (otherwise I would not buy it), but there is always room for improvement.

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  Awesome Car - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Car Driver - October 25 - 7:26 pm

  This car is downright fun to drive whether its long distance or a trip to the grocery store. The 2.3L engine packs enough punch to warrant the zoom- zoom label. Handles great. The exterior is superior to any vehicle in this class. Exchange the Mazda labels for BMW, and people would believe you. Interior styling is beautiful, especially for the price. Aux input jacks prevents burning a million CDs. Nothing against Civic, its a great car, but everyone has one. They are a dime a dozen. Go for the Mazda3 if you want an athletic and affordable car that stands out on a road crowded with "blah" economy sedans.

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  3 months in... - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By cblais19 - October 22 - 11:36 pm

  My wife fell in love with the darker blue Mazda 3 sedan, and my attempts to convince her to get a Civic came to no avail. We purchased the 2.5l sedan with the moonroof/Bose package. While this is most certainly a very fun to drive car, I found it lacking in areas especially when I did back to back test drives with it and a Civic EX. Seats are too narrow, the flares on either side that are supposed cradle you wind up digging into my shoulders. Im 5 10" and 180lbs, and these seats just dont work at all. Road noise is pronounced due to the low profile tires. And we already have rattles in a couple areas, one in the door after the first week. And one of those silly tires has a bulge already

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  Great Car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By panch34 - October 14 - 2:00 am

  I just got this car about a week ago and I cannot wait to drive it some more. The exterior look surpasses anyting in its class as well as the interior look. For the driving part, it is a lot of fun. Great acceleration combine with tight steering make this car a joyride

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  GRRREAT!!! ;) - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By J@Y MONEY - October 14 - 2:00 am

  I TRADED IN MY 2003 PROTEGE 5 FOR THE NEW 2004 4 DOOR MAZDA 3S NICE RIDE;) THE BIGGER ENGINE IS WORTH THE DRIVE&PURCHASE ALONE, NO COMPARISON TO THE PROTEGE 5 OR PROTEGE. IVE DONE ALOT OF WORK BORING OUT THE ENGINE IN THAT CAR!! AND STILL DOESNT COMPARE TO THE 2.3 160 HP BESIDES ALL THE GOODIES YOU GET IN THE S MODEL FOR THE PRICE, IS GRRREAT!!! SPORT SUSPENSION, 17" ALLOY WHEELS, SUNROOF, XENON LIGHTS ETC ITS DEFINATELY WORTH THE PURCHASE!!!

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  2008 Mazda 3 2.3L - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Sea Cay - October 13 - 8:53 am

  After a full year of driving, I am still very happy with my 3. I researched several cars before purchasing, including the Ford Focus and Civic, but I got the most car for the money with the 3. Build quality and creature features are superb. Performance and handling are excellent, fun to throw into turns, and though it does not have the umph at acceleration of the Speed3, it is still fun to drive after a year. I live in snowy New Hampshire and went last winter without snow tires, and was sorry that I did. That being said, I still got through several storms with no problem. As a testament to safety, I was rear- ended at a stop light the first month I owned the car(!!!), and was uninjured.

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  Awesome car - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Dave - October 11 - 7:33 am

  I bought the Mazda3 after spending countless hours online researching similar vehicles. Once I went to the dealership and finally took one out for a spin I was hooked! Its got great get-up and the interior is hot. I have already put almost 2,000 miles on my new baby in the first month. I guess I should cool it, but i just have so much fun driving this car.

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  Wow, its a winner! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Kelly - October 11 - 3:16 am

  This is an excellent car. It is our second Mazda3, we also own a 2004 model which has given excellent service. Im averaging better than 32 MPG in mostly mixed driving. Steering and handling are at a level well above what would be considered acceptable for an economy compact. This car is more of a sport sedan than some cars costing thousands more.

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  Zoom2 - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By JDUNC67 - October 10 - 7:50 am

  As I have rated the fuel economy is bad for this large 4cyl engine. Tires lasted about 21000 miles. Mazda should sue Goodyear. I went with Dunlop 60K sport tires. The paint chips very easily. I have the spoiler on the back and the gasket between the trunk and where the spoiler attaches is coming out. All in all I still love the way this car drives and handles. I have 30k on it know and it still feels sound.