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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  Quick and Fun Hatch - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By H Brown - October 9 - 10:00 am

  This car is way better than I thought it would be, and I expected it to be very good indeed. Its quiet, fast, reasonably economical and loaded with things that are extra cost options or not available in the Toyota and Honda products in the same price range. The 5 door looks very European and gets almost 100% positive feedback, and the handling in quite good despite the pricey low performance Goodyear tires that are standard. If it handles this good on junky tires, think what it would be like with a good set of Michelins or Yokohamas.

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  Beats civic and corolla - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By mazdaowner - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased the Mazda3 i 2.0 with abs/sac, power package and sunroof. I paid invoice price. Great looks, great handling. need more time to gauge reliabilty. Overall great car.

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  Great Car - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By DJ - October 8 - 4:40 pm

  Ordered an i model with auto transmission and loaded up with almost all the options and all the safety features (wanted the smaller 4 cylinder for maximum mileage). This has been a great car so far after one year and 17k miles. Very fun to drive and have had no problems at all. Were going to get either a Civic or Corolla, but after driving the 3 it was an easy decision. I have only one real complaint that others here have have also noted regarding intermittent and rather harsh upshifting when cold at low speeds, and sluggish downshifting at low speeds. Dealer said everything was fine (of course). Im overall very happy with this car.

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  Great Car w/ room - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Sprigs - October 5 - 6:30 am

  Purchased this car as a fuel efficient commuter ride. I travel 30 miles of rural roads to and from work and from day one I have been getting 32 mpg. I am 64" and have taken the car on several day trips with my wife and three teen age kids. We fit snugly into the cabin, but everyone seems to have enough room to be comfortable. When alone with the seat back there is ample room and the seats are extremely comfortable. The 3 is very fun to drive, the fit and finish is a good as any car out there. The buying experience was the best Ive experienced an would recommend this car to anyone looking for a cool ride with good fuel mileage.

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  Ooh, Torque! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By thebeansoldier - October 4 - 10:00 am

  The 3s (2.3L) is fun to drive! I got the MTX and the torque I feel compared to my previous car (95 base Neon ATX) is very strong. Its very quiet on the freeway- didnt notice I was doing 80mph until I looked at the speedometer.

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  ZOOM-ZOOM-ZOOM - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By SHamptonNY - October 1 - 11:40 am

  After owning two BMWs Its a pleasure to find a quality car at this price that doesnt sacrifice handling or safety. My hats off to Mazda.

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  bang for the buck - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By prazvt - September 30 - 4:00 pm

  Interior design is superb, ergonomic, tasteful,. the 5mt shifts nicely, and the engine doesnt sound obnoxious. Climate control is almost too effective. Aux input works beautifully. All available speaker systems (bose and stock) stink. Replaced the speakers (but not tweeters), so thats remedied. Aux input works w/ iPod beautifully. 27 mpg thus far which is awesome! No rattles or initial failures the first month. Corners wonderfully. Thus far, no real torque steer under hard acceleration. Great clutch - not on/off or stiff. Awesome brakes, though sometimes Ive noticed squeaking. Steering wheel controls work well.

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  Wonderful Car for the Money!! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By soapboxhothead - September 28 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned the 3s 5-Dr 4AT for about 4 mos now and LOVE IT! Heavily researched competitive & more expensive models & dont regret buying the 3s. Wanted the 6s & when I test drove the 3 I fell in love! I get "what kind of car is that?" and "nice car dude!" all the time! Handles wonderfully, goes where you point it though a little loose at the limits. Bought the 4AT for LA traffic and I sometimes wish it had another gear, but the AT is slick and sure. Gas mileage is avg. at best (21 around town) As a former industrial designer I can say the interior is spot-on though I would like to see more adjustments in the seats. This car is much nicer than its sticker price! Buy one!

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  Not as well built at Acura/Honda - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By neojamie - September 28 - 10:00 am

  I thought Id try a Mazda 3 as their styling was light years ahead of the Honda Civic. I was let down on 4 occasions already with the *@!# engine coming on every 200 miles or so and after replacing 4 major enjine parts like O2 sensor to Purge system it has made me decide never to buy a Mazda again. I have always purchased Hondas or Acuras and the quality and when they can catch up on the styling I am going back without a doubt!

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  Mazda 3S - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By JS - September 26 - 2:16 am

  Wife and I have been looking for a new car for more than a year. Test drove Honda, Toyota and the Mazda 3S. Didnt take very long to fall in love with this car. More solid from stem to stern. Handling, braking and road authority in a different league. Very smooth, fast and safe. Begs to be driven. Mazda must have taken apart a BMW 3 series. This car must be German. A lot of car for $18K! Well see how reliable it is over time. Paid extra for the 100 K warranty.