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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  Big Step Up for Its Class: The Poor Mans Beemer - 2014 Mazda Mazda3
  By nfp - September 16 - 6:19 am

  My brand new 2014 Mazda 3 S Grand Touring Sedan is my 5th Mazda, and by far the best of a good lot from the highly consumer- and critic-rated series released between 2006 and 2013. At this early juncture, so far this model -- entirely re-designed from front to back outside and inside – appears to be every bit as good as claimed by the automotive reviews that have lauded it as best in the compact class. I chose the classy, sporty-looking sedan over the odd-shaped hatchback that I don’t feel – and most critics agree – is anywhere near as nice-looking. I LOVE this baby to the point that even after my long daily commute to work from near Annapolis, MD to-and-from downtown Washington, DC, I don’t

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  I should have waited for the 07 3Speed - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By louisvilleMazda - September 13 - 11:53 pm

  It looks quicker than it is but it still outperforms the competition. A great platform to build a nice street racer. You cant find a sportier compact wagon for the money.

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  2007 Mazda 3s - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By DonC - September 13 - 7:00 am

  Owned for almost 3 years/33,000 miles without a single problem. Fun to drive/handles great. Love the 5 speed manual transmission. Im tall (6-04, 210lbs and I find the front seats to be uncomfortable on long drives. My 5-04 wife and daughters love the seats. If I drive it easy on the hwy we get at best 30 mpg. I think a car of this size should do better although it does have the 2.3 engine.

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  BUY THIS CAR! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Uptown - September 12 - 5:06 pm

  I was in search of a car to replace my trusty Volvo for the past year. Hands down, this Mazda3 S 5-speed blows away the competition. I waited for the 2006 Civic remodel (horrible dash design) until I made my purchase. I found a 2004 S model for $12,000 and plan in driving it for 5-6 years selling it for $5-6K. Thats about as inexpensive cost of ownership you can find for driving such a refined car. This car is designed like a Swiss Army Knife ... its really a great value and in most cases worth full sticker. Test drove a Corolla S, 06 Civic, used 325i, Jetta, WRX, and Accord. Go out and test drive one, and youll buy it.

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  Zoom up and down the road. - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By Drive drive drive - September 6 - 10:00 am

  I decided to replace my 2007 Focus. Looked at 2010 Corrola, 2010 Civic and Accord. After reading reviews people said to look at the mazda3. I drive around 30k just to work and I wanted a fun but good car to drive. After test driving all of them the mazda3 was the one for me. The Toyota was the best deal for the money but felt numb to drive. Honda was nice but lacked bluetooth and nice radio. I got a great deal on a 2011 mazda3 s sport with Bose/roof package. I love how it drives. I hope it will give me the 200k+ miles I am looking for. So far getting 30 mpg on highway. And me driving so many miles I wanted fun to drive.

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  I Love My Car - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Lauren T - September 2 - 11:23 am

  I just purchased my Mazda almost a week ago and I absolutely love it! The interior design is extremely sport and like no other sedan that I have seen, which caused me to pick the Mazda 3 over the Mazda 6. I have been searching for a new truck for the past few months. Then I opened my search to cars and fell in love with the Mazda 3. I viewed it for the first time on a Monday and purchased that Thursday. Driving it is so much fun! My husband drives an Infiniti G35 Coupe and I wanted a car that can keep up with his. Im not sure if it can, but he is not complaining, LOL. I was a little disappointed on the gas mileage on a long trip, however, this week is looking pretty good.

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  Awsome - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By heybailey - September 2 - 2:00 am

  Love this car, didnt mention Build Quality or Reliability because Ive only had it a few days.

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  Mazda3 - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By LeBron - September 2 - 2:00 am

  Good Performance/Handling. Quiet engine. Solid structure. Excellent design inside and out. Dont know about reliability yet.

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  Brand new Mazda 3 -- had it for 2 weeks - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By thornwell - September 2 - 2:00 am

  I test drove the Civic, Corolla, Sentra, Golf, Jetta and 2003 Protege. This was the best package I found for the price. The ride is very nice, and not jelly-like (see Honda Civic base model).

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  Best Value for Its Class - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By anenders - September 1 - 9:23 am

  I love my Mazda 3. The interior is well designed. It has many fun features such as rain sensor, bose speakers, heated leather seat, moon roof etc. I still could not believe that I could get mine for less than 20000 with 0% interest.