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 I have ever had - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Danielle - August 31 - 11:00 am

  I just bought my Mazda and I completely fell in love with it after the test drive. It is stylish and affordable. The gas mileage is excellent! I would recommend this car to anyone.

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  This has more zoom-zoom than my 3i! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By 05mazda3s4dr - August 31 - 2:20 am

  This car rocks! I have to say I am happy that I traded my 3i manual for it and I love it! I am happy with the pep of the engine and how fuel efficient it is. The ride is not as compliant as my 3i but I love it. It doesnt shake you up or jostle you; it is very inspiring to drive this car into curves. The manual is easy to row and the engine has enough low end grunt, although it needs more torque and lower rpms, but hey, I aint complaining!This has to be the best car for the money. It has power, the interior doesnt look like a 20K car, and the quality of it inside and out, I have to say, is better than Civic, Corolla, or Sentra.

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  6000 miles in - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By JR - August 30 - 8:36 am

  6000 miles and 2 oil changes in and the car is still a blast to drive. The 2.5L is more than adequate for any driving style; averaging 29-30mpg with some fairly spirited driving city/hwy mix. The car has fairly large blind spots which you have to keep in mind when driving; However, I havent found it that much of a bother. If you do your own oil changes, you will love the drain/ filter setup mazda uses. The materials in the cabin feel like what you would expect in vehicles in higher price brackets; Much better that what ive seen in the vehicles in this class. The seats are excellent; I dont mind staying in the drivers seat for a few hours at a time. Overall a great choice.

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  Oily MESS - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jiffy - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I like everything about the car so far except changing oil. First, the hole in the belly pan isnt aligned with the filter, so the entire belly pan must be removed. Then, instead of a spin on filter this car uses a cartridge type that must be cleaned and replaced. It is an oily mess to say the least. After writing to Mazda about the belly pan they said that they are not going to replace it at this time. So... if you want to change your own oil, plan on removing the belly pan or youll never get at the filter. This flaw and lack of attention to detail really detract from the car in my opinion.

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  Great car overall - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By jimida - August 27 - 2:00 am

  For the money I cant think of anything better. The drive is so fun I find myself making excuses to go out driving.

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  Awesome car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Frank Rizzo - August 25 - 4:20 am

  I just love this car. It is without a doubt the best car I have ever owned. And I have owned quite a few cars over the last few years. This car is very reliable and a pleasure to drive. I drive about 100 miles a day and when I get out of work it is a pleasure to drive 50 miles to get home. This car also handles great, last weekend I got off an exit ramp with a speed limit of 40 mph while going close to 100 mph, unreal handling, sure my wifes hair was standing on end and the three kids were screaming in the back seat, but what fun. Great car, highly recommended.

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  Fun car, but replace tires every 12,000 miles! - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By mrobveeus - August 24 - 8:17 am

  The car, itself, is fun to drive and packs some punch. Gas mileage in the city is not great (my experience has been around 20-22mpg), but on long trips, my experience was 32-34mpg highway. THE REAL PROBLEM with this car is the tires wear out very quickly! My oil change guy noticed that the original tires were wearing badly at 8,000 miles! At 10,000 they were done! The second set of tires lasted about 14,000 miles. The current set has approximately 10,000 miles and need replaced! The soft compound, speed rated tires are very expensive to replace and will bubble or blow out when even a small pothole is touched. I doubt tires were factored in enough to the True Cost to Own, so buyer beware!

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  Good car after 2 months - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By amoozed - August 24 - 12:10 am

  Quite a nice ride so far. Im averaging 30 mpg 50/50 city/highway. My question for those pushing 40 mph-how do you drive 60 mph on the freeway? I live in San Francisco, CA, and you will literally get run off the road for driving under 70 mph on the freeways here.

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  Great fun, and reasonably practical - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By lurkin - August 22 - 6:20 pm

  I prefer a standard shift, and so I really enjoy this car. It is the best car I have ever owned, considering it cost me $17k as an "economy car." Great value. Cargo capacity is impressive, comfort is very reasonable, although over time, chintzy interior materials and high maintenance bills disappoint. She eats tires and her tires are expensive; third set within 100k miles at $750 a set. Expensive also was the turn-signal switch replacement with "stealership" labor pricing, as well as a broken motor mount, and failed fuel injector. Downside is, maintenance adds up pretty substantially, IMO. You do pay for the sporty performance eventually. Great fun, versatile and reasonably practical.

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  Great performance and surprising comfort - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Chris - August 21 - 11:33 pm

  I work out of my car so I wanted something that was comfortable and had good cargo room, but was also fun to drive. Looked at the Matrix and Impreza, but they felt cheap compared to the Mazda. Plenty of room in the hatchback with the seats down for all my cargo. The interior is really comfortable, I can spend all day in and out of the car and still feel great. My drive is 70% city 30% highway and with a light foot, Im averaging about 27 mpg. It takes discipline though as the car is so much fun to drive fast. Its smooth on the highway, a blast in the curves, and nimble in parking lots. On a rough road there is some road noise, but no more then my 2007 Accord had. I love this car!